Bellevue council studies land-use code changes to allow middle housing under new state law

Bellevue city officials and planning commissioners presented a draft land-use code amendment on May 13 aimed at complying with state laws that require cities to expand ‘middle housing’ options. City staff, planning commissioners and dozens of residents discussed where to allow additional units, how to count accessory dwelling units and dimensional rules such as floor‑area ratio and height.

The planning commission recommendation would permit up to four dwelling units per residential lot citywide, exempt attached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) from the unit cap while counting detached ADUs, allow up to six units by right where two units are provided as affordable units or within expanded walking-distance buffers around transit stations and designated growth centers, and use floor area ratio (FAR) limits to shape cottage‑style developments.

The proposal matters because it interprets the requirements of House Bill 1110 and House Bill 1337—state law passed in 2023—and translates them into Bellevue’s zoning rules. City staff said the recommended changes aim to both meet the state…