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
Storm Damage
Tree Removal
High winds due to the storm that occurred between Nov. 19 and 20 may have contributed to imminent hazard conditions such as falling trees, and/or leaning trees. Trees that are determined to be an immediate risk to the general health, safety, and welfare of people and/or property will be permitted to be removed immediately. More information is available on the Development Services website.
Structural Damage
The Development Services Building Division is prepared to assist homeowners and others with assessment for significant damage due to trees or wind. Please call 425-452-4570 to request a damage assessment inspection.
Occupants are encouraged to turn off natural gas and electrical power supply if there is any risk that those systems have been damaged. Do not occupy any areas in the vicinity of damage to the building, and in some cases, the house or building should not be occupied in any way. Households should contact their insurance company as soon as possible to start arrangements for emergency mitigation of any hazards, file claims, and determine repairs.
An approved building permit is required before starting repair work, but emergency work may be performed without a permit to address immediate hazards. The Building Division will expedite review of permits for windstorm damage repair. Contact the Building Division at 425-452-4121 or buildingreview@bellevuewa.gov.
Please report other storm impacts, such as downed trees in the Right-of-Way, to O&MSupport@bellevuewa.gov. Downed power lines should be reported to Puget Sound Energy (PSE) directly at 1-888-225-5773.
Updated Tree Codes
On July 9, the Bellevue City Council adopted a comprehensive set of amendments to Bellevue's Land Use Code and City Code regulations related to trees. The most significant amendments include a new approach to the way tree removal associated with development proposals is regulated, and new permit requirements to remove trees on private property outside of a development proposal. Development proposals must now maintain a minimum tree density based on the property size and type of development, calculated with tree credits. Minimum tree density can be achieved by retaining existing trees or planting new trees, and a fee-in-lieu per tree credit is available when additional planting is not possible. Outside of development proposals, a permit is now required to remove any significant or landmark tree located on private property. New replanting requirements apply to non-hazardous tree removal on nonresidential property, and on residential property under certain circumstances. The City is developing a new, more affordable Clearing and Grading permit type to review limited tree removal on residential property.
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