Bellevue Planning Commission reviews draft updates to critical areas ordinance, seeks balance with housing goals

City staff told the City of Bellevue Planning Commission on May 28 that the city must update its critical areas ordinance using best available science and complete the update by the end of 2025.

"This project was initiated by Council on February 25," Assistant Director Christina Gallant said, explaining the timeline and statutory driver for the code changes.

The presentation from senior planner Kirsten Mant and staff outlined five regulated categories — wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas (including streams), critical aquifer recharge areas, geologic hazards and flood hazard areas — and emphasized that the periodic review is required under the Growth Management Act and must reflect the best available science (BAS). "The current update is due by the end of the year, so we're on a pretty quick timeline," Mant said.

Why it matters: The ordinance governs where and how the city protects natural resources and where owners may build. Changes could affect redevelopment in urban areas such as Bel-Red and Wilburton, where commissioners and council gave direction to balance critical-area protections with Bellevue’s housing…