Garage conversion rules in Bellevue, WA — sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions — govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Garage-to-ADU conversions are allowed in Bellevue under WA HB 1337 and LUC 20.30; need building permits, must meet habitability codes, and lose required covered parking.
Converting an existing attached or detached garage into an accessory dwelling unit or habitable space is allowed in Bellevue under Land Use Code LUC 20.30 and is strongly facilitated by Washington HB 1337 (2023) which prohibits off-street parking requirements within 0.5 mile of major transit. Garage conversions typically count as one of the 2 allowed ADUs per lot. Building permits from Development Services are required and the conversion must meet Washington State Residential Code including minimum ceiling height (7 feet general, 6 feet 8 inches in bathrooms), egress windows in sleeping rooms (5.7 square feet openable), natural light and ventilation, insulation (R-30 ceilings, R-21 walls typical), HVAC, and independent smoke and CO alarms. Electrical and plumbing upgrades almost always required. Attached garage conversions must maintain fire separation between dwelling unit and remaining garage spaces if any. If all covered parking is eliminated, the property may still need to meet minimum parking unless within transit-exempt area. Mechanicals like water heaters and furnaces typically relocated. Sewer capacity charges apply.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle garage conversions.
See how Bellevue's garage conversions rules stack up against other locations.
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