Editor’s note: Story updated at 11 am on 11/5/25 to include final vote from the city council.
BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham will keep parking minimums suspended while it works on a permanent plan to boost housing.
Community members voiced their opinions on the issue on Monday night during the city council’s public hearing on extending an interim ordinance that eliminated minimum parking requirements. Council members went on to vote unanimously in favor of the ordinance.
City code currently requires developers to include a certain amount of parking spaces based on how many people live at a residence or by square footage for non-residential buildings.
But My Bellingham Now previously reported that the council voted to temporarily suspend those requirements earlier this year to encourage more affordable housing development.
That interim ordinance would have expired in January 2026, but it’s been extended through July 28, 2026, after the council’s approval of the ordinance.
One speaker at the public hearing says Bellingham has set a state-wide example by suspending parking minimums.
“Parking reform by eliminating mandates allows development to focus on people instead of cars; making housing more affordable, our streets safer and our neighborhoods more vibrant,” the man said. “Since Bellingham took this step in January, cities across Washington like Bremerton, Shoreline and Bothell have followed our lead.”
But another community member speaking against the ordinance argues that it doesn’t take residential homes into account.
“When you look at the pictures that the planners show [during their presentation], not one of them are showing pictures of a single-family house or a duplex, they’re showing apartment complexes and they’re showing big developments,” the man said. “You can’t just say there’s no parking in these smaller neighborhoods.”
City staff recommended that the council to extend the interim ordinance so they can workshop the temporary zoning rules and work towards a permanent set of regulations.
