City of Bellevue’s Council Priorities

Description

Council Priority #6: Simplify the permitting process for Accessory Dwelling Units by offering pre-approved plans for Detached Accessory Dwelling Units.

Period

Q4-25

Priority Status

On Track

Priority Status Legend

On Track | Completed | Delayed/On hold | Not Started

Priority Icon

Staff Contact

Nick Whipple: [email protected]

Progress Updates

Advanced the enabling legislation for Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs): held and confirmed a Planning Commission public hearing on DADU code amendments (April) and prepared for Council review and action to meet the June 30, 2025 state deadline.
Adopted new regulations allowing DADUs on June 24, 2025, establishing the framework needed to develop pre-approved DADU plans.
Initiated and advanced the “pre-launch phase” of the pre-approved plans program, including development of a community outreach plan, assembling the internal team, and identifying external stakeholders and design professionals to contribute to the effort.
Refined the program approach and schedule by shifting the expected Council initiation timing from October 2025 to February 2026 to allow additional time to explore leveraging Development Services’ AI partnership with Govstream.ai and to align with the state building code update cycle in November.

Look Ahead

City Council will review the scope of the pre-approved plans program on February 24 and consider directing staff to begin work on it, with the program expected to be completed and initial plans publicly available by November 2026, following the adoption of the updated state building codes.

Milestones

DADU and Middle Housing LUCA
Council Priorities | Completed 6/24/25

Council adoption
Council Priorities | Completed 6/24/25

Council expanded scope to include pre-approved cottages
Council Priorities | Completed 6/24/25

Pre-approved DADU and Cottage Design Program
Council Priorities | 6/2/25 - 12/31/25

Develop scope options
Council Priorities | 6/2/25 - 12/31/25

Pre-launch phase
Council Priorities | 6/2/25 - 12/31/25

Pre-approved DADU and Cottage Program Initiation
Council Priorities | 2/2/26 - 11/30/26

Council selection of program approach and initiation
Council Priorities | 2/2/26 - 11/30/26

Reasonable Accommodation

For alternate formats, interpreters, or reasonable modification requests please phone at least 48 hours in advance 425-452-6800(voice) or email [email protected]. For complaints regarding modifications, contact the City of Bellevue ADA, Title VI, and Equal Opportunity Officer at [email protected].