Bellevue, WA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (WAC 51-56)
- Permit required
- Before any plumbing install/alter/replace
- Governing code
- BCC 23.60.010; 23.05.090(A)
- Fee basis
- Council fee ordinance, BCC 23.05.120
- Consolidated review
- Can bundle w/ building, mechanical permits
- Enforcement
- Building official, BCC 23.05.170
Summary
Bellevue enforces the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, as amended by the state, for every plumbing installation in the city, and BCC 23.05.090 requires anyone installing, altering or replacing a plumbing system to first apply to the building official and obtain a permit before starting work.
23.60.010 Uniform Plumbing Code. The 2021 Edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, as adopted and amended by the State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-56 WAC, excluding Chapter 1, Chapter 12, and Chapter 14, is adopted, together with Appendix A, Appendix B, and Appendix C "Alternate Plumbing Systems" excluding Sections C 304.0 through C 601.9; and excluding "Lawn Sprinkler Heads" from Table 610.3 and Table 610.4; and including Appendix I, and shall be applicable within the city, as amended, added to and excepted in this chapter. ... 23.05.090.A Permits required. Any person who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this chapter and the technical codes, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.
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
010 adopts the 2021 Edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code as amended by the State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-56 WAC, excluding Chapters 1, 12 and 14, together with Appendices A, B, a partial C, and I; the adoption traces through Ordinance 6781, Section 12 (2024), Ordinance 6531, Section 10 (2020), and Ordinance 6291, Section 11 (2016). 020 sets the scope: installation, alteration, repair and replacement of plumbing systems, fixtures, fittings and medical gas systems, with the city's own utilities code (BCC Title 24) and engineering standards controlling over the plumbing code for water, sewer or storm work more than 24 inches outside a building.
090(A) requires anyone installing, enlarging, altering, repairing, removing, converting or replacing any plumbing (or electrical, gas or mechanical) system regulated by the technical codes to first apply to the building official and obtain a permit, with only narrow exemptions such as ordinary repairs that don't touch piping, wiring or egress. 120. 130(C)(7) before any work is concealed.
Violations & Fines
Plumbing work performed without the required permit is a technical-code violation under BCC 23.05.170: the city can pursue it as a civil violation under Chapter 1.18 BCC with a monetary penalty, or as a misdemeanor punishable under the Bellevue Criminal Code, Title 10 BCC. The building official can also require concealed plumbing work to be uncovered for inspection at the installer's expense if it was covered before being approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace plumbing fixtures in Bellevue?
What plumbing code does Bellevue enforce?
Can I combine my plumbing permit with my building permit in Bellevue?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellevue
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