Outdoor Kitchen Permits: Bellevue vs Kent
How do outdoor kitchen permits rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Kent, WA?
Bellevue and Kent have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue requires building, plumbing, gas, and electrical permits for permanent outdoor kitchens that involve utility connections or structural work. Pre-fabricated grills with no utility lines and no roof structure typically do not require permits. The 2021 I-Codes (WAC 51-50, 51-51) apply effective March 15, 2024.
View full Bellevue rules →Kent, WA
King County
Kent requires building, plumbing, gas, and electrical permits for permanent outdoor kitchens involving utility connections or structural work. Pre-fabricated freestanding grills with no utility lines and no roof structure typically do not require a permit. The 2021 I-Codes (WAC 51-50 and 51-51) apply effective March 15, 2024, and electrical permits are issued separately by Washington L&I.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Code Authority | BCC Title 23, LUC 20.20 | KCC Titles 14 & 15 |
| Adopted Codes | 2021 I-Codes (since 3/15/2024) | 2021 I-Codes (since 3/15/2024) |
| Freestanding Grill | Usually no permit | Usually no permit |
| Gas/Plumbing/Cover | Permits required | Permits required |
| Electrical Permit | WA L&I (not city) | WA L&I (not city) |
| Filing | MyBuildingPermit.com | MyBuildingPermit.com |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
Do I need a permit for my Bellevue outdoor kitchen?
Only if it involves utility connections (gas, water, sewer, dedicated electrical) or a roof/canopy structure. A pre-fabricated movable grill on a patio with no plumbed lines does not need a permit. As soon as you tap gas or water, you need separate plumbing and gas permits through MyBuildingPermit.com plus an L&I electrical permit.
Which codes apply to a Bellevue outdoor kitchen?
The 2021 I-Codes as adopted by the Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-50, 51-51) and amended by BCC Title 23. The fire code provisions in BCC 23.11 govern clearances to combustibles. Setbacks follow the underlying zoning district under LUC 20.20.
Kent FAQ
Do I need a permit for my Kent outdoor kitchen?
Only if it involves utility connections (gas, water, sewer, dedicated electrical) or a roof or canopy structure. A pre-fabricated movable grill on a patio with no plumbed lines does not need a permit. As soon as you tap gas or water, separate plumbing and gas permits are required through MyBuildingPermit.com plus an L&I electrical permit.
Which codes apply to a permanent outdoor kitchen in Kent?
The 2021 I-Codes as adopted by the Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-50 and 51-51) and as amended by KCC Title 14. Fire-clearance provisions in KCC Title 13 apply to combustibles near burners. Setbacks follow the underlying zoning district under KCC Title 15. Electrical work is permitted by Washington L&I, not the city.
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