City Building Permits

Bainbridge Island, WA Building Permit Guide

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

Washington Kitsap County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Bainbridge Island.

Department
Planning and Community Development (PCD) - Building Division
Address
280 Madison Avenue N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Phone
(206) 780-3750
Website
https://ci-bainbridgeisland-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/

Online Permit Portal

Open Online Permit Center (SmartGov)

Platform: SmartGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  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.

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

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

General Requirements

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

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
Permit validity
Contact Building Division for current validity periods.
Building code
2021 Washington State Building Code (amended)
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.

Fees

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
Payment note
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).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • 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

Important: 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.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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 inspection 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.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Planning and Community Development (PCD) - Building Division before applying.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Bainbridge Island can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works
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.

Other cities in Kitsap County

bremerton port-orchard poulsbo
View all Kitsap County jurisdictions →