Bellevue, WA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit
- Right-of-Way Use Permit, BCC Chapter 14.30
- Issuing office
- Transportation department permit center
- Apply
- 30+ days before planned use
- Violation
- Civil penalty under Ch. 1.18 or misdemeanor
- Appeal
- Written request to director, 10-day decision
Summary
Anyone making private use of a Bellevue public right-of-way, from a dumpster on the street to a fence or structure encroaching onto public property, needs a right-of-way use permit first under BCC 14.30.070. The transportation department issues four permit types and can require additional permits under other city codes per BCC 14.30.075.
A. It is unlawful for anyone to make private use of any public right-of-way without first having obtained a right‑of‑way use permit issued by the city or to use any right-of-way without complying with all the provisions of such right-of-way use permit issued by the city; provided, that a right-of-way use permit shall not be required for any use or activity subject to and requiring a permit pursuant to the city's special events policy permit process.
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
050(R) to include streets, sidewalks, walkways and bikeways, without first obtaining a right-of-way use permit, or to use the right-of-way without complying with the permit's conditions. The requirement does not apply to activities already covered by the city's special events policy permit process. 075 adds that other city codes can layer on additional permit requirements, and issuing one permit never waives the city's own right to use the right-of-way. 060, who can interpret the rules and adjust fees to the scope of work. 080 sorts uses into four types: Type A short-term nonprofit uses of 24 hours or less, Type B short-term for-profit uses of 72 hours or less, Type C uses that physically disturb the right-of-way surface such as curb cuts, boring or sidewalk work, and Type D long-term or permanent uses such as bus shelters, awnings, benches, kiosks and signs.
100. The director reviews for compliance and for whether the use will unduly interfere with the public's rights and safety before approving conditions. 240, who must decide within 10 days.
Violations & Fines
Violating any right-of-way use code provision, including using the right-of-way without a permit, is a civil violation under Chapter 1.18 BCC carrying a monetary penalty and possible abatement order, per BCC 14.30.260(B). The city can also prosecute the same conduct as a misdemeanor under BCC 14.30.260(C), in addition to or instead of the civil penalty, and BCC 14.30.210 lets the city remove obstructions or hazards from the right-of-way and bill the responsible party for the cost of removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a city permit to put a fence, dumpster or scaffolding in the Bellevue right-of-way?
How far ahead do I need to apply for a Bellevue right-of-way permit?
What happens if the transportation department denies my right-of-way permit application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellevue
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Encroachment Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle encroachment permits.