Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike has proposed amendments to the "Big Box" retail ordinance that, if approved, would provide exceptions in certain areas of Bellingham to the current 90,000-square-foot size limit.
Amendment details
The proposed amendment would apply to most of the commercial area between Wal-Mart and Costco down to Bellis Fair Mall, and would also include areas at Bakerview and I-5 where Fred Meyer is located.
After holding a public hearing on September 21, 2009 and several worksessions between January and March of this year, the City Council issued a modified draft amendment for public review. The Council held a public hearing on Monday, April 12, 2010 at 7:00 PM to take comments on the modified proposal.
The Council's proposed amendment requires Green Factor low-impact development and landscaping standards, as well as LEED™ Silver green building or equivalent certification and prohibits "superstores."
City Council approved first and second reading of the proposed amendment with a slight change. The ordinance will go to third and final reading at the next City Council meeting, April 26, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
More information
For more information contact the Planning and Community Development Department or visit the Big Box retail moratorium exemptions page.
Updated: April 16, 2010
