Published June 22 2018
On Monday, June 25, the City Council will continue to discuss and possibly take action on a draft Land Use Code Amendment (LUCA) for homeless shelters. The council’s extended study session will begin at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Residents can also watch live via BTV cable channel 21 or through online streaming.
During a public hearing on June 11, councilmembers specifically asked for feedback on two issues: 1) whether background checks and/or warrant searches should be included as part of the security plan for granting access to shelter and 2) whether the code should include buffers or separation requirements from sensitive uses. A large crowd, including 72 speakers, attended the hearing. Feedback given will be considered in Monday’s upcoming discussion.
The Land Use Code is a permitting tool that governs the location, design and approval process for development in the city. A LUCA will add regulations to the code to determine how and where a homeless shelter can be sited in Bellevue.
The draft being considered for adoption is a direct result of a robust public outreach effort which occurred throughout March and April. The initiative included a citywide online survey, one large workshop at Bellevue City Hall, an optional “listening session” and two “Q&A sessions” at local community centers. The council later discussed the draft LUCA during its April 23, May 7 and 21 meetings.
More background is available in the agenda packet materials. An additional proposed amendment (re: GNA Advisory Committee membership) is also posted and available to view.
Also, for the latest updates on the process, visit the city’s LUCA webpage.