Water Heater Replacement — Washington license requirements
01 The project
The starting point is the work itself — Water Heater Replacement in Washington. The job determines which trades are involved, and the trades determine which license classifications may be required.
No project components are seeded for this project — we do not invent component lists without evidence.
02 Jurisdiction
This project is evaluated for Washington — the registration-plus-trade-credential state. Construction contractors hold the ch. 18.27 contractor registration (no exam, $30k/$15k bond by class), while electrical (ch. 19.28) and plumbing (ch. 18.106) run through their own contractor licences and certified individuals under L&I. The $500 and $2,000 bands decide small jobs, RCW 18.27.130 preempts local contractor licences, and RCW 18.27.110 makes the local permit issuer verify the registration. Washington jurisdiction page.
Permit fees, plan-review timelines and every locality beyond Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver and Bellevue remain LOCAL_AUTHORITY_REQUIRED; Spokane was researched from search-result snippets and its official PDF, a disclosed limitation. The statewide electrical work-permit fee schedule is NOT_VERIFIED. Without a job-site location the local permit answer is NOT_DETERMINED, never a guess. State requirements are not the complete story for any locality.
03 Trade → license
Relations below are recorded per state — only this jurisdiction's classifications are shown.
Trades involved: no seeded components — trade resolution follows from the classification relations below.
- Component basis PLUMBER-RESIDENTIAL-PL02 — Residential Plumber (PL02) (individual certificate) confirmed S-WA-LNI-PLUMBER-CERT rule WA-PLUMB-WORKERWorker limb for the typical single-family job: PL02 residential (6,000 h, ≤3-story dwellings) or PL04 residential service / PL01 journey — photo ID in possession (RCW 18.106.020). Homeowner at own residence: RCW 18.106.150(1) exemption (NOT for buildings for rent/sale/lease) (research §N.5).
- Alternative path ELECTRICAL-CONTRACTOR-GENERAL-01 — General Electrical Contractor License (01) (business) confirmed S-WA-18-106-150 rule WA-ELEC-PLUMB-INCIDENTALThe like-in-kind alternative: an electrical contractor's certified workers/trainees may do the plumbing 'incidentally, directly, and immediately appropriate to the like-in-kind replacement of a household appliance' (RCW 18.106.150(8)) — WAC 296-46B-920 confirms the like-in-kind replacement includes the appliance 'or any component part … e.g., the thermostat in a water heater'. Permit: local plumbing permit (Tacoma verbatim covers 'fixtures and appliances'); RCW 18.106.440 verification/print-number duties (research §N.5).
- May require PLUMBING-CONTRACTOR — Plumbing Contractor License (business) confirmed S-WA-18-106-400 rule WA-PLUMB-CONTRACTORThe default path: water heaters are inside the plumbing trade definition (L&I Plumber Certification verbatim lists 'Water Heaters'), so a hired replacement needs a licensed plumbing contractor + certified plumber. The APPLIANCE specialty expressly may NOT do it — WAC 296-200A-016(1): 'The installation or replacement of dishwashers, hot water tanks, and garbage disposals requires a plumber certification … and/or an electrical license' (SCOPE-WA-APPLIANCE-NO-WATER-HEATER) (research §N.5).
04 Scope
What the official sources say about the work involved — typed assertions, never a boolean "covers". Interpretations are marked as such.
- Officially included ELECTRICAL-CONTRACTOR-GENERAL-01 All Phases And All Types Of Electrical And Telecommunications Installations (may_perform) WAC 296-46B-920(1); RCW 19.28.041 S-WA-WAC-296-46B-920 The unambiguous electrical credential — general (01) is the one qualified for rooftop PV without interpretive strain (research §D.3/§O).
