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Every time you enter a home, school or store, building safety plays a role in keeping you protected. While building safety exists 365-days per year, we recognize it each May. Building Safety Month is a national campaign that highlights the importance of modern building codes and the work of code officials, inspectors, design professionals and more who help create safe, sustainable communities.
In Bellevue, the City Council has proclaimed May as Building Safety Month. And a national effort is led by the International Code Council (ICC) to raise awareness about building safety, fire prevention, disaster resilience and energy efficiency. The ICC offers a wide range of safety resources for homeowners, renters and businesses – including a Kids Corner with fun, educational activities for families. Explore these tools and share them with others. Learn more about Building Safety Month, City of Bellevue safety professionals and get some fire safety tips from Bellevue Fire from Bellevue Television.
This May, take a moment to recognize both the systems and the people behind the structures that keep our community strong, safe and livable.
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 Leadership from Bellevue Fire and Development Services accept the Building Safety Month proclamation from the Bellevue City Council.
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The city is updating its Sign Code (BCC 22B.10) and we want to hear from the community. Your input will help identify key priorities for the update. The sign code regulates the design, placement, size and maintenance of all exterior signs in the city, including building mounted, A-frame, canopy, temporary signs and many more. Please take a few minutes to complete the Sign Code Questionnaire and share your thoughts on what’s working, what could be improved and any ideas or example you would like us to consider. Feedback from the community will help shape recommendations and will be shared with the city council in an upcoming check-in. More information on the project background, timeline and schedule is available on the Sign Code Update project webpage.
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The City of Bellevue was recently recognized as the 2025 Frank Chopp Public Sector Champion by the Housing Development Consortium of Seattle-King County for its unwavering commitment to affordable housing. This award highlights the city’s vision and dedication, as well as its consistent efforts to tackle affordable housing issues in a meaningful way. This recognition reflects the ongoing efforts across city teams to remove barriers and support affordable housing development. In addition to long-range planning work such as the Wilburton Vision Plan, Bellevue has implemented an expedited permitting process and an affordable housing fee waiver program to reduce costs and help bring projects to completion faster. These initiatives—part of the city’s “Next Right Work” approach—show Bellevue’s commitment to turning policy into real, on-the-ground results for those who need housing most. LEARN MORE
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 City Manager Diane Carlson, Mayor Lynne Robinson and HDC Executive Director Patience Malaba pose with the 2025 award.
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Did you know that the City of Bellevue can’t remove graffiti from property we don’t own—like transit stations, freeways, overpasses and embankments? It can be cleaned up faster if it is reported to the agencies that own and maintain those areas.
Graffiti can be frustrating to see in our neighborhoods, especially when it appears along major roadways or at transit stations. The city shares your concerns and is committed to keeping our public spaces safe, clean and welcoming. While the city promptly addresses graffiti on property we own or manage, many frequently tagged areas – like freeway walls, overpasses and light rail stations – are owned and maintained by other public agencies. In those cases, the best way to ensure the graffiti is addressed is to report it directly to the property owner.
Where is the graffiti?
The location of graffiti determines who to contact.
Freeway overpasses, embankments or freeway and overpass signs: Report it to the state Dept. of Transportation.
Light rail stations and transit facilities: Call or text Sound Transit Security at 206-398-5268 or use the Feedback form at SoundTransit.org.
Property the City of Bellevue owns or privately-owned property in Bellevue: Use the MyBellevue app or contact Code Compliance at 425-452-2047 or codecompliance@BellevueWA.org.
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As the weather warms up, many Bellevue residents begin preparing for outdoor adventures—and that means pulling out recreational vehicles (RVs)—boats, trailers motorhomes and more. But before parking your RV at home, it’s important to understand the city’s rules for storage in residential neighborhoods. The City of Bellevue allows RVs to be stored on residential properties, but there are a few key requirements designed to maintain neighborhood appearance and safety. There may also be additional requirements or limitations under neighborhood covenants, conditions and restrictions. Need more information? Visit BellevueWA.gov/rv-boat-storage.
Where and how to store an RV:
In a garage or carport: RVs can be stored indoors or under a covered structure as long as they’re screened from view.
