Planning and Development Commission

Meetings

The Planning Commission and it's sub-committees will typically conduct three different types of meetings throughout the year, public hearings, public meetings, and work sessions. The agenda and meeting materials will be posted on the Commission Meeting Materials webpage at least one week in advance of each meeting date for public review and comment. Below is a brief description of each type of meeting and what kind of public comment is allowed.

Public Hearings: This is the most common type of meeting the commission holds. During a public hearing, the community is invited to address the commission through verbal testimony as well as written. It should be noted that both forms of public comment will become part of the permanent record.
Public Meetings: These meetings are held more infrequently, and do not allow for the public to verbally testify. However, the commission does accept written comments and requests that they be received at least 2 days ahead of the meeting so that the content of the public comment can be weighed in their recommendation.
Work sessions: These meetings will be scheduled when the commission needs to perform more work on a project than they had time for in the public hearing. Work sessions do not allow for the public to verbally testify; however, the commission does accept written comments. Written comments should be received at least 2 days ahead of the meeting so that the content of the public comment can be weighed in the recommendation.

Purpose

The Commission conducts hearings on the City Comprehensive Plan and its implementation. It reviews and makes recommendations to the City Council on the adoption and enforcement of plans and regulations for the physical development of the City. The Commission also advises the Council through the Planning Director.

Typical Decisions

The Planning and Development Commission recommended Council approval of a Bellingham Housing Authority request for 25 residential units, which included 12 duplexes and a single family unit, on approximately 2+ acres at Yew Street. They also recommended approval of a preliminary plat consisting of 6 lots on 1.83 acres with approximately .24 acres designated as common open space, located northeast of the Samish Way/Ridgemont Way intersection. The Commission approved a request for Planned Residential Development approval for 10 attached units on 3.23 acres of property located southeast of the Samish Way/Ridgemont Way intersection. They recommended approval of an amendment to the Columbia Neighborhood Plan deleting the recommendation that parking be removed on Meridian and Elm Street/Northwest Avenue. They also approved a request for Planned Development approval for use of an existing medical office building located on Squalicum Parkway.

Time Requirements

Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Meetings last approximately three to four and one-half hours. Time spent outside of meetings requires a minimum of one and one-half hours to prepare for each meeting.

Membership

The Commission consists of seven members appointed by the Mayor. Terms of office are four years with a two term limit, and no compensation is paid to members of this Commission. All members must also have lived in Bellingham for two years.