Middle housing can come in many different forms, and the land use code defines what is under the middle housing scope. The type and number of required construction permits varies depending on the scope of the middle housing project. This guide is intended to provide some direction on the required permits for small residential projects based on their scope. Please note that in January 2026, there will be a new permit type for middle housing.
The City of Bellevue has adopted middle housing land use code updates to comply with House Bills (HB) 1110 and 1337, which require cities to allow more diverse and denser housing types in residential areas.
What is the correct permit type?
One building permit is required for each building
Each independent building is required to have its own building permit. The type of permit will depend on the number of units in the structure and the total number of units on the property. The building permits can be a “one- and two-family residence” (BS) permit, or a “multifamily structure” (BB) permit. The new middle housing permit type for middle housing will be for single structures containing three to six dwelling units.
A separate site review permit may be required
Where the project includes multiple buildings that each contain dwelling units, a separate site permit is required so that the project site can be reviewed as a whole. This is a Clearing and Grading (GD) permit and the plans and documents uploaded to the GD and to the building permits should be coordinated. In addition, until the new middle housing permit type is active, any structure requiring a “multi-family structure” (BB) permit will require a separate GD permit.
Structures with up to two dwelling units
Where a building contains one or two dwelling units, the required building permit type is a “one- and two-family residence” (BS) permit. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) permitted in the Land Use code are treated as regular dwelling units for determining permitting. This includes the following: a single-family home, duplex, single-family home with an attached ADU, a detached ADU and a single-family housing unit.
Structures with more than two dwelling units
Where a building contains more than two dwelling units, the required building permit type is a “multifamily structure” (BB) permit. When a BB permit is required, a separate GD permit is also required. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) permitted in the Land Use code are treated as regular dwelling units for determining permitting. Starting in January 2026, structures with three to six dwelling units will be under a new permit type.
To support implementation, the Development Services Department has established interim permitting requirements for middle housing projects to account for the range of allowed housing types. A new permit type specific to middle housing is currently being developed and will be introduced in a future phase of implementation.
Interim middle housing permitting
For applicants submitting middle housing permit applications after June 30, 2025, the Development Services Department has implemented the following permitting updates:
- Single structure with 1-2 new dwelling units
- One BS permit will be required for the development
- Multiple structures with 1-2 new dwelling units (in each structure)
- One BS permit will be required for each structure
- A GD permit (Commercial Clearing and Grading permit) will also be required to document site work and compliance with the land use, fire and transportation codes.
- A single structure with more than two (2) new dwelling units
- A Commercial Building Permit (Medium Commercial Project (BM) and Major Commercial Project (BB) and a GD permit will be required.
For more information on the different permits, submittal requirements, timelines, fees and middle housing code information please review the following information.