1. Grand Connection and Major Public Open Spaces: The Grand Connection and Major Public Open Spaces as depicted in LUC 20.25A.175.A.1.

16:1 bonus points per square foot of Pedestrian Corridor or Major Public Open Space constructed.

DESIGN CRITERIA:

1. Grand Connection and Major Public Open Space improvements shall comply with the requirements of LUC 20.25A.175.

2. Outdoor Plaza: A publicly accessible, continuous open space, predominantly open from above, and designed to relate to the surrounding urban context. Outdoor plazas prioritize pedestrian use and serve as opportunities to activate Downtown for residents and users.

9.3:1

9.3:1

8.4:1

9.3:1

8.4:1

8.4:1

8.4:1

8.4 bonus points per square foot of outdoor plaza in Priority Neighborhoods; 9.3 bonus points per square foot in High Priority Neighborhoods.

DESIGN CRITERIA:

1. Minimum plaza size is 3,000 square feet with a maximum bonusable area of 20 percent of the gross lot area; provided, that the minimum plaza size for a DT-Small Site is 1,500 square feet. Plazas larger than 10,000 square feet may earn 10 percent additional bonus points if they are designed in a manner to provide for activities to promote general public assembly.

2. Minimum plaza size may be met through the linking of smaller plaza spaces in a cohesive, logical manner with a strong design narrative.

3. Minimum seating provided shall be one linear foot of seating space per 30 square feet of plaza space.

4. A minimum of 20 percent of the area eligible for bonus amenity points in the plaza shall be landscaped.

5. Plaza amenities to enhance the users’ experience shall be provided, e.g., art and water elements.

6. Plaza shall be located within 30 inches of the adjacent sidewalk grade, and shall provide physical and visual access from the adjacent right-of-way.

7. Provide for sense of security to users through well-lit and visible spaces.

8. Directional signage shall be provided to identify circulation routes for all users and inform the public that the space is accessible to the public at all times. The signage shall be visible from all points of access. The Director shall require signage as provided by the City of Bellevue Transportation Department Design Manual. If the signage requirements are not feasible, the applicant may propose an alternative that is consistent with this provision and achieves the design objectives for the building and the site may propose an alternative that is consistent with this provision and achieves the design objectives for the building and the site.

9. Plazas shall be open to the public at all times and require an easement for public right of pedestrian use in a form approved by the City.

10. Plazas shall meet all design criteria for design guidelines for public open spaces.

11. Square footage for purposes of calculating amenity points shall not include vehicle or loading drive surfaces.

3. Donation of Park Property: Property that is donated to the City, with no restriction, for park purposes.

Forty-five bonus points for every $1,000 of the appraised value of property donated for park purposes if the property is located in Northwest Village or East Main Neighborhood. Forty bonus points for every $1,000 of the appraised value if property is located in any other Downtown Neighborhood. Park property donation may occur in Downtown Neighborhoods that are different from where the development project occurs.

DESIGN CRITERIA:

1. The need for such property in the location proposed shall be consistent with City-adopted policies and plans.

2. The minimum size of a donated park parcel is 4,000 square feet.

3. Donated park parcels shall be located within Downtown, but need not be contiguous with the site for which development is proposed.

4. Improvement of Public Park Property: Improvements made to City-owned community, neighborhood, and miniparks within Downtown.

Forty-five bonus points for every $1,000 of public park property improvement if the park is located in Northwest Village or East Main Neighborhood. Forty bonus points for every $1,000 of public park property improvement if it is located in any other Downtown Neighborhood. Park property improvement may occur in Downtown Neighborhoods that are different from where the development project occurs.

DESIGN CRITERIA:

1. Improvements made to a City-owned community, neighborhood, or mini-park shall be consistent with the Downtown Subarea Plan.

2. Improvements made to City-owned parks shall be constructed by the developer consistent with applicable City plans, and approved by the Director of the Parks and Community Services Department.

5. Enhanced Streetscape: A continuous space between the back of the curb and the building face, which allows internal activities to be externalized or brought out to the sidewalk. This space is provided along the building front, and activated by residential patios or stoops, small retail, restaurant, and other commercial entries.

7.8:1

7.8:1

7.8:1

Seven bonus points per square foot of enhanced streetscape constructed; 7.8 bonus points per square foot if part of Lake-to-Lake Trail in Old Bellevue, City Center South, and East Main neighborhoods.

DESIGN CRITERIA:

6. Active Recreation Area: An area that provides active recreational facilities and is open to the general public. Does not include health or athletic clubs.

Two bonus points per square foot of active recreation area provided.

DESIGN CRITERIA:

1. May be located indoors or outdoors.

2. Recreational facilities include, but are not limited to, sport courts, child play areas, climbing wall, open space for play, and dog relief areas.

