Planning Commission

Planning Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 7:00 PM September 19, 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. One citizen expressed their concern to the Commission regarding the lack of affordable housing for individuals making 0-50% of AMI. Agenda Items Presentation 1. Bellingham Plan Update Chris Behee shared the goals for the updated Bellingham Plan format and noted that it is shorter, more readable/accessible and more connected. He pointed out that staff tried to reduce duplication between and clarify the roles of the Bellingham Plan and the adopted action plans. He provided an example of what a chapter currently looks like in the adopted 2016 Comprehensive Plan and contrasted how that is being proposed in the updated version. Chris reviewed the 2024 Housing Inventory, which included citywide housing totals as of 9/12/2024. He also provided specific data on Infill Toolkit Housing and spoke to HB1110 and how that will change where this housing type will be allowed. He shared information about the current residential vacancy rate, as well as the home sale prices and rental rates trend between 2020-2024. Chris spoke to how the Land Use Map will change when the requirements of HB1110 are implemented. He shared the rationale for these changes and noted the updates will provide the most equity and predictability for all areas of the City.  There was a brief discussion on the priority growth areas where regulations, infra- structure investments, and incentives encourage growth in alignment with community- wide housing, climate action, transportation and other goals. There was a conversation about how the city will ensure there is enough room for the proposed multi-family growth with regard to the available land capacity. There was also a brief discussion on how impactful the ADU housing type has been on the housing supply. Work Session 1. Planning Commission Bylaws The Commission discussed the proposed amendment to the existing by-laws changing the time of the meeting to start at 6:00pm instead of 7:00pm. There was general agreement that this is a good change – and it will come before the Commission at the next meeting. Other Business 1. Director's Report Adjournment Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Planning Commission members.