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In July, the Bellevue City Council approved important updates to the city’s tree protection codes, aimed at preserving our urban forest while supporting development. Trees are an essential part of Bellevue’s identity – they clean the air, provide habitat for wildlife and manage stormwater. These changes are designed to ensure that as our city grows, we maintain a healthy balance between development and our tree canopy.
Key updates include new definitions for significant and landmark trees. A “significant tree” is now defined as having a diameter of six inches or more, while a “landmark tree” is one with a diameter of 24 inches or more, both measured at four feet above the ground. Property owners will now need a permit to remove any of these trees, but the process has been streamlined to be more user-friendly.
For developers, the city has introduced a “tree credit” system, setting tree density requirements based on project size. Developers can meet these by retaining existing trees, planting new ones, or contributing to city-managed urban forestry projects when on-site tree planting isn’t feasible. To prevent illegal tree removal, the city is enforcing fines based on a tree’s value but is also offering plenty of guidance for anyone unsure of the rules. If you’re thinking about removing a tree, the city’s Land Use planners are happy to help you through the process. These changes are designed to keep Bellevue green and beautiful for years to come. For more details, visit BellevueWA.gov/development-services.
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In 2023, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 1042 requiring that cities amend their codes to encourage the interior redevelopment of existing office or mixed-use buildings into residential development and encourage the redevelopment of existing residential buildings at a higher density. The goal of the bill is to encourage the redevelopment of vacant or underused office and mixed-use buildings by transforming them into higher-density housing developments.
The Development Services Department and our Code and Policy team are proposing a land use code amendment (LUCA) and Bellevue City Code Amendment (BCCA) to address the requirements of HB 1042 and provide more encouragement for the redevelopment of existing buildings into residential uses. The required code changes will apply to all buildings over three years old in areas of the city that already allow for multifamily housing. The LUCA will be presented to the city’s Planning Commission on Sept. 25. LEARN MORE
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The City of Bellevue is helping large buildings (20,000+ square feet) to reduce energy use, save on costs and comply with the WA State Clean Buildings Law. Washington State compliance deadlines start in mid-2026 for the largest buildings, and buildings may need long lead times for necessary compliance reports and possible upgrades. Free building energy services include energy benchmarking, scoping assessments, incentive navigation, and compliance reporting support – an estimated $18,000 value. Learn more and sign up today!
Free training webinars are also available:
Intro to the Clean Buildings Law and How to Comply
Sept. 25, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. RSVP
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Affordable housing developers in Bellevue can now apply for permit review and inspection fee waivers from the city for their projects. To qualify for fee waivers under the program, a development must be 100 % affordable at or below Projects providing permanent housing, emergency shelter or services to people experiencing homelessness may also qualify. LEARN MORE
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 Stanton J Stephens Photography
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The Electric Vehicle (EV) readiness team is excited to share the DRAFT EV Roadmap! The Roadmap is a plan to prepare Bellevue for more EVs and EV drivers, provide public EV charging to those who do not have access at home, and increase public charging in areas of the city that need it the most. Read the draft and leave your comment on Engaging Bellevue by Monday, Sept. 23. |
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The city is extending our successful food truck pilot program that brought a wide variety of cuisines to City Hall Plaza Tuesdays and Thursdays. A rotation of 11 different trucks will continue through Oct. 31. LEARN MORE |
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Oct. 6 – 12 is Fire Prevention Week, sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Learn more and check out resources for professionals, families and kids on the NFPA’s website. This year the campaign focuses on the importance of working smoke alarms. Last spring, we featured smoke alarm and fire extinguisher tips from Bellevue Fire on Lake to Lake. |
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The Code and Policy team within the City of Bellevue's Development Services Department plays a crucial role in shaping the city's growth, safety and quality of life. They work behind the scenes to develop and update land use regulations, building codes and policy initiatives that guide the city's development. While they don’t directly enforce these regulations, their efforts ensure that they are properly implemented and enforceable. Their efforts ensure that new construction, renovations, and land use changes meet standards that promote safety, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. Code and policy staff are going to be working on several policy proposals soon, including objective design standards, Wilburton Vision Implementation, BelRed Look Forward, middle housing, detached accessory dwelling units, and permit streamlining. Updates will be posted to the Code Amendments page as more information is available.
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The City Council discussed the 2024-2044 Comprehensive Plan earlier this month and voted to hold an additional discussion before the planned adoption in October. LEARN MORE
The council is holding a series of public hearings and information sessions about the preliminary 2025-2026 Operating Budget and the 2025-2030 Capital Investment Program Plan. This will include a study session on Sept. 25, where the results of the Development Services annual cost of service study and recommended fee updates will be shared. LEARN MORE
The City of Bellevue launched an update to the Bellevue Map Viewer - our interactive map platform. Members of the community can access more development and construction information. To explore the permit data layer, access Bellevue Map Viewer on the main Maps and GIS page, select the "Permits" layer and zoom in.
Development Services offers virtual permit center meetings to allow customers to schedule one-on-one time with staff to receive assistance with general permitting questions. Appointments with Code Compliance officers are now available for members of the community to address questions about codes and reporting code violations. LEARN MORE
The Development Services Department at the City of Bellevue is at the forefront of shaping a dynamic, innovative and sustainable city. We collaborate across disciplines to guide the city's growth and ensure safe and vibrant spaces for residents and businesses. Join us to be part of a team that drives positive change and makes a tangible impact on the community's future. We are currently recruiting for a Land Use Planning Manager and Senior Clearing and Grading Reviewer.
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For alternate formats, interpreters, or reasonable modifications requests please phone at least 48 hours in advance 425-452-6800 (voice) or email (ARAnderson@BellevueWA.gov). For complaints regarding modifications, contact the City of Bellevue ADA, Title VI, and Equal Opportunity Officer at ADATitleVI@BellevueWA.gov. |
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