Commercial Permit Info & Forms

City facilities, including City Hall, Municipal Court, and the Police Station, will remain closed to the public through at least April 8 pursuant to Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order. 

Gov. Jay Inslee announced new measures March 25 to combat COVID-19 and released additional guidance for construction in his ’Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order. Under the Governor’s order, “construction is not considered to be an essential activity.” As a result, all construction – residential and commercial – is not authorized while the order is in place and is subject to limited exceptions. Please see the Building Department Update for more information about what activities can occur under the order and how it is impacting other essential facilities such as parks and schools on the City’s COVID page.

The City has implemented changes to its processes to allow residents to access as many City services as possible through electronic submittals, email and phone.

The Planning and Community Development Department can be reached by phone at 206-780-3750 (general line) or 206-780-3770 (planner of the day).

Appointments for submitting building and land use permits are no longer required. All building and land use permits should be submitted at pcd@bainbridgewa.gov. Additionally, planners and inspectors can continue to be reached by email and phone (see staff directory).

Emergency building inspections can be scheduled by calling 206-780-3789.

The Building Department requests all permit application documents also be submitted electronically via thumb drive.

EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2018: 
Appointments may be scheduled for building permits. Scheduled submittal appointments will take priority over walk-in submittals. 

Walk-in building permit submittals are still accepted.  

Commercial Permit Process

Many commercial projects often involve land use permitting processes. As many of these can be complex, a pre-application is typically required for commercial development. Please contact a planner at 206-780-5270 to schedule your appointment.

In order to help our customers with the permitting process, the Building Division has created checklists and informational forms and brochures which clearly explain the requirements to apply for a permit.

If you are proposing to do only mechanical or plumbing work, complete the appropriate application below:

• B105 - Mechanical Application (PDF)
• B106 - Plumbing Application (PDF)

If you still have questions please call us at 206-780-3796.

New Commercial Structure

A Building Permit Application (PDF) is required to allow the construction of a new commercial structure. Look over the New Commercial Structure Checklist (PDF) in order to assist you in preparing and submitting a completed application.

Tenant Improvement

Tenant improvement projects are interior renovations to an existing commercial structure. They may also require separate permits for Fire Code Compliance. Before the Building Permit Application (PDF) is sent, take a moment to review the Commercial Tenant Improvement Checklist (PDF).

Related Permits

• B204 - Deck (PDF)
• B205 - Demolition (PDF)
• B206 - Dock (PDF)
• B207 - Reroof (PDF)
• B208 - Generator / heat pump / liquefied petroleum gas(LPG) tank (PDF)
• B211 - Solar Energy Systems (PDF)
• B213 - Grading (PDF)
• B214 - Tank abandonment / Decommission (PDF)

Related Forms & Brochures

• B006 - Commercial Construction Plan Requirements (PDF)
• B007 - Retaining Walls (PDF)
• B011 - Commercial Tenant Improvement Permit Guidelines (PDF)
• B013 - Road Approach Requirements (PDF)
• B014 - ADA Compliance: Common Provisions for Small Businesses (PDF)
• B104 - Address Request Form (PDF)
• B107 - Revise Approved Set of Plans (PDF)
• B108 - Expedited Review Process (PDF)
• B111 - Petition for Road Name (PDF)
• B112 - Authorization for 3rd Party Review (Geotech) (PDF)
• B113 - Code Compliance Request (PDF)
• B115 - Information Received for Permit Under Review (PDF)

For questions regarding specific requirements please contact the Building Division at 206-780-3750.