Bellevue, WA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)

Bellevue Land Use Code 20.20.585 establishes EV infrastructure requirements. New multi-family residential developments with 5 or more units must provide EV-capable wiring to at least 20 percent of parking spaces and install functional EV charging at a smaller subset, with higher thresholds adopted in updated zoning since 2024. Commercial and mixed-use projects have comparable requirements scaled to parking supply. Residential single-family chargers require an electrical permit from the city or Washington Department of Labor and Industries, depending on the installer; a 240-volt level 2 circuit typically needs a dedicated 40 to 60 amp breaker, GFCI protection, and possibly a panel upgrade. Public charging stations must be signed and accessible, with parking limited to EVs actively charging. HOAs cannot unreasonably restrict installation of EV chargers by unit owners with assigned parking under RCW 64.38.055 (WUCIOA analogs) and state law encouraging EV readiness. Blocking an EV-only space with a non-EV, or plugging in without charging, can result in fines on private lots. Incentives through Puget Sound Energy and federal tax credits often apply.