In Development Services we review plans and issue permits for construction projects and land uses. The permit process includes permit application, plan review, contractor approval and inspections.
If you have never applied for a permit with the City of Bellevue, our Getting Started page provides guidance, including a permitting and plan review guide with step-by-step instructions on permitting, plan review, hiring a contractor and inspection requirements.
A Predevelopment Services Review offers assistance early in the development process so you can receive help and feedback with your project before submitting a permit application.
If you are still unsure how to proceed, please contact our permit center. City staff will answer all your questions and work with you throughout the permit and plan review process. Bellevue's permitting data (1998 to present) is available in the city's Open Data portal.
Permit News
Middle Housing
The City of Bellevue has adopted middle housing land use code updates to comply with House Bills (HB) 1110 and 1337, which require cities to allow more diverse and denser housing types in residential areas. To support implementation, the Development Services Department has established interim permitting requirements for middle housing projects to account for the range of allowed housing types. A new permit type specific to middle housing is currently being developed and will be introduced in a future phase of implementation. Additional middle housing building information is available, as well as background information on the code amendments.
Changes to the Local Project Review Act
The Bellevue City Council approved land use code amendments and three streamlining measures that align city regulations with the requirements of Senate Bill (SB) 5290, which was signed into law in 2023. The code amendments incorporate changes to codify permit timelines, clarify application requirements, and streamline processes to improve efficiency for development permits. Specific updates include simplifying language requirements for certain types of projects and enhancing rules for determining application completeness. Some of the process changes mean applicants will need to combine certain documents into one file, instead of uploading separate documents. Applicants will also need to include "Bookmarks" in their PDF plans. The changes only apply to certain permits.
Our website has more information on the 2023 changes to the Local Project Review Act and the city's Permit Streamlining land use code amendments.
Permit Search
Search for the type of permit you want, using the menu options on the left or use our permit search function.
Refer to Permit FAQs and Building Permit Requirements for guidance on when you need a permit.
Some projects that can require a permit include:
- Accessory Dwelling Unit
- Decks
- Furnace or Water Heater Replacement
- Remodel with no structural work
- Reroof
- Tree Removal