Published October 26 2023
Plus, affordable housing construction ordinance extended and updates to wireless facilities code
On Monday, the City Council voted unanimously to appoint Diane Carlson as acting city manager, effective Dec. 1. Brad Miyake, city manager since 2013, is retiring.
Carlson was director of intergovernmental relations at Bellevue from 2000 to 2011. She returned to the city in 2022 to serve as deputy city manager. Carlson has considerable experience in public administration and government relations, and is a long-time Bellevue resident.
Ordinance supporting affordable housing construction extended
Following a public hearing, the council approved an extension of a temporary ordinance intended to incentivize and promote housing and affordable housing construction downtown. The ordinance was one of several “Next Right Work” affordable housing actions taken by the council this year.
In May, the council approved a temporary change to the land use code to provide flexibility for projects prepared to submit permit applications and those being considered for a transition from office space to residential development. Using the temporary code provisions, developers have applied for permits for four projects that include both market-rate and affordable housing.
Staff also presented information on the timeline for a second phase of the proposal to increase residential development and affordable housing development in targeted areas throughout Bellevue, including downtown.
The council approved the extension on a 4-3 vote, with Mayor Lynne Robinson and councilmembers Janice Zahn, Jeremy Barksdale and John Stokes voting for, and Deputy Mayor Jared Nieuwenhuis and councilmembers Jennifer Robertson and Conrad Lee voting against. More information is available in the council materials.
Approval for final phase of wireless facilities code updates
Following another public hearing, the council unanimously approved a land use code amendment that will align the city’s wireless communications facilities regulations with federal regulations and changes that have occurred over time in wireless technology.
The code amendment establishes new provisions that will regulate wireless facilities, including small wireless ones, on private or public property. The amendment is aimed at facilitating a predictable and streamlined review process to comply with Federal Communications Commission rulings and help advance the city’s commitment to maximizing wireless technology improvements while maintaining aesthetic standards.
This was the third phase in a series of amendments aimed at addressing changes in wireless communication technology and regulation. Details about the code amendments are available in the meeting materials and on the Wireless Code Amendments page.
Budget update from Development Services
Staff from the Development Services Department presented proposed 2024 school impact fees and development services rates following the completion of an annual cost of services study as well as information regarding updates to the Issaquah and Renton school impact fee schedule. More information is available in the council materials.
Proclamation recognizing October as Hindu Awareness and Appreciation Month
The council issued a proclamation for Hindu Awareness and Appreciation Month, acknowledging the significant contributions made by residents of Hindu heritage to our city and seeking increased awareness and understanding of the Hindu American community.
NOTE: There is no council meeting Oct. 30, as it is the fifth Monday of the month. The next council meeting will be Monday, Nov. 6.