Bellevue ADU and middle-housing permits: choosing the right path

Count units two ways

Count the dwelling units in each individual structure, then the total across the parcel. Bellevue treats permitted ADUs as dwelling units for choosing the construction-permit path.

Match the building to the permit

• One or two dwelling units in a structure generally use a BS permit.
• Three to six dwelling units in one structure use Bellevue’s MH permit.
• Projects beyond the stated middle-housing limits follow the commercial multifamily path.
• Each independent building needs its own building permit.

Expect a separate site permit for multiple buildings

Where multiple buildings contain dwelling units, Bellevue may require a GD clearing-and-grading permit so access, fire, transportation, utilities, drainage, trees, and site compliance are reviewed together. Keep every building and site set coordinated.

Check the site systems early

Test parking and access, fire approach, utility capacity and meters, stormwater, refuse, private open space, trees, easements, and construction staging before investing in unit layouts. The site often determines the viable unit count.

Ask Bellevue to confirm the path

Because middle-housing rules and permit processes are relatively new, bring a simple site/unit diagram to the Permit Center or predevelopment review and get the expected permit list in writing before producing a full set.