BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Changes could soon be coming to Bellingham’s rules regarding shelter spaces.

Bellingham City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed amendments at their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday.

Earlier this year, the Planning Commission voted to recommend revising the city’s code to better align with state law.

That includes removing limitations on how many guests a temporary shelter can host at any given time.

Other proposed changes include modifying guidelines for reporting homeless youth, removing shelter operating hour requirements and allowing operating permit extensions.

Temporary shelter regulations, which apply to properties including tiny home villages and safe parking spaces, were initially instituted by the city in 2018.

Anyone who wants to speak at the public hearing must sign up in advance either online or in person before the 7 p.m. start time.