05 Requirements
| Requirement | Kind | Statement | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| All plumbing contract work must be by a licensed plumbing contractor — dedicated certified plumber + $6,000 bond + $50k/$100k/$200k insurance L&I Plumbing Licensing Requirements verbatim + RCW 18.106.020/.400/.410/.420 (read 2026-10-04) | license | L&I verbatim (read 2026-10-04): 'Beginning July 1, 2021, the "specialty plumbing" registration was no longer valid, and general contractors could no longer perform work with a certified plumber. All plumbing contract work must be performed by a new Licensed Plumbing Contractor under Chapter 18.106 RCW.' RCW 18.106.020(1): 'After January 1, 2021, no contractor may employ a person to engage in or offer to engage in the trade of plumbing unless the contractor is a licensed plumbing contractor under this chapter and the person performing the plumbing work has' the right certificate. RCW 18.106.400: application + fee; 24 calendar months; WC/ESD/excise evidence; (3) 'plumbing contractors are NOT required to be registered under chapter 18.27 RCW'; (4) must employ a FULL-TIME individual with a valid journey level or appropriate specialty plumber certificate (owner/partner or full-time employee — L&I's 'dedicated plumber,' Designated Plumber Assignment F627-052-000); (7) own-residence exemption unless the building is for rent/sale/lease. Bond $6,000 (RCW 18.106.410); insurance $50k/$100k/$200k (RCW 18.106.420). | S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTORSource S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR — Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)L&I — Plumbing Licensing Requirements (SB 6170 history, application, bond, insurance, renewal) — L&I Plumbing Licensing Requirements verbatim + RCW 18.106.020/.400/.410/.420 (read 2026-10-04) https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/plumbing/licensed-plumbing-contractor/licensing-requirements Retrieved 2026-10-04 · last verified 2026-10-04 Read in full 2026-10-04. Verbatim: 'Beginning July 1, 2021, the "specialty plumbing" registration was no longer valid, and general contractors could no longer perform work with a certified plumber. All plumbing contract work must be performed by a new Licensed Plumbing Contractor under Chapter 18.106 RCW.' 'Licensed plumbing contractors can choose to also be registered as general contractors under Chapter 18.27 RCW, to perform non-plumbing works such as installing cabinets, tile, etc.' 'As of July 1, 2021, general contractors cannot offer, advertise, and/or bid on projects that require plumbing work.' Dedicated plumber: 'a certified plumber as the "dedicated plumber" … owner/partner or a full-time employee' (Designated Plumber Assignment F627-052-000, notarized, $53.20). Steps: DOR registration → Continuous Plumbing Contractor Surety Bond $6,000 → GL policy → application F627-051-000 (original, notarized) $148.10 → designated plumber $53.20; insurance '$200,000 in public liability and $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit'; mail processing 1-2 weeks. Renewal $139.10 (online/mail/in person, 12-digit number + UBI, bond + GL ≥$250,000 current); reinstatement $69.50 (suspension notice by certified AND first-class mail within 2 days). 'Phase 3 rule making will begin soon focused on some outstanding items and the phase out of the construction contractor plumbing specialty' (CONFLICT-WA-003 side B). CONFLICT-WA-001: these renewal/reinstatement figures differ from WAC 296-400A-045 ($148.10 / $74.00). |
| Individual plumber certificate + photo ID required to work in the plumbing trade — PL01/PL02/PL04/trainee, exam required RCW 18.106.020 verbatim + L&I Plumber Certification (read 2026-10-04) | license | RCW 18.106.020(1) (read in full 2026-10-04): 'No person may engage in or offer to engage in the trade of plumbing without having a journey level certificate, specialty certificate, residential service certificate, temporary permit, or trainee certificate and photo identification in his or her possession' (L&I must also require visible display); trainees supervised per RCW 18.106.070. Medical gas piping 'Without exception' needs a journey level certificate PLUS medical gas piping installer endorsement. Violations are infractions, each day and each worksite separate; notices may issue to the worker, the contractor and the authorizing employee. Experience (L&I, read): PL01 = 4 years/8,000 h incl. ≥2 years/4,000 h commercial or industrial; PL02 = 3 years/6,000 h (single-family/duplex/apartments ≤3 stories); PL04 = 2 years/4,000 h service-repair. Exam application $202.10 (PSI-contracted testing), certification $242.70. | S-WA-18-106-020Source S-WA-18-106-020 — Washington State Legislature — RCW & WAC (app.leg.wa.gov)RCW 18.106.020 — Certificate or permit required — Photo identification — Trainee supervision — Penalty — RCW 18.106.020 verbatim + L&I Plumber Certification (read 2026-10-04) https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.106.020 Retrieved 2026-10-04 · last verified 2026-10-04 Read in full 2026-10-04: no person may engage in or offer the