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Somerset Community Association
​Bellevue, WA

Somerset Mid-October Updates

10/25/2025

 
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Overview
  • SCA Board Nominations
  • View Guidelines Survey
  • 20 ft Tree Height Limit
  • Vote for City Council by November 4


 
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.

View Guidelines Survey

 
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.

Somerset September Updates

9/14/2025

 
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September CRC Meeting, City Council Candidates Forum

September CRC Meeting
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:
  • Give current status updates on each open case.
  • Review case materials for each case.
  • Understand the concerns of impacted neighbors and the applicants for each case.
  • Discuss next steps.

Agenda:

Welcome and introductions (5 minutes)
Case list: Click HERE for case list

Notes:
  • Voting will not be conducted at this meeting.
  • If a case needs further discussion between all parties, CRC will set up follow up meetings between stakeholders and report the status or decision at the next meeting.
  • Community members not related to the case may ask questions once all open cases have been reviewed, but their questions may not be addressed due to time constraints.

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

Support your Community! Pay SCA 2025 Dues

Bellevue City Council 2025 Candidates Forum on Sustainability
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

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Register

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

6/24/2025

 
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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

SCA x Bellevue Meeting: 4-Story 4-6 Family Home Next Door to You

5/22/2025

 
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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?”
  1. The current proposal includes middle housing allowances for taller homes (up to four stories) and increased density with four-plexes and six-plexes. This will affect views. The House Bill does not make allowances for height. Increasing height maximums is not a state requirement for middle housing. In addition, the City goal of 40% tree canopy would be affected with setback allowances.
  2. While Somerset currently has single-family and view restrictions that bar middle housing, there have been past attempts by the state legislature to override such covenants. Are you okay with the current Bellevue proposal for Somerset?
  3. If the city allows or encourages denser housing that doesn’t comply with the current view and single-family CC&R restrictions, homeowners will be burdened with enforcing those restrictions through legal means.

“Why should I attend?”
  1. Councilmembers will be attending. The more residents that show up, the more impactful this meeting will be on the City Council middle housing vote.
  2. During a recent Council study session, the Mayor discussed tailoring the middle housing land use code to avoid a blanket approach, but not all Councilmembers were in agreement on the final code. In fact, the current Staff and Planning Commission recommendation is going further than the state’s baseline. This SCA-sponsored meeting is your opportunity to advocate for our neighborhood's specific needs and concerns.

This SCA-sponsored event will bring together city leaders and residents for a vital conversation. Don't let this critical moment pass without making your voice heard.
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:
  1. In the news: Urbanist Article regarding the Bellevue City Council Middle Housing Study Session
  2. Some State Requirements:
    Middle Housing State Requirements
    ADU State Requirements
    1. Allow four housing units per lot in all residential zones
    2. Allow two bonus housing units if at least two of the units are affordable housing.
    3. Allow two bonus housing units near major transit stop
    4. Allow at least six out of the nine listed types of middle housing
    5. Allow two Accessory Dwelling units, including building new or converting a structure.
    6. Reduce parking requirements
  3. How the current City of Bellevue Proposal goes above the state requirements:
    1. Allowing Middle Housing to be taller (allowing 4 stories) and larger than what is allowed for single-family housing. The state mandate only requires that middle housing development regulations should not be more strict than those required for detached single-family residences.
    2. Allowing for all 9 types of housing, when only 6 is required.
  4. Some topics to discuss and ask questions about:
    1. State goals
    2. Bellevue Housing goals
    3. Affordability
    4. The types of housing and how they can be mixed and matched with single-family housing
    5. The location of housing and various levels of density
    6. Infrastructure
    7. HOA’s
    8. Tailored design approach for different neighborhoods
    9. Heights, setbacks, tree codes

Support your Community! Pay SCA 2025 Dues

Somerset Middle Housing Survey Results and City Planning Commission Meeting

3/11/2025

 
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Somerset Middle Housing Survey Results and City Planning Commission Meeting

Stay informed. Get involved. Learn about Somerset Impacts.
Important message, please translate: 重要信息,请翻译成您的语言

The City Planning Commission is meeting tomorrow night (3/12 at 6:30PM) to discuss the current Middle Housing draft code! If you'd like to provide input, please attend. You can also register as a speaker: Planning Commission Oral Communications | City of Bellevue. The speaker signup form is available at noon on the day of the meeting.
Meeting details: Planning Commission Meeting | City of Bellevue

Draft Code: https://bellevuewa.gov/sites/default/files/media/pdf_document/2025/dsd-02242025-middle-housing-luca-february-draft.pdf

Informational PPT: PowerPoint Presentation

Notably, the following changes are proposed to encourage middle housing and may be of importance to you:
  1. Our Land Use District will change from “Single-Family Residential” to “Suburban Residential” to allow for increased density. Water, sewer, and power lines were designed to accommodate the current population density. It is currently unclear if the city considered the effect of a significant load increase on this infrastructure.
  2. Floor Area to lot-size Ratio (FAR) changes: The new code will reduce the allowable home size for single-family properties. The new restriction will mean that some Somerset homes are already bigger than what's allowed. Of course, this doesn't mean you will have to reduce the size of your home, but it may impact what you're allowed to do in the future. Multifamily units, on the other hand, have higher allowances. ADUs are exempt from FARs allowing for additional square footage.
  3. Building height restrictions are relaxed: Views could change for those who live on the border of Somerset boundaries (e.g., Division 6, Division 8).
  4. The minimum number of parking spaces required for multi-unit structures is 1 per unit leading to increased street parking.
There is a lot of complexity in the proposed changes, so we encourage residents to attend the meetings offered by the City of Bellevue to learn more about what changes are coming and provide input on issues that concern them.

As a reminder: Somerset covenants have single-family restrictions, which Bellevue will not enforce. The SCA lacks the authority to enforce these covenants, so it is important for homeowners to take responsibility for enforcing them.
​

Somerset Survey Results are in:
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Please refer to the following two links from City of Bellevue for more information:
  • Middle Housing Code Amendments | City of Bellevue
  • Middle Housing Frequently Asked Questions | City of Bellevue
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  • Home
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  • New to Somerset?
  • Covenants
    • About Covenants
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  • Get involved!
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    • Teen Volunteers
    • Committees >
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        • Regular Meetings
        • Overview and Teams
        • Definition of a view >
          • Invitation to Participate
          • Community Definitions
    • Local Links
    • Clubs and Groups
  • FAQ
  • Join