Housing

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On December 15, 2025, Bellingham City Council approved the Bellingham Plan. You can learn more on the cob.org/comprehensive-plan. These pages are no longer being updated. 

See our latest Housing chapter updates and provide feedback.

Housing: Existing chapter

The housing section of the Bellingham Plan helps promote a diverse housing supply, improves the health and livability of the city's neighborhoods, and plans for the current and projected housing needs of all economic groups in our community.

Housing affordability and availability are critical issues for our community and the nation. Because addressing the housing crisis requires a group effort, the City works with public, private, and non-profit partners to develop and implement solutions. At the local level, the City is committed to addressing our community’s housing needs with its key responsibilities. These responsibilities and priorities are reflected in the goals and policies of the housing chapter.

What changes will happen in the Bellingham Plan?

A significant portion of this plan update involves accommodating not only population and jobs, but also new requirements set by State legislation that address housing supply, stability, and affordability. These bills require planning for more new homes to reduce the shortage while stabilizing housing costs, include more protections to safeguard those with the least housing security, and expand requirements to plan for housing at a variety of incomes to help those who cannot afford what the market offers today.

Two notable bills which will impact the Bellingham Plan are House Bill 1220 and House Bill 1110, described in further detail below:

HB 1220 (2021): This bill made significant changes to the portion of the Growth Management Act related to housing. Its most impactful changes for Bellingham’s update include:

  • A process for defining 20-year projections for housing needs for all economic segments of the population and distributing them to each county and city.
  • Requirements to plan for and accommodate Bellingham’s allocated housing needs, including emergency housing types such as shelters; and
  • Requirements to identify and address racially disparate or exclusionary effects of existing housing policies and regulations.

HB 1110 (2023): Often referred to as the “middle housing bill,” HB 1110 has the most significant impact on residential zoning across the state. Bellingham is defined as a Tier 2 City (i.e., a city with a population greater than 75,000 people). As such, on any lot zoned primarily for residential use, Bellingham must allow:

  • At least four units per lot outright.
  • At least six units per lot on those lots within one-quarter mile walking distance of a major transit stop (today, this only includes the Fairhaven Amtrak station, but staff will coordinate with WTA on any planned GO line improvements that may fall within this definition).
  • At least six units per lot if two of the units are made affordable to households earning under 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) for ownership, or 60 percent of AMI for rental units.
  • Requires only administrative design review (no public hearings, except for variances).
  • Development regulations must be based on objective standards.

There are many more housing-related bills to come out of recent state legislative sessions. A complete summary of these bills can be found here.

Educational Material:

View the Housing Affordability Video from the April 16, 2024 event!

View the Housing Affordability Handout from the April 16, 2024 event!

Related Past Events:

The topic of housing was discussed extensively at many of our past in-person events. The “Community Vision” event set the stage for understanding how the Bellingham Plan will address new housing-related legislative requirements (discussed above). “Housing Affordability” covered how local government can address gaps in the housing spectrum as growth occurs by identifying new housing types to encourage across the city. “Housing Types & Neighborhoods” continued this conversation, with a focus on how that new housing and neighborhoods across the city will look and feel in the future. The open houses concluded with a final session, “How We Will Grow,” which focused on different ways we can grow to accommodate changing housing needs.

See our latest Housing chapter updates and provide feedback.

Housing: Existing chapter

The housing section of the Bellingham Plan helps promote a diverse housing supply, improves the health and livability of the city's neighborhoods, and plans for the current and projected housing needs of all economic groups in our community.

Housing affordability and availability are critical issues for our community and the nation. Because addressing the housing crisis requires a group effort, the City works with public, private, and non-profit partners to develop and implement solutions. At the local level, the City is committed to addressing our community’s housing needs with its key responsibilities. These responsibilities and priorities are reflected in the goals and policies of the housing chapter.

What changes will happen in the Bellingham Plan?

A significant portion of this plan update involves accommodating not only population and jobs, but also new requirements set by State legislation that address housing supply, stability, and affordability. These bills require planning for more new homes to reduce the shortage while stabilizing housing costs, include more protections to safeguard those with the least housing security, and expand requirements to plan for housing at a variety of incomes to help those who cannot afford what the market offers today.

Two notable bills which will impact the Bellingham Plan are House Bill 1220 and House Bill 1110, described in further detail below:

HB 1220 (2021): This bill made significant changes to the portion of the Growth Management Act related to housing. Its most impactful changes for Bellingham’s update include:

  • A process for defining 20-year projections for housing needs for all economic segments of the population and distributing them to each county and city.
  • Requirements to plan for and accommodate Bellingham’s allocated housing needs, including emergency housing types such as shelters; and
  • Requirements to identify and address racially disparate or exclusionary effects of existing housing policies and regulations.

