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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Bremerton
Building permits required for all construction within the City of Bremerton.
One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 200 square feet
Fences not over 6 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (unless supporting surcharge)
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 from exterior wall
Decks not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to dwelling, not serving exit door
In-kind window replacement meeting energy code requirements
In-kind reroofing (provided roof sheathing is not removed or replaced)
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 200 square feet
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (unless supporting surcharge)
- 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 from exterior wall
- Exempt Decks not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to dwelling, not serving exit door
- Exempt In-kind window replacement meeting energy code requirements
- Exempt In-kind reroofing (provided roof sheathing is not removed or replaced)
Note: Verify specific exemptions with Bremerton Community Development Department before proceeding. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other requirements.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Construction plans
- Contractor verification documentation
- Building code
- 2021 Washington State Building Code (amended)
- Permit validity
- Contact department for current validity periods.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders must verify ability to perform work within City of Bremerton.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I (Chapter 18.27 RCW) and provide documentation that contractor is able to perform work within the State of Washington and the City of Bremerton.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies; contact department for current timelines.
- 01 Contact Community Development Department for pre-application guidance.
- 02 Submit complete application with all required documentation.
- 03 Plans reviewed for compliance with adopted codes (2021 Washington State Building Codes effective March 15, 2024).
- 04 Pay applicable fees.
- 05 Permit issued upon approval.
Typical processing time: Varies; contact department for current timelines.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Bremerton building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Typically 20% of permit fee for commercial/industrial
02
Permit fee formula
Based on project valuation using ICC Building Valuation Table
03
Reinspection fee
$75
Contact department for payment options and processing fees.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (360) 473-5275 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact department for current scheduling procedures.
- Inspection hours
- Contact department for current hours.
Typical sequence: Typical sequence includes: Foundation, Framing, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Final inspections. Electrical inspections performed by Washington State L&I (not city).
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Bremerton permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Bremerton, WA? ▸
Building permits required for all construction within the City of Bremerton.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Bremerton, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Bremerton, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on project valuation using ICC Building Valuation Table. Plan check fee: Typically 20% of permit fee for commercial/industrial.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Bremerton, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Bremerton, WA, follow these steps: 1. Contact Community Development Department for pre-application guidance. 2. Submit complete application with all required documentation. 3. Plans reviewed for compliance with adopted codes (2021 Washington State Building Codes effective March 15, 2024). 4. Pay applicable fees. 5. Permit issued upon approval.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Bremerton, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Bremerton, WA typically run Varies; contact department for current timelines.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Bremerton, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Bremerton, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 200 square feet; Fences not over 6 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (unless supporting surcharge); 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 from exterior wall; Decks not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to dwelling, not serving exit door; In-kind window replacement meeting energy code requirements; In-kind reroofing (provided roof sheathing is not removed or replaced). Note: Verify specific exemptions with Bremerton Community Development Department before proceeding. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other requirements. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Bremerton, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Bremerton, WA via: (360) 473-5275. Contact department for current scheduling procedures..
last verified April 2026
source Community Development Department ↗
entry id permits/washington/kitsap/bremerton
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.