Critical Areas Update

For the first time in more than 15 years, Bellevue took a serious look at its policies and regulations to protect streams, wetlands, shorelines and steep slopes.  Begun in late 2001, Bellevue’s critical areas update process was a deliberate one to ensure that the city’s response to the Growth Management Act also fit with long-standing Bellevue principles.  This involved many Citizens Advisory Committee meetings, Planning Commission meetings, open houses and public hearings—and many citizens’ comments.

On June 26, 2006, the City Council adopted the proposed critical areas ordinances.  The Land Use Code amendments were effective Aug. 1.

Full Text of Adopted Land Use Amendments   

• General Land Use Code (Ordinance 5683) 
• Critical Areas Ordinance (Ordinance 5680) 
• Shorelines Ordinance (Ordinance 5681) 
• Subdivisions and Planned Unit Developments (Ordinance 5682)