The City Council is considering annexation of four small, unincorporated areas by Cougar Mountain. Identified by King County as “potential annexation areas,” which the city has agreed to annex at some point, the areas are:
- SE 60th Street potential annexation area
- SE Cougar Mountain Drive East PAA
- SE Cougar Mountain Drive West PAA
- Cougar Mountain West PAA
Together the areas comprise 52 acres and 27 parcels. They are known collectively as the Cougar Mountain potential annexation area (map).
On Feb. 19, 2025, two property owners in the area filed a notice of intent to petition for annexation. On April 1, the City Council accepted the notice, allowing the annexation to advance to the petition stage. The council has not yet determined whether the city intends to annex the area.
If you are a property owner in the Cougar Mountain potential annexation area, you will be able to sign the petition for annexation. You can find out if your property is included by consulting the Cougar Mountain annexation area map. If you do not want your property to be annexed by the city, then you do not need to do anything.
If you would like to comment on the annexation or if you have questions, please email Zack Luckin at zluckin@bellevuewa.gov.
Process and Timeline
April 1, 2025: City Council accepts notice of intent from property owners
Feb. 19, 2025: Two property owners in the annexation area file notice of intent to petition for annexation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the next steps in the annexation process?
Answer: A petition will be sent to all affected property owners to sign.
Question: What would trigger a formal review or vote by the City Council?
Answer: If a 60% petition threshold is met.
Question: Is there a projected timeline or schedule for decisions or community input?
Answer: The schedule is dependent on the results of the petition, but a timeline will be posted on the city’s website soon. It is approximately 12 to 18 months for the full process to be completed. Public comments may be sent to us at any time.
Question: Will the zoning change for my property if the annexation process moves forward?
Answer: Staff recommended that Bellevue maintain an equivalent zoning for the property (The equivalent zoning for most parcels is LL-1. The equivalent zoning for the parcel on Southeast 60th Street is SR-4), but the council may choose to change the zoning at the time of annexation.
Impacts on Current Property Use
Question: Would annexation affect how I currently use or maintain my property?
Answer: Your property would be subject to Bellevue’s city code (including the city’s land use and transportation development codes) instead of King County code. Nonconforming sites, structures and uses could remain, consistent with city code regulating nonconformities. However, when future development or redevelopment occurs, nonconforming sites, structures and uses would be addressed in connection with the city’s project-level permit review.
Question: Would property owners required to make any changes to comply with Bellevue codes or standards?
Answer: No, unless a property owner decides to develop or redevelop their property. The city’s development regulations regarding nonconforming sites, structures and uses would apply to such projects.
Taxes and Fees
Question: How would our property taxes or utility rates change if annexation were to occur?
Answer:
- Property taxes vary between parcels and are calculated and collected by King County. Please reach out to the King County Assessor’s office (assessor.info@kingcounty.gov) to understand the tax implications for your parcel.
- If you are already connected to Bellevue water, there will be no change. Electricity service is provided by Puget Sound Energy, and they set their own rates.
- This area is not currently served by sewer. Extension of sewer and subsequent rates would be calculated at the time of permit application.
Question: Are there any one-time or ongoing fees related to annexation?
Answer: No
Question: What is the fee to connect my property to city water and sewer?
Answer: Fees vary. Please see the 2025 Fee Schedule for Utility Permits
City Services and Infrastructure
Question: What new or additional services (e.g., fire, police, water/sewer, road maintenance) would be provided by the city?
Answer:
- The City of Bellevue would maintain public streets in the newly annexed area per the standard operation and maintenance procedures. Please refer to Street Maintenance for more information.
- If developed or redeveloped, the property owner would be required to meet the standards for urban streets (e.g., improvements like sidewalks). The extent of the required improvements depends on the type of development and the city’s project-level review. The city would then be responsible for maintaining the public streets.
- Water and sewer connection (not required to connect unless there is some sort of new development or redevelopment on the property).
- Part of our analysis will look into any other impacts to fire and police service and that will be posted on the website.
Question: Would there be any infrastructure upgrades or changes to my property or street as a result?
Answer: Upgrades would be identified and occur in connection with development or redevelopment.
Question: Would I be required to connect to Bellevue water and sewer once my property is annexed.
Answer: Not unless new development or redevelopment occurs on the property.