Bellevue, Washington, has launched a new permit process aimed at accelerating middle housing developments with three to six units per parcel, including townhouses, stacked flats, and cottage housing. The city says the permit is intended to streamline approvals by “By improving coordination and reducing complexity,” according to the City of Bellevue.
The updated permit provides a more predictable, step-by-step process to help projects move more quickly from planning to construction, based on feedback from users of the city’s permit system. The effort aligns with recent changes to Bellevue’s land use code and state housing requirements that allow a wider range of housing types in most residential areas, as reported by the City of Bellevue.
The City of Bellevue is working to make the permitting process easier. In October 2025, the city held a Residential Permitting Expo with application workshops and a panel on accessory dwelling units. It also offers the Virtual Permit Center, which provides guidance on permit questions. The City of Bellevue aims to improve customer service and support efficient development while maintaining building and environmental standards.
