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.
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.
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.
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.
Learn more about Development Services, our staff and the community we serve