Boarding House Permits: Bellevue, Wa Requirements And Rules

what constitutes a boarding house permit in bellevue wa

In Bellevue, Washington, a boarding house is defined as a single-family home with long-term rentals of individual rooms. For a home to be used as a boarding house, it must be owner-occupied, can accommodate a maximum of two rooms for rental, and must have a Home Occupation Permit. The relevant Land Use Code requirements for Boarding Houses are outlined in LUC 20.20.140. The City of Bellevue offers a range of permits for different purposes, including residential building permits, right-of-way permits, and permits related to tree removal and waste management. The permitting process involves submitting applications, scheduling inspections, and ensuring compliance with relevant codes and regulations.

Characteristics Values
Definition A single-family home with long-term rentals of individual rooms
Owner occupancy Must be owner-occupied
Number of rooms for rental Maximum of two rooms for rental and a maximum of two adults per room
Permit Requires a Home Occupation Permit
Applicable Land Use Code requirements LUC 20.20.140
Minimum rental period 30 days or longer

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Owner-occupied vs non-owner-occupied

In Bellevue, Washington, there are specific regulations that distinguish between owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied residences when it comes to renting out spaces for long-term or short-term stays. These regulations are particularly relevant for those looking to operate boarding houses or rooming houses.

Owner-Occupied Residences:

An owner-occupied residence refers to a single-family home where the owner lives on the premises. In Bellevue, if an owner wishes to rent out rooms in their occupied residence, it is considered a boarding house. Boarding houses in Bellevue must adhere to specific guidelines:

  • The residence must accommodate a maximum of two rooms for rent, with a maximum of two adults per room.
  • The owner is required to obtain a Home Occupation Permit.
  • Boarding houses fall under the Land Use Code LUC 20.20.140.

Non-Owner-Occupied Residences:

A non-owner-occupied residence is a single-family home where the owner does not live on the premises, and individual rooms are rented out to tenants. This type of arrangement is known as a rooming house in Bellevue. Rooming houses have different regulations from boarding houses:

  • Rooming houses can accommodate a maximum of four rooms for rent.
  • Tenants in rooming houses generally do not share living expenses or household chores.
  • Rooming houses are not permitted in single-family land use districts.
  • Rooming houses fall under the Land Use Code LUC 20.20.700.

Additional Considerations:

It is important to note that the distinction between owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied residences is crucial when it comes to short-term rentals, also known as transient lodging. The ability to offer transient lodging depends on various factors, including the type of residence, its location, and whether the owner lives there.

Furthermore, the City of Bellevue has specific regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs are not permitted to be rented out for periods of less than 30 days. Doing so would classify the residence as a boarding house, requiring a Washington State license.

For long-term rentals, there is no limit to the number of occupants in a residence, as long as everyone has access to the entire home and shares responsibilities, while also adhering to building, health, and safety standards.

The City of Bellevue provides resources for those seeking clarification on permits and regulations, including an online search function, one-on-one assistance, and access to staff who can answer questions and guide individuals through the permit process.

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Rental duration

In Bellevue, Washington, a boarding house is defined as a single-family home with long-term rentals of individual rooms. For a home to be considered a boarding house, it must be owner-occupied, can only rent out a maximum of two rooms, and must have a Home Occupation Permit.

The duration of rentals in a boarding house is considered long-term, which is defined as a period of 30 days or longer. There is no limit to the number of people who can live in the home as long as everyone has access to the entire home and shares responsibilities, and all applicable building, health, and safety standards are met.

Owners of houses, condos, apartments, or any other kind of residential home can rent their entire home or a portion of it for long-term residential occupancy. Under certain conditions, a residential home may be rented for less than 30 days, which is considered transient lodging, short-term, or vacation rentals. The location of the home and whether the property owner lives in it are factors that determine if it can be used for transient lodging.

A rooming house, on the other hand, is a non-owner-occupied single-family home where individual rooms are rented, and tenants do not typically share living expenses or household chores. A rooming house can accommodate up to four rooms for rental and is not permitted in single-family land use districts.

In terms of permits, the City of Bellevue has a permitting process for various types of projects, including residential building permits and right-of-way permits. Residential building permits cover projects involving one- and two-family dwellings, while right-of-way permits are for the use of public streets, property for streets, and areas for public utilities, transmission lines, walkways, and more.

For those looking to rent out their properties for short-term or long-term durations, it is important to understand the specific definitions and requirements outlined by the City of Bellevue to ensure compliance with local regulations.

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Permit application process

The permit application process in Bellevue, Washington, involves several steps and requirements that must be followed to ensure compliance with local regulations. Here is an overview of the process for obtaining a permit, particularly for a boarding house or similar establishment:

Step 1: Understanding Permit Requirements

Before initiating the application, it is essential to understand the specific permit requirements for a boarding house in Bellevue, WA. Boarding houses, as defined by the city, refer to single-family homes with long-term rentals of individual rooms, with a maximum of two rentable rooms and a limit of two adults per room. The property must be owner-occupied and have a Home Occupation Permit.

Step 2: Research Applicable Codes

Familiarize yourself with the relevant Land Use Codes (LUC) for boarding houses, which are outlined in LUC 20.20.140. These codes provide detailed regulations that must be adhered to during the permitting process and operation of the boarding house.

Step 3: Prepare Necessary Documents

Gather and prepare all the necessary documents for the permit application. This may include plans, architectural drawings, and other supporting materials. The City of Bellevue may have specific requirements and guidelines for the format and content of these documents.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Submit the permit application and supporting documents to the City of Bellevue. The application process may vary depending on the specific permit type and scope of the project. The City of Bellevue provides resources, such as a permit search function, permit FAQs, and one-on-one assistance, to help applicants navigate the process.

