WSR 24-07-096
PERMANENT RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
[Filed March 19, 2024, 4:51 p.m., effective July 1, 2024]
Effective Date of Rule: July 1, 2024.
Purpose: The purpose of this rule making is to increase the electrical fees by 6.40 percent to support operating expenses for the electrical program. The fee increase is the maximum allowable fiscal growth factor rate by the state office of financial management for fiscal year 2025. The current fee levels are insufficient to cover current program expenses. The fee increase is needed to ensure that revenues match expenditures.
This rule making also removes the fee for printed copies of the electrical laws and rules. The department of labor and industries is no longer providing printed copies, as electronic versions are available online. Removing the fee will ensure the rule is up-to-date and aligns with requirements.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 296-46B-906, 296-46B-909, and 296-46B-911.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 19.28 RCW, Electricians and electrical installations, including RCW 19.28.031 and 19.28.251.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 24-01-113 on December 19, 2023.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 3, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 3, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: March 19, 2024.
Joel Sacks
Director
OTS-5075.4
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 21-11-085, filed 5/18/21, effective 7/1/21)
WAC 296-46B-906Inspection fees.
To calculate inspection fees, the amperage is based on the conductor ampacity or the overcurrent device rating. The total fee must not be less than the number of progress inspection (one-half hour) units times the progress inspection fee rate from subsection (8) of this section, PROGRESS INSPECTIONS.
The amount of the fee due is calculated based on the fee effective at the date of a department assessed fee (e.g., plan review or fee due) or when the electrical permit is purchased.
(1) Residential.
(a) Single- and two-family residential (New Construction).
Notes:
(1) Square footage is the area included within the surrounding exterior walls of a building exclusive of any interior courts. (This includes any floor area in an attached garage, basement, or unfinished living space.)
(2) "Inspected with the service" means that a separate service inspection fee is included on the same electrical work permit.
(3) "Inspected at the same time" means all wiring is to be ready for inspection during the initial inspection trip.
(4) An "outbuilding" is a structure that serves a direct accessory function to the residence, such as a pump house or storage building. Outbuilding does not include buildings used for commercial type occupancies or additional dwelling occupancies.
(i) First 1300 sq. ft.
(($99.60))
$105.90
Each additional 500 sq. ft. or portion of
(($31.80))
$33.80
(ii) Each outbuilding or detached garage - Inspected at the same time as a dwelling unit on the property
(($41.40))
$44.00
(iii) Each outbuilding or detached garage - Inspected separately
(($65.50))
$69.60
(iv) Each swimming pool - Inspected with the service
(($65.50))
$69.60
(v) Each swimming pool - Inspected separately
(($99.60))
$105.90
(vi) Each hot tub, spa, or sauna - Inspected with the service
(($41.40))
$44.00
(vii) Each hot tub, spa, or sauna - Inspected separately
(($65.50))
$69.60
(viii) Each septic pumping system - Inspected with the service
(($41.40))
$44.00
(ix) Each septic pumping system - Inspected separately
(($65.50))
$69.60
(b) Multifamily residential and miscellaneous residential structures, services and feeders (New Construction).
Each service and/or feeder
 
 
 
Ampacity
Service/Feeder
Additional Feeder
0 to 200
(($107.40))$114.20
 
(($31.80))$33.80
 
201 to 400
(($133.60))$142.10
 
(($65.50))$69.90
 
401 to 600
(($183.50))$195.20
 
(($91.20))$97.00
 
601 to 800
(($235.50))$250.50
 
(($125.40))$133.40
 
801 and over
(($335.90))$357.40
 
(($251.90))$268.00
 
(c) Single or multifamily altered services or feeders including circuits.
 
(i) Each altered service and/or altered feeder
 
Ampacity
Service/Feeder
 
0 to 200
(($91.20))$97.00
 
 
 
201 to 600
(($133.60))$142.10
 
 
 
601 and over
(($201.40))$214.20
 
 
 
(ii) Maintenance or repair of a meter or mast (no alterations to the service or feeder)
(($49.40))
$52.50
(d) Single or multifamily residential circuits only (no service inspection).
Note:
Altered or added circuit fees are calculated per panelboard. Total cost of the alterations in an individual panel should not exceed the cost of a complete altered service or feeder of the same rating, as shown in subsection (1) residential (c) (table) of this section.
(i) 1 to 4 circuits (see note above)
(($65.50))
$69.60
(ii) Each additional circuit (see note above)
(($6.90))
$7.30
(e) Mobile homes and modular homes.
(i) Mobile home or modular home service or feeder only
(($65.50))
$69.60
(ii) Mobile home service and feeder
(($107.40))
$114.20
(f) Mobile home park sites and RV park sites.
Note:
For master service installations, see subsection (2) commercial/industrial of this section.
(i) First site service or site feeder
(($65.50))
$69.60
(ii) Each additional site service; or additional site feeder inspected at the same time as the first service or feeder
(($41.40))
$44.00
(2) Commercial/industrial.
 