trade of plumbing without a journey level/specialty/residential service certificate, temporary permit or trainee certificate PLUS photo ID in possession (L&I must also require visible display); trainees supervised per RCW 18.106.070; 'After January 1, 2021, no contractor may employ a person to engage in or offer to engage in the trade of plumbing unless the contractor is a licensed plumbing contractor under this chapter and the person performing the plumbing work has' the right certificate; medical gas piping requires journey level certificate + medical gas endorsement, no exception; violations are infractions with each day and each worksite separate; notices may issue to the worker, the contractor and the authorizing employee; '(5) It is unlawful for anyone required to be licensed under this chapter or registered under chapter 18.27 RCW to subcontract to or use anyone not licensed under this chapter for work covered by the provisions of this chapter.' Backs REQ-WA-PLUMBER-001 (rule WA-PLUMB-WORKER). |
| Owner plumbing exemption — own residence/farm/place of business/owned property (unless for rent/sale/lease); medical gas never exempt RCW 18.106.150 verbatim (read 2026-10-04) | exemption | RCW 18.106.150 (read in full 2026-10-04): '(1) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require that a person obtain a license in order to do plumbing work at his or her residence or farm or place of business or on other property owned by him or her.' (5) a farm/business/industrial plant/corporation doing plumbing 'on premises it owns or operates'; (6) householder helping a friend/neighbor/relative when neither holds themselves out as in the trade; (7) 'This section does not apply to anyone installing, altering, repairing, or renovating medical gas systems.' RCW 18.106.400(7) parallel: a plumbing CONTRACTOR is exempt for work on his or her own residence 'unless the building is for rent/sale/lease.' | S-WA-18-106-150Source S-WA-18-106-150 — Washington State Legislature — RCW & WAC (app.leg.wa.gov)RCW 18.106.150 — Exemptions (plumbing) — RCW 18.106.150 verbatim (read 2026-10-04) https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.106.150 Retrieved 2026-10-04 · last verified 2026-10-04 Read in full 2026-10-04: (1) no license for plumbing work at one's own residence/farm/place of business/owned property; (2) farm plumbing and exempt electrical work by certified electricians; (3) local codes may not add competency/fee requirements on certificate holders; (4) interstate common carriers; (5) farm/business/plant/corporation on premises IT OWNS OR OPERATES; (6) householder helping a friend/neighbor/relative when neither holds out as in the trade; (7) medical gas systems NOT exempt; (8) since Jan 1 2021 an electrical-contractor licensee's certified workers/trainees may do plumbing 'incidentally, directly, and immediately appropriate to the like-in-kind replacement of a household appliance or other small household utilization equipment' (trainee supervised). Backs REQ-WA-HOMEOWNER-PLUMB-001 and rule WA-ELEC-PLUMB-INCIDENTAL. |
| Like-in-kind appliance exception — electrical contractors may do incidental plumbing and plumbing contractors incidental ELECTRICAL work RCW 18.106.150(8) + RCW 19.28.091(8) + WAC 296-46B-920(1) verbatim (read 2026-10-04) | exemption | RCW 18.106.150(8) (read in full 2026-10-04): since Jan 1, 2021 an entity holding a valid electrical contractor's license may employ certified journey level/residential electricians or supervised trainees to perform plumbing work 'that is incidentally, directly, and immediately appropriate to the like-in-kind replacement of a household appliance or other small household utilization equipment that requires limited electrical power and limited waste, water connections, or both' (trainee supervised). Mirror: RCW 19.28.091(8) lets a plumbing contractor licensees' certified plumbers/trainees do such ELECTRICAL work — 'The electrical work is subject to the permitting and inspection requirements of this chapter.' WAC 296-46B-920: general (01) expressly 'encompasses … minor plumbing under RCW 18.106.150,' and like-in-kind replacement 'includes the appliance or any component part of the appliance (e.g., … the thermostat in a water heater)'; except residential (02), no electrical specialty may do ch. 18.106 plumbing work. | S-WA-18-106-150Source S-WA-18-106-150 — Washington State Legislature — RCW & WAC (app.leg.wa.gov)RCW 18.106.150 — Exemptions (plumbing) — RCW 18.106.150(8) + RCW 19.28.091(8) + WAC 296-46B-920(1) verbatim (read 2026-10-04) https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.106.150 Retrieved 2026-10-04 · last verified 2026-10-04 Read in full 2026-10-04: (1) no license for plumbing work at one's own residence/farm/place of business/owned property; (2) farm plumbing and exempt electrical work by certified electricians; (3) local codes may not add competency/fee requirements on certificate holders; (4) interstate common carriers; (5) farm/business/plant/corporation on premises IT OWNS OR OPERATES; (6) householder helping a friend/neighbor/relative when neither holds out as in the trade; (7) medical gas systems NOT exempt; (8) since Jan 1 2021 an electrical-contractor licensee's certified workers/trainees may do plumbing 'incidentally, directly, and immediately appropriate to the like-in-kind replacement of a household appliance or other small household utilization equipment' (trainee supervised). Backs REQ-WA-HOMEOWNER-PLUMB-001 and rule WA-ELEC-PLUMB-INCIDENTAL. |
