Bellevue Planning and Zoning commissioners last Thursday gave preliminary approval to a 180-degree reversal of the city's policy towards accessory dwelling units.
Under the new policy, the construction and rental of accessory dwelling units within Bellevue city limits would be allowed to take place.
Accessory dwellings—also known as mother-in-law apartments—are attached or detached dwellings that are secondary in nature to a primary residential unit and cannot be sold separately from the primary residence.
In their recommendation to the City Council, P&Z commissioners agreed with the numerous members of the public who overwhelmingly said that allowing accessory dwellings could help alleviate some of the city's need for affordable rental housing.
With the P&Z's recommendation secured, the proposed policy change now must go before the City Council for final consideration and possible approval.
Of the large crowd of local citizens who arrived to Thursday's meeting to comment on the proposed policy change, none spoke out against the policy.
"In my opinion, it would be wrong to deny people the right to do this," said Bellevue resident Alan Barr.
Barr said he already has an accessory dwelling on his Bellevue property, but is unable to rent it due to the city's policy. "What if my dad wanted to live with me?" he asked the commissioners. "Are you going to tell me he can't?"
Finishing, Barr implored the commissioners to approve the rule change. "I just don't see a downside," he said.
In the end, Bellevue P&Z commissioners agreed.
"People should be able to stay in their communities as they age," Commissioner Kathryn Goldman said. "And stay with their families."
Under the new rules approved by the P&Z, accessory dwellings in Bellevue could only be provided in conjunction with single-family dwelling units and not as an addition to a duplex or multi-family unit. Additionally, they would only be allowed on lots 6,000 square feet or greater in size that directly abut an improved public street.
Accessory dwellings would also have to contain a minimum of 300 square feet of net livable space, but could not be larger than:
• 600 square feet for lots between 6,000-7,999 square feet in size.
• 700 square feet for lots between 8,000-9,999 square feet in size.
• 850 square feet for lots between 10,000-19,999 square feet in size.
• 1,000 square feet for lots between 20,000 square feet-one acre in size.
• 1,200 square feet for lots over one acre in size.
To be approved for construction, accessory dwelling units would still have to go through a detailed design review process before Bellevue P&Z commissioners.
The City Council will consider the proposed policy change at their Aug. 10 meeting.
