This page provides information about several new City of Bellingham rules related to housing and development that bring us into alignment with Washington State laws.
Ordinance 2025-11-030 (interim ordinance)
Went into effect 01/28/2025 and will be in effect until 07/28/2026, unless extended or modified.
An ordinance extending interim regulations to eliminate minimum automobile parking requirements and establish consistent bicycle parking standards citywide for an additional six months.
Minimum parking requirements drive up the cost of housing and lead to unsustainable land use patterns. Eliminating these requirements promotes efficient use of land, encourages alternative modes of transportation, and is better for the environment.
Ordinance 2025-12-035
Went into effect 12/23/2025
An ordinance amending Bellingham Municipal Code (BMC) Title 20 and BMC Title 21 regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs). ADUs are an important part of the housing-supply equation. They are a smaller housing form that can be put on lots with existing single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. Approved updates will ease barriers to the construction and use of ADUs.
Ordinance 2025-12-033
Went into effect 12/23/2025
An ordinance amending BMC Title 16 and BMC Title 20 to allow co-living in zones which allow multifamily uses, update and add definitions relevant to co-living, and replace references to the word “family” with “household”.
Co-living housing is the most deeply affordable non-subsidized housing option we currently have. Co-living housing offers bedrooms that are independently rented with access to shared kitchen facilities, common areas, bathrooms, etc.
Ordinance 2025-12-032
Went into effect 12/23/2025 and will be in effect until December 4, 2026, absent further action by the City Council.
An ordinance amending and extending interim zoning regulations, applying new development regulations to single family and infill housing development, and allowing infill housing in all areas that are zoned predominantly for residential use, except on property regulated by BMC chapter 16.80, Lake Whatcom Reservoir Regulatory Provisions.
Middle housing can help us meet our housing needs by allowing us to build more homes on the same amount of limited land – and build a larger variety of housing types, including more affordable housing.
Ordinance 2025-12-034 (interim ordinance)
Went into effect 12/23/2025
An ordinance adopting an interim zoning ordinance to establish clear and objective design standards citywide for infill housing, multifamily housing, commercial/mixed-use development, and industrial development in urban villages and to streamline the design review permitting process.
This ordinance facilitates housing development by simplifying the design review process. These changes mean more housing can hit the market faster with lower project costs, which can result in lower costs down the line.
