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.
BCC Title 23 (Building Code) and BCC 23.05.090 govern when permits are required. A permit is required to install a new fixture or move an existing fixture that requires installing or modifying water lines, drains, or vents; to move an appliance that requires modifying gas lines, water lines, drains, vents, or electrical circuits; and for any structure attached to the house or any detached structure other than small accessory structures. Pre-fabricated freestanding grills and movable cooking islands without utility connections generally do not need a permit. Once you add a gas line, sink with drain, dedicated electrical circuit, or a roof structure (pergola, gazebo, attached cover), permits are required: building permit (for the structure if over 200 sq ft or attached), gas piping permit, plumbing permit, and electrical permit (issued through the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries under WAC 296-46B, not by the city). Setbacks follow the underlying zoning district under LUC 20.20.010. Outdoor kitchens with an overhead canopy must meet fire-separation distances in BCC 23.11. Submit through MyBuildingPermit.com.
Building an unpermitted attached cover or running gas lines without a permit is a violation of BCC 1.18 and the WA State Building Code, with civil penalties up to $500 per day, double permit fees on legalization, and possible removal orders. Unpermitted gas work can trigger Puget Sound Energy service disconnection. Electrical work without an L&I permit triggers L&I civil penalties under RCW 19.28.
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