Bainbridge Island permit guide
Do you need a permit for a deck on Bainbridge Island?
Quoted from Bainbridge Island's own pages, with the date we read them: October 13, 2026.
Short answer
Depends on the project
The City of Bainbridge Island's "Work Exempt from Permitting" bulletin exempts a deck that does not exceed 200 sq ft in area, is not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, is not attached to a dwelling, and does not serve an exit door required by the International Residential Code (IRC). A deck outside those limits is not on the exempt list. Source [1]Source [2]
The rule, quoted
From the bulletin's list of work exempt under IRC R105, "Permits shall not be required for the following":
Decks not exceeding 200 sq ft in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve an exit door required by the IRC.
From the "When Do I Need a Building Permit?" handout:
All development within 200’ of ordinary high water requires the submittal of a Shoreline Substantial Development Exemption prior to the submission of a building permit.
What to submit
The Permitting page says a complete application "will include" the Assessor's Tax Parcel Number, owner information, the project site address, contractor information, and submittals "including Site Plan, Plan Sets, and other required information." Source [4] The Building Division also links a Building Permit Guidelines PDF. Source [3]
Worth knowing
- The Building Division says that even where a building permit is not required, "the project must conform to building code requirements, zoning setbacks, critical areas, and other applicable regulations." Source [3]
- The bulletin's closing note: "All Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction." Source [1]
- The Building Division says "The Department of Labor and Industries is responsible for electrical permits." Source [3]
Sources
Where this comes from
Compiled from Bainbridge Island's published rules; last checked
JKM pulls the permit as part of the job
Call Ian Laughlin at (206) 226-1988, or send the address and the scope. We find the right office and take it from there.