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Each May, communities around the world recognize Building Safety Month – an international campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of building safety. The 2026 theme, “Built to Last” highlights how thoughtful planning, informed choices and resilient building practices help create safer, stronger and more accessible communities for everyone. Learn more about Building Safety Month. |
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The Development Services Department updated the permitting process for wireless communications facilities (WCF) as of May 4. These changes are part of the city’s ongoing work to make the permitting process clearer, more consistent and more efficient for applicants and the community. A pre-development permit will no longer be required for eligible facilities requests. Instead, these reviews will use the appropriate WCF permit type depending on location. Learn more about this update in our detailed website article.
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Starting a business in Bellevue or need support with your existing one? Beginning in June, Mini City Hall will offer no-cost office hours every Wednesday from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Staff can help with business resources, finding a commercial space and navigating licenses and city permits. Drop-ins will be welcome, but appointments are strongly encouraged.
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Interested in code updates and other planning initiatives?
To help keep our community more informed, the City of Bellevue's Community Development and Development Services departments are excited to present a new e-newsletter that covers policy and planning initiatives and projects. If you want to receive this newsletter via email, update your subscriber preferences using the link for subscriber preferences in the bottom of this email and select Development and Planning Updates.
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Tonight, the Bellevue City Council will launch Downtown Livability 2.0, the next phase of updates to the downtown land use code to support continued growth and a thriving urban center. This effort builds on code updates adopted in 2017 to support a high‑quality built environment that meets the needs of downtown residents and businesses. Learn more at BellevueWA.gov/DTL2. |
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In April, proposed updates to the city's sign code were presented to the city council. Key changes include a reorganized code structure, added flexibility and new standards for temporary signs. The updates also introduce digital signage along the Grand Connection and in the BelRed Arts District to support mobility, wayfinding and tourism. Feedback from the council will be incorporated into an updated draft code for consideration at a future meeting. Learn more at BellevueWA.gov/sign-code-update. |
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Join the city for a community data walk or a virtual briefing and Q&A to learn more about changes to parking regulations for development. Connect with the planning team to learn about these proposed updates to parking regulations for development, what’s changing and why and get answers to questions about what these changes could mean for the community. This is an opportunity to weigh in on how Bellevue balances growth, transit and housing affordability. Whether you drive, bike or walk, these updates will change how you move throughout the city. Registration is encouraged but not required. Learn more and register at Parking-Reform-Data-Walks.Eventbrite.com.
- Wednesday, May 6 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Crossroads Community Center – skip the long speeches and walk through detailed displays at your own pace with the option to chat 1:1 with city planners.
- Friday, May 8 | 12-1:15 p.m. virtual via Teams – join from your desk or home for a high-level briefing and Q&A session
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To meet community needs for more diverse housing choices, Bellevue introduced a new permit for middle housing projects. The updated permit provides predictable steps to help projects progress efficiently, informed by practical feedback from those who use the city’s permit process. LEARN MORE
Bellevue’s Code Compliance officers serve as neighborhood stewards, helping maintain the safety, appearance and livability of our community. Their mission is to provide education and consistent, fair and equitable enforcement that promotes voluntary compliance and builds harmonious partnerships across Bellevue's neighborhoods, but they don't handle all property concerns. Learn more from this resource overview.
Until the warm weather rolls in for good, many of us keep our outdoor toys like boats, motorhomes, and travel/utility trailers – collectively known as recreational vehicles (RVs) - in storage. Bringing them out for use sometimes results in neighborhood concerns about RV storage on residential property throughout Bellevue. Did you know that the City of Bellevue has codes addressing parking and storage for RVs? LEARN MORE
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The cities of Bellevue, Issaquah and Redmond are announcing expanded WA Clean Buildings Law compliance support through the Eastside Clean Buildings Incentive Program for commercial and multi-family buildings over 20,000 square feet. Free compliance assistance includes education about compliance requirements and guidance accessing incentives. The program also provides assistance with development of state required building energy benchmarks, energy management plans and operations and maintenance programs. Services are available through 2026 while funding remains. Learn more and register for the program. Learn more and register for the program.
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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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