In 2009, Bellingham adopted an infill housing toolkit to make it easier to develop middle housing in Bellingham, while establishing design standards that help them architecturally blend into existing neighborhoods. Since 2009, amendments to the toolkit have been adopted that expand where it is allowed, refine standards in response to user feedback, and streamline the review process for small-scale projects.
On May 19, 2025, City Council adopted an interim ordinance that expands the allowance for Bellingham’s Infill Housing Toolkit for citywide application. This was in support of Mayor Kim Lund’s November 2024 executive order that includes actions promoting development of middle housing. The ordinance allows the Toolkit in all areas of Bellingham that are zoned predominantly for residential use, except on property in the Lake Whatcom Reservoir.
What is the Infill Toolkit?
The Infill Housing Toolkit (BMC 20.28) represents eight traditional housing forms that use a limited amount of residential space. These forms are also referred to as middle housing and include small homes that provide low-impact housing options. Each toolkit housing type includes design standards that are intended to help them architecturally blend into existing neighborhoods through careful attention to building design, parking and landscaping. Their flexible design and smaller size makes them suitable for a variety of households, from graduates to aging parents. Infill housing is one of the best ways to make use of the City’s remaining residential land. By focusing on vacant and underused land, infill development helps implement the City’s goals and policies related to housing options, efficient land use and climate change.
The toolkit includes these eight housing forms:
- Small lot detached single-family houses
- Cottages
- Duplexes
- Triplexes
- Fourplexes
- Shared courtyard housing
- Garden courtyard housing
- Townhouses
Helpful Resources
Learn more about the Infill Housing Toolkit and neighborhood zoning with these helpful resources:
- Infill housing interim ordinance
- Chapter 20.28 Infill Housing
- Bellingham Neighborhood Zoning and Plans
Contact Us
Have questions or need help getting started? Contact the Planning and Community Development Department at planning@cob.org or 360-778-8300.
