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Read Bellevue’s Neighborhood News for October 2024.

City of Bellevue Proposes Code Changes

In 2023, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 1042, which requires cities to update their codes to promote the interior redevelopment of older commercial and residential buildings into higher-density housing. The City of Bellevue is now in the process of aligning our local codes to meet these new state requirements.

The proposed changes will affect buildings over three years old in commercial and mixed-use districts where multifamily housing is allowed. The goal is to encourage the conversion of underutilized or vacant buildings into residential units. This includes allowing for higher residential density, flexibility in parking standards, and other measures to make these conversions easier, while still maintaining requirements for health and safety.

The Development Services Code & Policy Team will present a draft Land Use Code Amendment (LUCA) and Bellevue City Code Amendment (BCCA) to the Planning Commission on Sept. 25. This is an opportunity for you and your community to stay informed about proposed changes to the code.

Additional details about the proposed code changes are available on the Existing Building Redevelopment Land Use and Bellevue Code Amendments page on the city website.

Neighborhood Improvements and Updates

Newport Hills Property Forest Enhancement

Newport Hills Property, 11450 SE 60th St

This project will involve the removal of non-native plants from natural forested areas within the Newport Hills Property. The scope of work will involve the removal of blackberry and ivy from the forest floor and the removal of ivy growing up existing native trees. Other non-native invasive weeds will also be removed as they are encountered. All impacted areas will be replanted with native trees and shrubs that are suitable for site conditions. Estimated project completion: December 2025.

Project Manager: Rick Bailey (425-452-6031); RIBailey@bellevuewa.gov

SE 60th/120th Crosswalk

Intersection of SE 60th and 120th Ave SE (at the NE corner of Newport Hills Park)

This project will install a new pedestrian-activated flashing system at the existing crosswalk over SE 60th St at 120th Ave SE. Flashing beacons will be added on each side of the street. The proposed project will include associated street lighting upgrades and a new curb ramp on the north side of street. Estimated project completion: Spring 2026

Project Manager: Brittany Quan (425-452-4631); bquan@bellevuewa.gov

NEWPORT HILLS SHOPPING CENTER AND FACTORIA MARKETPLACE

In our community outreach, we have heard a strong desire to support small businesses in areas like the Newport Hills Shopping Center and Factoria Marketplace. This is in line with direction we have received from city council. One of the things that is being studied in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update (CPPU) is adding more housing in small commercial centers like these through mixed use buildings and the capacity for duplexes, triplexes and small apartment buildings. You can find out more about what is being studied in the EIS on the city’s website: https://bellevuewa.gov/2044-environmental-review.