All of Bellevue’s laws are found in the city code, including ordinances and resolutions. Land and building development codes are presented here. Code Compliance enforces regulations in the nuisance, sign, construction and land use codes.
Changes to the Local Project Review Act
The Bellevue City Council approved land use code amendments and three streamlining measures that align city regulations with the requirements of Senate Bill (SB) 5290, which was signed into law in 2023. The code amendments incorporate changes to codify permit timelines, clarify application requirements, and streamline processes to improve efficiency for development permits. Specific updates include simplifying language requirements for certain types of projects and enhancing rules for determining application completeness. Some of the process changes mean applicants will need to combine certain documents into one file, instead of uploading separate documents. Applicants will also need to include "Bookmarks" in their PDF plans.
The changes will apply only to certain permits. The existing permit pages, which provide information about permit types and submittal requirements, are being updated now to reflect the changes and updated process. More information is on the Permit Streamlining LUCA page.
2021 International Codes
The 2021 International Codes went into effect March 15, 2024. The 2023 National Electric Code took effect April 1, 2024. Cities and counties are required by state law to enforce the new codes on the effective date established by the State Building Code Council (SBCC). State amendments to the 2021 International Codes can be found in Title 51 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). The city is working with the International Code Council (ICC) to prepare Bellevue Construction Codes, which will be posted at a later date.
Questions about code adoption can be submitted to 2021icodes@bellevuewa.gov.
2021 Code Updates Presentation
Resources
- Building Codes and Guidelines: IBC, IRC and City of Bellevue amendments to these codes
- Clearing and Grading Codes and Guidelines: Regulation of earth movement, land clearing, erosion protection
- Fire Codes and Guidelines: Regulations for infrastructure and building improvements for fire protection
- Land Use Codes and Guidelines: Rules that regulate use of land, building placement, design and environmental protection
- Transportation Codes and Guidelines: Regulations of public and private road construction and design
- Utilities Codes and Standards: Regulations and requirements for public and private utility construction and design
- Construction Codes
- Permit Forms and Publications
Report a code violation online:
Contact
P.O. Box 90012
Bellevue, WA 98009
The Permit Center will be open on Friday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., although customers visiting City Hall may be served remotely by permitting staff.