Downtown Planning

The Downtown Plan will incorporate related Comprehensive Plan goals and policies, formalize a Sub-Area Plan for the Downtown core district, revise development regulations (the “rules”), as needed, and establish the actions our community will take to further improve the vitality of downtown Bellingham. The following documents provide more information on this project.

Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
Project Timeline (PDF)
Study Area Map (PDF)
Existing Conditions Downtown - These maps highlight existing conditions such as zoning, parking, height and parks.
Parking Analysis (PDF)

Visit the "Get Involved" page for information on the community engagement process.

The Downtown Plan will:

Involve community stakeholders, downtown business and property owners, and all who care about downtown.
Build from established and highly effective downtown goals, policies, and visions.
Enhance connections to surrounding districts and neighborhoods.
Support business, building renovations, and new commercial and residential development.
Create an ambitious framework for future investments, amenities and improvements.
Build energy and enthusiasm to create an even more vibrant and healthy downtown.

Current Downtown Planning Studies

Phase 1 - Community Engagement Report (PDF)
Downtown Historic Inventory (PDF)
Downtown Parking Analysis - coming soon
2011 Downtown Housing Report

Existing Downtown Data

Click here to review the data that has been collected to help inform the new Downtown Plan.

Prior Downtown Planning

Bellingham’s downtown is thriving, thanks in part to an effective master plan and implementation strategy adopted in 2002. Many of the projects within the 2002 City Center Master Plan have been completed, including:

Downtown Accomplishments - A slideshow highlighting a variety of projects since 1998
New residential and mixed use buildings
A new Arts District with the The Lightcatcher Museum, the Pickford Film Center and artful streetscape improvements
A subarea plan for the Old Town District
Extensive Waterfront District planning
Construction of Depot Market Square
Significant improvements at the intersection of Holly and Railroad
Creative Spaces art project in vacant storefronts