Building Safety in Kitsap County, WA (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Kitsap County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Sprinkler Requirements
Kitsap County requires automatic fire sprinklers in existing Group R, Division 1 buildings of ten or more dwelling units once damage or remodeling within a three-year span exceeds half the building's assessed value. The mandate applies only in unincorporated Kitsap County under Chapter 14.10.
Kitsap County Multi-Family Sprinkler Rule
Some RestrictionsKitsap County Code § 14.10.120
Automatic fire sprinklers shall be installed in all Group R, Division 1 buildings that contain ten or more dwelling units when, within a three-year period, there has been damage to the building that exceeds fifty percent of the assessed value of the building, or the building has been remodeled to an extent that exceeds fifty percent of the assessed value of the building.
Building Permits
Kitsap County requires a building permit for construction, alteration, enlargement, repair, or change of occupancy of any building in the unincorporated county, under the Kitsap County Building Code (Chapter 14.04, adopting the IBC). Separate tenant permits apply before occupying new shell space or an existing building.
Kitsap County Building Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsKitsap County Code § 14.04.250 (IBC § 105.1.4 as amended)
105.1.4 Permit Required Prior to Occupancy, Existing Building. A building permit is required and shall be obtained prior to use or occupancy of an existing building or portion thereof. EXCEPTIONS: 1. No tenant permit is required for the continuous occupancy or use of a building or portion thereof if there is no new construction or change in use, provided the building or portion thereof has prev...
Plumbing Permits
Unincorporated Kitsap County requires a permit for plumbing work under the county's adopted Uniform Plumbing Code (2021 Edition). Permits expire if work is not commenced within 365 days or goes 180 days without an inspection, and fees are set by county resolution, not fixed in the code text.
Kitsap County Plumbing Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsKitsap County Code § 14.04.805
§ 14.04.805. Expiration. Section 104.3 of the UPC is amended as follows: 104.4.3 Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 365 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. Having required inspections performed and ...
Building Inspections
In unincorporated Kitsap County, every building covered by the Dangerous Buildings Code and all permitted construction work is subject to inspection by the building official, the fire marshal, and the health officer, who may enter a property at reasonable times to inspect, presenting credentials first if the building is occupied.
Kitsap County Building Inspection Authority
Some RestrictionsKitsap County Code § 14.04.860(B)-(C)
B. Inspections. All buildings within the scope of this code and all construction work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official, fire marshal and health officer in accordance with the requirements of this code, the Kitsap County building and fire code, and any other laws and ordinances of Kitsap County. ... C. Right of Entry. When it is necessary to ...
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