The Bellevue Voice #2: New Update on Middle Housing Proposals
We’re back with another update to help keep you informed about the changes being proposed in our neighborhoods. This issue covers a new housing model you may not have heard much about and two upcoming community events you might want to attend.
Somerset middle housing meeting
There is a neighborhood-led discussion happening on middle housing in Somerset:
- Location: Somerset Elementary Gym
- Date: Monday, June 2nd
- Time: 6:30 PM
Please feel free to share this with any neighbors who may be concerned about the impact of recent proposals. For clarity, I am not organizing this event. I’ll simply be there as an attendee and am sharing it with others who care about the future of our city. This may be the last opportunity to directly share feedback before the Council votes on this proposal before Council’s next vote on June 10th.
Why this meeting matters
Some Councilmembers will be present to answer questions and hear concerns. The more residents that attend, the clearer the message: neighborhoods are paying attention. The current Bellevue proposal includes several changes that go beyond state requirements, including:
- Allowing middle housing buildings to reach four stories, which may impact neighborhood views
- Applying middle housing rules to areas not required by the state
- Permitting all 9 types of middle housing, when only 6 are mandated
While your neighborhood may have a covenant that prohibits this new density, enforcement falls on HOAs and individual homeowners through costly legal action. The city can and should do more to serve Bellevue residents than their current hands-off approach, and it would be good for the Council to hear this message.
Middle Housing Q&A Zoom Call
Next Tuesday, the Bridle Trails Community Club will be hosting a Zoom call to provide more information about the middle housing issue. If you can’t attend an in-person meeting, this is a great chance to get up to date. Call details and a link to join:
- Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/Upzone1110
- Date: Tuesday, June 3rd
- Time: 7:00 PM
What is co-living and why does it matter?
You’ve probably heard a lot about middle housing lately. But there is another piece of legislation you should know about: HB 1998, which deals with co-living, also called congregate housing. Co-living refers to shared housing arrangements where individuals rent private bedrooms while sharing kitchens, bathrooms, and other common spaces. Think of a layout similar to a college dorm. Under HB 1998, cities across Washington must allow this type of housing in any area zoned for six or more residential units (to get technical for a moment, the zoning referred to is “by right” – meaning that 6+ units are allowed without resorting to any incentives, such as those developers can obtain by adding affordable units).
How this connects to Bellevue’s middle housing debate
The Bellevue City Council is currently reviewing proposals that expand the 6+ unit zoning beyond what the state requires. For example:
- Expanding the six-unit zoning area around major transit stops four times more than the state mandates
- Adding newly zoned areas around neighborhood centers that the state does not mandate at all
If these changes are adopted, they will automatically open the door to co-living developments in many more neighborhoods across the city. The state’s rules for co-living require little to no off-street parking. That will likely cause serious on-street parking issues and make Bellevue’s existing transportation challenges even worse.
What you can do
If you are concerned about what these changes mean for your neighborhood, here are a few steps to take:
- Attend the Somerset meeting on Monday, June 2nd
- Join the Bridle Trails Community Club Informational Zoom on Tuesday, June 3rd
- Talk with your HOA or neighbors to make sure they are aware of what is being proposed
- Contact the City Council and ask them to take a more balanced, neighborhood-focused approach
- Come to an upcoming Bellevue City Council meeting, they take place at 6pm every Tuesday at City Hall, and voice your concerns directly to the City Council
This newsletter is here to help you stay informed and engaged. Thank you for taking the time to be part of these important conversations, and please spread the word – you can forward this email or send this link to any friends or families you think might like to get updates like this!