The new code includes language about prohibited conduct, ethical standards and gifts. It also creates a complaint procedure and calls for an ethics officer, appointed by the council, who will be responsible for the enforcement of code provisions and for providing advisory opinions upon request.

A final version of the code of ethics (Ordinance 6110) will be posted online at bellevuewa.gov/resolutions.htm.

Also on Tuesday, the council officially received from the Planning Commission a recommendation on adopting policies and regulations needed to update the city’s Shoreline Master Program.

The program is a package of amendments to Bellevue’s Comprehensive Plan and land use code. Periodic updates of the shoreline program are required to implement the state Shoreline Management Act and state Department of Ecology regulations.

The Planning Commission, which unanimously approved the SMP recommendations, noted in its transmittal letter to the council, that a primary focus of the state law is to “protect and restore the valuable and fragile natural resources the state’s shorelines represent, while fostering ‘reasonable and appropriate uses’ … of the shoreline.” The commission’s recommendations for the SMP follow nearly five years of work, 49 study sessions and hundreds of comments.

Another study session will be scheduled as the council works to finalize the SMP update. More information is available online as part of the council agenda material.