The permitting process in Bellingham has been expensive, complicated and certainly a hindrance to building. New laws have streamlined this. Neighborhood regulations for lot sizes and parking are dramatically loosened. But it’s important to not go from over to under regulation. That pathway could eviscerate the subdued character of Bellingham to a helter-skelter future with cars parked everywhere.
There is exciting potential for adding housing units in a well-planned manner. Old Town can be a model for this. The city has put in infrastructure for the many large structures already built and planned for the near future.
Streamlined permitting theoretically also lowers the cost to build a home. Thus, buying or renting should diminish by the law of supply and demand. To date this has not happened as labor, material and lot costs have soared.
Some developers are asking the city for variances to further lower their costs to create affordable housing. This is a great idea, but the city should always require a certain percentage of the units to be affordable. This is a great way to nudge development into ecological and environmentally appropriate areas such as downtown. The city has already offered lessened taxes to lure businesses downtown and also for some building projects.
I suggest allowing neighborhoods to bend but not break by allowing ADUs or duplexes or triplexes but not necessarily large developments alien to the historical vibe. Let’s consider moderation going forward. Plan creatively to keep the heart and soul of Bellingham.
—Harvey Schwartz, Bellingham; Aug. 3, 2026