Parking reforms in Bellingham, WA

Parking minimum removals

Policy record 1

There are no minimum parking requirements for specific land tracts in the downtown area, with the exception of hotels/motels. The planning director may reduce minimum parking required if the development includes programs to reduce single occupancy vehicle trips through senior and affordable housing, implementation of a shared car service (i.e., Zipcar™), enhanced bike storage facilities, purchase of WTA transit passes, installation of covered transit shelters, off-site pedestrian infrastructure improvements, or other similar strategies. On January 13, 2025, the city passed an interim ordinance to remove all mandates citywide until January 2026.

Status
Adopted
Adoption date
Jan 13, 2025
Scope
  • City center / business district
  • Citywide
Affected land uses
All uses
Requirements
By right
Reporter
Jamin Agosti
Citation 1
Source
Title 20 LAND USE DEVELOPMENT Chapter 12 GENERAL STANDARDS
Notes
Title 20 LAND USE DEVELOPMENT Chapter 12 GENERAL STANDARDS 20.12.010 - PARKING B. Number of Spaces Required.
URL
www.portofbellingham.com
  • Screenshot of Title 20 LAND USE DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 12 GENERAL STANDARDS
Citation 2
Source
Bellingham City News
URL
cob.org
  • Screenshot of Bellingham City News

Policy record 2

The city will likely eliminate all parking mandates citywide by making the interim ordinance permanent.

Status
Proposed
Scope
Citywide
Affected land uses
All uses
Requirements
By right
Reporter
Tony Jordan
Citation
Source
Bellingham Parking Reform Page
URL
cob.org