Family Definition: Accommodating Today's Families

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
Picture of scrabble letters spelling out the word "family"

We want your input!

  • Ask us a question by clicking on the "Ask A Question" tab!
  • View recent survey results by clicking on the “Tell Us What You Think” tab.


PROJECT SUMMARY

Over the past several years, both City Council and residents have identified the current Family definition (as used in Bellingham Municipal Code Chapter 20.08) as one area that should be reviewed to reflect changed demographics and address housing inequities. The project also has the potential to implement many of the Comprehensive Plan's goals and policies, including those related to housing, equity and compact growth.

After reviewing the history of Family definitions, litigation around this issue, and examples from other communities, the following principles were developed to guide the discussion on potential changes to the Family definition:

  • Protect health and safety;
  • Accommodate the very changed reality of “family”;
  • Provide housing choice that is responsive to the new reality of family while considering neighborhood character. Character is not defined by ownership; rather, construction type and building form help shape it;
  • Respect the privacy of residents; and
  • Consider legal and enforcement issues associated with the City's existing and possible future Family definition.

For more information on this project, go to cob.org/familydefinition.

We want your input!

  • Ask us a question by clicking on the "Ask A Question" tab!
  • View recent survey results by clicking on the “Tell Us What You Think” tab.


PROJECT SUMMARY

Over the past several years, both City Council and residents have identified the current Family definition (as used in Bellingham Municipal Code Chapter 20.08) as one area that should be reviewed to reflect changed demographics and address housing inequities. The project also has the potential to implement many of the Comprehensive Plan's goals and policies, including those related to housing, equity and compact growth.

After reviewing the history of Family definitions, litigation around this issue, and examples from other communities, the following principles were developed to guide the discussion on potential changes to the Family definition:

  • Protect health and safety;
  • Accommodate the very changed reality of “family”;
  • Provide housing choice that is responsive to the new reality of family while considering neighborhood character. Character is not defined by ownership; rather, construction type and building form help shape it;
  • Respect the privacy of residents; and
  • Consider legal and enforcement issues associated with the City's existing and possible future Family definition.

For more information on this project, go to cob.org/familydefinition.

Ask a question!

Please submit a question about this project and a staff member will respond to you soon.

You need to be signed in to add your question.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Could you post an update about this topic, please? How did last year's state law impact how City Hall will proceed? Thank you!

    PKSchissler asked about 2 years ago

    Thank you for your interest in the Family Definition project! The Planning Commission held a public hearing on proposed code changes on June 17, 2021. The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the code changes to the City Council. The next step in the process is for the City Council to hold a public hearing and make a decision on the proposed changes. Unfortunately, due to staff resources and additional work program obligations, this update has been delayed. The project remains on the department’s 2022 work plan and will be finished this year.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    We're definitely in Spring 2021 at this point, is this matter on the schedule / agenda for the planning commission yet?

    JusticeIsWhatLoveLooksLikeInPublic asked about 3 years ago

    The Washington State Legislature is establishing statewide occupancy standards (HB 5235). Should the Governor sign this legislation, the City will bring its codes into conformity with state law.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Dick Conoboy mentioned a e-mail he provided to the Planning Commission during last night's work session. Can we have a copy of that e-mail? R. Perry Eskridge, Whatcom REALTORS®

    Whatcom County REALTORS® asked over 3 years ago

    Thank you for your question. All written public comments that are submitted for Planning Commission and City Council meetings, and aren't submitted via Engage Bellingham, are posted on the City's webpage at cob.org/familydefinition.

Page last updated: 21 Dec 2021, 08:20 AM