Published January 24 2018
Following a public hearing on Monday night, the City Council voted unanimously to renew an emergency ordinance (known as an interim official control) that outlines the permitting process required to establish a homeless shelter in Bellevue. As a result, a conditional use permit will continue to be required for shelter uses. Over the course of the next six months, the council will discuss permanent regulations for adoption.
The interim ordinance was first approved on Aug. 7, 2017 in response to feedback from the community and concerns voiced by councilmembers. The ordinance accomplished several objectives including defining “permanent homeless shelter” as a land use classification.
After the conclusion of the hearing, Mayor John Chelminiak thanked members of the public for participating and noted the “excellent testimony.”
Additional background on the interim control can be found in the council agenda materials. A video of the public hearing can also be found on the council calendar.
Progress report on city’s Smart Mobility Plan
Later in the extended study session, councilmembers reviewed progress on the city’s Smart Mobility Plan, formerly known as the Intelligent Transportation System Master Plan. Bellevue is in the process of updating the plan, first established in 2004.
The vision of the Smart Mobility Plan is to use innovation and partnerships to implement emerging technologies that enhance the safety, sustainability, efficiency and accessibility of Bellevue’s transportation system.
The plan is grouped into six initiatives, each of which includes several projects. The initiatives are: traffic management, real-time traveler information, data management, electric vehicles, autonomous and connected vehicles and shared mobility.
Work on the Smart Mobility Plan is expected to be finalized in April 2018. More information is available with the council’s study session materials.