If the adult family home will be a newly constructed residence, or a part of a single-family home is being converted into an Adult Family Home, or if the number of residents served is being increased (up to 8 maximum), and work is proposed (addition or remodel), a building permit is required. Please see the Single-Family Additions or Single-Family Remodel permit pages for more information, and see below for the submittal requirements that are specific to Adult Family Homes (AFH). Additionally, an AFH can be included in a building permit for a New Single Family Residence.
If no work is being done to the building, a stand-alone adult family home permit will be required. Apply for this permit online at MyBuildingPermit. To select the correct permit type, make the following selections when prompted during the application:
- Jurisdiction: Bellevue
- Application Type: Building
- Project Type: Single Family Residential
- Activity Type: Adult Family Home Inspection Only
When asked for a valuation of work, enter $1000. This is the standard valuation for a project with no work, to cover the minor plan review and inspection costs.
Increasing Capacity in an Existing Adult Family Home
Capacity of residents served can be increased in two ways: adding another bed into an existing, previously approved and inspected AFH sleeping room; or when creating a new AFH sleeping room (whether construction is proposed or not, such as converting a room previously used as an office). Whenever capacity is increased, please contact DSHS directly for their approval/license requirements.
If increasing the capacity is done by adding a bed into an existing, previously inspected AFH sleeping room, and no construction work is occurring, then no building permits or inspections are required.
If increasing the capacity includes creating a new AFH sleeping room, then that room must be inspected by city staff. This includes converting an existing bedroom that was not previously for AFH use. If no work is being done to the building, follow the instructions above for a stand-alone “no work” permit. If construction work is proposed, apply for a building permit and identify the increase in capacity/AFH sleeping room in that submittal.
Clearing and Grading Permits and Inspections
If the bed capacity increase requires additional parking, then a clearing and grading permit may be required. A permit is required if landscape changes include over 1000 square feet of clearing and/or over 50 cubic yards of grading. More information on clearing and grading permits can be found on our Minor Clearing and Grading Permit page.
Right of Way Permits and Inspections
If the increase in bed capacity requires the installation, modification, or reconstruction of a driveway, a right of way permit may be required. More information on right of way permits can be found on our Residential Right of Way Permit page.
Submittal Requirements
Upload the following files when prompted (these files are required for both a stand-alone permit and when adding an adult family home to a new residence, addition or remodel):
- A floor plan of the dwelling (minimum sheet size is 11 x 17).
- Identify means of egress and any components of the means of egress (stairways, ramps, etc.)
- Clearly note the classification of each sleeping room. See IRC Section 325.3.
- Identify the square footage of the floor area for all living space and garage/storage space
- The DSHS checklist
Inspections are required
A final building inspection will be required for a stand-alone permit. Make sure to have the permit, approved floor plan and the DSHS inspection checklist available for the inspector.