Council directs staff to begin Critical Areas Ordinance update, citing state periodic-review and best-available-science requirements

The Bellevue City Council voted to initiate a comprehensive update to the city's Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), directing staff and the Planning Commission to begin a best-available-science review, a gap analysis and a public outreach process.

City planners told the council the Growth Management Act requires periodic review of local critical-areas protections and that the update must incorporate best available science. "It's kind of a three-step process: best available science review, gap analysis, and then proposed code amendments," said Nick Whipple, code and policy director in Development Services.

Scope and objectives: Staff said the update will look at wetlands, streams and fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, critical aquifer recharge areas, flood hazard areas and geologic hazard areas. Priorities listed in the presentation included: updating the scientific basis for regulations; improving ordinance clarity and usability for staff and applicants; balancing housing and growth priorities with environmental protections; refining buffer and setback strategies; and improving mapping and data accuracy.

Engagement and schedule: Staff said they will coordinate the science review with state agencies (Washington Department of Ecology, Department of Fish and Wildlife and others), environmental organizations, neighborhood groups and developers. A consultant team is already under contract to support the best-available-science review and gap analysis, and staff noted a state compliance deadline driving the schedule (staff said they expect to complete the process before the end of the calendar year).

Council direction and vote: A motion to initiate the CAO update and to task the Planning Commission with review and processing passed unanimously. The formal motion was made and seconded at the meeting and approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Council commentary and concerns: Councilmembers emphasized balancing environmental protection with housing and transit-oriented redevelopment. Deputy Mayor Malakoutian asked whether the timeline allows sufficient engagement with development and environmental stakeholders; staff said the schedule is achievable and that they will begin outreach to state agencies immediately. Several councilmembers urged the team to prioritize housing and to use flexible, performance-based approaches where appropriate to avoid unnecessarily blocking redevelopment while still protecting natural resources.

Next steps: Staff will complete the best-available-science compilation and gap analysis, host community workshops (including a planned presence at EarthFest), and bring draft code amendments to the Planning Commission and then to council later in 2025 for public hearing and action.