Accessory Structures in Bellevue, WA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Bellevue, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Under WA HB 1337 (2023) Bellevue must allow up to 2 ADUs on single-family lots, max 1000 sq ft each, no owner-occupancy requirement, no additional parking near transit.
Bellevue ADU Rules Under WA HB 1337
Few RestrictionsADU Permits
Bellevue permits accessory dwelling units under Land Use Code (LUC) 20.20.120, substantially amended by Ordinance 6746 (2023 ADU Reform LUCA). Washington HB 1337 (RCW 36.70A.681) requires Bellevue to allow up to two ADUs per lot in urban growth areas, and the city's middle-housing LUCA is being adopted to comply by the June 30, 2025 statewide deadline.
Bellevue ADU Permits
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Bellevue exempts ADUs from transportation and school impact fees in practice, consistent with Washington HB 1337 (RCW 36.70A.696), which caps any ADU impact fee at 50 percent of the single-family rate. Only standard plan-review and building-permit fees apply, plus utility connection charges if a new water or sewer service is needed.
Bellevue ADU Impact Fees
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Bellevue does not require owner-occupancy for ADU properties. The 2023 ADU Reform (Ordinance 6746) explicitly removed the previous owner-occupancy mandate, and Washington HB 1337 (RCW 36.70A.683) prohibits cities from imposing owner-occupancy requirements on ADUs. Owners may rent both the primary dwelling and the ADU to separate tenants.
Bellevue ADU Owner Occupancy
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Bellevue allows long-term rental of ADUs without restriction. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) on ADUs are regulated under Bellevue's Residential Rental Regulations and the city's short-term rental framework. There is no cap on the number of long-term ADU tenants beyond standard occupancy and building-code limits.
Bellevue ADU Rental Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Bellevue regulates detached sheds under LUC 20.20.125. Structures under 200 sq ft are exempt from building permits but must still meet Land Use Code setbacks. Rear setback is 5 feet.
Bellevue Shed Permit and Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
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.
Bellevue Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Bellevue are detached accessory structures under LUC 20.20.125 and require a building permit. Rear setback is 5 feet, and 10 feet from any street right-of-way.
Bellevue Carport Setback and Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Bellevue allows tiny homes on foundations as ADUs under LUC 20.20.120 and WA HB 1337. Tiny houses on wheels are considered RVs and cannot be permanent dwellings. ADU size max is 1,200 sq ft.
Bellevue Tiny Home and Tiny House ADU Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bellevue city rules.
Accessory Structures in King County →