The City of Bellevue is updating its land use code to comply with new state laws that change how cities regulate parking for new development as well as updates to the city's Comprehensive Plan policies adopted in the Bellevue 2044 Plan. These changes are intended to reduce housing and construction costs, support walkable neighborhoods and encourage the use of public transit. The project will also explore opportunities to simplify and consolidate parking regulations citywide.
Background
In 2025, the Washington State Legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 5184, which limits how much parking cities can require for certain land uses. The law:
- Sets a limit to minimum parking requirements for residential and commercial development, and
- Prohibits cities from requiring parking for specific uses, including:
- Small housing units (not to exceed 2,000 square feet in size)
- Affordable housing
- Senior housing
- Childcare centers
- Ground-floor commercial spaces in mixed-use buildings
These limits to not apply to parking for individuals with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, the city is still allowed to require temporary or time-restricted parking (such as visitor parking and loading spaces).
The legislation does not limit how much parking a property owner can choose to provide. Property owners will still have the freedom to decide to build more parking than would otherwise be required, based on the needs of their tenants and residents.
The city is also incorporating changes from SB 6015, passed in 2024, which sets maximum dimensions for individual parking spaces.
This page will be expanded with additional information on the project scope and approach following the Bellevue City Council project initiation on Jan. 13.
Opportunities to Engage
The city must adopt the updated code by Jan. 27, 2027. Public engagement opportunities will be available throughout 2026, including:
- Public information sessions
- Online feedback tools
- Public hearings with the Planning Commission and city council
Stay tuned - details on opportunities to engage will be posted here as they become available. Sign up to receive updates on this and other projects by visiting the Code Amendments page. Select "Subscribe," then choose Development and Planning Updates from the available Topics. Questions or comments can be directed to Shawn Edghill.
Project Timeline and Schedule
Jan. 13, 2026 City Council Initiation
Feb. 9, 2026 Information Session
Feb. 26, 2026 Planning Commission Check-in