HB 1110 (2023): Often referred to as the “middle housing bill,” HB 1110 has the most significant impact on residential zoning across the state. Bellingham is defined as a Tier 2 City (i.e., a city with a population greater than 75,000 people). As such, on any lot zoned primarily for residential use, Bellingham must allow:

  • At least four units per lot outright.
  • At least six units per lot on those lots within one-quarter mile walking distance of a major transit stop (today, this only includes the Fairhaven Amtrak station, but staff will coordinate with WTA on any planned GO line improvements that may fall within this definition).
  • At least six units per lot if two of the units are made affordable to households earning under 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) for ownership, or 60 percent of AMI for rental units.
  • Requires only administrative design review (no public hearings, except for variances).
  • Development regulations must be based on objective standards.

There are many more housing-related bills to come out of recent state legislative sessions. A complete summary of these bills can be found here.

Educational Material:

View the Housing Affordability Video from the April 16, 2024 event!

View the Housing Affordability Handout from the April 16, 2024 event!

Related Past Events:

The topic of housing was discussed extensively at many of our past in-person events. The “Community Vision” event set the stage for understanding how the Bellingham Plan will address new housing-related legislative requirements (discussed above). “Housing Affordability” covered how local government can address gaps in the housing spectrum as growth occurs by identifying new housing types to encourage across the city. “Housing Types & Neighborhoods” continued this conversation, with a focus on how that new housing and neighborhoods across the city will look and feel in the future. The open houses concluded with a final session, “How We Will Grow,” which focused on different ways we can grow to accommodate changing housing needs.

Your Housing Story

Share your housing story. What brought you to first look for housing in Bellingham? Was it hard to find housing? What types of housing would you like to see more/less of?

You will be prompted to provide an anonymous screen name and email (not verified). All stories will be moderated to ensure compliance with Engage Bellingham's moderation policy and then posted to this page. If you want to share your story, but do not want it posted publicly, please feel free to email us at thebellinghamplan@cob.org. If you do not see your story posted, it may be due to moderation compliance or relevance to the topic. Please reach out to us if you have any questions.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The views and opinions expressed in the stories below are those of the storyteller and do not represent the views and opinions of the City of Bellingham. Information found below may not be factual.

Thank you for sharing your story with us.

All stories will be moderated to ensure compliance with Engage Bellingham's moderation policy and then posted to this page.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at TheBellinghamPlan@cob.org

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
  • Share Making it work with Bellingham salaries and roommates - we need more starter homes in this town on Facebook Share Making it work with Bellingham salaries and roommates - we need more starter homes in this town on Twitter Share Making it work with Bellingham salaries and roommates - we need more starter homes in this town on Linkedin Email Making it work with Bellingham salaries and roommates - we need more starter homes in this town link

    Making it work with Bellingham salaries and roommates - we need more starter homes in this town

    by scarlettg, almost 2 years ago

    My husband and I are in our late 30s and bought a house in 2019. It was a spur of the moment, lucky decision to buy then. It felt rushed and hard because we were looking at entry level price point (which ~400K back then), and there was lots of competition for those places. We ended up finding a fixer upper in our price range on a busier street. We've always had roommates here which allows us to put more money into the house.

    We feel thankful for what we have, but we would LOVE to upgrade to something of... Continue reading

    My husband and I are in our late 30s and bought a house in 2019. It was a spur of the moment, lucky decision to buy then. It felt rushed and hard because we were looking at entry level price point (which ~400K back then), and there was lots of competition for those places. We ended up finding a fixer upper in our price range on a busier street. We've always had roommates here which allows us to put more money into the house.

    We feel thankful for what we have, but we would LOVE to upgrade to something of a similar size on a less busy street someday. Our observation is that most people that can afford houses now have income from elsewhere (remote workers or family money), and it feels defeating.

    I think we need more houses/condos/townhouses in the 1,500 ft size range and to prioritize building those.

  • Share renter- forever? on Facebook Share renter- forever? on Twitter Share renter- forever? on Linkedin Email renter- forever? link

    renter- forever?

    by bham_renter, almost 2 years ago

    I have rented in Bellingham on and off since 2008. I am employed full time and have a master's degree and I live paycheck to paycheck. This feels like my community but it is hard to imagine ever buying a home here because I pour my money into rent. Rent keeps sky rocketing. It seems I have to choose between having multiple roommates or living alone in student housing managed by property management companies looking to scam people. Compared to others, I am in a privileged position, so what does that say about the situation? It's hard to imagine a... Continue reading

    I have rented in Bellingham on and off since 2008. I am employed full time and have a master's degree and I live paycheck to paycheck. This feels like my community but it is hard to imagine ever buying a home here because I pour my money into rent. Rent keeps sky rocketing. It seems I have to choose between having multiple roommates or living alone in student housing managed by property management companies looking to scam people. Compared to others, I am in a privileged position, so what does that say about the situation? It's hard to imagine a future here when I am not in the position of inheriting a home from family- that's how I see most 30-somethings staying, they often grew up here and their parents bought a home back when that was possible. I'm contemplating leaving if the situation doesn't improve.

