Bellevue Planning Commission schedules public hearing on HOMA after debate over mandatory affordability, parking and retail rules

The Bellevue Planning Commission voted Tuesday night to direct staff to schedule a public hearing on the Housing Opportunity in Mixed‑Use Areas (HOMA) land‑use amendment, sending the package out for public notice and further public testimony, likely in early December.

The hearing direction followed a study session in which city staff summarized draft code options for HOMA, including an Option A that would require developments of more than 10 dwelling units in HOMA districts to provide 10% on‑site affordable housing at 80% of area median income (AMI) with a 4:1 floor‑area bonus and a fee‑in‑lieu alternative. "This is a program that would require all developments over 10 units in the HOMA area to provide at least 10% affordable housing and 80% AMI," said Matthew Menard, senior planner in the Development Services Department, as staff explained the economic analysis and bonus structure.

Why it matters: HOMA would change where and how housing can be built in Bellevue's mixed‑use centers, affect the feasibility of projects, and provide a new funding stream for affordable housing. Staff told commissioners the package is intended to increase housing supply while producing funds or units toward Bellevue's…