(a) New service or feeder, and additional new feeders inspected at the same time (includes circuits).
Note:
For large commercial/industrial projects that include multiple feeders, "inspected at the same time" can be interpreted to include additional inspection trips for a single project. The additional inspections must be for electrical work specified on the permit at the time of purchase. The permit fee for such projects must be calculated using this section. However, the total fee must not be less than the number of progress inspection (one-half hour) units times the progress inspection fee rate from subsection (8) progressinspections of this section.
Ampacity
Service/Feeder
Additional Feeder
0 to 100
(($107.40))$114.20
 
(($65.50))
$69.60
 
101 to 200
(($130.80))$139.10
 
(($83.50))
$88.80
 
201 to 400
(($251.90))$268.00
 
(($99.60))$105.90
 
401 to 600
(($293.60))$312.30
 
(($117.20))$124.70
 
601 to 800
(($379.80))$404.10
 
(($159.70))$169.90
 
801 to 1000
(($463.70))$493.30
 
(($193.20))$205.50
 
1001 and over
(($505.90))$538.20
 
(($269.70))$286.90
 
(b) Altered services/feeders (no circuits).
 
(i) Service/feeder
 
Ampacity
Service/Feeder
 
0 to 200
(($107.40))$114.20
 
 
201 to 600
(($251.90))$268.00
 
 
601 to 1000
(($379.80))$404.10
 
 
1001 and over
(($421.90))$448.90
 
 
(ii) Maintenance or repair of a meter or mast (no alterations to the service or feeder)
(($91.20))$97.00
(c) Circuits only.
 
 
Note:
Altered/added circuit fees are calculated per panelboard. Total cost of the alterations in a panel (or panels) should not exceed the cost of a new feeder (or feeders) of the same rating, as shown in subsection (2) commercial/industrial (2)(a)(table) above.
(i) First 5 circuits per branch circuit panel
(($83.50))$88.80
(ii) Each additional circuit per branch circuit panel
(($6.90))$7.30
(d) Over 600 volts surcharge per permit.
(($83.50))$88.80
(3) Temporary service(s).
 
Notes:
(1) See WAC 296-46B-590 for information about temporary installations.
(2) Temporary stage or concert inspections requested outside of normal business hours will be subject to the portal-to-portal hourly fees in subsection (11) other inspections. The fee for such after hours inspections will be the greater of the fee from this subsection or the portal-to-portal fee.
Temporary services, temporary stage or concert productions.
Ampacity
Service/Feeder
Additional Feeder
0 to 60
(($57.40))$61.00
 
(($29.40))$31.20
 
61 to 100
(($65.50))$69.60
 
(($31.80))$33.80
 
101 to 200
(($83.50))$88.80
 
(($41.40))$44.00
 
201 to 400
(($99.60))$105.90
 
(($49.50))$52.60
 
401 to 600
(($133.60))$142.10
 
(($65.50))$69.60
 
601 and over
(($151.50))$161.20
 
(($75.40))$80.20
 
(4) Irrigation machines, pumps, and equipment.
 
Irrigation machines.
 
(a) Each tower - When inspected at the same time as a service and feeder from (2) commercial/industrial
(($6.90))$7.30
(b) Towers - When not inspected at the same time as a service and feeder - 1 to 6 towers
(($99.60))$105.90
(c) Each additional tower
(($6.90))$7.30
(5) Miscellaneous - Commercial/industrial and residential.
(a) A Class 2 low-voltage thermostat and its associated cable controlling a single piece of utilization equipment or a single furnace and air conditioner combination.
(i) First thermostat
(($49.50))$52.60
(ii) Each additional thermostat inspected at the same time as the first
(($15.30))$16.20
(b) Class 2 or 3 low-voltage systems and telecommunications systems. Includes all telecommunications installations, fire alarm, nurse call, energy management control systems, industrial and automation control systems, lighting control systems, and similar Class 2 or 3 low-energy circuits and equipment not included in WAC 296-46B-908 for Class B work.
(i) First 2500 sq. ft. or less
(($57.40))$61.00
(ii) Each additional 2500 sq. ft. or portion thereof
(($15.30))$16.20
(c) Signs and outline lighting.
 
(i) First sign (no service included)
(($49.50))$52.60
(ii) Each additional sign inspected at the same time on the same building or structure
(($23.30))$24.70
(d) Berth at a marina or dock.
 