Step 5: Review and Approval Process

Once the application is submitted, it will undergo a review process by the City of Bellevue staff. They will evaluate the application for completeness and compliance with relevant codes and regulations. This process may involve inspections and further requests for information or clarification.

Step 6: Receive Permit Decision

After the review process, the City of Bellevue will communicate its decision regarding the permit application. If approved, the applicant will receive the necessary permits and can proceed with their boarding house operations. If there are any conditions or requirements outlined in the approval, ensure these are met to maintain compliance.

Step 7: Ongoing Compliance

Operating a boarding house in Bellevue, WA, requires ongoing compliance with local regulations. Stay informed about any changes to the Land Use Codes and permit requirements. Additionally, be mindful of other relevant regulations, such as those pertaining to tree removal, waste management, and right-of-way permits, depending on the specific circumstances of the property.

It is always advisable to stay in close communication with the City of Bellevue's permit office and relevant departments to ensure that all permitting and operational aspects of the boarding house are in accordance with the law.

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Permit requirements

The permit requirements for a boarding house in Bellevue, WA, are determined by the City's Land Use Code and zoning regulations. Here are the key permit requirements for operating a boarding house in Bellevue:

Definition of a Boarding House

A boarding house is defined as a single-family home with long-term rentals of individual rooms. To be considered a boarding house, the following criteria must be met:

  • Owner-Occupied: The owner of the property must live in the home.
  • Limited Rentals: A maximum of two rooms can be rented out, with a maximum of two adults per room.
  • Home Occupation Permit: The owner must obtain a Home Occupation Permit, which allows for the rental of rooms within a residential property.

Zoning Regulations

Boarding houses are permitted in specific zoning districts. They are allowed in residential areas, particularly within single-family home zones. However, it is important to refer to the City's Land Use Code (LUC 20.20.140) for the specific regulations applicable to boarding houses.

Rental Period

The minimum rental period for a boarding house in Bellevue is typically 30 days or longer. This is considered long-term residential occupancy, as outlined in the City's Land Use Code. Rentals for less than 30 days may be considered short-term or vacation rentals, which have different permit requirements and may not be allowed in certain zones.

Additional Considerations

When operating a boarding house, it is important to adhere to building, health, and safety standards. There is no limit to the number of people living in the home as long as everyone has access to the entire home and shares responsibilities.

Application Process

The City of Bellevue provides resources to help with the permit application process. The permit center offers one-on-one assistance and guidance on permit requirements. Applicants can also search for specific permit types and refer to the Permit FAQs for more information. The city has also implemented streamlining measures to improve efficiency, including simplifying language requirements and enhancing rules for determining application completeness.

Other Relevant Permits

In addition to the permits related to boarding houses, the City of Bellevue also offers various other permits, such as residential building permits, right-of-way permits, and tree removal permits. These permits cover a range of activities, including construction projects, street usage, and tree maintenance or removal.

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Permit types

The City of Bellevue offers a variety of permits for different purposes. Here is a detailed overview of the permit types mentioned on the official website:

  • Residential Building Permits: These permits cover projects involving one and two-family dwellings. This includes constructing a new single-family residence, adding on more than 3,000 square feet to an existing dwelling, or making remodels with or without structural work.
  • Right of Way Permits: These permits are related to the use of public rights of way, which include public streets, property for streets, areas for public utilities, transmission lines, walkways, sidewalks, bikeways, and equestrian trails. There are different types of Right of Way permits:
  • Commercial Development: This permit is for the use of the right of way associated with commercial projects, multifamily development, or plat infrastructure. This includes activities such as hauling, parking, and staging, whether or not there is construction involved.
  • Franchise Permit: This permit is for utility work and those operating under an existing right-of-way use agreement.
  • Government Projects: This permit is for government agencies, city departments, or contractors working on capital or maintenance projects.
  • Street Use Permit: This permit is for activities that use the street or sidewalk but do not involve physical disturbances, such as sidewalk cafes, street runs, parades, block parties, and street closures.
  • Tree Removal and Tree Density Permits: The City of Bellevue has implemented regulations regarding tree removal and maintenance of tree density on private property. A permit is required to remove any significant or landmark tree outside of a development proposal. Development proposals must maintain a minimum tree density based on property size and type, which can be achieved through retaining or planting new trees.
  • Residential Rental Regulations: While not specifically called out as permits, there are regulations in place for renting out residential properties in Bellevue. These regulations define the differences between long-term and transient lodging, and the conditions under which a residential home can be rented out for less than 30 days. There are also definitions and requirements for boarding houses and rooming houses, with specific restrictions on the number of rooms that can be rented out and whether the property owner must live in the home.

The City of Bellevue provides resources to help residents understand the permitting process, including in-person services, online permit search functions, and one-on-one assistance with general permitting questions. Additionally, Bellevue's permitting data from 1998 to the present is available on the city's Open Data portal.

Frequently asked questions

A boarding house is a single-family home with long-term rentals of individual rooms. A home used for a boarding house must be owner-occupied, can accommodate a maximum of two rooms for rental, and must have a Home Occupation Permit.

A boarding house permit in Bellevue, WA, is a Home Occupation Permit. This permit is required for a single-family home to be used as a boarding house. The permit ensures that the home meets the requirements for long-term rentals of individual rooms, including occupancy limits and other applicable Land Use Code requirements.

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