Bellevue is transitioning from its longstanding policy of free street parking to a paid system in key urban areas. The City Council recently approved an ordinance to implement a ‘curb pricing program’ targeting the Downtown, Wilburton, BelRed, and Spring District neighborhoods.
The new system will employ a dynamic, demand-based pricing model, with hourly rates ranging from $1 to $8. The goal is to maintain an on-street occupancy rate of 80%, ensuring approximately 1–2 open parking spaces per city block. This approach aims to reduce traffic congestion caused by limited parking availability and to discourage drivers from overstaying time limits.
Currently, Bellevue operates about 55,000 off-street parking spaces in garages and private lots but controls only around 600 on-street parking stalls. The revenue generated from the paid parking program will be reinvested to cover installation and maintenance costs, parking enforcement, and future transportation studies. Additionally, funds may support the expansion of BellHop, the city’s app-based free shuttle service.
While the exact start date for the program has not been announced, the city plans to systematically roll out signage and mobile app payment instructions across the urban core before enforcement begins. This initiative reflects Bellevue’s commitment to managing urban growth and enhancing the efficiency of its transportation infrastructure.