City Building Permits

Bremerton, WA Building Permit Guide

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

Washington Kitsap County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Bremerton.

Department: Community Development Department
Address: 345 6th Street, Bremerton, WA 98337
Phone: (360) 473-5275
Website: https://www.bremertonwa.gov/154/Community-Development

Online Permit Portal

Open Contact Community Development Department

Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: Online only

Application Process

Contact Community Development Department for pre-application guidance.
Submit complete application with all required documentation.
Plans reviewed for compliance with adopted codes (2021 Washington State Building Codes effective March 15, 2024).
Pay applicable fees.
Permit issued upon approval.

Typical processing time: Varies; contact department for current timelines.

Source: Community Development Department

General Requirements

Building permits required for all construction within the City of Bremerton.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan
Construction plans
Contractor verification documentation

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

Fees

Plan check fee: Typically 20% of permit fee for commercial/industrial
Permit fee formula: Based on project valuation using ICC Building Valuation Table
Reinspection fee: $75
Payment note: Contact department for payment options and processing fees.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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)

Important: Verify specific exemptions with Bremerton Community Development Department before proceeding. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other requirements.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(360) 473-5275 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Contact department for current scheduling procedures.
Inspection hours: Contact department for current hours.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence includes: Foundation, Framing, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Final inspections. Electrical inspections performed by Washington State L&I (not city).

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code (amended)
Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
Bremerton Permit Guide
Pre-application Meetings Available
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 Community Development Department before applying.

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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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