3. There may be a fee for use, but may not be used exclusively by the membership.

4. The maximum bonusable area is 1,500 square feet.

7. Enclosed Plaza: A publicly accessible, continuous open space located within a building and covered to provide overhead weather protection while admitting substantial amounts of natural daylight (atrium or galleria). Enclosed plazas function as a “Third Place,” and are “anchors” of community life and facilitate and foster broader, more creative interaction.

Four bonus points per square foot of enclosed plaza provided.

DESIGN CRITERIA:

1. Shall be open and accessible to the public during the same hours that the building in which it is located is open.

2. Shall provide signage to identify the space as open to the public as provided per the Bellevue Transportation Department Design Manual. Shall provide directional signage that identifies circulation routes for all users and informs the public that the space is accessible to the public at all times. The signage shall be visible from all points of access. If the signage requirements are not feasible, the applicant may propose an alternative that is consistent with this provision and achieves the design objectives for the building and the site.

3. Shall be visually and physically accessible from a publicly accessible space.

4. At least five percent of the area shall be landscaped. Landscape requirements may be modified if an equal or better result is provided through the use of interesting building materials, art, and architectural features that soften and enhance the enclosed plaza area.

5. The minimum sitting space shall be one linear foot of seating per 30 square feet of enclosed plaza space. More than 50 percent of the seating shall be provided in the form of movable chairs and furniture.

6. Minimum horizontal dimension is 20 feet.

7. Minimum area is 750 square feet.

8. Alleys with Addresses: Pedestrian-oriented ways off the main vehicular street grid that provide an intimate pedestrian experience through a combination of residential, small retail, restaurant, and other commercial entries with meaningful transparency along the frontage building walls. This area does not have a “back of house” feel.

6.7:1

6.7:1

6.7:1

6.7:1

6.7 bonus points per square foot of alley with address improvement based on neighborhood location.

DESIGN CRITERIA:

1. Shall be open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and require an easement for public right of pedestrian use in a form approved by the City.

2. May not be enclosed.

3. Shall provide a finer-scaled building design at the pedestrian level to emphasize the pedestrian realm and to provide scale relief from the primary massing.

4. Alley frontage shall meet guidelines for “C” Rights-of-Way, Mixed Streets in LUC 20.25A.170.B.

5. Residential use must provide a strong connection to the alleyway through the use of patios or stoops.

6. Shall provide pedestrian-scaled lighting.

7. Shall provide signage to show open to the public and the hours.

8. Automobile access and use shall be secondary to pedestrian use and movement.

9. Shall meet design guidelines at LUC 20.25A.170.C.

10. Square footage for purposes of calculating amenity points shall not include vehicle or loading drive surfaces.

9. Freestanding canopies at street corners and transit stops (nonbuilding weather protection)

Forty bonus points per every $1,000 of investment in freestanding canopies. Maximum 1,000 bonus points per freestanding canopy.

DESIGN CRITERIA:

Location of freestanding canopies shall be approved by Transportation Department. Design shall be consistent with the design adopted through a Transportation Director’s Rule.

10. Pedestrian Bridges: Pedestrian bridges over the public right-of-way at previously designated mid-block locations meeting specific design criteria.    

Two hundred fifty bonus points per linear foot of pedestrian bridge constructed.

DESIGN CRITERIA:

1. This bonus shall apply only to pedestrian bridges meeting the location and design criteria of LUC 20.25A.100.

2. Bridge shall connect to upper-level Active Uses on both sides to qualify for the bonus.

11. Performing Arts Space: Space containing fixed seating for public assembly for the purpose of entertainment or cultural events (live performances only).

Sixteen bonus points per square foot of performing arts space provided.

DESIGN CRITERIA:

This bonus shall apply only to performing arts spaces that are less than 10,000 square feet.

12. Public Art: Any form of permanent artwork that is outdoors and publicly accessible or visible from a public place. The purpose is to create a memorable civic experience and affinity between artist and community.

Forty bonus points per every $1,000 of appraised art value.

DESIGN CRITERIA:

1. Shall be located outside in areas open to the general public or visible from the adjacent public right-of-way, perimeter sidewalk, or pedestrian way.

2. May be an artist-made object or artist-made integrated feature of the building’s exterior or other visible infrastructure such as paving, hand railings, walls, seating, or other elements visible to the public or in publicly accessible areas.

3. Public art can include murals, sculptures, art elements integrated with infrastructure, and special artist-designed lighting.

4. Standalone or landmark artworks shall be at a scale that allows them to be visible at a distance.

5. Value of art to be determined through appraisal accepted by Bellevue Arts Program.

6. Maintenance of the art is the obligation of the owner of that portion of the site where the public art is located for the life of the project.

13. Water Feature: A fountain, cascade, stream water, sculpture, or reflection pond. The purpose is to serve as a focal point for pedestrian activity.

Forty bonus points per every $1,000 of appraised value of the water feature, or actual construction cost, whichever is greater.