| Permit issuance must VERIFY the state credential, PRINT its number and give written risk notice — building permits (18.27.110) and plumbing permits (18.106.440) RCW 18.27.110 + RCW 18.106.440 + RCW 19.28.101/.141 (read 2026-10-04) | permit | RCW 18.27.110 (read 2026-10-04): no city/town/county may issue a construction building permit for registrable work without verifying current registration; the issuer must print the registration number on the permit and give the applicant written notice of the homeowner's risk; falsifying exemption information forfeits the permit. RCW 18.106.440 (read in full): the identical duty for PLUMBING permits — verify current plumbing contractor license, print the license number, written notice of license laws and homeowner risk, falsified exemption → permit forfeited. 'Verification' is defined in RCW 18.27.010(17): copying a current-on-its-face registration card, checking the L&I registration database, or calling L&I. Electrical work permits: RCW 19.28.101 state-issued by default (L&I inspection, permit affixed to installation, utility connects only after approval) with the local opt-out of RCW 19.28.141 (Seattle issues/inspects its own). | S-WA-18-27-110Source S-WA-18-27-110 — Washington State Legislature — RCW & WAC (app.leg.wa.gov)RCW 18.27.110 — Building permits — Verification of registration required — Responsibilities of issuing entity — RCW 18.27.110 + RCW 18.106.440 + RCW 19.28.101/.141 (read 2026-10-04) https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.27.110 Retrieved 2026-10-04 · last verified 2026-10-04 Read 2026-10-04: no city/town/county may issue a construction building permit for registrable work without verifying current registration; the issuer must print the registration number on the permit and give the applicant written notice of the homeowner's risk; falsifying exemption information forfeits the permit. The statutory engine of Washington's state-vs-local distinction (research §B). Backs REQ-WA-PERMIT-VERIFY-001 (rule WA-PERMIT-VERIFY). |
| Specialty contractor class — one registered specialty only, incidental subcontracting, no hiring of subcontractors RCW 18.27.010(12) + L&I Register-as-a-Contractor verbatim (read 2026-10-04) | registration | RCW 18.27.010(12) verbatim: 'Specialty contractor' means a contractor whose operations do not fall within the definition of 'general contractor'. 'A specialty contractor may only subcontract work that is incidental to the specialty contractor's work.' L&I: 'Specialty contractors can only perform work in the specialty they are registered in. They cannot hire subcontractors.' Scope of each specialty is defined by WAC 296-200A-016 (63 classifications — the classifications page). | S-WA-18-27-010Source S-WA-18-27-010 — Washington State Legislature — RCW & WAC (app.leg.wa.gov)RCW 18.27.010 — Definitions — RCW 18.27.010(12) + L&I Register-as-a-Contractor verbatim (read 2026-10-04) https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.27.010 Retrieved 2026-10-04 · last verified 2026-10-04 Read in full 2026-10-04. (1)(a) 'contractor' verbatim includes construction/alteration/repair/… 'including the installation of carpeting or other floor covering, the erection of scaffolding …, the installation or repair of roofing or siding, performing tree removal services, or cabinet or similar installation; or, who, to do similar work upon his or her own property, employs members of more than one trade upon a single job or project or under a single building permit'; (1)(b) consultant acting as GC; (1)(c) selling improved property within 1 year = contractor. (5) 'general contractor' = >1 building trade or craft on a single job/permit, or superintends/consults. (10) 'residential homeowner'. (12) 'specialty contractor' = operations outside the GC definition; 'may only subcontract work that is incidental'. (15) 'unregistered contractor' incl. expired/suspended/revoked — NOT one whose registration lapsed ≤30 days with bond+insurance maintained. (16) unsatisfied final judgment. (17) 'verification' (registration card/database/call). History shows [2026 c 77 s 1] (research §Q). |
06 Rule: WA-PLUMB-WORKER
RCW 18.106.020: no person may engage in or offer the trade of plumbing without a journey level / specialty / residential service certificate, temporary permit or trainee certificate PLUS photo identification in possession. Levels (L&I Plumber Certification): Journey level PL01 — 8,000 h incl. 4,000 h commercial/industrial; Residential PL02 — 6,000 h, dwellings ≤3 stories; Residential Service PL04 — 4,000 h; plus PL03/PL03A/PL30/MG01 and trainees. Medical gas requires journey level + endorsement and is NEVER exempt (RCW 18.106.150(7)). Missing facts yield NOT_DETERMINED.
