• C-1 Affordable Housing Density Bonus

    In 2017, the City Council adopted the Affordable Housing Strategy, which includes Action C-1 to “increase development potential on suitable land owned by public agencies, faith-based and non-profit housing entities for affordable housing.” In addition, in 2019, the State Legislature established RCW 35A.63.300 which requires cities to provide a density bonus consistent with local needs for any affordable housing development located on property owned by a religious organization.

    The City Council initiated work on Affordable Housing Strategy Action C-1 on July 20, 2020. City staff initiated a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to add policy language in the Housing Element that will guide implementation of C-1. This amendment was adopted on December 14, 2020. The first step in implementing C-1 is to develop a Land Use Code Amendment establishing a new density bonus for affordable housing development. This bonus will be available for new, permanent affordable housing developments located on land meeting any of these criteria:

    • Owned by a religious organization and located in a single family, multifamily or mixed-use residential land use district
    • Owned by a nonprofit organization and located in a multifamily or mixed-use residential land use district
    • Owned by a public entity and located in a multifamily or mixed-use residential land use district (not available to the Bellevue Parks Department, Community Development Department, or any public utility)

    The bonus will not be available in Downtown, BelRed or Eastgate TOD land use districts, as the code has already established density bonuses for affordable housing in these districts.

    What is Happening Now?

    The Planning Commission reviewed the Land Use Code Amendment during three Study Sessions on April 14, May 12, and June 23. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on September 22. The City Council will hold a study session during an upcoming meeting with a date to be confirmed soon. 

    Upcoming Opportunities to Engage

    Please send comments to the contact listed on this page. The East Bellevue Community Council will hold a public hearing following City Council action. 

    Date

    Meeting, Event or Action Taken

    Links

    7/20/20

    City Council initiate work program for Affordable Housing Strategy Action C-1

    Agenda Memo and Presentation

    11/16/20

    City Council Study Session on 2020 Comprehensive Plan Amendments

    Agenda Memo and Presentation
    12/14/20 City Council Action on C-1 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Agenda Memo and Presentation
    4/14/21  Planning Commission Study Session 1 on C-1 Land Use Code Amendment Agenda Items
    5/12/21 Planning Commission Study Session 2 Agenda Items
    6/23/21  Planning Commission Study Session 3

    Agenda Items

    9/8/21

    		 EBCC Public Hearing Agenda Items
    9/22/21 Planning Commission Public Hearing and Recommendation Agenda Items
    Future Meeting City Council Study Session  
    Future Meeting City Council Action

     
    Future Meeting EBCC Public Hearing and Approval/Disapproval

     

    Key Items

    Anticipated Date

    Planning Commission Study Session 1

    Completed - 4/14/21

    Planning Commission Study Session 2

    Completed - 5/12/21
    Planning Commission Study Session 3 Completed - 6/23/21
    East Bellevue Community Council Courtesy Public Hearing Completed - 9/8/21
    Planning Commission Public Hearing Completed - 9/22/21
    City Council Study Session Future Meeting
    City Council Action Future Meeting
    East Bellevue Community Council Public Hearing Future Meeting