Bellevue, WA Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Bellevue does not require a standalone home occupation permit for most by-appointment, low-impact home businesses, but operators must obtain a City of Bellevue business license administered by the Tax Division and register with the Washington State Department of Revenue to secure a UBI (Unified Business Identifier) number. When applying for the business license, the operator certifies compliance with LUC 20.30L home occupation standards: 25 percent floor area cap, residents-only staffing, no outdoor storage, no exterior signage, and no excessive traffic or noise. Specific occupations require additional state or county licensing, including licensed family home child care (WA DCYF), home health care providers (WA Department of Health), cottage food (WSDA), and adult family homes. The business license must be renewed annually. Any change in use, location, or scope requires a license update. Code Compliance may investigate complaints about home businesses and revoke the license if the operation violates LUC 20.30L. Some professional activities may be prohibited by restrictive covenants or HOA rules, which the city does not enforce but still apply.