Sammamish, WA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code adopted
- WCEC, April 1, 2024 Edition
- Adopting section
- SMC § 16.05.153
- Administration
- Chapter 16.20 SMC (Construction Admin Code)
- NEC edition rule
- Auto-updates per RCW 19.28.010(3)
- Stop-work violation fine
- Up to $1,000
Summary
Sammamish enforces its own Sammamish Electrical Code, the April 1, 2024 Washington Cities Electrical Code, for all wiring and equipment installations, additions and repairs, administered through the City's Construction Administrative Code and building permit process.
16.05.153 Washington Cities Electrical Code adopted. (1) The April 1, 2024 Edition of the Washington Cities Electrical Code (WCEC), as published by the Washington Association of Building Officials, is hereby adopted by reference and shall be known as the Sammamish Electrical Code...(3)(c) In accordance with RCW 19.28.010(3), when the State of Washington Department of Labor and Industries adopts a more current edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), the more current edition shall be enforced.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance O2026-598, and legislation passed through August 18, 2026).
Full Breakdown
153 adopts the April 1, 2024 Edition of the Washington Cities Electrical Code (WCEC), as published by the Washington Association of Building Officials, by reference, naming it the Sammamish Electrical Code, with a true and correct copy kept on file in the City clerk's office. 20 SMC, the Construction Administrative Code, is used to administer it. 073 fixes scope: the code covers electric conductors, equipment and raceways on public and private buildings and property, signaling and telecommunications conductors, yard and parking-lot wiring, temporary construction power, temporary event power, and any conductors connecting to an electricity supply, with an exception for equipment under a utility's exclusive control.
Where the WCEC conflicts with the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), Centrifugal Fire Pumps (NFPA 20), or several ANSI/TIA/EIA standards, the WCEC controls; conversely the NEC governs conflicts involving NFPA 20 and NFPA 110 fire pump and standby power installations. 010(3), whenever the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries adopts a newer NEC edition, that newer edition becomes enforceable automatically, without a City ordinance update.
Violations & Fines
Electrical work performed without a permit, or contrary to approved plans, is an unlawful act under SMC § 16.20.530, prosecuted as a civil code violation. The building official may issue a stop work order under § 16.20.550 and a notice of violation under § 16.20.535; penalties run through SMC Title 23, Civil Code Compliance, with permit-condition violations set at $1,000 and stop-work-order violations at up to $1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What electrical code does Sammamish follow?
Does Sammamish automatically update to newer electrical codes?
What temporary wiring needs a permit under Sammamish's electrical code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sammamish
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How other cities in King County handle electrical permits.