Published March 13 2026
Plus, simplifying permitting process for detached dwellings and cottage housing, and city’s square footage business tax
At Tuesday’s meeting, the City Council approved two proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments for consideration this year, a city-initiated one from the Transportation Department and a privately-initiated one for Evans Plaza in Bridle Trails.
The city-initiated proposal would incorporate amendments to the 2024-2044 Comprehensive Plan that would align with recent updates to the city’s Mobility Implementation Plan and Transportation Facilities Plan. The council approved both transportation plans in November.
The privately initiated Evans Plaza proposal seeks to change the Comprehensive Plan land use designation for the 10-acre site at 2255 140th Ave. NE from General Commercial to Low-rise 2 Mixed Use. Bellevue’s General Commercial designation does not allow for residential uses, but the updated Comprehensive Plan considers Evans Plaza a neighborhood center, which is meant to accommodate compact, mixed-use development that includes housing.
In the coming months, the Planning Commission will study both proposed amendments, hold public hearings and make a recommendation to the council on whether they should be adopted. The proposals will then return to the council at a future date for final review (agenda materials).
Preapproved plans program for middle housing
The council also received an update on the development of a new, preapproved plans program for detached accessory dwelling units and cottage housing – an effort designed to make building smaller homes simpler, more predictable and more affordable. These housing types were recently established as allowed in 2025 through the city’s middle housing code updates.
Staff presented the early framework of the program, outlining how the city would create a library of preapproved building plans that homeowners could purchase and use during the permit process. This will help streamline review, reduce timelines and costs and give property owners clearer pathways to adding small homes.
Staff outlined the concept, shared initial goals for creating a streamlined preapproval pathway and reviewed planned engagement to help shape the program.
The next steps for the program include shaping design criteria, developing plan options and conducting community engagement at each stage. The city plans to work closely with homeowners, builders, designers and neighborhood groups to understand what types of designs and features will best meet community needs while still reflecting community preferences and design standards.
The program advances city goals related to housing choice, regulatory efficiency and community collaboration, aligning with Comprehensive Plan policies that support streamlined permitting and expanded housing options. The full discussion is available from Bellevue Television and additional information on the program is available at Pre-Approved Plans.
Updating business tax and license process
City staff presented a proposal to simplify the square footage tax businesses pay. The goal of the update is to make it easier for businesses to calculate what they owe. They also propoed that Bellevue start annually charging business license fees.
Currently, businesses pay for a business license only once. Both proposed updates will help Bellevue maintain more accurate records, which will help the city better connect and provide services to our business community and align with neighboring cities’ practices.
The city will gather input from businesses over the next several months, and plan to bring the proposal back for council action early this summer. Details are available in the meeting materials.
Proclamations
The council read proclamations in recognition of Nowruz and the 25th anniversary of the International Ballet Theatre and Academy.
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