City of Bellevue Development Services Department - Bellevue, Washington

David Federman

Absolutely abysmal. I've been stuck in permitting for well over 2 years now just trying to build my home. The department is totally incompetent and cannot do anything in a timely manner at all. They do not return phone calls or emails and are conveniently on vacation every time I go in person to meet with them. The land use department head Elizabeth Stead blamed "staffing issues" which is a clear admission of failing at her own job. One of her employees went of parental leave and I was told that there would be no one looking at my permit for his entire leave and so I was just expected to foot the bill on my holding costs because I was unlucky enough to get a reviewer who was on leave. The department needs to be completely removed and started from scratch with real problem solvers and people who actually care about helping taxpayers develop responsibly.

John H

My experience with Bellevue Development services was EXTRAORDINARY! We live on Bellevue Way so loud noise is commonplace, but the other few evenings due to a demolition project during all hours of the night, we called the second morning to complain. Their response, communication and follow-up was incredible. Robin Zambrowsky was wonderful, professional, took it seriously and led the effort that resolved the problem which was no easy feat. Robin and her Team of Toni, Lisa and Eric were AMAZING! I was very impressed!

Ken Nguyen

I called meany times to several Bellevue Building Permit Departments. No one returned my phone call. I left a message to the manager in charge of the whole program. She was on vacation. After the vacation, there no reply either. I tried to email to every department, but same thing happened. The owner of the project saw all the emails copies, finally the owner showed up in person at the counter to get the answer. The whole Building Permit Department should shape up to deserve a well paying job from tax payers.

Everyone from Building Permit Department is worried about their job security therefore they continue resisting the paperless online submission, which creates a major road block for the paperless online submission. You can not complaint much because no one is working to answer your phone call.

Sewer Friendly

Bellevue is the worst city in Washington to pull a permit ask a question or just plan visit. I deal with cities all over the Seattle, Shoreline, Kirkland, Renton, Issaquah, Edmonds, Lynnwood, ETC and not one of the Planning and Development offices are as slow or rude. They have mastered passing the buck and no answering the phone. Please work on the response time your customers and are would appreciate it.

Manuela Freitag

One of the most bureaucratic Bldg Departments I have dealt with. The official laws, rules and regulations are not enough, they invent more "rules" to satisfy their egos. Don't expect anything to go smooth or fast. A brick wall is more service oriented.

yfu76

I submitted an online request for permission, and was told to wait for a call back - of cause there is none; then I called them and was told to wait for a call back - and of cause there is none either - I am wondering what can make them to do their job.

Zhen Wang

steven simmons