Planning Commission

Planning Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 6:00 PM October 9, 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. Roll Call Present: Mike Estes (Chair), Dan Bloemker, Jed Ballew, Lisa Marx, and Rose Lathrop Absent: Jerry Richmond 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. No public comment received. Agenda Items Public Hearing 1. An Ordinance Relating to Land Use Planning, Amending Bellingham Municipal Code (BMC) p. 2 Titles 20 and 21 Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Chris Koch introduced the item and shared the proposed upcoming process. He reviewed the amendments to the ADU Ordinance which included: • Eliminate owner occupancy requirement • Allow Type 1 process for minor modifications from ADU Standards • Amend ADU Definitions to align with allowance for middle housing per HB 1110 • Eliminate density Exemption for ADUs (HB1110) • Eliminate floor area ratio exemption for ADUs (HB 1110) • Provide allowance for ancillary space attached to D-ADUs • Allow ADUs to be subdivided onto lots separate from the principal unit • Remove design related provisions (HB 1110 and HB 1293) • Amend and remove redundant language There was a discussion about the rationale for using FAR (Floor Area Ratio) instead of setting a square footage limit. Staff explained that FAR is the best way to achieve scalable development on any sized lots. They shared it would also allow for a variety of housing types and sizes, which is in line with the new Middle Housing Ordinance (HB 1110). There was a brief conversation on small lot development and how FAR could be used in that instance. PUBLIC TESTIMONY No public testimony received. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS / QUESTIONS Staff was asked to share some of the regulations that property owners have identified as being pain points to adding an ADU on their property. They shared: • ADUs over garage • Process for building in rear yard / Proximity to shared property There was a conversation about the deletion of the shared utilities section from the ADU code. Staff shared the rationale for the removal. There was concern expressed about removing the shared utilities section from the ADU code given the existing utility codes don’t allow for that at this time. There was a brief discussion on the development of D-ADUs in the rear 32 feet of a property being allowed to be built up to the property line. Staff noted this is what is currently allowed for accessory buildings. Staff requested the Commission consider the following three options and choose the one they feel is most appropriate: • Require a 5’ setback for ADUs for side- and rear-yard; or • Allow zero lot line if the adjacent property owner gives consent; or • Allow zero lot line outright MOTION: Dan Bloemker / Rose Lathrop moved to eliminate the requirement for the 5' setback in the rear 32 feet of the property and allow a 0' setback. VOTE: ALL AYES (Motion Passes 5-0) MOTION: Rose Lathrop / Dan Bloemker moved to ensure that the code allows for shared utility services for ADUs regardless of primary infill housing type. VOTE: ALL AYES (Motion Passes 5-0) There was a discussion about parking being required for an ADU. There was concern expressed that this would not be in alignment with the interim code which removes parking requirements everywhere. MOTION: Dan Bloemker / Jed Ballew moved to update the title of section 2.B(9) to read “Parking provided for an ADU shall be as follows” and also omit 2.B(9)(a). VOTE: ALL AYES (Motion Passes 5-0) MOTION: Rose Lathrop / Dan Bloemker moved to accept the draft findings of fact, conclusions and recommendations as presented in the October 9, 2025 staff report as amended through Commission discussion and forward a recommendation of approval to City Council. VOTE: ALL AYES (Motion Passes 5-0) Other Business 1. Staff Updates The middle housing and design review ordinances will come before the Commission in 2026. Adjournment Minutes prepared by: Heather Aven_____________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Planning Commission members.