To clarify an existing process regarding private use of public sidewalk and utilities easements, the Transportation Department seeks input on a draft Director’s Rule that clarifies required clearance above and below the sidewalk grade to ensure the public’s right of use for sidewalks, utilities, and other facilities such as street trees and street light poles is preserved.
Background
The City occasionally receives requests from developers and property owners to construct improvements above and below public sidewalks such as underground parking garages and balconies. The Transportation Department Director has authority to approve or disapprove such requests by determining whether the application conforms to the requirements of the code and adopted procedures. The Easement Director’s Rule clarifies the space within the easement area to be preserved for sidewalk, utilities, and features such as streetlights and trees.
Why a Director’s Rule?
Bellevue’s current clearance requirements for sidewalk and utilities easements is not provided in written form. The purpose of the Easement Director’s Rule is to clarify the space within the easement area to be preserved to ensure common understanding and consistent application in the administration of City code.
Comments on revised draft due Oct. 19, 2021
Comments on the revised draft rule, including Attachment C, are due Tues., Oct. 19 by 5 p.m. by emailing transportationdevrev@bellevuewa.gov.
Community engagement
Bellevue development review staff engaged developer stakeholders to receive comments on the draft Director’s Rule. An informational session was held July 7, 2021; presentation materials are posted under Background Materials (below).
Timeline
Following the informational meeting, comments will be reviewed and considered by the end of July. The final Director’s Rule is expected by late October.
Background materials
- Revised draft Director's Rule and Attachment C (Sept. 2021)
- Webinar presentation on draft Director's Rule (July 7, 2021)
- Draft Sidewalk and Utilities Easements Director’s Rule (June 2021)
- Attachment C to the draft Director's Rule (June 2021)