Published May 21 2020
The City of Bellevue is receiving inquiries about Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home - Stay Healthy” order and how it impacts construction projects in Bellevue. As plans for the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic are announced from the governor’s office, the city is adapting its communications, processes and procedures as they relate to our internal and external services associated with construction. Please refer to www.coronavirus.wa.gov for the most detailed and current information.
March 23: “Stay Home-Stay Healthy” order announced
Gov. Inslee announced his “Stay Home - Stay Healthy” order (Proclamation 20-25) in which Washington residents are to stay at home or at their place of residence except to participate in or conduct “essential activities” and/or for “essential employees” to perform work for an “essential business.” View list of essential businesses and workers.
March 25: Clarification on construction provided
The governor, among other clarifications, provided further guidance regarding essential construction, including "All construction activity must meet social distancing and appropriate health and worker protection measures before proceeding.” View governor’s memo to stakeholders.
April 2: “Stay Home-Stay Healthy” order extended
The “Stay Home-Stay Healthy was extended to May 4. Residents or workers concerned about non-essential businesses remaining open were asked to file complaints with the state.
April 24: Construction restart plan announced
Gov. Inslee announced that current “low risk” construction projects can be completed if they meet certain requirements. Review the Phase 1 Construction Restart job site requirements addendum to Proclamation 20-25. Workplace safety complaints can be reported to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) at 1-800-423-7233.
April 29: Construction frequently asked questions released
The governor clarified the initial Phase 1 Restart guidance memo and issued a guide to frequently asked questions about construction activities.
May 1/4: “Washington Safe Start” recovery plan announced; “Stay home” order extended
The governor announced a phased approach – Safe Start – to the state economic recovery. Additionally, the “Stay Home-Stay Healthy” order was extended to May 31.
The City of Bellevue announced expectations regarding site safety measures and inspections in order to facilitate continuing construction work in a safe and timely manner.
“Frequently Asked Questions”
How long is the “Stay Home-Stay Healthy” order in effect?
The Governor’s Proclamation 20-25 took effect at midnight March 25, 2020 and has been extended:
- On May 1, it was extended through May 31.
- On April 2, it was extended through May 4.
Please check the governor’s website to verify the current effective date.
Will construction of public transportation and utilities projects continue?
Some transportation, utilities and other capital investment projects funded by the city will continue; others are delayed. These types of projects are publicly funded, and the city hires its own contractor. Currently, there are projects that are essential to the city’s transportation and water and sewer (utilities) networks that will continue.
At the time the Governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order went into effect, some projects were well into their critical construction schedules. For questions about specific projects, contact the appropriate department.
For city-managed (and funded) projects, project managers and inspectors are considered essential employees and are conducting their responsibilities under the guidance of the order while taking appropriate and required precautions. Please visit the Development Services webpage for more information about city inspection services.
Who can I contact if I have questions about an active building permit with the City of Bellevue?
Please contact the Development Services Department at 425-452-4124 or alillie@bellevuewa.gov.
NOTE: The Bellevue City Council has approved an ordinance, effective April 20, 2020, extending the expiration date of building permit applications and issued building permits for 180 days (including electrical, mechanical and plumbing permit applications and issued permits). The ordinance also extends the expiration date of clearing and grading permit applications and issued clearing and grading permits for 180 days.
This is to include the time period in which an applicant must commence work to prevent the permit from expiring.
These extensions will apply only to complete permit applications or issued permits active on the effective date of this ordinance.
COVID-19 Resources
- City of Bellevue
- Public Health – King County & Seattle
- Washington State Department of Health
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control
Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center at 800-525-0127