City Council Process
On June 23, 2014 the City Council held a public hearing to consider the proposed Downtown Bellingham Plan and associated documents. The new documents were adopted and went into effect on September 22, 2014.
Planning Commission Process
The Bellingham Planning Commission held a public hearing on March 27, 2014 to consider the Downtown Bellingham Plan and associated documents. Two additional work sessions were held on April 3 and April 17 to continue the discussion and formulate a recommendation. The final work session occurred on May 1, 2014 where the Commission forwarded a recommendation of approval to City Council with these modifications.
- Draft Downtown Bellingham Plan (6,139K PDF)
- Draft Development Regulations (1,280K PDF)
- Draft Summary of Regulatory Changes (219K PDF)
- Draft City Center Implementation Strategy (3,534K PDF)
The following Boards and Commissions provided a recommendation to the Planning Commission on the draft Plan:
- Historic Preservation Commission, 4 p.m., February 11 – Council Chambers, City Hall, 210 Lottie Street
- Transportation Commission, 6 p.m., February 11 – Mayor’s Board Room, City Hall, 210 Lottie Street
- Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, 7 a.m., February 12 – Bloedel Donovan Park (Beach Pavilion), 2214 Electric Avenue
Public Comments Received during Planning Commission
Docketing Process
This project was initiated by city staff to address City goals and objectives related to infill, economic development, downtown revitalization and housing affordability through revisions to the 2002 City Center Master Plan and possibly the CBD Neighborhood Plan.
February 7, 2011 – The City Council held a work session to further consider which Comprehensive Plan Amendments will become part of the 2011 docket, and approved the inclusion of the CBD/City Center Master Plan proposal through Resolution 2011-03.
January 24, 2011 – The City Council held a public hearing to consider which Comprehensive Plan Amendments will become part of the 2011 docket. A work session was scheduled for February 10, 2011.
January 13, 2011 – The Bellingham Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider the project and recommended to the City Council that the proposal be included on the 2011 Comprehensive Plan Update Docket.
Prior Downtown Planning
Bellingham’s downtown is thriving, thanks in part to an effective master plan and implementation strategy adopted in 2002. Many of the projects within the 2002 City Center Master Plan have been completed, including:
- Downtown Accomplishments – A slideshow highlighting a variety of projects since 1998
- New residential and mixed use buildings
- A new Arts District with the LightcatcherMuseum, the Pickford Film Center and artful streetscape improvements
- A subarea plan for the Old Town District
- Extensive Waterfront District Planning
- Construction of Depot Market Square
- Significant improvements at the intersection of Holly and Railroad
- Creative Spaces art project in vacant storefronts
