BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham’s City Council has passed another hurdle in the process to change temporary housing requirements in the city.
The council held a public hearing on Monday night to hear from the community on the proposed changes that would bring the city in line with state law.
The proposed changes include removing limits on how many people can be housed at a shelter at any one time. Another change will allow permits for most shelter types to be held for longer periods of time with no caps on renewals.
According to Council member Hollie Huthman, the changes show a shift in public perception about some types of shelters in the city, especially tiny home villages.
“I am really relieved to be facing these changes and not really hearing much input from the community. I think that, thanks to the operators of the tiny home villages as well as the residents, they are accepted and welcome parts of our community now,” Huthman said. “I would say that people are even hoping to [see] more of them, and hopefully we will see more of them.”
Other changes that come with the unanimous passing include removing the 24-hour operational requirements and updating measures surrounding minors and heating elements in tiny homes.
Planning Director Blake Lyon said the adjustments to the code will go into effect 15 days after a final reading at the council’s next meeting if they’re approved.