Note:
Five berths or more will be permitted to have the inspection fees based on appropriate service and feeder fees from section (2) commercial/industrial above.
(i) Berth at a marina or dock
(($65.50))$69.60
(ii) Each additional berth inspected at the same time
(($41.40))$44.00
(e) Yard pole, pedestal, or other meter loops only.
(i) Yard pole, pedestal, or other meter loops only
(($65.50))$69.60
(ii) Meters installed remote from the service equipment and inspected at the same time as a service, temporary service or other installations
(($15.30))$16.20
(f) Inspection appointment requested for outside of normal working hours.
Regular fee plus surcharge of:
(($125.40))$133.40
(g) Generators.
Note:
Permanently installed generators: Refer to the appropriate residential or commercial new/altered service or feeder section.
Portable generators: Permanently installed transfer equipment for portable generators
(($91.20))$97.00
(h) Electrical - Annual permit fee.
Note:
See WAC 296-46B-901(13).
For commercial/industrial location employing full-time electrical maintenance staff or having a yearly maintenance contract with a licensed electrical contractor. Note, all yearly maintenance contracts must detail the number of contractor electricians necessary to complete the work required under the contract. This number will be used as a basis for calculating the appropriate fee. Each inspection is based on a 2-hour maximum.
 
Inspections
 
Fee
1 to 3 plant electricians
12
(($2,416.40))$2,571.00
4 to 6 plant electricians
24
(($4,835.60))$5,145.00
7 to 12 plant electricians
36
(($7,253.10))$7,717.30
13 to 25 plant electricians
48
(($9,672.30))$10,291.30
More than 25 plant electricians
52
(($12,091.50))$12,865.30
(i) Telecommunications - Annual permit fee.
Notes:
(1) See WAC 296-46B-901(12).
(2) Annual inspection time required may be estimated by the purchaser at the rate for "other inspections" in this section, charged portal-to-portal per hour.
For commercial/industrial location employing full-time telecommunications maintenance staff or having a yearly maintenance contract with a licensed electrical/telecommunications contractor.
2-hour minimum
(($199.70))$212.40
Each additional hour, or portion thereof, of portal-to-portal inspection time
(($99.60))$105.90
(j) Permit requiring ditch cover inspection only.
Each 1/2 hour, or portion thereof
(($49.50))$52.60
(k) Cover inspection for elevator/conveyance installation. This item is only available to a licensed/registered elevator contractor.
(($83.50))$88.80
(6) Carnival inspections.
(a) First carnival field inspection each calendar year.
(i) Each ride and generator truck
(($23.30))$24.70
(ii) Each remote distribution equipment, concession, or gaming show
(($6.90))$7.30
(iii) If the calculated fee for first carnival field inspection above is less than (($106.30))$113.10, the minimum inspection fee will be:
(($125.40))$133.40
(b) Subsequent carnival inspections.
(i) First ((ten))10 rides, concessions, generators, remote distribution equipment, or gaming show
(($125.40))$133.40
(ii) Each additional ride, concession, generator, remote distribution equipment, or gaming show
(($6.90))$7.30
(c) Concession(s) or ride(s) not part of a carnival.
(i) First field inspection each year of a single concession or ride, not part of a carnival
(($99.60))$105.90
(ii) Subsequent inspection of a single concession or ride, not part of a carnival
(($65.50))$69.60
(7) Trip fees.
 
(a) Requests by property owners to inspect existing installations. (This fee includes a maximum of one hour of inspection time. All inspection time exceeding one hour will be charged at the rate for progressive inspections.)
(($99.60))$105.90
(b) Submitter notifies the department that work is ready for inspection when it is not ready.
(($49.50))$52.60
(c) Additional inspection required because submitter has provided the wrong address or incomplete, improper or illegible directions for the site of the inspection.
(($49.50))$52.60
(d) More than one additional inspection required to inspect corrections; or for repeated neglect, carelessness, or improperly installed electrical work.
(($49.50))$52.60
(e) Each trip necessary to remove a noncompliance notice.
(($49.50))$52.60
(f) Corrections that have not been made in the prescribed time, unless an exception has been requested and granted.
(($49.50))$52.60
(g) Installations that are covered or concealed before inspection.
(($49.50))$52.60
(8) Progress inspections.
 
Note:
The fees calculated in subsections (1) through (6) of this section will apply to all electrical work. This section will be applied to a permit where the permit holder has requested additional inspections beyond the number supported by the permit fee calculated at the rate in subsections (1) through (6) of this section.
On partial or progress inspections, each 1/2 hour.
(($49.50))$52.60
(9) Plan review.
 
