The Bellevue City Council has approved new zoning and land use code changes for the Wilburton transit-oriented development area, moving forward on a long-term plan to transform the neighborhood into a mixed-use, walkable district with strong transit connections.
At a recent meeting in June 2025, the council adopted an ordinance establishing four new mixed-use zoning districts. The updated code includes design standards to support housing growth, job creation, affordable housing, walkability, and open space. It also aligns noise and sign regulations in Wilburton with those in downtown Bellevue.
Modifications were made before final adoption, including:
- Changes to the planned dimensions of one street type
- Adjustments to the timeline for applying some development fees
- A new incentive for stepbacks on upper levels of taller buildings
These zoning changes build on previous work by the City Council. In July 2024, the council unanimously endorsed a comprehensive plan amendment for the Wilburton area. That amendment introduced a revised land use map and updated policies aimed at encouraging development near public transit, the Eastrail, and the Grand Connection. It also included changes to the boundaries of the Wilburton/Northeast Eighth Street and BelRed subareas.
The comprehensive plan amendment—originally recommended by the Planning Commission—was part of a broader effort to support Bellevue’s long-term goals around housing affordability, economic development, sustainability, and multimodal transportation.
Formal adoption of that amendment was expected in a future meeting following the July 2024 endorsement, and the newly approved zoning changes mark a key step in putting the Wilburton Vision into action.
