• Inspections

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    This page contains information about the Development Services inspection process, expectations and general guidelines. There are also inspection requirements for Fire Prevention, Transportation and Utilities.

    Inspection Process 

    These are the basic steps you will take in the inspection process. Review these steps to understand what is expected of you during your construction project. For more information, refer to our Inspection and Construction Guidelines for major commercial projects and review the Inspection and Construction Publications below.

    1. Get your permit

    Apply for your permit online at MyBuildingPermit. The permit application process may require plan review. When your application and plans have been approved, your permit will be issued to you electronically on your MyBuildingPermit dashboard.

    2. Review your required Inspections

    You are responsible for obtaining all required inspections on your permit. Make sure you understand what is expected in each phase of your project.

    To better understand the requirements, schedule a preconstruction meeting (precon) with your inspector after your permit has been issued but before you begin work. The inspector will meet with you at the job site to go over the project before you start. Some permits require a precon before you can begin any work. This requirement will be stamped on your approved plans.

    3. Schedule your inspections

    Schedule your inspections, listed on your permit, as work is completed. There are two ways to schedule an inspection:

    On the day of the inspection, visit Today's Inspections on MyBuildingPermit to view the inspections listed in Bellevue for the day and to contact your inspector regarding an arrival time.

    You are responsible for scheduling all inspections and re-inspections. Tips for a successful inspection:

    • Have your permit and any approved plans at the site and available for the inspector.
    • Provide the inspector with safe access to the work area and on-site access to parking.
    • Be ready for your inspection before the inspector arrives; otherwise, you may be required to re-schedule and pay a re-inspection fee.
    • Make sure the work has been inspected before covering it, and that all work has been done in accordance with approved plans.
    • Start the work within one year of the permit's issuance date and complete the work within three years of the issuance date.
    • Obtain a final inspection to complete the process and close out your permit. Most insurance companies will not cover damages that involve work not inspected as required by the city.

    4. Schedule the final Inspection

    When all other inspections are approved and signed off, schedule the final inspection. The sign-off on your final building inspection is your authorization to occupy the premises, unless a certificate of occupancy is required. 

    If a certificate of occupancy is required, you must obtain that certificate before you can occupy your building or tenant space. There are two types of certificate of occupancy:

    • Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO)
    • Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

    To determine if a TCO or CO is required for your project, refer to the information located on your building permit or contact your building inspector. Certificates will be issued by the building official to the property owner prior to occupancy of:

    • All new commercial and multifamily buildings
    • Some substantial commercial and multifamily additions
    • Commercial tenant improvements involving a change in use 

    A TCO can be issued if the project is not entirely complete if certain conditions are met:  

    • All life/safety issues are resolved
    • Only incidental work remains
    • The owner agrees to meet the conditions of approval identified by the various city departments 

    A TCO is valid for 90 days. Conditions noted under the TCO must be completed and a request for CO initiated prior to the expiration date of the TCO.

    For more information and to schedule a TCO/CO meeting, contact the certificate of occupancy coordinator.