This page contains information about the Development Services inspection process, expectations and general guidelines. There are also inspection requirements for Fire Prevention, Transportation and Utilities.
Inspection Process
These are the basic steps you will take in the inspection process. Review these steps to understand what is expected of you during your construction project. For more information, refer to our Inspection and Construction Guidelines for major commercial projects and review the Inspection and Construction Publications below.
1. Get your permit
Apply for your permit online at MyBuildingPermit. The permit application process may require plan review. When your application and plans have been approved, your permit will be issued to you electronically on your MyBuildingPermit dashboard.
2. Review your required Inspections
You are responsible for obtaining all required inspections on your permit. Make sure you understand what is expected in each phase of your project.
To better understand the requirements, schedule a preconstruction meeting (precon) with your inspector after your permit has been issued but before you begin work. The inspector will meet with you at the job site to go over the project before you start. Some permits require a precon before you can begin any work. This requirement will be stamped on your approved plans.
3. Schedule your inspections
Schedule your inspections, listed on your permit, as work is completed. There are two ways to schedule an inspection:
- Online using MyBuildingPermit
- By phone at 425-452-6875
On the day of the inspection, visit Today's Inspections on MyBuildingPermit to view the inspections listed in Bellevue for the day and to contact your inspector regarding an arrival time.
You are responsible for scheduling all inspections and re-inspections. Tips for a successful inspection:
- Have your permit and any approved plans at the site and available for the inspector.
- Provide the inspector with safe access to the work area and on-site access to parking.
- Be ready for your inspection before the inspector arrives; otherwise, you may be required to re-schedule and pay a re-inspection fee.
- Make sure the work has been inspected before covering it, and that all work has been done in accordance with approved plans.
- Start the work within one year of the permit's issuance date and complete the work within three years of the issuance date.
- Obtain a final inspection to complete the process and close out your permit. Most insurance companies will not cover damages that involve work not inspected as required by the city.
4. Schedule the final Inspection
When all other inspections are approved and signed off, schedule the final inspection. The sign-off on your final building inspection is your authorization to occupy the premises, unless a certificate of occupancy is required.
If a certificate of occupancy is required, you must obtain that certificate before you can occupy your building or tenant space. There are two types of certificate of occupancy:
- Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO)
- Certificate of Occupancy (CO)
To determine if a TCO or CO is required for your project, refer to the information located on your building permit or contact your building inspector. Certificates will be issued by the building official to the property owner prior to occupancy of:
- All new commercial and multifamily buildings
- Some substantial commercial and multifamily additions
- Commercial tenant improvements involving a change in use
A TCO can be issued if the project is not entirely complete if certain conditions are met:
- All life/safety issues are resolved
- Only incidental work remains
- The owner agrees to meet the conditions of approval identified by the various city departments
A TCO is valid for 90 days. Conditions noted under the TCO must be completed and a request for CO initiated prior to the expiration date of the TCO.
For more information and to schedule a TCO/CO meeting, contact the certificate of occupancy coordinator.
Inspection Publications
- Building Division Review and Inspection Expectations
- Concreting in Cold and Hot Weather Memorandum
- Egress Lighting Requirements and Inspection
- Electrical Grounding & Water Service Repiping
- Fire and Mechanical Inspections
- Inspection Checklists (MyBuildingPermit)
- Inspection, Reinspection, Outside Normal Hours and Overtime Fees
- Joint Gaps at Gypsum Board Panels
- Existing Suspended Ceiling Checklist
- Preconstruction Meeting Requirements for Major Building Projects
- Post Tension Preconstruction Meeting Agenda
- Shotcrete Preconstruction Meeting Agenda
- Smoke Control and Emergency Wiring Preconstruction Meeting Agenda
- Structural Concrete Preconstruction Agenda
- Structural Steel Preconstruction Agenda
- Suspended Ceiling Checklist
Construction Publications
- 2015 High-Rise Checklist
- Adult Family Home
- Building Code Information for Single Family Remodel Permit with No Plan Review
- Building Division Review and Inspection Expectations
- Construction Noise
- Construction Tip Sheets (MyBuildingPermit)
- Deferred Submittal Guidelines
- Earthquake Home Retrofit Program
- IRC Table R301.2(1) Climatic & Geographic Design Criteria
- Multifamily Checklist
- Oil Filled Transformer Vault Requirements
- Pedestrian Protection Requirements
- Residential Energy Code Worksheets
- Use of Parking Garage in Buildings Under Construction
- Vehicle, Fire Truck and Apparatus Loading