  • Share Drowning single mom, spending 68% on basic living costs. on Facebook Share Drowning single mom, spending 68% on basic living costs. on Twitter Share Drowning single mom, spending 68% on basic living costs. on Linkedin Email Drowning single mom, spending 68% on basic living costs. link

    Drowning single mom, spending 68% on basic living costs.

    by MarciS, almost 2 years ago
    I have lived in Bellingham since 2006. I moved here with my husband and two children because my husband was transferred. We sold our house in Skagit County but struggled to find a new home at the same price point, so we waited to purchase a house and decided to rent. We found a great townhouse with a great private landlord. Fast forward 15 years and now I am a single mom with two amazing girls. I work 4 jobs (between 50 -60 hours per week) in an attempt to be able to pay the basic bills. In January 2023... Continue reading
    I have lived in Bellingham since 2006. I moved here with my husband and two children because my husband was transferred. We sold our house in Skagit County but struggled to find a new home at the same price point, so we waited to purchase a house and decided to rent. We found a great townhouse with a great private landlord. Fast forward 15 years and now I am a single mom with two amazing girls. I work 4 jobs (between 50 -60 hours per week) in an attempt to be able to pay the basic bills. In January 2023 my rent went from $1,100 a month to $1,700 because my landlord was concerned with the new policies that the city has started including the longer rent increase notification and the cost of inspections. I realize that my rent is still low compared to other places. I have been looking for a cheaper place anywhere in Whatcom country but all I can find is trashed places or studios for less than $1,700. It seems like the more the city does, the more rents increase...


    My power and gas bills have increased. I decreased our trash pick-up to keep it affordable. Our basic costs (rent, electricity, gas, trash, phone, and internet) are $2,100 and my take-home pay (after taxes and insurance) is $3,100 so 68% of my pay goes to basic living expenses. I make too much to qualify for assistance. However, I feel I should quit 2 or 3 jobs and get assistance. That is not who I am. Despite no longer having my husband's income - I have no debit, car, or late payments. We don't buy clothes, we don't eat out, and we don't take vacations.


    What do I want? Affordable housing! Basic, clean 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom places with parking for more than 1 vehicle. I want to be able to buy a house and not worry about our landlord giving us notice to "do repairs" or have the rent go up every year when my income doesn't keep pace.

  • Share (from 4/16 event) on Facebook Share (from 4/16 event) on Twitter Share (from 4/16 event) on Linkedin Email (from 4/16 event) link

    (from 4/16 event)

    almost 2 years ago

    Single mother of two. Severely cost burdened with a good paying full-time career. Not surprised [by the calculation of cost burden].

    Single mother of two. Severely cost burdened with a good paying full-time career. Not surprised [by the calculation of cost burden].

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    (from 4/16 event)

    almost 2 years ago

    All my artist friends are getting priced out – or reducing arts involvement to work extra jobs

    All my artist friends are getting priced out – or reducing arts involvement to work extra jobs

  • Share (from 4/16 event) on Facebook Share (from 4/16 event) on Twitter Share (from 4/16 event) on Linkedin Email (from 4/16 event) link

    (from 4/16 event)

    almost 2 years ago

    40% of my income goes to housing costs. I work full time making 88k a year. I’m a renter paying below market value.

    40% of my income goes to housing costs. I work full time making 88k a year. I’m a renter paying below market value.

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    (from 4/16 event)

    almost 2 years ago
    The first place I lived in B'ham besides my folks' place was a co-op. Rent there was - and still is - around 1/2 of "fair" market rate... utilities etc included!
    The first place I lived in B'ham besides my folks' place was a co-op. Rent there was - and still is - around 1/2 of "fair" market rate... utilities etc included!
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    (from 4/16 event)

    almost 2 years ago
    For years, I thought I'd be priced out until I purchased a home through Kulshan CLT.
    For years, I thought I'd be priced out until I purchased a home through Kulshan CLT.
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    (from 4/16 event)

    almost 2 years ago
    Is difficult to find housing that does not have mold issues.
    Is difficult to find housing that does not have mold issues.
  • Share (from 4/16 event) on Facebook Share (from 4/16 event) on Twitter Share (from 4/16 event) on Linkedin Email (from 4/16 event) link

    (from 4/16 event)

    almost 2 years ago
    Would love to have more smaller stand-alone units available for ownership. Cottage-style living. I can see retiring in something like that.
    Would love to have more smaller stand-alone units available for ownership. Cottage-style living. I can see retiring in something like that.