Bellevue adopts interim official control requiring new projects to reflect longstanding character of Main Street

Bellevue, Washington – The Bellevue City Council has moved to temporarily reshape how development unfolds along a key stretch of Old Bellevue’s Main Street, approving new rules designed to protect the area’s longstanding character.

In a narrow 4-3 vote on Feb. 10, councilmembers adopted an Interim Official Control covering properties between 100th Avenue NE and Bellevue Way. The temporary measure places added requirements on new projects, particularly when it comes to the look and feel of street-facing buildings.

Under the new rules, future development must align with the established design patterns of neighboring properties. Any proposal to remove a facade that is more than 50 years old now faces a higher bar. Property owners must first show that the structure holds no historic or cultural significance before demolition can move forward. City officials have clarified that none of the buildings in the affected area currently carry formal state or national historic landmark status.

The action comes amid continued development interest in Old Bellevue. One notable proposal, submitted by Vander Hoek Corp., calls for a 176-unit apartment building at Main Street and 103rd Avenue Northeast. Plans filed about a year ago outline an eight-story structure with more than 10,000 square feet of retail space at street level. Updated documents indicate construction could begin in early 2026. Because that project has already vested under existing zoning rules, it will not be subject to the newly adopted restrictions.

Instead, the interim controls apply to properties that have not yet entered the permitting process. The corridor in question is largely made up of low-rise commercial buildings, many housing small shops and street-level retail.

An Interim Official Control is a short-term planning tool that allows cities to immediately impose development standards while they study and draft potential long-term policies. Under state law, such controls can remain in place for up to six months and must be followed by a public hearing within 60 days.

The ordinance does not require developers to retain current businesses or tenants. Existing land-use regulations do not give the city authority to mandate that specific commercial occupants remain in place during redevelopment.

For now, the temporary rules stand as the city evaluates whether more permanent standards should guide future growth along Main Street in Old Bellevue.

More details are available here.