• Code Amendments

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    This page provides information about proposed and adopted code amendments related to Development Services. Visit our Codes and Guidelines page for complete information on our city code, ordinances and resolutions.

    For other development-related information, visit:

    Proposed Amendments

    A unit lot subdivision Land Use Code Amendment (LUCA) is underway to establish provisions for unit lot subdivisions within land use districts where multifamily development is currently allowed. A unit lot subdivision is a land division that creates fee-simple ownership of attached multifamily units such as townhomes.

    Learn more about the Unit Lot Subdivision LUCA.

    An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Land Use Code Amendment is underway to remove the three-year period for new single-family construction that a property owner must wait before an ADU may be built.

    Learn more about the Accessory Dwelling Unit Three-Year Rule Removal.

    We will be developing permanent regulations for reduced minimum residential parking near frequent transit that are consistent with the city’s Affordable Housing Strategy and recent State legislation. Staff will begin reviewing options for minimum residential parking standards and evaluating possible alternatives.

    Learn more about the Reduced Minimum Residential Parking Standards.

    We are working to integrate the East Link light rail station with the surrounding neighborhoods. With help from a resident advisory group, we developed a plan approved by the City Council in August, 2016, for the area around Sound Transit's station, which is now under construction at the intersection of Main Street and 112th Avenue.

    Learn more about the East Main Transit-Oriented District.

    Recent Amendments

    Below are summaries of recently adopted code amendments and links to the adopted ordinances, beginning with the most recent.

    The State of Washington mandates that the 2018 International Building Codes and Fire Codes be enforced as of February 1, 2021. Customers who submit complete permit applications prior to February 1, 2021, will have their project vested under the current 2015 code requirements. Permit applications submitted on or after that date will need to comply with the 2018 codes. 

    Bellevue's floodplain development regulations in the Land Use Code (LUC) have been updated to conform to current federal and state standards. The code changes were driven by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which published updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Insurance Studies (FISs).

    Go to our Floodplain Regulations Update page for more information.

    Code Amendments Archive

    Bellevue's critical areas ordinance has been updated to meet state Growth Management Act requirements. The amendments are narrow in scope, addressing changes in agency guidance or best available science, and are supported by the critical areas technical reports.

    Go to our Critical Areas Ordinance Update page for more information.

    On July 23, 2018, the Department of Ecology approved the City of Bellevue’s Shoreline Master Program comprehensive update.The updated Shoreline Master Program took effect August 6, 2018.

    Visit our Shoreline Master Program Update page for more information.

    On Oct. 16, 2017, the City Council adopted the Downtown Livability update and Downtown Livability legislative rezone, capping a four-year effort.

    ORDINANCE NO. 6377 amending the Bellevue Land Use Code, Title 20 of the Bellevue City Code, to advance the Downtown Livability Initiative; repealing Part 20.25A LUC; adding a new Part 20.25A LUC to add new Downtown definitions, departures and tower requirements; and amending Downtown provisions regarding non-conformities, dimensions, the amenity incentive system, development standards and design guidelines.

    ORDINANCE NO. 6378 amending the Bellevue Downtown Subarea and Ordinance Nos. 3013, 3014B, 3015B, 3016A, 3017, 3018, 3019 and 3020 for consistency with revisions to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, renaming certain districts in Downtown Bellevue, and revising the boundaries of certain districts in Downtown Bellevue for consistency with the revised Downtown Boundary; adding perimeter overlays and establishing an effective date.

    Ordinance No. 6378 adopts a new land use map.

    Learn more about the Downtown Livability Initiative.

    Extension of Interim Official Control regarding the permit process required to establish a homeless shelter, and identifying the Land Use Districts where a homeless shelter may be permitted.

    For more information:

    Following the December 4, 2017 public hearing, City Council passed Ordinance No. 6390 approving the proposed on-street parking land use code amendment, which reconciles conflicts between the on-street parking requirements in LUC 20.25D.140.E and the transportation Capital Investment Program project designs for NE Spring Boulevard.

    ORDINANCE NO. 6376 amending the Bellevue Land Use Code, Title 20 of the Bellevue City Code, to impose a prohibition on community health engagement locations, safe injection sites, and other uses or activities designed to provide a location for individuals to consume illicit drugs intravenously or by other means; adding Section 20.10.410 LUC to prohibit safe injection sites citywide; providing for severability; and establishing an effective date.