Council Roundup: County announces proposed sewer rate increases

Published May 15 2026

Plus, updates to future land Use map and new city code for targeted residential protests

The City Council Tuesday learned about King County's proposed 2027 sewer rate and capacity charge increases. The director of the King County Wastewater Treatment Division also briefed the council on the 20-year sewer rate forecast and gave an update of the Regional Wastewater Services Plan.

The council supported staff's recommendation to communicate the city's position concerning affordability and the impact of the proposed sewer rate on the community through a joint regional letter drafted by the Sound Cities Association. The full presentation with supporting information is available in the meeting materials.

Zoning changes begin consideration

The council also initiated work on a land use code amendment to introduce a new, high-density residential zoning district and update the city's planned unit development (PUD) regulations.

The proposed code amendments are aimed at expanding housing choices and supply, supporting the city's affordable housing goals, updating PUD regulations that have remained largely unchanged since the 1990s, and ensuring zoning reflects the Comprehensive Plan. Extensive community outreach is planned, including information sessions and direct communication with neighborhood groups. Formal review of the code updates will begin with the Planning Commission following the council's initiation.

The full presentation is available in video replay from Bellevue Television and additional details are in the agenda materials.

New city code related to targeted residential protests

In other business, the council voted 6-1 to adopt an ordinance that would make it a crime to participate in targeted protests in residentially zoned areas of the city. Councilmember Naren Briar voted no.

The ordinance is intended to balance First Amendment rights for individuals to freely express their opinions and ideas with the right of residents to enjoy privacy and tranquility in their home. Under the new law, an individual participating with three or more people in a protest that targets an occupant in a residence or a residence itself could face a gross misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. This ordinance relied on a U.S. Supreme Court decision, which upheld a similar law and cited that the government may impose reasonable limits on residential protest activities.

The full discussion and vote can be viewed on Bellevue Television's meeting replay.

Proclamations

The council read proclamations in recognition of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, National Public Works Week, National Police Week and Older Americans Month.

Accommodations

For alternate formats or reasonable accommodations please phone at least 48 hours in advance 425-452-4346 (voice) or email [email protected]. For complaints regarding modifications, contact the City of Bellevue ADA, Title VI, and Equal Opportunity Officer at [email protected].