Short Answer
You need an electrical permit any time wiring is installed, altered, extended or connected to equipment. Routine maintenance, such as replacing breakers, fuses, switches, receptacles, lamp sockets or a light fixture in the same place, is exempt in Philadelphia. Philadelphia requires a licensed electrical contractor for all electrical work, while Seattle lets owners do their own work on a property they own and occupy.
Key Takeaways
- Installing, altering, extending or connecting wiring needs a permit in both cities.
- Philadelphia exempts routine maintenance, including replacing breakers, switches, receptacles and light fixtures to existing conditions.
- Seattle requires a permit for security alarm systems even though most low-voltage work in single-family homes is exempt.
- Philadelphia requires a licensed electrical contractor; Seattle allows owner-occupants to do their own work.
Quick Facts
| Usually exempt (Philadelphia) | Replacing lamps, breakers, fuses, switches, receptacles and light fixtures to existing conditions; low-voltage wiring in one- and two-family homes |
|---|---|
| Needs a permit | Installing, altering, extending or connecting wiring |
| Philadelphia | Licensed electrical contractor does all work; inspections by a licensed third-party inspection agency |
| Seattle | Owner-occupants may do their own work; professionals need a Washington electrical contractor license |
| Philadelphia fee | $25 per $1,000 of electrical cost, minimum $63 |
From our city pages and each city's open permit data (refreshed October 30, 2026).
Electrical Work That Does Not Need a Permit
Philadelphia lists the exemptions in Title 4, section A-301.2.3. You may not need a permit for:
- Minor repairs and maintenance: replacing lamps, circuit breakers and fuses; repairing or replacing switches, lamp sockets, ballasts, drop cords, receptacles and bulbs; taping bare joints; and replacing lighting fixtures to existing conditions.
- Plugging approved portable equipment into permanently installed receptacles.
- Removing wiring when a structure is demolished.
- Low-voltage wiring in one- and two-family homes and Group U buildings.
Seattle says most low-voltage systems in single-family homes don't need a permit, but security alarm systems do.
Step-by-Step: What to Do
- Write down exactly what changes: a like-for-like part swap, or new or extended wiring.
- Check your city's exempt list.
- Decide who does the work, based on your city's licensing rule.
- Apply online; many simple permits are issued the same day or without plans.
- Schedule inspections before covering any wiring.
Work That Needs a Permit
Seattle needs a permit any time wiring is installed, altered, extended or connected to electrical equipment, including signs. Philadelphia needs one for installation, alteration, renewal, replacement or repair of electrical and communication systems beyond the exempt list. In Philadelphia most electrical work also needs a building permit, and the electrical permit is not issued until the building permit is.
Who Can Do the Work
| City | Who may do permitted electrical work |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | A licensed electrical contractor with an active license, current City taxes and insurance on file with L&I. From July 1, 2026 the contractor on any permit that includes an EV charger needs EVITP certification. |
| Seattle | Owners who own and occupy the property may do their own work. Professionals need a Washington State electrical contractor's license and a Seattle business license. |
Fees, Plans and Inspections
Philadelphia charges a $100 filing fee, credited to the permit, and a permit fee of $25 per $1,000 of estimated electrical cost (minimum $63, maximum $18,975), plus $3 City and $4.50 State surcharges. EZ permits need no plans for work on one- and two-family homes under 200 amps. The owner must hire a licensed electrical inspection agency to do the inspections.
Seattle sets fees by what you install or alter, plus a technology fee, and issues many permits the same day you apply online. Seattle Electrical Code sections 80.50 and 80.51 decide when plan review is needed.
Building Departments in the Cities We Cover
Rules in this guide vary by jurisdiction. These are the official departments that issue residential permits in the 15 cities we track, with the city's open-data source for permit records. Each city page shows the rules for roofing, HVAC, solar, fence and deck work.
Before relying on any rule, read the department's current page or call its permit desk. Model-code sections cited here (such as IRC R105) are adopted locally, often with amendments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace a light fixture?
Not in Philadelphia when you replace it to existing conditions; that is routine maintenance. Adding a new fixture with new wiring is different and needs a permit.
Can a homeowner do their own electrical work?
In Seattle, yes, if you own and occupy the property. In Philadelphia, a licensed electrical contractor must do all electrical work.
How much is an electrical permit in Philadelphia?
$25 for each $1,000 of estimated electrical cost, with a $63 minimum, plus a $100 filing fee credited toward it and $7.50 in surcharges.
Sources
Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.
- City of Philadelphia: Get an Electrical Permit (phila.gov)
- Seattle SDCI: Electrical Permit (seattle.gov)