Published April 29 2021
Plus, Arbor Day-Earth Day proclamation
On Monday, the City Council voted to adopt a Land Use Code Amendment (LUCA) reducing minimum parking requirements for certain residential developments near frequent transit service. The action advances Bellevue’s Affordable Housing Strategy by reducing the cost of residential developments and encouraging housing around key transit areas. The code amendment also conforms the city's parking standards with state statutes.
The LUCA uses a two-tiered system to set reduced parking requirements based on transit frequency. Future light rail or bus rapid transit stops opening within two years are considered as eligible transit service. Full details of the transit frequency criteria and reduced parking minimums are in the meeting materials.
Prior to the council action, the city conducted outreach on this code amendment through notices and public hearings before the planning commission and the East Bellevue Community Council. The city also had a number of interactions and discussions with the development community, interested members of the public, and affordable housing providers.
The council unanimously adopted the LUCA as recommended. The LUCA ordinance now goes to the East Bellevue Community Council for a public hearing and an approval/disapproval decision in early May for that area. More information is available in the meeting agenda item.
Arbor Day-Earth Day proclamation
In other business, the council read a proclamation to recognize April 26 as Arbor Day-Earth Day in Bellevue. Mayor Lynne Robinson encouraged residents to plant trees on their own, considering COVID-19 has disrupted the city’s traditional, in-person recognition and celebration of Arbor Day and Earth Day two years in a row.
The city has tentatively scheduled a similar event for October in hopes a celebration can be had safely within health guidelines at that time. This year, Bellevue is also set to receive its 30th Tree City USA award and 28th Growth Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation, for the city’s dedication to trees and urban forests last year.