Land Use and Community Design

Land Use: Existing chapter

The Bellingham Plan's land use section will guide how land in Bellingham can be used in the future. It determines the activities that are best for different areas as the city grows. The Land Use chapter is an important part of the Growth Management Act (GMA). The GMA makes cities show how they will ensure land is appropriately zoned for uses that can support 20 years of community growth.

What changes will happen in the Bellingham Plan?

A key portion of the Comprehensive Plan update will focus on changing the City’s land use map, which guides zoning across the city. Updates to the map will be informed by the 2022 Buildable Lands Report, which evaluated growth from 2016 to 2021 and provided assessments on how well the current plan’s policies are working. The land use update will also include an analysis of existing capacity, updates to the land use map, and a demonstration of how the new map can handle growth over the next 20 years (through 2045). It is likely that the new 2045 allocations will require changes to the land use map. This is to make sure we have enough space for expected jobs and housing. These changes will accommodate population growth across all economic and social ranges.

Community Design: Existing chapter

The community design section of the Bellingham Plan focuses on how the community looks, feels, and functions. It is about shaping and using the public realm. It addresses the design of buildings, groups of buildings, spaces and landscapes, open spaces between buildings, streetscapes and other physical features. These physical features of the community define Bellingham's unique identity and set the stage for economic activity. Including a community design chapter is not required by state law, but Bellingham values urban design and includes it in the Comprehensive Plan. While the capital facilities & utilities chapter also touches on the public realm, it does not concern itself with design and appearance like this chapter does.

What changes will happen in the Bellingham Plan?

The community design chapter will provide a framework for shaping the future form and character of Bellingham. It will also examine the City's current design standards for residential development. The City is considering changes to its design standards in conjunction with House Bill 1110 and 1293. These bills simplify local design review steps and require cities to use "clear and objective" standards for new development.

Related Activities: [TO BE ADDED WHEN WE HAVE ACTIVITIES TO POST]

Related Events:

While all events will build up to the selection of a land use alternative, the following sessions relate most directly. The “Community Vision” event sets the stage for conversations about how we want our City to grow in the next 20 years, and what kind of land uses will be allowed where. The “Housing Affordability” session includes opportunities to talk about what housing types are needed as we plan for housing needs across the city. The open houses conclude with a final session, “How We Will Grow,” which focuses on different ways we can grow to accommodate a range of land uses and changing housing needs.

• Community Vision – February 22, 5-7 p.m., Sehome High School
• Housing Affordability – April 16, 5-7 p.m., Sehome High School
• How We Will Grow – July 17, 5-7 p.m., Squalicum High School