Bellevue: HB 1042 and Residential Conversions
In a bid to address the escalating housing crisis and revitalize its urban core, the City of Bellevue has unveiled a series of proposed land use code amendments designed to encourage the redevelopment of existing commercial and mixed-use buildings into residential units. These changes, aligned with the state's mandate under House Bill 1042, aim to strike a delicate balance between economic growth and urban sustainability.
The proposed amendments seek to address several pressing concerns. First and foremost, they aim to increase housing supply in a city where demand has far outpaced availability, leading to soaring rents and fierce competition. Secondly, they aim to revitalize older commercial buildings that may be underutilized or in need of renovation. Finally, they align with broader sustainability goals by promoting denser, more walkable urban environments.
Key provisions of the proposed amendments include:
Horizontal Expansion: Buildings can be expanded horizontally by up to 5% of their existing floor area to accommodate additional residential units.
Additional Stories: Buildings can add an extra story, up to 20 feet in height, to provide additional residential space or amenities.
Dimensional Standard Exemptions: Buildings would be exempt from certain dimensional standards, such as setbacks and lot coverage, to facilitate redevelopment.
Parking Requirements: Additional parking would not be required for residential units, potentially reducing the environmental impact of development.
Non-Conforming Use Exemptions: Buildings could be exempt from certain non-conforming use requirements, making redevelopment more feasible.
While the proposed amendments offer several potential benefits, such as increased housing supply and revitalized urban centers, they also raise concerns. One key concern is the potential for gentrification. By incentivizing redevelopment, the amendments could lead to increased property values and displacement of existing residents, particularly low-income households. Additionally, the focus on residential development could lead to a decline in commercial activity, particularly if the amendments result in the conversion of prime commercial spaces into residential units.
Another concern is the potential impact on traffic and infrastructure. Increased density can lead to increased traffic congestion, and the city may need to invest in additional infrastructure, such as roads, public transportation, and utilities, to accommodate the growth.
To address these concerns, the city is proposing several measures, including:
Affordable Housing Requirements: Requiring developers to include a certain percentage of affordable housing units in their projects.
Traffic Mitigation Measures: Implementing traffic management strategies, such as improved public transportation and bike lanes.
Preservation of Historic Character: Establishing guidelines to protect historic buildings and ensure that redevelopment projects are compatible with the existing character of neighborhoods.
Community Engagement: Engaging with residents and businesses to gather input and address concerns about the potential impacts of the amendments.
The proposed land use code amendments in Bellevue represent a significant step towards addressing the housing crisis and revitalizing the city center. However, it is essential to carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of these changes and to implement measures to mitigate negative consequences. By striking a balance between economic growth and community well-being, Bellevue can create a more sustainable and equitable future for its residents.
