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

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
      
      

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