DESIGN CRITERIA:

1. Shall be located outside of the building, and be publicly visible and accessible at the main pedestrian entrance to a building, alongside a perimeter sidewalk or pedestrian connection.

2. Water shall be maintained in a clean and noncontaminated condition.

3. Water shall be in motion during daylight hours.

14. Historic Preservation of Physical Sites/Buildings: Historic and cultural resources are those identified in the City’s resource inventory, or identified by supplemental study submitted to the City.

Forty bonus points per every $1,000 of documented construction cost to protect historic façades or other significant design features.

DESIGN CRITERIA:

1. Voluntary protection of historic façades or other significant design features when redevelopment occurs.

15. Historic and Cultural Resources Documentation: Historic and cultural resources are those identified in the City’s resource inventory, or identified by supplemental study submitted to the City.

Forty bonus points per every $1,000 of documented cost of plaques/interpretive markers or construction cost of space dedicated to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit items.

DESIGN CRITERIA:

1. Use plaques and interpretive markers to identify existing and past sites of historic and cultural importance.

2. Space dedicated to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit items that document the history of Downtown Bellevue.

16. Neighborhood Serving Uses: Allocation of space for noncommercial neighborhood serving uses that bolster livability for residents (e.g., community meeting rooms and nonprofit child care).

Eight bonus points per square foot of space dedicated to neighborhood serving uses.

DESIGN CRITERIA:

1. Bonusable neighborhood serving uses include child care, community meeting rooms, or nonprofit space.

2. Up to 5,000 square feet per project are eligible for this bonus, any floor area beyond that limit shall not be eligible for amenity bonus points.

3. The floor area delineated for these uses shall be required to remain dedicated to neighborhood serving uses for the life of the project.

4. Applicant shall record with King County Recorder’s Office (or its successor agency) and provide a copy to the Director of a binding document allocating those spaces only for neighborhood serving uses for the life of the building.

5. No other uses shall be approved for future tenancy in those spaces if they are not consistent with the uses outlined in the definition of neighborhood serving uses in LUC 20.25A.020.A.

6. Tenant spaces shall remain open to the public and may not require fees or admissions to enter.

7. Spaces shall provide visual access from the street.

17. Sustainability Certification: The City has a vested interest in supporting sustainable building practices and provides amenity bonus points commensurate with the level of sustainability provided in each building. Bonus FAR points shall be earned according to the level of rating an applicant completes. Building practices are rapidly evolving and sustainability features are becoming mainstream. The purpose of this amenity is to incentivize performance significantly above the industry norm.

Tier 1: Living Building Net Zero Energy; Built Green 5-Star; or LEED Platinum; 0.25 FAR Bonus.

Tier 2: Passivhaus PHIUS+2015 Verification; Built Green 4-Star; or LEED Gold; 0.2 FAR Bonus.

Note: Other Sustainability Certifications with an expected public benefit equal to or in excess of Tier 1 or Tier 2 may be pursued under the Flexible Amenity provisions.

DESIGN CRITERIA:

1. Buildings shall meet minimum criteria for LEED, Built Green, or Living Building Challenge certification in the chosen category.

2. A performance bond equivalent to the value of the bonus shall be provided to the City by the developer. In the event the project does not achieve the planned rating within 18 months of project completion, the bonded fund shall be used for environmental improvements within Downtown identified by the City.

18. Flexible Amenity: For proposed amenities not identified in items 1 through 17 of this list, the Flexible Amenity allows an applicant the opportunity to propose an additional amenity that would substantially increase livability in Downtown. Credit shall be determined on a case-by-case basis; it is expected that the public benefit shall equal or exceed what would be provided by amenities on the standard list provided above. The Flexible Amenity may also be used to determine a mix of amenities that is appropriate for a DT-Small Site when the application of standard list would not provide it with the development rights permitted to other similarly situated properties.

Values for this amenity shall be set through the City Council Departure process in LUC 20.25A.030 and require a Development Agreement. May be pursued in all Downtown Neighborhoods. This amenity may be used on DT-Small Sites to earn necessary amenity bonus points needed to exceed base FAR.

DESIGN CRITERIA:

1. The bonus proposal shall be approved by City Council through a Legislative Departure and Development Agreement.

2. The proposed bonus shall have merit and value to the community.

3. The proposed bonus shall be outside of the anticipated amenity bonus structure.

4. The proposed bonus shall not be in conflict with existing Land Use Code regulations.

TECHNICAL REVIEW:

The City may require the applicant to pay for an independent technical review, by a consultant retained by the City, of materials submitted by the applicant to support the requested departures contained within a requested Development Agreement. Consultant services may include, but are not limited to, economic evaluation of public benefits, impacts on property values, review of construction valuations, documentation related to constructability, and other input deemed necessary by the City Council to support its legislative decision making.