City Building Permits

Bellevue, WA Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Bellevue, Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Washington King County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Bellevue.

Department: Development Services - Permit Center
Address: Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: 425-452-4188
Website: https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/development/permits

Online Permit Portal

Open MyBuildingPermit.com

Platform: MyBuildingPermit.com • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Create account on MyBuildingPermit.com
Select Bellevue as jurisdiction
Select permit type (Building, mechanical, plumbing, etc.)
Complete online application forms
Upload documents in PDF format
Pay fees online
Electronic plan review by city staff
Receive electronic permit issuance upon approval

Typical processing time: Varies by permit type and project complexity.

Source: Development Services - Permit Center

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Bellevue.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan
Construction plans (PDF format)
Architectural plans
Structural plans
Mechanical/plumbing plans

Permit validity: Varies by permit type.
Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code with local amendments
Contractor requirements: Contractors must hold a valid Washington State L&I registration and a current Bellevue business license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Varies by permit type
Plan check fee: Included in submittal fees
Payment note: Submittal fees paid at application; issuance fees paid when permit approved

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Current).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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

Important: Verify exemptions with Development Services before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

MyBuildingPermit.com (online)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by project type.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code with local amendments
Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
Virtual Permit Center Consultations
License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Development Services - Permit Center before applying.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Bellevue can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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