Bellevue Planning Commission holds public hearing on middle-housing LUCA after hours of testimony

The Bellevue Planning Commission opened a public hearing April 9 on a proposed middle‑housing land‑use code amendment (LUCA) intended to implement Washington state House Bill 11‑10 and House Bill 13‑37 and then closed the hearing after hearing from more than 30 speakers.

The proposal presented by city staff would allow a baseline of four units per lot citywide, increase to six units per lot in specified areas (for example near frequent transit and neighborhood centers), exempt accessory dwelling units from the count required by HB 11‑10, and retain a parking minimum of one space per unit outside major transit stop exemptions. Staff presented a range of voluntary fee‑in‑lieu options for required affordable units (proposed examples: $75,000, $100,000, or $150,000 per unit). "It's great to be here this evening to talk about middle housing and accessory dwelling units," Development Services Assistant Director Nick Whipple told the commission during the presentation.

The commission heard a broad mix of views during the public comment period. Supporters told the commission the city should go “above and beyond” the state baseline to produce more housing and choice. Karen Cass, a Bellevue resident, said the city should…