Planning Commission

Planning Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 7:00 PM September 5, 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 6:00 PM. • Present: Mike Estes (Chair), Barbara Plaskett, Jed Ballew, and Scott Jones • Absent: Rose Lathrop and Russ Whidbee -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 Work Session 1. The Bellingham Plan Briefing and Discussion p. 2 Chris Behee provided an overview of the countywide growth projections (from the Leland Report) and the proposed allocations of growth to Bellingham. He reported that the projection (OFM Medium) would call for an increase of 56,914 people and 31,334 new housing units countywide. He shared that historically Bellingham has accommodated approximately 49% of all new housing, which would mean Bellingham could have a target of 15,750 housing units to be developed over next 20 years. Chris reviewed the land capacity methodology that was used for this Bellingham Plan update and shared the proposed changes that are more significant in nature. He spoke to the areas where infrastructure gap deductions were applied and how the Landmark Tree Ordinance might affect the land capacity. He noted the existing baseline capacity estimates by housing type and the yearly production for each type that is anticipated. The Commission had some discussion on how the vacancy rate could be impacted as housing is developed for the increased population; why there was such an increase in the triples and fourplex in 2007 compared to the years following, what some of the implications on development might be realized as a result of the Landmark Tree Ordinance, and the desire for more statistical information on ADUs and the impact it has had on housing availability.  Chris spoke to different growth scenario projections and provided different options that the City could consider to meet each one, including how to evaluate and incentivize development opportunities along for transit oriented development corridors. There was a discussion about the proposed R1 zoning. Staff acknowledged the challenge and explained that these proposed changes are meant to be fair and achieve more equitability. It was pointed out that the conversation about ensure there is housing stock for 50-80%AMI is necessary and important. Other Business 1. Director's Report Adjournment Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Planning Commission members.