Published March 1 2024

Plus, discussions on citywide speed limit reduction and noise code update

On Monday night, the City Council unanimously adopted amendments to the city’s land use code that provide a longer approval period for design review projects and offer opportunities for additional approval extensions. The changes allow up to two two-year extensions for design review approvals and give developers more flexibility. 

More information about the proposal is available in the meeting materials.

Speed limit reduction for Local streets proposed

Also at Monday’s meeting, staff presented proposed steps for reducing the speed limit on most local streets in Bellevue from 25 mph to 20 mph. Speeding on neighborhood streets is the top traffic safety concern heard from residents. 

A lower speed limit would improve safety for all people using these streets, and supports the city’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious-injury collisions on city streets by 2030. A 20-mph speed limit has already been implemented in three Bellevue neighborhoods with positive results. 

At Monday’s meeting, the council directed staff to begin outreach about the possible speed limit reduction. Some proposed outreach activities include a city webpage, going to local farmers markets, an interactive map showing what streets would be impacted and presentations to neighborhood and community groups. 

Staff will present the results of the outreach at a future meeting, when the council may consider implementing the proposed speed limit reduction. Details about the proposal are available in the agenda materials

Proposed modifications to the noise code

The council also expressed support for expanding the hours when construction noise is allowed, potentially adding one to two hours during the week and one more hour on Saturday mornings. 

Proposed amendments to the city code aim to balance the need to minimize excessive noise exposure for the community while still supporting development in Bellevue. The code would be changed to expand and clarify the activities that qualify for extended construction hours. Additionally, the proposal would adjust current decibel limits for sleeping areas to be consistent with federal guidance and neighboring cities. 

The council asked that an ordinance be prepared for potential council action at a future meeting. Details on the proposal are in the council materials

Planning initiatives workplan update 

The council also received an update on the 2024-2025 Community Development and Development Services Land Use Planning Initiative workplan. The joint workplan, for the Community Development and Development Services departments, helps guide growth and change in Bellevue over time, usually through updates to the city’s comprehensive plan, land use code and city code.

The 2024-2025 workplan responds to both the near- and long-term needs of the city, as well as advancing council priorities in the areas of housing options and affordability, equity and inclusion, maintaining economic innovation, and protecting the environment. 

The council also received an update on accomplishments from the 2022-2023 workplan, including adoption of six “Next Right Work” actions to increase housing production and affordable housing opportunities in Bellevue. 

The full presentation is available in the meeting materials

The next council meeting is Monday, March 4.