Somerset Community Association
Bellevue, WA
Bellevue, WA
Overview
SCA Board Nominations are Open!
Apply to join the SCA Board for a three year term starting in February 2026. For more information, visit our website, nominations can also be made from the floor at our Annual SCA Members Meeting in January 2026.
View Guidelines Survey
The SCA View Guideline Committee needs your help by completing the Somerset View Guidelines survey found here: VG Survey The survey is short and easy to complete. Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your input on this important survey regarding Somerset’s View Guidelines. We will hold an open ZOOM meeting to review the results in November. You can translate this survey into your preferred language by right clicking to the left of the survey and selecting ‘Translate to’ in the drop down menu.
Most Somerset Division CC&Rs Include a 20 ft Height Limit for Trees
While there are exceptions, mainly for grandfathered trees, most CC&Rs include a 20 ft height limit. If you live in these divisions and your trees are over 20 ft, your neighbors have a right to ask you to trim them, even if the CRC doesn’t have a role in your division. Always check with the City of Bellevue to determine if a permit will be needed for your trees, generally pruning less than 25% of the crown (green or live part) does not require a permit. Check this map to see which division you live in. The following divisions’ CC&Rs include a 20 ft height limit for trees: S (Add), 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, Highlands -1 (Add), SE-1, and SE-2
5 of the 7 Bellevue City Council Seats are on the Ballot this Year
Vote for your favorite incumbents, or for change! Make sure Somerset is well represented as our city grows. Remember to cast your vote by November 4. Get involved by attending Council meetings in person or online the first Tuesday of every month, more information can be found here: Council meeting info. September CRC Meeting, City Council Candidates Forum The Somerset Covenant Review Committee (CRC) Invites you to the September CRC Meeting open to Somerset Residents Date: Monday, September 15 Time: 6:30 PM Location: Zoom Attendance. Please make sure to register to receive the invite link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mITpV_M3SbKV9qI-3hUyyA Meeting Objectives:
Agenda: Welcome and introductions (5 minutes) Case list: Click HERE for case list Notes:
Preparation suggestions for remodel applicants and their impacted neighbors: Applicants: Share your proposal and/or anything you’d like your neighbors to know. (optional) Neighbors: How do you think this remodel would impact your property or your enjoyment of your property? (optional) Covenant Review Committee East Shore Unitarian Church is hosting a candidate forum. Join them at one of the largest candidate forums in Bellevue, and learn about the 10 candidates running for Bellevue City Council! Event details: www.tinyurl.com/2025bellevuecity  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:
REMINDER! Join the Conversation about Middle Housing with City Council and Planners at Somerset Elementary Monday June 2, 6:30 PM, Somerset Elementary Gym Learn about the city reclassifying our neighborhoods from Residential to Middle Housing The agenda includes a short SCA presentation with Q&A, City Planner Presentation with Q&A, and an Open Mic Discussion. City Planners have requested that some questions be submitted in advance. You will also have the opportunity to ask additional questions, raise concerns, and offer suggestions during the meeting as well. If they aren’t able to get all questions answered at the meeting, you can also send emails with questions or statements to the Bellevue City Council at [email protected].
To catch up on the current Middle Housing discussions, please review the video and supporting Middle Housing documents from the recent City Council LUCA meeting, as well as additional FAQs from the city. ATTN neighborhood association leads: Please share this invite with your neighborhood and email [email protected] if you plan on attending to represent your neighborhood. To help SCA prepare for your attendance, please fill out this short survey. How does “Middle Housing” affect my property and neighborhood? If you own a home in a single-family land use district (R-1 through R-7.5), once the regulations are in effect you may be able to have multiple units on your lot. This could include the addition of one or two ADUs with your primary home, or any other combination of units and structure types that works with the space you have and your needs. If you prefer to keep your property as-is that is also allowed under the new regulations. There is nothing in the bill or the anticipated code changes that would require someone to change their property. What is Middle Housing? “Middle housing” or “middle-scale housing” is a term used to refer to residential developments that are more dense than single-family housing and less dense than a typical midrise apartment building, but similar in scale to single-family homes. Middle housing types are determined by the form of the structure and the number of units within the structure and/or development. Densities included in this definition that describe units per structure include: Duplexes, Triplexes, Fourplexes, Sixplexes Building structure types included in this definition are: Townhomes, Stacked flats, Cottages, Courtyard/garden style apartments When will the new regulations go into effect? The city is required to adopt regulations consistent with HB 1110 and 1337 by June 30, 2025. What if my lot has covenants? The city does not enforce private covenants or Homeowners Association (HOA) requirements. Covenants are private legal agreements—typically recorded in county real property records—that impose restrictions on land use. Many covenants prohibit the construction of any type of dwelling unit besides a single-family dwelling, which is the primary topic of discussion we have heard regarding covenants and middle housing. These covenants are contracts, and both the Washington State Constitution and the United States Constitution limit the extent to which government can interfere with previously executed contracts. Additional Information:
ARE YOU READY FOR A 4-STORY, 4-6 FAMILY HOME NEXT DOOR TO YOU? When your neighbor sells, he/she might sell to a builder. Are you ready to defend your CC&R rights by challenging higher density housing on your street? There is something you can do about it NOW:
SCA Invites You to Attend a Middle Housing Conversation with City Council and Planners at Somerset Elementary: In Attendance: City Planners and City Councilmembers Date: Monday, June 2 Time: 6:30 PM Location: Somerset Elementary Gym Parking: On-site The Somerset Community Association (SCA) invites all Bellevue residents to this crucial meeting regarding middle housing. In 2023, HB1110 was approved with the intention of increasing housing diversity across Washington cities. All cities are tasked with implementing the state mandate. The Bellevue City Council will be voting on Bellevue’s middle housing land use code proposal by June 30th. This may be the last chance to voice your opinions and influence Bellevue's future development. City Planners and many City Councilmembers will be present to answer questions and listen to your concerns. Currently, not all Councilmembers are in agreement and five of the seven council seats are up for election this year. Your opinions/suggestions can make an impact. We encourage you to attend this meeting. “How will Bellevue’s decisions on Middle Housing affect me?”
Don't Miss Your Chance to Shape Bellevue's Future! ATTN neighborhood association leads: Please share this invite with your neighborhood and email [email protected] if you plan on attending to represent your neighborhood. Additional Information:
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