Bellevue's City Council on Nov. 12 found it necessary to process a land‑use code amendment to implement House Bill 1998, which requires cities to allow co‑living housing where six or more multifamily units are permitted. Staff will schedule the required public hearing in early December to meet the state deadline.

City staff described co‑living, per the state definition, as housing composed of "individual lockable rooms that include private living and sleeping areas where residents share common kitchen facilities with others in the building." The bill limits local regulation: local jurisdictions may not impose development standards more restrictive than applicable building-code minimums; they cannot require specific unit mixes, additional public hearings, or extra density review for co‑living beyond what applies to other multifamily uses in those zones. The bill also bars co‑living units from short‑term rental use (under 30 days) and caps sewer connection fees at 50% of a standard dwelling unit.

Staff noted co‑living must be allowed in zones that already allow 6+ units by right and within specified transit‑oriented areas. The council's finding of necessity allows staff to move forward with drafting code language and scheduling the public hearing; staff said at least one developer has expressed interest in bringing co‑living projects to Bellevue.

Next steps: staff will publish hearing materials and return to council for public testimony and action in December to comply with the state deadline.