Development review and code administration involves considerable interaction with applicants on a day-to day basis at the front counter and at several points throughout the development application, review and approval process for more complex projects. Planning staff guides applicants through requirements for pre-application neighborhood meetings as needed and works with applicants to ensure they provide all the information needed for a complete application.
Review of development applications involves coordination with other departments and frequently involves coordination and collaboration with other jurisdictions or agencies as well. Planning manages an interdepartmental Technical Review Committee (TRC) which meets weekly to review private development proposals.
The Land Use Code resides in Title 20 and Title 21 of the Bellingham Municipal Code. The Planning Division is updating the entire Land Use Code over the next two years. Details regarding that project will be posted soon.
Amendments to the Land Use and Development Code, BMC section 20.10.025, chapter 20.14, and related provisions that would allow existing single retail stores to increase floor area beyond the current 90,000 sq. ft. limit.