(a) Plan review fee is 35% of the electrical work permit fee as determined by WAC 296-46B-906.
35%
(b) Plan review submission fee .
(($83.50))$88.80
(c) Supplemental submissions of plans per hour or fraction of an hour of review time.
(($99.60))$105.90
(d) Plan review handling fee.
(($23.30))$24.70
(10) Out-of-state inspections.
 
(a) Permit fees will be charged according to the fees listed in this section.
(b) Travel expenses:
All travel expenses and per diem for out-of-state inspections are billed following completion of each inspection(s). These expenses can include, but are not limited to: Inspector's travel time, travel cost and per diem at the state rate. Travel time is hourly based on the rate in subsection (11) of this section.
(11) Other inspections.
Inspections not covered by above inspection fees must be charged portal-to-portal per hour:
(($99.60))$105.90
(12) Variance request processing fee.
Variance request processing fee. This fee is nonrefundable once the transaction has been validated.
(($99.60))$105.90
(13) Class B basic electrical work labels.
 
(a) Block of ((twenty))20 Class B basic electrical work labels (not refundable).
(($273.60))$291.10
(b) Reinspection of Class B basic electrical work to assure that corrections have been made (per 1/2 hour timed from leaving the previous inspection until the reinspection is completed). See WAC 296-46B-908(5).
(($49.50))$52.60
(c) Reinspection of Class B basic electrical work because of a failed inspection of another Class B label (per 1/2 hour from previous inspection until the reinspection is completed). See WAC 296-46B-908(5).
(($49.50))$52.60
(14) Provisional electrical work permit labels.
Block of ((twenty))20 provisional electrical work permit labels.
(($273.60))$291.10
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 21-11-085, filed 5/18/21, effective 7/1/21)
WAC 296-46B-909Electrical/telecommunications contractor's license, administrator certificate and examination, master electrician certificate and examination, electrician certificate and examination, copy, and miscellaneous fees.
Notes:
(1) The department will deny renewal of a license, certificate, or permit if an individual owes money as a result of an outstanding final judgment(s) to the department or is in revoked status. The department will deny application of a license, certificate, or permit if an individual is in suspended status or owes money as a result of an outstanding final judgment(s) to the electrical program.
 
(2) Certificates may be prorated for shorter renewal periods in one-year increments. Each year or part of a year will be calculated to be one year.
 
(3) The amount of the fee due is calculated based on the fee effective at the date payment is made.
(1) General or specialty contractor's license per ((twenty-four))24-month period. (Nonrefundable after license has been issued.)
 
(a) Initial application or renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax
(($293.60))$312.30
(b) Renewal fully completed using the online web process
(($254.00))$270.20
(c) Reinstatement of a general or specialty contractor's license after a suspension
(($59.40))$63.20
(2) Master electrician/administrator/electrician/trainee certificate.
(a) Examination application (nonrefundable)
 
Administrator certificate examination application. (Required only for department administered examinations.) (Not required when testing with the department's contractor.)
(($36.70))$39.00
(b) Examination fees (nonrefundable)
 
Note:
Normal examination administration is performed by a state authorized contractor. The fees for such examinations are set by contract with the department. For written examinations administered by the department, use the following fee schedule.
(i) Master electrician or administrator first-time examination fee (when administered by the department)
(($88.60))$94.20
(ii) Master electrician or administrator retest examination fee (when administered by the department)
(($103.80))$110.40
(iii) Journey level or specialty electrician examination fee (first test or retest when administered by the department)
(($66.70))$70.90
(iv) Certification examination review fee
(($137.40))$146.10
(c) Original certificates (nonrefundable after certificate has been issued)
 
(i) Electrical administrator original certificate (except 09 telecommunication)
(($132.80))$141.30
(ii) Telecommunications administrator original certificate (for 09 telecommunications)
(($88.30))$93.90
(iii) Master electrician exam application (includes original certificate and application processing fee) ((($36.70))$39.00 is nonrefundable after application is submitted)
(($169.80))$180.60
(iv) Journey level, specialty, or reciprocal electrician application (includes original certificate and application processing fee) ((($36.70))$39.00 is nonrefundable after application is submitted)
(($95.20))$101.20
(v) Training certificate
 
(A) Initial application made in person, by mail, or by fax
(($46.60))$49.50
(B) Initial application fully completed online using the online web process
(($40.00))$42.50
(C) 0% supervision modified training certificate. Includes trainee update of hours (i.e., submission of affidavit of experience) ((($56.40))$60.00 is nonrefundable after application is submitted)
(($84.90))$90.30
(D) 75% supervision modified training certificate.
(($56.40))$60.00
(E) Unsupervised training certificate as allowed by RCW 19.28.161 (4)(b).
(($27.90))$29.60
(d) Certificate renewal (nonrefundable)
 