| Outcome | Conclusion | Caveats |
|---|---|---|
| certificate-required | plumber_certificate_required |
|
| certificate-held | certificate_already_held |
|
Rule confidence: confirmed. Missing inputs produce NOT_DETERMINED — never a forced answer. Sources: S-WA-18-106-020S-WA-LNI-PLUMBER-CERT
07 Rule: WA-ELEC-PLUMB-INCIDENTAL
RCW 18.106.150(8): since January 1, 2021 an entity holding a valid ELECTRICAL contractor's license may employ certified electricians/trainees to do plumbing 'incidentally, directly, and immediately appropriate to the like-in-kind replacement of a household appliance or other small household utilization equipment' needing limited power/waste/water connections (trainee supervised; plumbing under ch. 18.106 code/permit rules). Mirror: RCW 19.28.091(8) lets plumbing contractor licensees' certified plumbers do such electrical work; WAC 296-46B-920 notes general (01) includes this minor plumbing — like-in-kind 'includes the appliance or any component part … e.g., the thermostat in a water heater'. Missing facts yield NOT_DETERMINED.
| Outcome | Conclusion | Caveats |
|---|---|---|
| like-in-kind-exception | incidental_plumbing_permitted |
|
| not-like-in-kind | separate_plumbing_contractor_license_required |
|
| no-electrical-license | no_electrical_license_no_exception |
|
Rule confidence: confirmed. Missing inputs produce NOT_DETERMINED — never a forced answer. Sources: S-WA-18-106-150S-WA-19-28-091S-WA-WAC-296-46B-920
08 Rule: WA-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR
RCW 18.106.020 verbatim: 'After January 1, 2021, no contractor may employ a person to engage in or offer to engage in the trade of plumbing unless the contractor is a licensed plumbing contractor under this chapter and the person performing the plumbing work has' the right certificate. RCW 18.106.400: license expires 24 calendar months; requires WC evidence, ESD number, excise registration and a FULL-TIME individual holding a journey level or appropriate specialty plumber certificate (the 'dedicated plumber', $53.20 assignment); $6,000 bond (RCW 18.106.410); $50k/$100k/$200k insurance (RCW 18.106.420); and the license-holder is NOT required to hold ch. 18.27 registration for plumbing work (.400(3)). Missing facts yield NOT_DETERMINED.
| Outcome | Conclusion | Caveats |
|---|---|---|
| plumbing-license-required | plumbing_contractor_license_required |
|
| plumbing-license-held | plumbing_license_already_held |
|
| not-plumbing-work | outside_chapter_18_106 |
|
Rule confidence: confirmed. Missing inputs produce NOT_DETERMINED — never a forced answer. Sources: S-WA-18-106-020S-WA-18-106-400S-WA-18-106-410S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR
09 Rule: WA-HOMEOWNER-PLUMB
RCW 18.106.150(1): no license is required for plumbing work at one's own residence, farm, place of business or other owned property. RCW 18.106.400(7): the plumbing contractor license is likewise exempt for plumbing on one's own residence 'unless the building is for rent, sale, or lease'. Also: farm/business premises owned or operated (.150(5)); a householder helping a friend/neighbor/relative when neither holds out as in the trade (.150(6)); and NO exemption ever for medical gas systems (.150(7)). Missing facts yield NOT_DETERMINED.
