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Building & Remodeling > Permits > Electrical Permitting

Electrical Permitting

We are excited to announce a new streamlined process for submitting and paying for electrical permits and new service applications. 

On March 18, we converted to Accela, the City of Tacoma’s enterprise permitting solution.  

Accela is your one-stop shop for permitting and inspection management. It is available 24/7 to apply for permits, check permit status, make secure online payments, and schedule/cancel/reschedule inspections. Registering for an account gives you access to additional features: 

  • Manage/view/print your permits 
  • Apply for permits and applications for new electrical services 
  • Check the status of your permits and applications 
  • Add your contractor license to an existing account 
  • Create delegates (permit other users to perform actions on your behalf) 

Setting up an account is easy! Visit CityofTacoma.org/Permits. 

If you have questions about a current permit or the upgrade, please email us at powerei@cityoftacoma.org.    

Supply Chain Impacts on New Service Connections

Tacoma Public Utilities is currently experiencing ongoing supply chain issues that could impact the timelines for new service connections. These ongoing supply issues are resulting in a dwindling stock on hand due to increased material lead times and shipment delays, as well as increased costs for high demand items. We are working on solutions to ensure that construction timelines stay on track to the best of our abilities.

  • The supply chain constraints are not specific to one type of material or affecting just the Puget Sound region.
  • Neighboring utilities are experiencing the same delays.
  • We are seeing a variety of issues coming from our distributers, ranging from contracts being terminated, sellers not following through with already negotiated pricing, significant increases in pricing, and long lead times and extended delivery timelines, sometimes multiple times.
  • We are making every effort to track and communicate material availability to our customers, however, our ability to determine when certain materials will arrive is diminishing.
  • Projects may need to be prioritized based on readiness for service or other factors.
  • We will notify any new applicants if we expect there will be impacts specific to their project.

To help ensure safety, quality and compliance, all electrical work in Tacoma Power’s service area requires an electrical permit and inspection. This includes major electrical projects as well as minor changes such as adding an outlet or light fixture to your home.

Only licensed electrical contractors, companies that employ them and homeowners living at the home may purchase electrical permits and perform electrical work.

There are two types of permits:

  1. An individual permit is for a specific electrical project. You must get the permit before work begins.
  2. An annual permit offers a convenient way to permit regular maintenance work, small electrical modifications and circuit additions without having to get multiple individual permits year after year. However, an annual permit is not a blanket permit for all electrical work.

We strongly enforce our permitting and inspection policies. Failure to obtain permits before you begin your projects may result in fees or disconnection of your electrical service. To keep your home or business safe, and to avoid fines and violations, always review our electrical requirements and request the appropriate permits before starting any electrical job.

View the Tacoma Power service area and the Tacoma Power Electrical Inspection Area maps to ensure you are eligible for electrical service from Tacoma Power.

Whether your project is residential or commercial, if your building plan includes electrical services rated over 600 amps you must:

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