(i) Master electrician or administrator certificate renewal
 
(A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax
(($167.80))$178.50
(B) Renewal fully completed using the online web process
(($145.80))$155.10
(ii) Telecommunications (09) administrator certificate renewal
 
(A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax
(($111.80))$118.90
(B) Renewal fully completed using the online web process
(($96.40))$102.50
(iii) Late renewal of master electrician or administrator certificate
 
(A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax
(($335.60))$357.00
(B) Renewal fully completed using the online web process
(($291.60))$310.20
(iv) Late renewal of telecommunications (09) administrator certificate
 
(A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax
(($223.60))$237.90
(B) Renewal fully completed using the online web process
(($192.80))$205.10
(v) Journey level or specialty electrician certificate renewal
 
(A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax
(($88.30))$93.90
(B) Renewal fully completed using the online web process
(($76.90))$81.80
(vi) Late renewal of journey level or specialty electrician certificate
 
(A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax
(($176.60))$187.90
(B) Renewal fully completed using the online web process
(($153.80))$163.60
(vii) Trainee update of hours submitted more than 30 days after expiration of a training certificate
(($56.40))$60.00
(viii) Trainee certificate renewal
 
(A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax
(($56.40))$60.00
(B) Renewal fully completed using the online web process when the affidavit of experience is submitted per WAC 296-46B-942 (8)(d)
(($49.20))$52.30
(ix) Late trainee certificate renewal
 
(A) Renewal made in person, by mail, or by fax
(($79.20))$84.20
(B) Renewal fully completed using the online web process
(($68.90))$73.30
(e) Certificate - Reinstatement (nonrefundable)
 
(i) Reinstatement of a suspended master electrician or administrator's certificate (in addition to normal renewal fee)
(($59.40))$63.20
(ii) Reinstatement of suspended journey level, or specialty electrician certificate (in addition to normal renewal fee)
(($27.90))$29.60
(f) Assignment/unassignment of master electrician/administrator designation (nonrefundable)
(($44.00))$46.80
(3) Certificate/license.
 
(a) Replacement for lost or damaged certificate/license. (Nonrefundable.)
(($19.20))$20.40
(b) Optional display quality General Master Electrician certificate.
(($31.30))$33.30
(4) Continuing education courses or instructors. (Nonrefundable.)
 
(a) If the course or instructor review is performed by the electrical board or the department
 
The course or instructor review
(($56.50))$60.10
(b) If the course or instructor review is contracted out by the electrical board or the department
 
(i) Continuing education course or instructor submittal and approval (per course or instructor)
As set in contract
(ii) Applicant's request for review, by the chief electrical inspector, of the contractor's denial
(($137.70))$146.50
(5) Copy fees. (Nonrefundable.)
 
(((a)))Certified copy of each document (maximum charge per file):
(($62.50))$66.50
(((i)))(a) First page:
(($27.90))$29.60
(((ii)))(b) Each additional page:
(($2.20))$2.30
(((b) RCW or WAC printed document:
$6.10))
(6) Training school program review fees. Initial training school program review fee. (Nonrefundable.)
 
(a) Initial training school program review fee submitted for approval. Valid for three years or until significant changes in program content or course length are implemented (see WAC 296-46B-971(4)).
(($650.90))$692.50
(b) Renewal of training school program review fee submitted for renewal. Valid for 3 years or until significant changes in program content or course length are implemented (see WAC 296-46B-971(4)).
(($325.40))$346.20
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 21-11-085, filed 5/18/21, effective 7/1/21)
WAC 296-46B-911Electrical testing laboratory and engineer accreditation fees.
The amount of the fee due is calculated based on the fee effective at the date payment is made.
Electrical testing laboratory
 
Initial filing fee: (Nonrefundable)
(($618.80))$658.40
Initial accreditation fee:
 
1 product category
(($309.30))$329.10
Each additional category for the next 19 categories
(($123.60))$131.50 each
Maximum for 20 categories or more
(($2,661.30))$2,831.60
Renewal fee: (Nonrefundable)
50% of initial filing fee
Renewal of existing accreditations
 
Each additional category for the next 19 categories
(($123.60))$131.50 each
Maximum for 20 categories or more
(($2,661.30))$2,831.60
Engineer for evaluating industrial utilization equipment
 
Initial filing fee: (Nonrefundable)
(($618.80))$658.40
Renewal fee: (Nonrefundable)
50% of initial filing fee