Bellevue, WA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Inspecting authority
- Building official
- Required inspection types
- 14, BCC 23.05.130(C)
- Reinspection fee
- Assessed if work incomplete
- Single-family CO shortcut
- Permit inspection record serves as CO
- Appeal body
- Hearing examiner, BCC 23.05.160
- Penalty
- Civil fine or misdemeanor
Summary
Bellevue's building official inspects all permitted construction at defined stages under BCC 23.05.130, and work must stay accessible and exposed until each inspection is approved. A certificate of occupancy under BCC 23.05.140 can only issue after the building official finds no code violations and confirms compliance with the permit.
A. General. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official and such construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved. Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this chapter, the technical codes, or of other ordinances of the city. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this chapter, the technical codes, or of other ordinances of the city shall not be valid. It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes. Neither the building official nor the city shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection. When the installation of an electrical system is complete, an additional and final inspection shall be made. Electrical systems and equipment regulated by the National Electrical Code shall not be connected to the energy source until authorized by the building official.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 6929, passed July 14, 2026).
Full Breakdown
130(C) lists fourteen required inspection categories tied to specific construction stages: footing and foundation, electrical underground, concrete slab and under-floor, lowest floor elevation in flood hazard areas, exterior wall sheathing, roof sheathing, combined mechanical/gas/plumbing/electrical rough-in, framing, protected wood-cover connections, lath and gypsum board, fire-resistant penetrations, energy efficiency (envelope, mechanical, and lighting/motors), special electrical inspection, and a final inspection after all permitted work is complete. 130(J). A reinspection fee applies under subsection D when work is incomplete, corrections weren't made, or approved plans aren't on site. 140(A)'s exception lets the approved building permit inspection record itself serve as the certificate of occupancy, once the final inspection passes. 140(D).
Violations & Fines
Occupying a building or covering work before the required inspection is unlawful under BCC 23.05.170(A). The city can charge it as a civil violation under Chapter 1.18 BCC with a monetary penalty, or prosecute it as a misdemeanor under BCC Title 10's Criminal Code, with each day of the condition counted as a separate offense under BCC 23.05.170(D).
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspections does Bellevue require during construction?
Do I need a certificate of occupancy for a single-family house in Bellevue?
What happens if I cover work before Bellevue inspects it?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellevue
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How other cities in King County handle building inspections.