Bellevue Zoning Overview

Bellevue is a major city in Washington with approximately 151,854 residents, located in King County. The city manages land use and development through its zoning code, administered by the Development Services Department. Bellevue's zoning divides the municipality into districts regulating permitted uses, building heights, lot sizes, setbacks, and density.

Bellevue follows the Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-50/51), which is based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC).

Primary Zoning Districts

Bellevue's zoning code ranges from very low to moderate density residential. The R-1 district requires a minimum lot size of 1 acre for estate-style development. The R-2.5 district requires approximately 17,500 square foot lots, while R-3.5 requires 12,500 square foot lots. The R-5 district allows 8,000 square foot minimum lots with setbacks of 20 feet (front), 5 feet (side), and 25 feet (rear). The R-10 district supports higher-density multifamily development. All residential districts have a 35-foot height limit.

Commercial activity is served by the NB (Neighborhood Business) and CB (Community Business) districts. The LI (Light Industrial) district provides for warehousing and light manufacturing uses.

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules

Bellevue allows ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). Under Washington state law HB 1337 (2023), cities are required to allow ADUs, with up to 2 ADUs permitted per lot in most areas. This is a state mandate that applies to all Washington cities. Contact the Development Services Department for current requirements including size limits, setbacks, and permitting procedures.

Development Process

Development in Bellevue generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits. The process typically involves:

1. Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
2. Site Plan Review — For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
3. Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
4. Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
5. Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure

For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance, special exception, or rezoning.

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in Bellevue, property owners should:

• Verify the zoning classification of their property
• Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for their specific district
• Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
• Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
• Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
• Contact the Development Services Department at (425) 452-6800 for pre-application guidance

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Bellevue and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of Bellevue or the municipal code before making development decisions.