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Spokane Valley, WA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Electrical standard
National Electrical Code, state adoption
Permit trigger
Before any electrical system work
Unpermitted work fee
Investigation fee equal to permit fee
Application validity
One year, extensions up to 180 days
Permit expiration
Two years from issuance if unstarted
Max misdemeanor fine
$1,000 and 90 days jail

Summary

Spokane Valley requires a permit before any electrical work begins under SVMC § 24.40.030(B)(5), and treats the state-adopted National Electrical Code, not the model ICC Electrical Code, as the governing wiring standard per § 24.40.040(F)(8). Starting work first adds an investigation fee.

Any person who commences any work on a building structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, before obtaining necessary permits, shall be subject to an investigation fee in accordance with the current City of Spokane Valley master fee schedule. ... Replace the code reference, ICC Electrical Code, in Section 604.2, Service, with the following: The State adoption of the National Electrical Code.

View official code

Full Breakdown

020(A) covers the Building, Residential, Energy Conservation, Mechanical/Fuel Gas, Fire and Uniform Plumbing Codes, but does not name a stand-alone electrical code among them. 2, Service, with the following: The State adoption of the National Electrical Code,' making the NEC as adopted by Washington the operative wiring code rather than the ICC's own electrical code. 030(B)(1) and (2). 030(B)(4).

Violations & Fines

Commencing electrical work before a permit issues triggers an investigation fee under § 24.40.030(B)(5) equal to the permit fee that would have applied, payable whether or not a permit later issues, and it does not vest the illegal work or create any right to a permit. General ordinance violations, including unpermitted electrical work, also fall under § 1.10.010's misdemeanor penalty of up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail, or a civil infraction of at least $250, with each day a separate offense under § 1.10.020.

Frequently Asked Questions

What electrical code does Spokane Valley enforce?
The National Electrical Code as adopted by Washington State. SVMC § 24.40.040(F)(8) specifically replaces the model code's own ICC Electrical Code reference with 'the State adoption of the National Electrical Code' wherever the adopted codes point to it.
Do I need a permit before doing my own electrical work?
Yes. SVMC § 24.40.030(B)(5) lists electrical work among the systems that cannot be started 'before obtaining necessary permits' without triggering an investigation fee equal to the permit fee that would otherwise apply.
How long does an electrical permit stay valid in Spokane Valley?
The application is valid for one year, extendable up to 180 days at a time, under § 24.40.030(B)(1). Once issued, the permit itself expires if work does not start within two years or finish within two years of the first inspection.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Spokane Valley

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All Spokane Valley rules

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