Development Services offers one-stop permit shopping for land and building development in Bellevue and the surrounding service areas. We review plans, inspect projects and investigate code violations. These services ensure that projects are safe and aligned with federal, state and city codes. Development Services strives to provide convenient options to meet the needs of all customers.
Development Services Mission
Development Services endeavors to protect the quality of public and private infrastructure, the safety and integrity of the built and natural environment, and the livability of the city while facilitating appropriate and timely development.
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. If you have been impacted by any of these conditions on your property, please observe the following steps:
- Take a photo of the tree(s) in question. Please include at least one photo that captures all or most of the tree and one photo that includes a close-up of the base of the tree where it meets the soil.
- Compose an email with attached photos; include your physical address within the body of the email.
- State the number of trees you are reporting and the approximate location (for instance, “This tree is located in the northwest corner of my property”. If you are not sure about the directional orientation, please describe the location using landmarks “the tree is next to the garage”).
- Once you are finished composing the email, send to LUZI@bellevuewa.gov.
A planner will respond with any further instruction or if they need clarification.
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 has developed a new, more affordable Clearing and Grading permit type to review limited tree removal on residential property.
Permit Center Hours at City Hall
The Development Services Department is always striving to enhance our services and ensure that the customer experience is convenient and consistent. Customer feedback is extremely useful to the department, and we have been carefully listening to the suggestions and preferences we have received. In February, the city implemented new hours in our Permit Center. These changes are designed to better accommodate customer needs and provide members of the community with even more flexibility in accessing our services.
Permit Center hours:
Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Permit Center is open on Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., although customers visiting City Hall may be served remotely by permitting staff.
Virtual Permit Center hours:
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Virtual Permit Center Appointments
Development Services is offering virtual permit center meetings to allow customers to schedule one-on-one time with staff to receive convenient assistance with general permitting questions prior to applying for permits. Visit the Virtual Permit Center page to learn more and book a virtual permit center appointment.
Apply for Permits
Our permitting process is completely paperless. Customers can submit applications, upload plans, pay permit fees and schedule inspections online at MyBuildingPermit.com. More information is available on the Permits page.
Highlighted Development Services
Use the menu items on the left to navigate through our website and view the services we offer, or follow one of these popular shortcuts.
- Tree Removal and Retention - Bellevue is committed to preserving our city in a park. Here is everything you need to know about cutting down trees.
- Permit FAQs - Wondering how to get started in the permitting process? Get all the answers and links to resources.
- Zoning Requirements - An overview and FAQs to help you navigate the zoning requirements in Bellevue’s land use code.
- Public Notices and Participation - Most land use applications require that notice be given to the public about proposed land use applications. Learn more about public comments and participation in the process.
- Weekly Permit Bulletin - Official notice of land use applications, public meetings, decisions, recommendations, public hearings and appeals of land use decisions in Bellevue.
- Code Compliance - Learn how our code compliance team works toward voluntary compliance with city codes and ordinances. Use our city portal to report code violations.
- Code Amendments - Information about proposed and recently adopted amendments to the city code.
- Development Activity - Current development activity updates.
- Bellevue Map Viewer - Access a variety of interactive map layers for parks and trails, wetlands, property information and more.
- Residential Building Permits - Learn what is required to build a new house, add a room or remodel your kitchen.
- Building and Fire Codes - Policy interpretations, building tip sheets, and information on building and construction codes, including electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes.