Bremerton permit guide
Building an ADU in Bremerton: what the permit rules say
Quoted from Bremerton's own pages, with the date we read them: October 13, 2026.
Short answer
Permit required
The City of Bremerton says "Permit applications must be submitted through the City’s online Permit Portal. A site plan with dimensions is required at the time of application." Each property can have a single family home and two ADUs, each up to 1,000 square feet or 60 percent of the principal unit's habitable floor area, whichever is greater. Since June 16, 2025, no parking is required for an ADU. Source [1]
The rule, quoted
From the City's Accessory Dwelling Units page:
Permit applications must be submitted through the City’s online Permit Portal. A site plan with dimensions is required at the time of application.
An ADU is limited to one thousand (1,000) square feet or not more than sixty (60) percent of the principal unit’s total habitable floor area, whichever is greater.
Each property can have a one (1) single family home and two (2) ADUs, for a maximum total of three (3) dwelling units. These ADUs can be either detached or attached to the single family home.
No, owner occupancy is not required.
Per code amendments that took effect June 16, 2025, no parking is required to add ADUs to your property. Parking that is added electively is required to meet development standards per BMC 20.48.060.
An ADU can be as close as 3 feet from the side property lines, as long as the wall closest to the property line is built according to fire separation standards.
What to submit
- "A site plan with dimensions is required at the time of application." Source [1]
- Applications go through the City's online Permit Portal. Source [1] The Online Permitting page says "The DCD Online Center provides public access to apply for a permit, check the current status of applications, and request inspections." Source [2] The Permit Guide page adds "When ready to apply, please visit the DCD Online Center." Source [3]
Worth knowing
- The City's six pre-approved ADU plans "can be used free of charge for ADU construction within city limits." Source [1]
- "An ADU may be permitted anywhere a new or existing single-family dwelling unit is allowed. ADUs are exempt from the density requirements of the underlying zone." Source [1]
- An ADU "can be placed directly on the rear property line, if it abuts an alley." Source [1]
- The City's ADU page points questions on Zoning Code, Building Code or Fire Code standards for ADUs to the Department of Community Development at dcdpermits@ci.bremerton.wa.us or 360-473-5275. Source [1]
- The City's page cites Ordinance No. 5410 and Ordinance No. 5416 as the Zoning Code changes that made ADUs easier to establish. Source [1]
Sources
Where this comes from
Compiled from Bremerton'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.