Beside or behind the house: RVs may be parked on paved or other impervious surfaces in the side or rear yard—as long as they’re outside the property line setbacks and screened by a solid board fence or dense vegetation at least six feet tall.
In a front driveway (with conditions): One RV may be stored in the front yard only if access to the side or back of the home isn’t feasible. This option requires more substantial visual screening.
Temporary exceptions for loading and unloading
Need to get your RV ready for a trip? You’re allowed to park it temporarily in front of your home for up to three days at a time, once every two weeks, for loading or unloading.
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Spring is the perfect time to freshen up your home and yard. As the sun comes out, so do the tools, plans and sometimes… surprise chores. While you’re working through your list, keep in mind a few common concerns reported to the city each year. Things like litter, piled-up items that can attract rodents, inoperable vehicles and RVs or trailers parked in front yards often top the list of complaints.
Planning bigger improvements? Whether you’re adding a deck, installing a new fence or working near a steep slope or shoreline, it’s smart to check in with the city first. Certain upgrades may require permits, especially if you’re modifying a structure, removing trees or moving a lot of soil.
With just a few simple steps, you can start the season off right—and help keep Bellevue clean, safe and beautiful for everyone.
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The City of Bellevue's Code and Policy team, part of the Development Services Department, plays a crucial role in shaping and maintaining the city's built and natural environment. They are responsible for developing and updating city codes and regulations that guide land use, zoning, and building standards. Their work includes drafting new ordinances, refining existing codes, and leading policy implementation to align regulations with the city's comprehensive plan and community goals. Current code amendment projects include implementation of the city’s Wilburton Vision, middle housing code amendments, Housing Opportunities in Mixed-Use Areas (HOMA) and more. Learn more about active code amendment projects.
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Curious about an active development project? Did you know that the Bellevue MapViewer shows active permits? 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.
The City of Bellevue has updated its land use permit submittal requirements and processing procedures to align with recent amendments to the Local Project Review Act under Senate Bill (SB) 5290, signed into law in 2023. These changes are part of broader efforts to streamline permitting processes, improve efficiency and enhance transparency, as approved by the city council. LEARN MORE
Homeowners struggling with exterior maintenance needs due to physical or financial hardship can apply to receive assistance through Jubilee in the Community. The program, a long-standing partnership between the city and local nonprofit Jubilee REACH, coordinates volunteers who help homeowners get the outdoor home maintenance support they need. Applications to use the program are due by June 30. LEARN MORE
A newly designed Bellevue Adventure Park with challenging aerial features and a climbing wall is open at the South Bellevue Community Center. LEARN MORE
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Did you know that each year, the city’s Code Compliance team fields more than a 1,000 questions and complaints from residents and businesses? They range from concerns about noise and construction to questions about tree removal, rental housing and RV storage.
Our team of dedicated code compliance officers brings more than a century of combined experience to the job. They respond promptly, investigate thoughtfully, and—most importantly—focus on education first. Their approach is rooted in collaboration, not confrontation. That’s why more than 90% of confirmed violations are resolved voluntarily, without the need for penalties or enforcement.
Bellevue’s codes help protect what makes our city special. They ensure construction is safe and permitted, trees and sensitive areas are preserved, and rental properties meet basic living standards. By regulating noise and limiting construction impacts, these standards help keep Bellevue beautiful, livable and safe for everyone.
When a complaint is received, officers investigate to determine if a violation exists. If one does, they provide clear information about the issue and what needs to be done to fix it. Most people are eager to make it right once they understand the expectations—and the process is designed to make compliance achievable. While enforcement is sometimes necessary, it's always a last resort. In most cases, a simple conversation and a little support are all it takes.
To report a potential violation or ask a question, use the MyBellevue app. You can also learn more about the city’s code requirements on our website or reach out directly at codecompliance@bellevuewa.gov. Together, we can keep Bellevue the safe, clean and welcoming “City in a Park” we all love to call home.
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 Mechanical Inspector.
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For alternate formats, interpreters, or reasonable modifications requests please phone at least 48 hours in advance 425-452-4570 (voice) or email (DS_Experience@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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