When Are Permits Required?

This information outlines when permits are and are not required for electrical, low voltage electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work. Find out why permits and inspections are important.

Electrical Permits
Required:
• Installing a new or temporary service
• Modifying existing service or circuits
• Relocating an electric hot water tank, furnace, or other electrical appliance
Note:  Snohomish County does not process electrical permits.  Electrical permits within unincorporated Snohomish County are handled by the Department of Labor and Industries.
Not Required:
• Appliance replacement without modification to electrical circuits, such as dishwashers
• Appliances connected to outlets with a plug
• Repair or replacement of motors, transformers, appliances, recessed or other light fixtures, switches, or control devices of the same type and rating in the same location
• Taping joints
• Removal of electrical wiring

Low Voltage Electrical Permits
Required:
• Security systems
• Data and telecommunication cabling
• Media rooms
• Low voltage lighting
Not Required:
• Telecommunications and data cabling in a single-family dwelling or within one unit of a multifamily residence
• Systems connected to an outlet by a plug
• Installing a new phone

Mechanical Permits
Required:
• Relocating or replacing a furnace, fireplace insert, or wood stove
• Installing a gas log or gas log lighter
• Installing an environmental exhaust fan
• Replacing or relocating a gas hot water tank
Note: Sammamish requires an Earthquake Shut-off valve to be installed when gas services are expanded.
Not Required:
• Portable heating, portable ventilation, and portable cooling appliances
• Replacement of any part of an appliance which does not change its location

Plumbing Permits
Required:
• Replacing an electric hot water tank
• Installing water heaters  
• Installing a hose bib or ice maker
• Relocating a gas or electric hot water tank
Not Required:
• Stopping leaks in drains or vent pipes unless replacement of the piping is necessary
• Clearing of stoppages in pipes, valves, or fixtures, provided work does not require replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures
Note:  Snohomish County does not require permits for minor repair work or fixture replacement, provided that the fixture is not being relocated or, in the case of a hot water tank, its fuel type/source is not changed.