The city encourages the development of affordable housing and offers incentives for development of affordable units in Bellevue. Below is an overview of available programs, including code citations and how to apply. For more detailed information on certain incentive programs, refer to the multifamily tax exemption information sheet.
Non-Regulatory Programs
Multifamily Housing Property Tax Exemption: Voluntary limited 12-year property tax exemption for new multi-family rental housing in exchange for affordability. See BCC 4.52. To apply, contact ARCH at ttedwards@bellevue wa.gov.
Transportation Impact Fee Exemption: Transportation impact fee exemption for projections exclusively for affordable housing. See BCC 22.16. To apply, contact the city’s land use review staff at 425-452-4188 or landusereview@bellevuewa.gov.
Affordable Housing Fee Reduction Program: Permit review and inspection fee reduction for exclusively affordable housing. See Ordinance 6747. Application includes an Affordable Housing Commitment Agreement. To apply, contact the city’s land use review staff at 425-452-4188 or landusereview@bellevuewa.gov.
Regulatory Programs
Reduced Parking Minimums for Affordable Housing: Incentives for reduced parking exist throughout the land use code. Reduced parking incentives for affordable housing include general reductions and reductions near transit. To apply, contact the city’s land use review staff at 425-452-4188 or landusereview@bellevuewa.gov.
Citywide Density or FAR Bonus: Voluntary inclusionary program offering up to 15% density or FAR bonus in exchange for 15% of units as affordable housing. See BCC 20.20.128. To apply, contact the city’s land use review staff at 425-452-4188 or landusereview@bellevuewa.gov.
“C-1” Faith Based Property Density Bonus: Increased capacity on certain faith-owned properties for projects that are exclusively affordable housing. See BCC 20.20.128. For more information, contact Sabrina Velarde at svelarde@bellevuewa.gov.
Location-Specific Density Bonuses: Various location-based density bonus programs, with varying standards by location and zone. See code references below. To apply, contact the city’s land use review staff at 425-452-4188 or landusereview@bellevuewa.gov.
- BelRed FAR Amenity Incentive System. See BCC.20.25D.090.C
- Downtown Amenity Incentive System and Floor Area Ratio. See BCC 20.25A.070.C
- Eastgate Mixed Use Districts Floor Area Ratio. See BCC 20.25P.060.B.2.a
- Neighborhood Mixed Use District Floor Area Ratio. See BCC 20.20.010, note 49
- East Main Transit Oriented District. See BCC.20.25Q.070.D
General administrative procedures for the City’s incentive programs are overviewed below. For more information on compliance and monitoring, contact ARCH at ttedwards@bellevue wa.gov.
Topic | MFTE | Land Use Incentives |
|---|---|---|
| Income-based rents | 80% AMI* baseline | 80% AMI |
*For affordable units eligible for incentives under both programs, the income eligibility decreases by 15% AMI (typically to 65%). | ||
| Duration of Affordability | 12 years | Life of project |
| Rent Stabilization | Tied to AMI, but 3% maximum annual rent increase. | Tied to AMI (no maximum annual increase) |
| Tenant Parking Discount | 30% discount for affordable tenants (except in Downtown) | 30% discount for affordable tenants (except in Downtown) |
| Annual Reporting |
| |