Bainbridge Island permit guide
Do you need a permit for a garage or shop 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 exempts a one-story detached accessory structure used as a tool or storage shed, playhouse or similar use only when the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. A garage or shop larger than that is outside the exemption, and the City says "Permits are required for most construction activities on Bainbridge Island." The City's lists do not name a garage or a shop. Source [1]Source [2]Source [3]
The rule, quoted
From the "Work Exempt from Permitting" bulletin, IRC R105, "Permits shall not be required for the following":
One-story detached accessory structures provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet.
From the "When Do I Need a Building Permit?" handout, residential list:
One story detached accessory structure used as a tool or storage shed, playhouse or similar use provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet
From the Building Division page:
Permits are required for most construction activities on Bainbridge Island.
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]
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 Building Division says "The Department of Labor and Industries is responsible for electrical permits." Source [3]
- "Projects within a critical area or shoreline designation typically require additional land use permits from the Planning Division." 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.