Planning and Community Development

Construction begins on 8-block Old Town development  

Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund and Community and Economic Development Manager Tara Sundin with members of the Old Town Village development team stand holding shovels to celebrate the beginning of a transformation in the Old Town District that will bring approximately 800 new housing units to the urban village. The project is more than 20 years in the making.
On March 14, 2025, Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund joined the Old Town Village development team, City and County Council members, and others to celebrate the start of construction that is expected to bring approximately 800 new residential units and more commercial space to the Old Town District. The private developments will be constructed through eight city blocks over the next 10 years.

City Passes Interim Ordinance to Eliminate Parking Requirements  

Looking at downtown Bellingham from above.
At the Jan. 13, 2025, meeting, after a public hearing on the topic, Bellingham City Council approved an interim ordinance that eliminates Bellingham’s minimum parking requirements – rules that define the number of parking spaces that must be developed in Bellingham. It will go into effect Jan. 28, 2025, and, as an interim measure, will remain in effect until January 2026, unless extended.

City seeks proposals for unique new event and annual tourism grants 

People gathered around a table outside looking at fish at SeaFeast.
Do you have an idea for a unique new event in Bellingham and the connections required to make it happen? The City of Bellingham seeks proposals for unique, new signature event and annual tourism grants. Proposals for a new Signature Event, as well as applications for annual Tourism Promotion Grants, all due Sept. 6

City Council approves emergency landmark tree protections 

Looking up the side of a large evergreen tree.
To prevent the removal of exceptional trees in anticipation of new regulations, the Bellingham City Council enacted an Emergency Landmark Tree Ordinance on May 20, 2024. It took effect immediately upon approval. This ordinance protects trees that are considered "landmark trees" - the largest, most significant trees in Bellingham - establishes a landmark tree inventory and a permitting process for removal, and establishes a larger fine for illegal removal. 
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