Planning Commission

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON Thursday 7:00 PM March 2, 2023 City Council Chambers Video Recorded www.cob.org Call to Order / Roll Call Present: Mike Estes, Mike McAuley, Jed Ballew, Rose Lathrop, Scott Jones, Russ Whidbey, Barbara Plaskett Absent: Jed Ballew Approval of Minutes Public Comment Period Opportunity for citizens to speak informally to the Planning Commissioners on any subject not listed on the agenda. Speakers are allowed a MAXIMUM of three (3) minutes to address the Commission. Speakers will not be required to disclose their address. Presentation Staff Presentation - BMC Chapters 20, 21 and 23 Staff presentation on BMC Chapters 20, 21 and 23. Chris Behee reviewed both the Growth Management Act and the City’s Comprehensive Plan. He highlighted the Development and Implementation of a Comprehensive Plan and noted that this body will be undergoing an update in the coming year. Lindsay Kershner spoke to how the department implements the zoning regulations when reviewing and approving permits. She spoke about how the Bellingham Municipal Code directs the things that can be done on any given property in the city. She also briefly touched on the other regulations that also would be consulted. She also spoke about the different processes an application could follow after submitted to the City. Kathy Bell spoke about how different items come before the Planning Commission, and what those items could be. She shared the process that projects follow from application submittal to City Council decision, including the appeal opportunity. She also briefly covered the different Types of Land Use decisions and the criteria used to make those decisions. Kathy also shared the Land Division Ordinance and spoke to how it is implemented throughout the city and what the different components are. Chris Behee shared that staff would like to do more training and shared some of the legislative actions that might impact the Commission’s future work (HB1220). He spoke about the importance of equity and diversity and how that will dictate the work of the Comprehensive Plan update. Old/New Business Adjournment Minutes prepared by: __Heather Aven_______________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by Planning Commission members and various Planning Staff.