Bellingham council adopts interim ordinance eliminating parking minimums, sets one-year study period

The Bellingham City Council on Jan. 14 adopted an interim zoning ordinance that eliminates minimum automobile parking requirements citywide and establishes consistent long‑term bicycle parking standards, a measure council members and city staff said is intended to accelerate housing production, reduce construction costs and advance climate goals. The ordinance passed on a 5‑2 roll call vote.

Director Blake Lyon, Planning and Community Development, told the council the measure is one part of a larger package of reforms intended to increase housing supply and improve multimodal streets. Lyon said cities that relax parking requirements often unlock more development and allow more units to be constructed on the same parcels, and he cited construction-cost estimates in the presentation, saying a structured parking stall can add about $20,000 per space and that accessory dwelling unit construction can run roughly $300–$400 per square foot depending on features.

Why it matters: The council and dozens of public commentators framed the proposal as a lever to address a housing shortage, reduce the city’s climate footprint and create more walkable urban places. Opponents and several commenters urged the council to attach affordability requirements or stronger accessibility and sidewalk provisions, and caregivers and disability advocates warned about impacts where sidewalks and on‑street parking are limited.

Most important facts

- The ordinance eliminates minimum automobile parking requirements citywide and adopts consistent long‑term bicycle parking standards for new development.

- Council adopted the ordinance after a public hearing and public comment; the final roll call was 5 in favor, 2 opposed (Lisa Anderson and Michael Lilliquis).

- City staff said, if adopted, the interim ordinance will become…