| Outcome | Conclusion | Caveats |
|---|---|---|
| homeowner-exemption-holds | plumbing_license_not_required_homeowner |
|
| rent-sale-lease | homeowner_plumbing_exemption_unavailable |
|
| medical-gas | medical_gas_never_exempt |
|
Rule confidence: confirmed. Missing inputs produce NOT_DETERMINED — never a forced answer. Sources: S-WA-18-106-150S-WA-18-106-400
10 The plumbing limb — contractor licence, certified plumber, the owner path
A water heater replacement is plumbing work under ch. 18.106. Since 2021-07-01 a general contractor cannot even bid it, and the appliance-specialty prohibition is printed in the WAC:
| Question | Washington answer | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Credential for the replacement | a licensed plumbing contractor with a designated full-time certified plumber (rule WA-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR) | S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR |
| Which individual credential | a certified plumber (journey/residential/residential-service as applicable) must be on the work (rule WA-PLUMB-WORKER) | S-WA-18-106-020 |
| Appliance specialty prohibition | WAC 296-200A-016(1) prohibits the appliance specialty from doing the plumbing connection — the plumbing contractor licence is required | S-WA-18-27-010 |
| Like-for-like electrical/plumbing swap | the incidental exception covers a like-in-kind replacement (RCW 18.106.150(8) / 19.28.091(8)) | S-WA-18-106-150 |
| Owner replaces their own heater | allowed on the owner's residence/farm/place of business/owned property, but NOT if building for rent, sale or lease; medical gas never exempt (rule WA-HOMEOWNER-PLUMB) | S-WA-18-106-150 |
| Permit verification | the permit issuer verifies the plumbing credential; the plumbing twin of the registration rule (RCW 18.106.440) | S-WA-18-27-110 |
A general contractor cannot bid plumbing since 2021-07-01 — the plumbing contractor licence is the credential (rule WA-GC-NO-PLUMBING). S-WA-LNI-PLUMB-CONTRACTOR
11 Permit and verification layer
Washington separates the credential from the permit: the STATE decides who may work (the ch. 18.27 registration and the two trade licences), while the city or county issues the permit. RCW 18.27.110 makes the permit issuer verify the registration before issuing, print the number and give the homeowner-risk notice, and forfeits the permit if the exemption was falsified; ch. 18.106.440 is the plumbing twin. S-WA-18-27-110
A permit is per JOB, a credential is per WHO, and RCW 18.27.130 bars a local contractor licence (with carve-outs for a general business licence and non-registrable contractors) — but the city still sets its permit rules and general business licence. S-WA-19-28-101
Verify the credential that actually applies on the official lookup before relying on any outcome here: L&I Contractor Lookup (covers the ch. 18.27 registration; electrical and plumbing credentials have their own L&I verification paths). S-WA-LNI-VERIFY
Source S-WA-SEATTLE-PERMIT — City of Seattle — Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI)
Seattle SDCI — Do You Need a Permit? ($6,000/6-month minor-work threshold, exemptions) — Seattle Do-You-Need-a-Permit / Re-Roof / Electrical / Mechanical pages verbatim (read 2026-10-04)
https://www.seattle.gov/construction-and-inspections/permits/do-you-need-a-permit
Retrieved 2026-10-04 · last verified 2026-10-04
LOCAL EXAMPLE — read 2026-10-04 (HTTP 200). Verbatim: 'Minor repairs or alterations. You don't need a permit for minor repairs or alterations that cost $6,000 or less in any 6-month period. The $6,000 limit is based on fair market value of labor and parts, even if you do the work yourself.' 'You need a permit for any work on load-bearing supports, changes to the building envelope, and work that reduces egress, light, ventilation, or fire resistance no matter how small the project.' Usually no permit: painting/cleaning, re-pointing a chimney, installing kitchen cabinets, paneling/surface finishes over existing systems, insulating existing buildings, hazardous-material abatement, limited in-kind repair; on-grade patios/slabs; sheds <120 sq ft; retaining walls ≤4 ft; fences <8 ft; platforms/walks/driveways <18 in. above grade; dish/panel antennas ≤6.56 ft. 'Even if you don't need a permit, your project must meet all code requirements.' Seattle Residential Code R105.2 / Building Code 106.2 referenced (research §M.1/§N.2).