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Planning commission recommends code changes to encourage conversion of existing buildings to housing
Summary
The Planning Commission voted to recommend a land-use code amendment implementing Washington House Bill 1042 to make it easier to convert qualifying commercial buildings into residential units, allowing added density, limited horizontal expansion and a single additional story in some cases; staff said financial incentives will still likely be needed for many projects.
The Bellevue Planning Commission voted on Oct. 23 to recommend a land-use code amendment intended to encourage the conversion of older commercial and mixed‑use buildings into residential units, aligning local code with Washington House Bill 1042.
Staff told the commission the draft amendment would require allowance of at least 50% greater residential density in qualifying buildings, prohibit requiring additional parking for residential conversions, permit up to a 5% horizontal expansion to accommodate necessities such as ducting or ramps and allow a single additional story in limited cases. "We are trying to encourage the production of housing with this LUCA by updating the LUCA for consistency with House Bill 1042," Senior Planner Matthew Bernard said.
The amendment applies to buildings that received a certificate of occupancy more than three years prior and are located in commercial or mixed‑use districts that allow multifamily housing. Staff said the code…
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