​Purpose

The Commission conducts hearings on the City Comprehensive Plan and its implementation. It reviews and makes recommendations to the City Council on the adoption and enforcement of plans and regulations for the physical development of the City. The Commission also advises the Council through the Planning Director.

Typical Decisions

The Planning and Development Commission r​ecommended Council approval of a Bellingham Housing Authority request for 25 residential units, which included 12 duplexes and a single family unit, on approximately 2+ acres at Yew Street. They also recommended approval of a preliminary plat consisting of 6 lots on 1.83 acres with approximately .24 acres designated as common open space, located northeast of the Samish Way/Ridgemont Way intersection. The Commission approved a request for Planned Residential Development approval for 10 attached units on 3.23 acres of property located southeast of the Samish Way/Ridgemont Way intersection. They recommended approval of an amendment to the Columbia Neighborhood Plan deleting the recommendation that parking be removed on Meridian and Elm Street/Northwest Avenue. They also approved a request for Planned Development approval for use of an existing medical office building located on Squalicum Parkway.

Time Requirements

Meetings are typically held on the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Meetings last approximately three hours. Time spent outside of meetings requires a minimum of one and one-half hours to prepare for each meeting. 

Membership

The Commission consists of seven members appointed by the Mayor. Terms of office are four years with a two term limit, and no compensation is paid to members of this Commission.  All members must also have lived in Bellingham for two years.

Shoreline Committee

The Shoreline Committee is comprised of three Planning Commission members. Due to the fact that they only review proposals that are dealing with specific shoreline jurisdictions, they will typically meet prior to a Planning Commission meeting, and only when necessary. For Shoreline Committee Materials, click here.