Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Building Department
Last Update: 23 February 2010
The permit process is the means by which a property owner demonstrates that any construction proposed for their property complies with the local ordinances and state and Federal laws in effect at the time the permit application is filed with the Town. Most construction projects require a permit of some type, so it is important that owners contact the Town's Building Department before beginning any construction work, as any owner who starts a project without the needed permits will be charged a penalty in addition to the normal permit fees.
The Beaux Arts Building Department has compiled a Permit Packet that explains how to obtain a permit, contains the forms to be completed, and describes the plans, drawings, and fees that must be submitted to the Town for review before the permit can be issued. The packet also includes copies of the ordinances governing the work to be performed. These ordinances explain the Town's Zoning rules, building standards, and schedule of inspections. The packet may be obtained at no charge (other than to cover the cost of postage) by contacting the Building Department by phone at 425.269.6985 or by email at bldgdept@beauxarts-wa.gov.
Most of the forms contained in the packet can also be viewed by clicking on one of the following links. For each type of permit, you will probably need a copy of each of the forms listed. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these forms.
| Building Permit forms | Application for Plan Review and Permit |
| Building Permit Application Instructions | |
| Building Permit Checklist | |
| Grading/Drainage Permit Checklist | |
| Mechanical Permit forms | Application for Plan Review and/or Mechanical Permit |
| Mechanical Permit Application Instructions | |
| Demolition Permit forms | Application for Demolition Permit |
| Demolition Permit Application Instructions | |
| Application to Disconnect Sewer - City of Bellevue | |
| Asbestos Survey Information - Puget Sound Clean Air Agency | |
| Tree Removal Permit forms | Application for Tree Removal Permit (coming soon) |
| Tree Removal Permit Application Instructions | |
| Variance forms | Application for Variance (includes checklist) |
| Variance Application Instructions | |
| Variance FAQs |
The ordinances contained in the packet can also be viewed by clicking on one of the following links:
Two other ordinances that may impact construction are related to stormwater regulations and can be viewed by clicking on one of the following links:
 | Ordinance 248 adopts the Washington State Department of Ecology's Stormwater Management Manual for the Puget Sound Basin and creates minimum requirements for Stormwater Maintenance. |
| Ordinance 334 adopts the Washington State Dept of Ecology's Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington, which replaces the manual adopted in Ordinance 248. |
You may also wish to review the Town's Fee Resolution No. 257, which sets the fees for various services and permits with the Town of Beaux Arts Village. Other ordinances that may pertain to specialized projects can be found on the Key Ordinances page or by contacting the Building Department at bldgdept@beauxarts-wa.gov.
Property owners must also comply with state and Federal regulations that affect their proposed project and/or property. Because Beaux Arts has at least one pair of nesting bald eagles, which are listed as an Endangered Species, many building projects will be subject to Federal and state rules that protect the eagles' habitat. Click here to review a summary of these regulations. To view a map depicting the nest locations overlaid with 400- and 800-foot circles, click here.
The Town contracts with Kolke Consulting Group for building-official, inspection, engineering, and code-enforcement services. Staff at KCG review permit applications for completeness and compliance with applicable building codes, perform periodic inspections during construction, and complete the final inspection needed for a Certificate of Occupancy. Staff at KCG also enforce the Town's Building and Zoning Codes when a violation is observed and on a complaint basis. Please contact Deputy Clerk Angela Kulp at bldgdept@beauxarts-wa.gov or 425.269.6985 for a first referral to KCG.
The Town contracts with Mona Green for planning services. Ms. Green reviews permit applications for compliance with the Town's zoning code, prepares staff reports analyzing requests for variance, and assists the Town Council and Planning Commission with general planning issues. Please contact Deputy Clerk Angela Kulp at bldgdept@beauxarts-wa.gov or 425.269.6985 for a referral to Ms. Green.
The Town contracts with Tina Cohen for arborist services. Ms. Cohen reviews permit applications for compliance with the Town's tree code and assists the Town Council and Planning Commission with issues involving tree protection and preservation. Please contact Deputy Clerk Angela Kulp at bldgdept@beauxarts-wa.gov or 425.269.6985 for a referral to Ms. Cohen.
Property owners making physical improvements to a detached single family dwelling can exempt the value of that improvement from their property-tax assessment by applying for a Home Improvement exemption through the King County Department of Assessments. Some conditions apply. Click here for more information (scroll down to the section titled "Home Improvement") and a link to the needed form on the King County Assessor's website.