Permit Required
Do you need a permit to install a backup generator in Seattle, WA?
Permanently installed standby generators require electrical and often gas permits.
General requirement — confirm with Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI)
No city-specific rule verified yet. This shows the general IRC R105.1 requirement. Confirm with Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI).
Permit rules vary by property and change over time. This is an informational guide, not legal advice — always confirm with Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) before starting work.
How to get the permit in Seattle
Building department
Apply online
Phone
(206) 684-8600
Code in force
2021 Seattle Residential Code (Seattle's amended adoption of the 2021 IRC)
Need a permit pulled? Find a licensed electrician in Seattle
Licensed electricians near you can handle the permit and the work — compare pros on our directory.
Find a electrician in Seattle, WA →See Installing a Backup Generator permit rules for other cities →