Paid on-street parking is anticipated to begin in parts of Bellevue's urban core in spring 2027. The city will share more information about locations, rates and how to pay before the program launches. Questions? Contact the project team at curbmanagement@bellevuewa.gov.
The City of Bellevue is developing a paid parking program to help manage curbside demands in the urban areas of the city. The program builds on the Council-adopted Curb Management Plan and the recommendations in the Curb Pricing Study. In April 2026, City Council directed staff to proceed with developing the program. Paid on-street parking is anticipated to launch in spring 2027.
How to Stay Informed
Community members will have numerous opportunities to provide feedback on the proposed program and reinvestment concepts before paid parking launches in mid-2027. Engagement opportunities will be published later in 2026.
Timeline
- December 2025: City Council reviewed the Curb Pricing Implementation Strategy and directed staff to prepare code amendments to allow paid on-street parking.
- April 2026: City Council reviewed draft city code language and directed staff to proceed with developing the program.
- May 2026: City Council adopted Ordinance 6918, establishing the framework for a paid parking program and defining the Curb Pricing Zone.
- Late 2026 – Early 2027: Staff select payment vendors, design signage and pay stations, and prepare for launch.
- Spring 2027: Public notification and outreach before launch.
- Mid-2027: Paid on-street parking anticipated to begin.
Frequently asked questions
Why paid parking?
On-street parking in Bellevue's urban core is in high demand. Curb data collected for the Curb Pricing Study showed that on-street parking areas in Downtown, Old Bellevue and the Spring District were over capacity during many times of the day, with many blocks completely full. This causes safety and congestion issues on the city’s busiest roadways.
The goal of Bellevue's program is to keep about one or two open parking spaces on every block, making it easier to reach shops, restaurants and other businesses that rely on street parking for their customers.
Where will paid parking be located?
City Council adopted an ordinance defining the Curb Pricing Zone. This covers Bellevue's urban core neighborhoods of Downtown, BelRed, Wilburton and East Main. Paid parking can only be implemented within this zone. At launch, paid parking will apply to select streets within the zone. The city will update the map as paid parking areas are added, modified or removed over time.
How much will parking cost?
Rates at launch are anticipated to range between $2 and $4 per hour. Rates are subject to adjustment based on overall demand.
City Council set an allowable range of $1 to $8 per hour in Ordinance 6918. Within that range, the Director of Transportation sets specific rates, which may vary by time of day, day of the week and type of curb use. Rates may be raised or lowered up to twice per year, based on measured parking occupancy and curb use data. The city will post any rate changes on this webpage before they take effect.
How will I pay?
People will be able to pay at on-street pay stations or through a mobile payment app. Information on pay stations and mobile apps will show the rate, time limits, and days and hours when payment is required. Permanent signage will indicate where paid parking is required. Details on payment options will be shared closer to launch.
How will the program be evaluated?
The paid parking program will include regular data collection efforts that will inform adjustments to the program over time. Key measures will include parking occupancy, turnover and curbside activity. The city will also gather input from local businesses and the community to understand how the program is working.
This performance-based approach means prices respond to demand. If a block is regularly full, rates may experience a nominal increase. If a block has plenty of open spaces, rates may decrease.
How will revenue be used?
Revenue from paid parking will first cover the costs of managing the program, including infrastructure maintenance, enforcement, and data collection. Remaining revenue will be reinvested within the Curb Pricing Zone to support activities such as parking studies, traffic safety improvements, street activation, initiatives identified in the Curb Management Plan, and access to transit and microtransit services. Use of paid parking revenue is established in Bellevue City Code.
How will paid parking improve my parking experience?
Circling for parking or curb access is a frustrating experience that contributes to safety, congestion and environmental issues. Pricing helps increase curb access, so it is easier to find one or two open parking spaces on a block at any given time. Space for delivery drivers will also be more readily available, reducing double parking that blocks travel lanes and bike lanes.
Will parking be paid everywhere in Bellevue?
No. Paid parking can only be implemented within the Curb Pricing Zone, which includes Bellevue’s urban core neighborhoods of Downtown, BelRed, Wilburton and East Main. At launch, it will apply to select streets within that zone.
Will the city notify businesses and residents before paid parking begins?
Yes. Before establishing paid parking in an area, the city will notify adjacent property owners, residents and businesses. Public outreach is planned for early 2027, ahead of launch.
How will paid parking be enforced?
The program will include enhanced parking enforcement. Vehicles that park without payment or stay beyond posted time limits will receive a citation.
Materials:
- Ordinance 6918: Amendments to Bellevue City Code Chapters 11.23 and 11.80 establishing a paid on-street parking program (May 2026)
- City Council (April 28, 2026): Agenda item | Meeting minutes
- Final Bellevue Curb Pricing Implementation Strategy (November 2025)
- Curb Pricing Study project page
Contact
Curb Management Project Team curbmanagement@bellevuewa.gov