Planning Commission

Planning Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 6:00 PM June 5, 2025 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), Daniel Bloemker, Jed Ballew, Jerry Richmond, Rose Lathrop and Russ Whidbee • Absent: • Staff Present: Kurt Nabbefeld, Development Services Manager (PCDD) and Darby Galligan, Senior Planner (PCDD) 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 Public Hearing 1. Barkley UV Subarea Plan, Development Regulations and Planned Action Ordinance p. 2 Darby Galligan provided an overview of the project and introduced the three components of the packet. • Sub-Area Plan (the “vision) • Development Regulations (“the rules”) • Planned Action Ordinance (area-wide environmental review and mitigation) Ben Besley, representative for Talbot shared a historic perspective and acknowledged that the Talbot Group remains true to their values and vision for the community. He spoke to some of the successes that exist in the Barkley Urban Village, as well as some of the things they would like to do in the future. PUBLIC COMMENT Jeter Brock wanted to know how the Barkley Urban Village would benefit him. He indicated that he lives in the Barkley area and does not understand how a lot of urban, city-like development around his property will be beneficial to him. Elizabeth Haley wanted to know where cars would park if there is no requirement for parking to be provided onsite. Commissioner Questions/Comments  There was a discussion about the height limit being allowed to go to 250 feet. Staff commented that the Development Agreement will remain in effect for 20 years and even though developing a structure that would take full advantage of the height allowance in today's market may not be possible, that may not be the case in the future and urban villages are where the City wants growth. There was a brief conversation about the transportation infrastructure and staff noted that conversations are being had at a city-wide level regarding the emphasis on multi-modal options. There was a discussion about the parking requirements and mitigation section of the Sub-Area Plan. Staff explained why this was included and noted it is included in all of the urban village plans. There was a question about the zoning along Sunset Drive. Staff indicated it was high density with no height limit, established through the development process. MOTION: Dan Bloemker/Rose Lathrop moved to strike the words “affordable housing” from the list of elements describing the development agreement in the Findings of Fact. VOTE: ALL AYES (Motion passes 6-0) MOTION: Dan Bloemker/Rose Lathrop moved to approve the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendations contained in the June 5, 2025 as modified and forward a recommendation of approval to City Council. VOTE: ALL AYES (Motion passes 6-0) Other Business 1. Staff Update On June 9, the Mayor will take action on filling the vacant seat on the Planning Commission. Adjournment Minutes prepared by: ___Heather Aven_______________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Planning Commission members.