Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike has proposed amendments to the "Big Box" retail ordinance that, if approved, would provide exceptions in certain areas of Bellingham to the current 90,000-square-foot size limit.
The Bellingham Planning Commission held a public hearing on these proposed changes on June 25 and recommended approval of the proposal. In addition, they asked that the City Council consider the following:
- The additional areas included in the Exception Area – are they all appropriate additions.
- The implications of an increased Green Factor – specifically .4 instead of .3.
- A higher standard by requiring LEED Silver certification for new development.
- Requiring that applicants provide a plan for possible re-use if vacated.
- The implications of de-construction bond.
- Providing employee transportation subsidies – alternative transportation opportunities.
- Requiring a landscape design that improves the face of the building.
Additionally, the Commissioners would like to encourage City Council to consider a regional tax sharing strategy.
- Draft Ordinance (PDF)
- Map of proposed exemption areas (PDF)
- Existing Zoning Table for Guide Meridian/Cordata Neighborhood (PDF)
- Existing Zoning Table for Meridian Neighborhood (PDF)
- Green Factor Landscaping Worksheet (PDF)
The proposed amendment would apply to most of the commercial area between Wal-Mart and Costco down to Bellis Fair Mall, and would also include areas at Bakerview and I-5 where Fred Meyer is located.
As proposed, the amendments would allow any new retail construction or expansion in the regional retail area to go beyond the size limit if the project achieves a score of 0.3 on the new Green Factor low-impact development and landscaping standards. This method has proved very successful in Seattle and has encouraged low-impact development techniques to manage stormwater and improve landscaping quality and quantity on new commercial buildings.
For more information contact the Planning and Community Development Department.
