Planning Commission

Planning Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 6:00 PM June 26, 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), Jed Ballew, Jerry Richmond, Lisa Marx, Rose Lathrop and Russ Whidbee • Absent: Daniel Bloemker • Staff Present: Mayor Lund (Executive); Chris Behee, Kurt Nabbefeld, Sara Ullman, Anya Gedrath, Sydney Prusak (Planning Department); Melissa Morin (Communications) 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 addressed the Commission to express his displeasure with how the Middle Housing effort is being presented to the public. Agenda Items Public Hearing 1. Temporary Shelter Code Updates (BMC 20.15) p. 2 Anya Gedrath and Sara Ullman presented information on the updates to BMC 20.15 Temporary Shelter Code. Staff provided a brief background and shared some of the lessons that the city has learned over the last seven years of monitoring temporary shelters operating in the City. Staff reviewed the proposed changes and requested the Commission make a recommendation of approval to the City Council. PUBLIC COMMENT No testimony was given. Commissioner Questions/Comments There was a conversation about the difference in financial contributions that the City is providing to each of the agencies managing the tiny home villages. Staff explained that where the City is assisting with the operational costs, there is more funding required. The Mayor shared her thoughts on the different models and reiterated the commitment the City has to providing the financial services. There was a conversation about the removal of the city-wide maximum number of people that can be served. Staff clarified that the amendment would not preclude the administration from setting a cap at individual parking, shelter or tent encampments.  There was a brief discussion about what “temporary” means. Staff explained that the permit that is issued is temporary, meaning it has an expiration date if not approved to renew. They also noted that the structures themselves are not built to code, as they are intended for emergency use. There was some concern expressed over the 2-year limit for the temporary shelters to exist in one spot, due to the expense that it takes to set one up. It was suggested that a longer duration be considered in future updates. Staff noted they felt the 2-year limit with the opportunity of one-year extensions is working well. MOTION: Jed Ballew/Rose Lathrop moved to accept the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendations contained in the June 26, 2025 staff report and forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council. VOTE: ALL AYES (Motion passes 6-0) Presentation 1. The Bellingham Plan: Community Wellbeing and Civic Practices Chapter Overview p. 20 Mayor Lund introduced the Community Wellbeing and Civic Practices chapter and noted that this chapter represents many of the long-standing values of the City. She reviewed some of the commitments that are included. Staff shared that although some of the goals and policies were part of the existing Comprehensive Plan, this will be the first plan that will contain a full chapter dedicated to this topic. Staff shared some of the work that was done over the last two (2) years of community engagement and shared some of the comments that were received by the community after the goals and policies were released. Sydney Prusak walked through each of the goals. The Commission and staff briefly discussed the following throughout the presentations: • How the city is attracting new healthcare providers • What is being done to make childcare options more available • The City’s role with relation to food accessibility • Using public spaces for community gatherings • Community engagement/feedback processes Other Business 1. Upcoming Meetings • July 10th – overview of the Draft EIS Adjournment Minutes prepared by: ___Heather Aven_______________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Planning Commission members.