City of Bellingham Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) SEP2025-0025 Date of Issuance of Threshold Determination: 8/29/2025 Project Description: Non-Project Action review of the periodic update to the comprehensive plan (The Bellingham Plan). The new plan includes the following key changes: an expanded and more inclusive public process; an updated growth allocation for 2045; reconfiguration of the unincorporated UGA to better accommodate growth and protect environmental resources by removing approximately 1,600 acres and adding approximately 362 acres to the UGA for a net decrease of about 1,232 acres; land use map changes for low, medium, and high density residential zones incorporating minimum densities, middle housing, and allowing small scale commercial uses; a new residential watershed zone prioritizing protection of water quality in the Lake Whatcom Watershed; continued emphasis on sustainable infill in urban villages; planning for housing for all income levels as required by HB 1220; a new Climate element as required by HB 1181 focusing on mitigation, community resiliency, and equity; a Community Wellbeing chapter focusing on strengthening health, safety, and belonging; structural changes to the plan simplifying and clarifying narrative, eliminating duplication, and emphasizing connections between topics; two new adopted by reference plans for Capital Facilities and Transportation; and a new Parks and Recreation chapter that references the Park Recreation and Open Space Plan. This non-project action review is specific to Bellingham and its Urban Growth Area and is in addition to the review completed in the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Statement, August 2025. Project Location: The City of Bellingham, WA Proponent: Chris Behee, Long Range Planning Manager, City of Bellingham, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA (360) 778-8300 B City of Bellingham, Planning and Community Development Department (PCDD) Environmental information and other documents considered are listed on the DNS available at www.cob.org/notices or in the Permit Center at City Hall, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham WA 98225. The lead agency for this proposal has determined that the project does not have a probable adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement is not required under RCW 43.21.C.030(2)(c). This decision was made after review of a completed environmental checklist on file with the lead agency. This information is available to the public upon request. This DNS is issued under WAC 197-11-340(2); the lead agency will not act on this proposal for 18 days from the date of issuance. Anyone wishing to comment on this threshold determination is invited to submit written comments to the PCDD by 5:00pm on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Appeal Rights: Pursuant to BMC 16.20.210(D), there is no administrative appeal of this environmental determination. An appeal to the Growth Management Hearings Board shall be of the government action together with its accompanying environmental determination as required by RCW 43.21C.075(2) and RCW 36.70A.280(1)(a). Staff Contact: Elizabeth Erickson, Senior Planner ederickson@cob.org Planning and Community Development Dept 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 Responsible Official: Kurt Nabbefeld, Development Services Manager Planning and Community Development Dept 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 IPL0269480 Sep 3 2025