The Bellevue City Council gave preliminary direction Dec. 1 to pursue five Planning Commission recommendations designed to protect homes from negative impacts of neighborhood redevelopment, including what critics call “megahouses.”

The action came about as part of the Neighborhood Character project initiated in early 2007 to address citizen concerns about the compatibility of large new homes in existing neighborhoods. The council’s direction results in a draft of new code language and a public hearing before the Planning Commission. A final decision on adoption of the amendments will be made by the City Council in 2009.

Items will include proposals to:

Increase the significant tree retention requirement in new subdivisions from 15 percent to 30 percent;

Set the ending time for remodeling construction at 8 p.m. daily (previously 10 p.m.);

Establish maintenance standards for vacant homes and abandoned building sites;

Regulate placement of mechanical equipment outside new homes and large residential additions; and

Reduce lifespan of building permits from three years to two years, and establish a fee for one-year extension.

A sixth Planning Commission proposal – to protect against loss of light and privacy by preventing homes from exceeding a certain size threshold – received discussion by the council, but did not advance.

For more information and updates on the Neighborhood Character project, contact city of Bellevue Neighborhood Outreach at 425-452-6836 or see the web site at http://www.bellevuewa.gov/neighborhood-character.htm.