Bellevue — Ch. 8 Buildings, Housing, and Construction § 8-214
Required; content; minimum standards
Operative Text
(a) Time for submission. At the time a building is registered, the owner shall submit a vacant building action plan. The enforcing officer may prescribe a form for the plan. If the owner fails to submit the plan, the enforcing officer may determine the plan. The plan shall at a minimum meet the requirements of this section. (b) Time period for completion. The plan shall identify the date the building will be habitable and occupied or offered for occupancy or sale. The time schedule shall include dates of commencement and completion of all actions required to achieve habitability and complete compliance with this article. The time schedule will not be approved if, in the determination of the enforcing officer, compliance cannot be achieved within six months for a vacant boarded building or two years for a vacant unboarded building. (c) Repair of secured openings. The plan shall include a plan for repair any doors, windows or other openings which are boarded up or otherwise secured by any means other than conventional methods used in the design of the building or permitted for new construction or similar type. (1) The proposed repair shall result in openings being secured by conventional methods used in the design of the building or by methods permitted for new construction of similar type with board removed. (2) Boarding shall be accomplished with materials and methods approved by the enforcing officer. (3) The owner shall maintain the building in an enclosed and secure state until the building is reoccupied or made available for immediate occupancy. (4) If the owner demonstrates that securing the building will provide adequate protection to the public, the enforcing officer may waive the requirement of an enclosure. (d) Nuisances. The plan shall include a time schedule identifying a date of commencement and completion of abatement of public nuisances identified by the enforcing officer. (e) Exterior lighting. The plan shall include proposed exterior lighting sufficient to meet lighting standards established by the enforcing officer. (f) Maintenance. The plan shall include a maintenance schedule sufficient to maintain the building and premises at all times in conformity with this article. (g) Demolition schedule. When the owner proposes to demolish the vacant building, the owner shall submit a plan and time schedule for demolition.
Bellevue § 8-214 establishes the required contents and minimum standards for a vacant building action plan that must be submitted when a building is registered as vacant. The plan must address a timeline for returning the building to habitable use or sale, repair of any non-conventional secured openings, abatement of public nuisances, exterior lighting, and ongoing maintenance — all subject to approval by the enforcing officer. Completion timelines are capped at six months for boarded vacant buildings and two years for unboarded vacant buildings, unless the enforcing officer determines compliance cannot be achieved within those windows. If demolition is intended, a separate demolition schedule must also be included.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Bellevue § 8-214, a compliant property owner submits a complete vacant building action plan at the time of registration, using any form the enforcing officer prescribes. Operators generally ensure the plan covers all required elements — habitability timeline, opening repairs using conventional or approved methods, nuisance abatement, exterior lighting, and a maintenance schedule — and that proposed completion dates fall within the applicable six-month or two-year limits. Owners who intend to demolish the structure include a demolition plan and schedule, and they keep the building enclosed and secure until reoccupancy or immediate availability for occupancy.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Bellevue § 8-214 creates a framework that requires owners of vacant buildings in the area to submit action plans with enforceable timelines and maintenance commitments, which can affect the condition and safety of properties in surrounding neighborhoods. Tenants or community members who observe a vacant building that appears to lack proper security, lighting, or maintenance may contact the local enforcing officer to inquire whether a compliant plan is on file. Those with concerns about how a vacant building's condition affects habitability or safety in the area can also consult a tenant-rights organization or local housing authority for guidance on available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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