Bainbridge Island, WA — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Planning and Community Development (PCD) - Building Division

Street address

280 Madison Avenue N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Phone

(206) 780-3750

bldpermit@bainbridgewa.gov

Coverage

All properties within the incorporated City of Bainbridge Island.

Online portal

Online Permit Center (SmartGov)

SmartGov

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Bainbridge Island

Building permits required for all construction within the City of Bainbridge Island.

Scope of work

Permit?

One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet

Exempt

Fences not over 6 feet high

Exempt

Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height

Exempt

Water tanks supported directly upon grade (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons)

Exempt

Sidewalks and driveways

Exempt

Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work

Exempt

Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep

Exempt

Window awnings not projecting more than 54 inches

Exempt

Exempt One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet
Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high
Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height
Exempt Water tanks supported directly upon grade (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons)
Exempt Sidewalks and driveways
Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
Exempt Window awnings not projecting more than 54 inches

Note: Work within critical areas or shoreline may require additional land use permits. Driveway or road approach work requires Right of Way permit from Public Works. Fire Marshal approval may be required. Verify all exemptions with Building Division before proceeding.

Required documents

B101 - Building Permit Application
Energy Code Worksheet
B109d - Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Narrative
Site plan
Construction plans
Mechanical and plumbing work requires separate B105 (Mechanical) or B106 (Plumbing) applications

Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code (amended)
Permit validity: Contact Building Division for current validity periods.
Owner-builder: Address must be clearly posted and visible from road.
Contractor requirements: Contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I (Chapter 18.27 RCW) and hold valid City of Bainbridge Island business license.

Source: Planning and Community Development (PCD) - Building Division ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Varies; contact Building Division for current timelines.

01

Review checklists for your project type (Single Family, Remodel/Addition, Garage/Studio).
02

Submit electronic application with required forms: B101 (Building Permit Application), Energy Code Worksheet, B109d (SWPPP Narrative).
03

Schedule appointment for consultation/submittal if needed.
04

Plans reviewed by Building Division.
05

Pay fees through Online Permit Center.
06

Approved plans available through portal.

Typical processing time: Varies; contact Building Division for current timelines.

Source: Planning and Community Development (PCD) - Building Division ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Effective 2025-02-18

Fee type

Amount

Plan check fee

65% of Building Permit Fee

Permit fee formula

Based on project valuation. See 2025 Fee Schedule for detailed rates.

Reinspection fee

Hourly rate ($134.00)

Penalty (no permit)

After-the-Fact Permit Investigation: 200% of standard permit fee

Mechanical Permits: Base permit $134.00 + Individual appliances/fixtures $44.40 each. Plumbing Permits: Base permit $134.00 + Fixtures and vents $44.40. Consultation: $805.00 (deductible from permit fee if applied within one year).

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

Online Permit Center (online)
(206) 780-3789 (phone)
bldpermit@bainbridgewa.gov (email)

Scheduling deadline: Inspections requested before 3 p.m. scheduled two working days out. Inspections requested after 3 p.m. scheduled three working days out. Final inspections scheduled three working days out.
Inspection hours: Customer Counter Hours: 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00 pm-3:00 pm

Typical sequence: Required information: Permit number, type of inspection, site address, owner name, contact information, requested date. For final inspection: Electrical final and drainage approvals must be complete first. For framing inspection: Electrical must be inspected and approved first. For final inspection: Electrical final, drainage, road approach, and Kitsap County Health Department final must be approved.

15-minute walk-in project questions available during counter hours.

Source: Planning and Community Development (PCD) - Building Division ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Bainbridge Island permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Bainbridge Island, WA? ▸

Building permits required for all construction within the City of Bainbridge Island.

02 How much does a building permit cost in Bainbridge Island, WA? ▸

Building permit fees in Bainbridge Island, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on project valuation. See 2025 Fee Schedule for detailed rates.. Plan check fee: 65% of Building Permit Fee.

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Bainbridge Island, WA? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Bainbridge Island, WA, follow these steps: 1. Review checklists for your project type (Single Family, Remodel/Addition, Garage/Studio). 2. Submit electronic application with required forms: B101 (Building Permit Application), Energy Code Worksheet, B109d (SWPPP Narrative). 3. Schedule appointment for consultation/submittal if needed. 4. Plans reviewed by Building Division. 5. Pay fees through Online Permit Center. 6. Approved plans available through portal.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Bainbridge Island, WA? ▸

Building permit processing times in Bainbridge Island, WA typically run Varies; contact Building Division for current timelines.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Bainbridge Island, WA? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in Bainbridge Island, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet; Fences not over 6 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height; Water tanks supported directly upon grade (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons); Sidewalks and driveways; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Window awnings not projecting more than 54 inches. Note: Work within critical areas or shoreline may require additional land use permits. Driveway or road approach work requires Right of Way permit from Public Works. Fire Marshal approval may be required. Verify all exemptions with Building Division before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Bainbridge Island, WA? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Bainbridge Island, WA via: Online Permit Center, (206) 780-3789, bldpermit@bainbridgewa.gov. Inspections requested before 3 p.m. scheduled two working days out. Inspections requested after 3 p.m. scheduled three working days out. Final inspections scheduled three working days out..

last verified April 2026 source Planning and Community Development (PCD) - Building Division ↗ entry id permits/washington/kitsap/bainbridge-island

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Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning and Community Development (PCD) - Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Bainbridge Island

Other jurisdictions in Kitsap County.