Bellevue adopts new rules regulating megahome construction
Published 11:34 am Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The Bellevue City Council on Monday approved new regulations to address “megahomes” – new or remodeled houses that are out of scale with surrounding residences.
The rules limit the overall height of new single-family homes and to impose additional development standards on large new homes built in existing neighborhoods. They were proposed by the Planning Commission as phase two of a “Neighborhood Character” package addressing residents’ concerns about megahomes.
The city council approved an initial phase of regulations in December 2007.
Large houses, defined as those whose square footage exceeds 50 percent of the lot size, will be required to have minimum 7.5-foot setbacks on all sides and roof pitches that reduce their shadowing effect on neighboring homes.
Houses in new subdivisions will not have to follow this rule.
Also included in the new regulations are:
• Further limitations on building height (maximum of 35 feet to roof peak, 40 feet for any single facade)
• New rules regarding placement of mechanical equipment associated with new or remodeled homes
• Maintenance standards for vacant homes and abandoned building sites
• Change in ending time for residential construction noise from 10 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• An increase in significant tree retention for new subdivisions from 15 percent to 30 percent.
The East Bellevue Community Council will consider these regulations for ratification on Sept. 1. The group represents a portion of the city, and has the authority to approve or disapprove certain land-use actions within its jurisdiction.
