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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Bellevue
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Bellevue.
One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft
Decks under 30 inches above grade and under 200 sq ft
Fences under 8 feet in height
Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (not supporting surcharge)
Re-roofing (overlay or tear-off)
Window/door replacement in-kind
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft
- Exempt Decks under 30 inches above grade and under 200 sq ft
- Exempt Fences under 8 feet in height
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (not supporting surcharge)
- Exempt Re-roofing (overlay or tear-off)
- Exempt Window/door replacement in-kind
Note: Verify exemptions with Development Services before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Construction plans (PDF format)
- Architectural plans
- Structural plans
- Mechanical/plumbing plans
- Building code
- 2021 Washington State Building Code with local amendments
- Permit validity
- Varies by permit type.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold a valid Washington State L&I registration and a current Bellevue business license.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by permit type and project complexity.
- 01 Create account on MyBuildingPermit.com
- 02 Select Bellevue as jurisdiction
- 03 Select permit type (Building, mechanical, plumbing, etc.)
- 04 Complete online application forms
- 05 Upload documents in PDF format
- 06 Pay fees online
- 07 Electronic plan review by city staff
- 08 Receive electronic permit issuance upon approval
Typical processing time: Varies by permit type and project complexity.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Current
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Varies by permit type
02
Plan check fee
Included in submittal fees
Submittal fees paid at application; issuance fees paid when permit approved
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Current) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- MyBuildingPermit.com (online)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday
Typical sequence: Varies by project type.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Bellevue permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Bellevue, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Bellevue.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Bellevue, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Bellevue, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Varies by permit type. Plan check fee: Included in submittal fees.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Bellevue, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Bellevue, WA, follow these steps: 1. Create account on MyBuildingPermit.com 2. Select Bellevue as jurisdiction 3. Select permit type (Building, mechanical, plumbing, etc.) 4. Complete online application forms 5. Upload documents in PDF format 6. Pay fees online 7. Electronic plan review by city staff 8. Receive electronic permit issuance upon approval
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Bellevue, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Bellevue, WA typically run Varies by permit type and project complexity.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Bellevue, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Bellevue, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft; Decks under 30 inches above grade and under 200 sq ft; Fences under 8 feet in height; Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (not supporting surcharge); Re-roofing (overlay or tear-off); Window/door replacement in-kind. Note: Verify exemptions with Development Services before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Bellevue, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Bellevue, WA via: MyBuildingPermit.com.
last verified April 2026
source Development Services - Permit Center ↗
entry id permits/washington/king/bellevue
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Development Services - Permit Center before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.