Affordable housing fee waivers now available in Bellevue

Bellevue has launched a new initiative to facilitate the development of affordable housing by offering waivers for permit review and inspection fees. The program allows developers to apply for these fee waivers, provided that all housing units remain affordable at or below 80% of the area median income for the duration of the project. Mayor Lynne Robinson highlighted the urgency of the affordable housing crisis, stating that Bellevue is committed to increasing its housing stock to meet community needs. This initiative stems from Ordinance No. 6747, adopted by the City Council in July 2023, which aims to alleviate the financial pressures associated with developing affordable housing.

While Bellevue's fees are regionally competitive, they can still pose challenges for developers of affordable, supportive, and emergency housing projects. The city hopes that this program will incentivize more developers to engage in affordable housing projects. For further details, developers can visit the city's dedicated webpage on constructing affordable housing. The ongoing efforts reflect Bellevue's proactive stance in addressing its growing housing demands.