In order to be considered “affordable”, housing costs should be targeted at 30% of a family’s gross income for families making 80% or less of the Area Median Income (PDF). Unfortunately, few households enjoy truly affordable housing in the current market. The City works with developers and homeowners to support subsidized and rent-restricted housing for households at low incomes, and for a variety of household sizes.
Take Advantage of Local Incentives
In conjunction with an affordable housing project, developers may request the following incentives (see Ordinance 2015-07-029 for details):
- Fee Reduction: Request a waiver of up to 80% of Park Impact, School Impact, and Transportation Impact fees.
- System Development Charge Reduction: Request a waiver of up to 80% of utility connection fees.
Other incentives are available that may be combined or pursued separately for new development projects:
- Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE): Currently available in the Fairhaven and Barkley neighborhoods, the 12-year MFTE requires at least 20% of the units be set aside as affordable in exchange for a 12-year tax exemption.
- Opportunity Zones: Bellingham’s designated Opportunity Zones are Downtown, Samish Way, and the Waterfront District. Consider development in these areas to receive favorable tax treatment if you have investors facing capital gain liabilities.
- Development Codes & Incentives: Additional incentives are available for development in the City’s Urban Villages and elsewhere under certain circumstances.
Explore Funding Options
While we don’t provide or manage affordable housing, we do offer financial assistance to help your project succeed; these options include:
- Home Rehabilitation Loan Program – This program provides low-interest loans for the rehabilitation of one- to four-unit family residences; these residences must be owner-occupied by people with incomes at or below 80% of Whatcom County’s median income, with some additional eligibility criteria. In addition to funding, this program also offers inspections operational assistance, referrals, and more.
- Additional Funding Opportunities – The City has ongoing opportunities for affordable housing projects. Other opportunities include acquisition and opportunity loans, and emergency repairs. These programs are funded by Bellingham’s Housing Levy, as well as federal funds received through HUD and the City’s General Fund.
Access Helpful Resources
The following resources offer helpful information on housing guidelines, rental information, and more.
- Housing Development Handbook (PDF): Learn about guidelines and procedures for developing affordable City-funded housing in Bellingham.
- Income and Rent Limits (PDF): income and rent limits are updated annually.
- WBARS: Access the Web-Based Annual Reporting System to find reports, access due dates, contact funders, and more.
- Fair Housing: Learn about fair housing rights and the Fair Housing Act, which protects people against discrimination in housing.
- Housing & Human Services Program: Learn about the projects funded over time by the City’s Housing & Services Program.
- Lead-based Paint: Learn about lead-based paint hazards and standards.
- Landlord/Tenant Resources: Access rental resources, learn who to contact with questions, and more.
Contact Us for Guidance
Have questions about affordable housing development, funding, and incentives? For more information, contact Samya Lutz, Housing and Services Program Manager at slklutz@cob.org or 360-778-8385.
Resources
- Planning & Community Development Department
- Income and Rent Limits
- Searching for Housing?
- Affordable Housing Partners
Contacts
Planning and Community Development
Samya Lutz at slklutz@cob.org or 360-778-8385
