How Electrical Permits Work
in Clark County, WA
The permit process is confusing because Clark County has two different systems. If you're inside Vancouver city limits, one office handles it. If you're outside, a completely different agency does. This guide breaks it down.
If you're planning any electrical work on your home in Clark County, you're going to run into the permit question. Do you need one? Where do you get it? How much does it cost? And what happens if you skip it?
The short version: most electrical work beyond swapping a light switch or an outlet cover requires a permit. Newman Electric handles the permit for every job we do. But if you want to understand the system, read on.
Clark County's two-permit system
This is the part that confuses people. Clark County has two separate permitting authorities for electrical work, and which one you deal with depends on where you live.
City of Vancouver
Vancouver runs its own permitting program through the Community Development Department. If your address is inside Vancouver city limits, this is where your electrical permits come from.
Phone: 360-487-7890
Online: cityofvancouver.us/permits
Applies to: All addresses within Vancouver city limits
Washington State L&I
Everywhere else in Clark County, including Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, La Center, and all unincorporated areas, electrical permits go through Washington's Department of Labor & Industries.
Phone: 360-896-2300
Online: lni.wa.gov
Applies to: All Clark County addresses outside Vancouver city limits
Not sure which jurisdiction you're in? If your property taxes go to the City of Vancouver, you use their permit system. If they don't, you use L&I. Your electrician should know which one applies to your address. Ryan and the crew at Newman Electric work in both jurisdictions constantly and handle whichever permit system applies to your job.
When you need an electrical permit
The general rule is simple: if you're adding new wiring, moving existing wiring, or changing the capacity of your electrical system, you need a permit. Some specific examples:
Permit required
- • Panel upgrades or replacements
- • Adding new circuits or outlets
- • EV charger installation
- • Hot tub, pool, or outdoor kitchen wiring
- • Rewiring or remodel electrical work
- • Generator installation
- • Any work involving the meter or service entrance
No permit needed
- • Replacing a switch or outlet in the same location (same-for-same)
- • Replacing a light fixture where wiring already exists
- • Resetting a tripped breaker
- • Replacing a plug or cord on an appliance
What the inspection process looks like
Every permitted electrical job gets inspected. The inspector checks that the work meets the current electrical code, which in Washington State is the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), adopted April 2024 per WAC 296-46B-010.
For most residential jobs, there's one inspection after the work is done. Larger projects like a rewire or new construction may require a rough-in inspection (before drywall goes up) and a final inspection.
Newman Electric schedules all inspections and meets the inspector on-site. You don't have to take time off work or figure out how to call the inspection line. We handle all of it.
What about Cowlitz County?
Newman Electric also serves Longview, Kelso, Woodland, and Kalama in Cowlitz County. Permits there go through the L&I office in Kelso at 711 Vine Street (360-575-6900). The process is similar to Clark County's L&I system. We handle permits in Cowlitz County the same way we handle them in Clark County. It's all included in your quote.
Why skipping the permit is a bad idea
Ryan gets calls from homeowners who had a handyman do electrical work without a permit, and now they're dealing with the fallout. The problems are predictable:
Insurance won't cover it
If unpermitted wiring causes a fire or damage, your homeowner's insurance may deny the claim. They'll check whether the work was permitted and inspected.
It shows up when you sell
Home inspectors check for permitted work. Unpermitted electrical is a red flag for buyers. You'll either reduce your price or pay to have it corrected before closing.
The fix costs more than the permit
If the city or L&I discovers unpermitted work, you may need to open walls so an inspector can see the wiring. The cost to tear out drywall, inspect, and patch is far more than the $50 to $300 the permit would have cost.
Newman Electric handles the paperwork
Every job Newman Electric does that requires a permit gets one. No exceptions. The permit cost is included in your project quote. We pull it, we do the work to the 2023 NEC, and we schedule the inspection. You don't have to call anyone, fill out forms, or go to any office.
This is one of the reasons our customers mention "professional" and "easy to work with" so often in reviews. The permit and inspection process is invisible to you because we take care of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to add an outlet?
Yes. Adding a new outlet means adding a new circuit or extending an existing one. That requires a permit in Clark County. Replacing an existing outlet or switch in the same location with the same type does not.
Can I pull my own electrical permit?
Washington State allows homeowners to pull permits for electrical work on their own primary residence. You must do the work yourself and pass inspection. Most homeowners hire a licensed electrician because the electrician handles the permit, does the work to code, and schedules the inspection.
How much does an electrical permit cost?
In the City of Vancouver, permit fees vary by scope. Adding a circuit or outlet might cost $50 to $100. A panel upgrade runs $150 to $300. Through L&I (everywhere else in Clark County), fees follow the state fee schedule. Newman Electric includes permit costs in every project quote.
What happens if I skip the permit?
Unpermitted work creates problems with insurance coverage, home sales, and code compliance. If discovered, you may need to open walls so an inspector can see the wiring. The cost to fix it is almost always more than the permit would have been.
Does Newman Electric handle the permit?
Yes. Newman Electric handles the entire permit process for every job that requires one. We pull the permit, do the work to the 2023 NEC, and schedule the inspection. The cost is included in your project quote.
Services That Require Permits
Electrical Panel Upgrade
100 to 200 amp upgrades, always permitted
EV Charger Installation
Dedicated 240V circuit, permit included
Whole House Rewiring
Multiple inspections for full rewire projects
Remodel Electrical
Kitchen, bathroom, ADU wiring
Generator Installation
Transfer switch and dedicated circuits
Code Compliance
Bring your home up to current NEC standards
Need electrical work done right?
Newman Electric handles permits, inspections, and everything in between for homeowners across Vancouver WA, Clark County, and Cowlitz County. Call for a free estimate.