Olympia, WA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Chapter 16.24 is the City of Olympia Electrical Code. Section 16.24.020 adds Article 80 to the National Electrical Code and adopts the Washington Cities Electrical Code within the City. The Department is Community Planning and Development, Permitting and Inspection Services division, and the code official issues permits and inspects the premises. Issued permits must be kept on the premises at all times and be readily available for inspection.

The exemption in § 16.24.080(C) covers work classified as Class A basic electrical work as defined in RCW 19.28.010 and limited energy power, control and signal circuits of Class II or Class III installed in residential occupancies. Required fire alarm system installations still need a permit, and an exemption never authorizes work that violates the code or other City ordinances.

Applications go on a form furnished by the department. Each one must describe the work, give the street address, name the property owner, give the contractor's state and city license numbers (or identify the applicant as an owner under RCW 19.28.261), state the use or occupancy, and be signed. An application is deemed abandoned 180 days after filing unless pursued in good faith, with one extension of not more than 90 days. Under § 16.24.100, every contractor needs a valid electrical contractor's license from the Washington Department of Labor and Industries and a City of Olympia Business and Occupation license. A permit expires unless work starts within 180 days of issuance or stops for 180 days. Extensions run not more than 180 days and are allowed only once.

Fees are set in OMC 4.36.020, and the City follows WAC 296-46B-906. Applications can be filed through the permit portal or in person, and a permit is not valid until fees are paid. Plan review costs 65 percent of the total permit fee. Single phase, 240 volt services of 320 amperes or less and all single family or duplex dwelling services need no construction documents unless the code official finds them necessary.