Planning Commission

Planning Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 7:00 PM March 7, 2024 City Council Chambers Video Recorded https://meetings.cob.org - Call to Order The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by the Chair at 7:00 PM. Approval of Minutes Public Comment Period During this time, citizens may take up to three (3) minutes to address the members about any topic not on the agenda. Citizens wishing to speak during this time will be recognized by the Chair for comment. Agenda Items Presentation 1. Presentation on the results of Vision Survey and Housing Preference Reports p. 2 Elizabeth Erickson and Chris Behee provided a project update on the Bellingham Plan. The 20-year growth projects for Bellingham were shared, as well as the overall approach being executed for the update to the Bellingham Plan. There was a brief recap of the activities the City engaged in during Phase 1 (July – December 2023) of the project update, as well as the different demographics that were reached and the different themes of community interest that was identified. The community had the opportunity to choose three priorities for discussion, and staff shared those results. A high-level summary of the Housing Preference Survey results were reviewed. Staff spoke to the legislation currently passed related to housing (three bills) and spoke to how they might impact future updates to the Bellingham Plan. Commission Discussion / Comments: There were brief conversations on:  How staff might create policy from the information derived from the survey  If our transportation system will be a barrier in allowing more development  If the approaches to the utilization of floor area ratio will be considered  Emergency shelter allowable locations  What, if any, changes might need to be made to the Infill Housing Toolkit if it does become allowed in all zoning areas  How additional outreach might be extended to the BIPOC community   There were suggestions about where staff might go to reach renters, BIPOC and handicapped community members  How can more be done to help first-time home ownership be possible  The process that will need to be followed to update the neighborhood plans and zoning tables with regard to the newly passed legislation  The co-housing bill 2. Nomination and Election of 2024 Officers There was a discussion on who was interested in the positions. Motion: Rose Lathum / Mike McAuley nominated Mike Estes for Chair and Jed Ballew for Vice- Chair. VOTE: ALL AYES. Other Business 1. Director's Report Adjournment Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Planning Commission members.