From: Pool, Lisa A. <lapool@cob.org>
Sent: Friday, May 8, 2020 11:17
Subject: Update on RM Project and Moratorium
Good morning -
You are receiving this email because you have expressed interest
in the City's Residential Multi (RM) project.
On Monday, March 9, the City Council adopted an emergency moratorium on the processing of certain applications for new
single-family development in multi-family zones. The moratorium is effective
immediately. This action is in conjunction with the RM project and will prevent
development that is inconsistent with intended densities in multi-family zones.
The moratorium does not apply to multi-family development in multi-family zones
and contains several exceptions,
including minor alterations to existing single-family residences, Infill
Housing Toolkit housing
forms (e.g. small and small lot single-family houses, cottages and courtyard
housing), and other projects that achieve adopted densities in these zones.
The moratorium was adopted under state law, which requires that
a public hearing be held on the emergency ordinance within 60 days of adoption.
During the May 4 City Council public hearing, the City Council took no action on the
moratorium, which means that no changes were made to the adopted ordinance and
it will remain in effect for at least 12 months while the City conducts the
public review and adoption process for the RM project.
Additional updates regarding the RM project are forthcoming, as
this project has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The City is pursuing
alternatives to in-person meetings as a means of gathering meaningful public
input. Project updates and other resources are available at RMproject/cob.org.
Questions regarding the moratorium can be submitted to planning@cob.org. All other questions regarding the RM project can be
sent to RMproject@cob.org.
Thank you for your interest in this process. Please let
me know if you'd like to be removed from this mailing list.
Lisa
Lisa Pool, AICP
Senior Planner
City of Bellingham, WA
360-778-8390
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messages are subject to public disclosure requirements per RCW 42.56.