Affordable housing fee waivers now available in Bellevue

Published September 17 2024

Effort reduces cost of development to incentivize affordable housing production

Affordable housing developers in Bellevue can now apply for permit review and inspection fee waivers from the City of Bellevue for their affordable development projects.

To qualify for fee reductions under the program, all housing units in the development must be affordable at or below 80% of the area median income for the life of the project. Projects providing long-term or permanent supportive housing, certain types of emergency shelters, or services to people experiencing homelessness may also qualify.

"Like all cities across our region, Bellevue needs more affordable housing," said Mayor Lynne Robinson. "Our city is offering developers this tool to incentivize construction of more affordable housing. Bellevue has made it a high priority to create this housing and meet the needs of our community."

In July 2023, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 6747, establishing the Affordable Housing Permit Review and Inspection Fee Program. Bellevue's fees are regionally competitive, though permitting fees remain an increasingly substantial cost for developers of affordable housing, permanent supportive housing, emergency housing, and homeless services projects. This program is an expansion of the city's effort to help mitigate the cost of development for affordable housing projects. More information is available at Building Affordable Housing.