Federal Way, WA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code adopted
- 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC)
- State chapters
- WAC 296-43, 296-45, 296-46B
- Permit exemptions
- Decorative lighting, lab wiring, stage sets
- Existing wiring
- Grandfathered unless deemed dangerous
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine and/or 90 days jail
Summary
Federal Way electrical work is governed by the 2023 National Electrical Code, adopted at FWRC 13.38.020 along with the state's WAC electrical safety chapters, and every installation needs a permit unless it falls into one of the narrow exemptions the city carved out in FWRC 13.38.040, such as temporary decorative lighting or theater stage wiring.
The National Electrical Code (NEC), 2023 Edition, as published by the National Fire Protection Association ... In addition to those installations specified by WAC 296-46B-901(7)(b), the following electrical installation, alteration, or maintenance of all electrical systems are exempt from obtaining electrical work permits: (a) Temporary decorative lighting. (b) Temporary wiring for experimental purposes in suitable experimental laboratories. (c) The wiring for temporary theater, motion picture or television stage sets. Exemption from the permit requirements of this Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions of this Code or any other laws or ordinances of the jurisdiction.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-1049, passed August 11, 2026).
Full Breakdown
28 RCW and three chapters of the Washington Administrative Code: Chapter 296-43 WAC (Heating Installation), Chapter 296-45 WAC (Safety Standards, Electrical Workers), and Chapter 296-46B WAC (Electrical Safety Standards, Administration, and Installation). 030 unless the building official finds it dangerous to life or property. 040 amends WAC 296-46B-901(7)(b), the state rule listing electrical work exempt from a permit, by adding three narrow city-specific exemptions: temporary decorative lighting, temporary experimental wiring in a suitable laboratory, and wiring for a temporary theater, motion picture, or television stage set.
The same subsection makes clear that an exemption from the permit requirement does not excuse the underlying work from complying with the code. Outside those three narrow carve-outs, any electrical installation, alteration, or maintenance covered by the NEC or the WAC electrical chapters needs a city permit and inspection before it can be energized and used.
Violations & Fines
Performing electrical work without a required permit, or outside the FWRC 13.38.040 exemptions, is enforced under the citywide misdemeanor penalty at FWRC 1.10.010, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with each day of the unpermitted installation charged as a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What electrical code does Federal Way enforce?
Is any electrical work exempt from a Federal Way permit?
Does old wiring in my house have to meet the current code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
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Electrical Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle electrical permits.