Attend Middle Housing Final Vote Tonight! (Tuesday, June 24)

The City Council will be taking its final vote on the Middle Housing Land Use Code Amendment tonight (6PM at City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE). If you would like to provide comments and input, register to speak (Council Oral Communications | City of Bellevue) or send your comments to [email protected].

We encourage community members to stay informed as this important process concludes.

Bellevue City Council Previous Meeting: Key Takeaways from June 10th

The Bellevue City Council continued its deliberations on the Middle Housing plan, refining the proposals initially presented by the Planning Commission. Here are the key outcomes from their June 10th meeting:

• Neighborhood Covenants: Deputy Mayor Mo Malakoutian strongly emphasized the necessity of integrating neighborhood covenants into Bellevue's permitting process, a point strongly advocated by the SCA.
• Density Near Transit: The maximum "by right" density for six-unit housing near major transit stops has been adjusted. This higher density is now limited to within a quarter-mile walking distance, a reduction from the previously proposed half-mile.
• Growth Center Density: Six-unit "by right" density near Downtown, Crossroads, BelRed, Wilburton, East Main, Factoria, and Eastgate growth centers will remain within a quarter-mile walking distance.
• Building Height Adjustments:
  • Middle housing with peaked roofs will have a height limit of 32/35 feet.
  • Flat roofs will be allowed an additional two feet above the current height restrictions for Single-Family.
  • It's important to note that a potential 12-foot height bonus, permitted under the tree code, could allow some buildings to be 40 to 50 feet.
• Cottage Specifics: Cottages will be limited to 24 feet tall and a maximum of 1,500 square feet, with an additional 300 square feet permitted for storage or a garage.
• Fee-in-Lieu for Larger Units: The Council voted to implement a $150,000 fee-in-lieu for the 5th and 6th units on residential lots that are not already covered by the quarter-mile growth center/transit proximity.
• Parking Requirements: Parking requirements will remain at one spot per middle family home outside the half-mile walking distance around major transit hubs, unless state law changes in 2027.
• Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs): DADUs will be counted toward overall unit density on a property. Attached ADUs are not counted.
• Housing Type Flexibility: Six of the nine initially proposed housing types will be allowed, offering developers flexibility, particularly for larger five- and six-plexes.
  
  

Attend the June 24 City Council Meeting