New Bellevue

Middle Housing discussion

  • Spatial differences between HB 1110 and Bellevue’s proposal

    The current areas in which bonus density is being proposed for Bellevue are:

    • Within 1/4 mile of Neighborhood Centers and Regional Growth Centers
    • Within 1/4 mile radius of frequent bus service stops
    • Within 1/2 mile radius of “Major Transit” like RapidRide and East Link

    Based on the state law, the only place with bonus density would be:

    • Within 1/4 mile walking distance of Major Transit

    These are moving targets, because there will be new “Frequent” bus lines as part of the East Link Connections project. Based on the Bellevue Middle Housing LUCA draft definition of frequent bus service (“A stop that receives transit service at least four times per hour for twelve or more hours per day.”), there will be frequent service on the 220, 240, 245, 250, 270  plus Sound Transit Express 550, starting sometime this year. The maps shown by the city in the public meetings about middle housing show only the bus lines that are providing frequent service now.

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  • How soon is Middle Housing Coming to Bellevue?

    Timeline: 

    2023: HB 1110 passes the State Legislature 

    Jan-Feb 2025 Survey asking if you want more housing within 1 mile of transit, etc. 

    Feb 12th, 2025: Potential for 9 units per lot buried in Planning Commission (PC) meeting notes  

    Feb 24th, 2025: Draft with 4, 6, or 9 units across a larger swath of Bellevue is released, clarification that ADUs are allowed *in addition* to that 

    Feb-March Outreach meetings

    March 12th PC Meeting study session

    April 9th PC Meeting public hearing

    April 23rd PC extra meeting (if more time needed)

    April-May City Council will vote to approve 

    June 2025: Deadline for implementation in Bellevue

    Each Planning Commission meeting is an opportunity to be heard, though you usually have to register right at noon that day if you want a chance to speak.

    Every City Council meeting also offers the community an opportunity to be heard, whether it is related to the agenda or not, and the City Council will make the final decision about this plan.

    It is also helpful to email them if you have an opinion!

  • Middle Housing changes for Bellevue

    Bellevue may go far beyond the requirement in HB 1110 and 1337

    HB 1110 requires that Bellevue make rules to allow 4-6 units on each single family lot in Bellevue 

    HB 1337 allows each lot to have up to two ADUs (which count toward that total) 

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