Planning Commission

Planning Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 6:00 PM September 18, 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, Lisa Marx and Rose Lathrop • Absent: Russ Whidbee • Staff Present: Chris Behee, Elizabeth Erickson, Anya Gedrath and Sydney Prusak Approval of Minutes Minutes from June 5th and 26th, July 10th and August 21st were approved by general consensus. 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. No testimony given. Agenda Items Public Hearing 1. The Bellingham Plan: Bellingham's Comprehensive Plan for Growth p. 2 Anya Gedrath provided an overview of how the 2025 Bellingham Plan is laid out and shared how to navigate the individual chapters. Elizabeth Erickson provided a high-level review of the Bellingham Plan. She noted that the four themes identified throughout the public engagement process (Bellingham for All, More Housing Choice, Sustainable Growth, and Climate Resilience) were integral to the proposed updates to the Plan. She pointed out some of the changes that have occurred to the Plan since the work sessions were held, as well as, two changes that have been made since the packet was posted for public review. Public Comment Peter Frazier shared a portion of a written comment letter related to the designation of the South Yew Street portion of Bellingham. He requested that the area be placed back in the UGA where it had been for years. Doug Angell shared the reasons he believed that the South Yew Street area should be in the UGA. Laura Weiss, Walk and Roll Bellingham, expressed concern related to the reduction of “all trips made by bicycle” goal from 12% by 2036 (in the 2016 Comprehensive Plan) to just 9% by 2045 being proposed today. She strongly encouraged staff to build on the mode-shift targets that were adopted in 2016 and make those changes in the plan itself. She shared the rational for this request and stated that without transformative mode-shift, the City will not be able to reach the stated objectives. Sonja Max, Walk and Roll Bellingham, expressed concern over the fact that in some areas of the City parking is being prioritized over movement of people. She pointed out that when this happens, it hinders the mode-shift goals. Perry Eskridge, BIAWC, spoke to the reference plans and commented on the 2018-2023 consolidated Plan. He provided some cost-burdened statistics. He commented on some of the reference plans and noted that although some work has been done, there is still more to do with regard to planning for housing types and affordability. Ali Taysi expressed his support for the work done on the Comprehensive Plan. He expressed his disappointment with the fact that the South Yew Street area was not added to the UGA and instead left in reserve status. He pointed out this status will only further the inadequate planning for this area. He strongly urged the Commission to recommend the area be placed in the UGA so that there is pressure to start planning for future annexation. Susan Hutton, Whatcom Million Trees Project Executive Director, spoke to the value of trees. She shared some tree canopy statistics and pointed out that everyone in all areas of the city deserves the things the tree provides. Eric Torset requested that there be some thought given to how the City can utilize apprenticeship programs. Derek Buse wanted to ask the Commission to place the South Yew Street area in the UGA rather than the reserves. Ron Jepson shared the reasons why some of the property in the South Yew Street area cannot be developed. He noted that a more in-depth study for infrastructure is needed. He expressed his support for the South Yew Street area should be included in the UGA. He also stated that the Samish-I-5 connector needs to be built. Miles Silverman expressed his general support for the Comprehensive Plan, but noted a couple suggestions: 1) Inclusionary Zoning – he would not like to see it be used in a way that would reduce overall housing options. 2) He referenced the Land Use chapter, subsection E and suggested there be more clarity for this section with regard to density and what is and what is not allowed. He stated that he agrees with walk and roll and reiterated that bikes are more important than parking. Bill Geyer spoke to the length of time some properties remain in the UGA. He noted that in order for any property to be developed it must have city infrastructure and that can't happen unless it is in the City or the UGA. He suggested that mandatory annexation be considered in an effort to provide a stable land use policy. Kathy Furtado shared her support for the updated plan and all the public effort that had been completed. However, she expressed concern over the content and timing of neighborhood notices when a change is coming to the neighborhood. Betsy Gross spoke to some studies that had been previously conducted. She mentioned some of the findings included in those studies and strongly encouraged removing the UGA status of South Yew Street. She mentioned that development in watershed will only make water quality worse. Elizabeth had several questions about the public process for the Comprehensive Plan. She also wanted to know if there was a maximum number of people that would be allowed in the City, if there was any understanding of when resources may be exceeded (tree canopy, medical, water, sewer), and if all infrastructure (transit, etc…) had to be in place before development occurs in the area designated as high density.  It was announced that the written record would remain open until a recommendation has been made by the Commission – which is anticipated at their meeting on September 25th. Commission Comments/Questions The Commission would like to discuss more about the following topics at the work session on September 25, 2025: • South Yew Street UGA (looking for number of units that could be produced) - what are the elements the city should be considering / what went into your decision. Future annexation studies. How can we help or encourage that the "study" actually occurs. • How can more opportunities be created for single-family development to occur. • Port Letter – staff stated they are open to considering a minor adjustment; but not as specific as what was suggested in the Port's letter. • H-11 it was pointed out that the wording still seems awkward if staff wanted to re-visit. • Encourage is used very frequently in a comp it was suggested that the plan define what ENCOURAGE means for the city. There was a suggestion that a new policy be added that holds the City accountable with regard to UGA reserve status. There was a brief discussion about how minimum density might be achieved with regard to the new Residential Low, Residential-Medium, and Residential-High designations. Staff shared some of the provisions in the code that speak to this. It was suggested that a workforce plan be considered so the City can ensure there is enough workforce to cover the growth that will be occurring. Staff shared some ways this work is already being done and pointed out where it speaks to it in the Plan. There was a brief discussion on why there was a reduction in the goals presented in the Transportation Plan. Staff explained that the goals included in the 2016 Comprehensive Plan were aspirational, and now there is solid data. Staff noted that when plans are adopted by reference, the full weight of the Comprehensive Plan is behind them. Other Business 1. Director's Report Adjournment Minutes prepared by: __Heather Aven________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Planning Commission members.