Bellingham’s 54-Unit Apartment Has No Parking: What You Need to Know

A New Approach to Urban Housing in Bellingham

Bellingham, Washington, is set to introduce a new kind of housing development that challenges traditional urban planning norms. A proposed 54-unit studio apartment building on Samish Way Urban Village will not include any on-site vehicle parking. This innovative approach aligns with recent state legislation and local policies aimed at addressing the ongoing housing crisis by reducing the burden of parking requirements.

The Project Details

The five-level building, which includes one basement and four upper levels, is planned for Byron Avenue at 35th Street. Under previous city codes, a project of this scale would have required 54 parking spaces — one per unit. However, with the new regulations, the need for such a large number of parking spots has been eliminated.

This shift comes as part of Washington State Senate Bill 5184, which will take effect in January 2027. The law removes the ability of local governments to enforce minimum off-street parking requirements for residences under 1,200 square feet. Lawmakers believe that parking mandates increase housing costs and encourage greater reliance on cars.

City Planning and Community Response

Blake Lyon, the Director of Planning & Community Development for Bellingham, stated that the city’s parking reforms are designed to prioritize “people, housing, and our environment.” While acknowledging that the changes can be “challenging” for drivers who may struggle to find parking near their destinations, Lyon emphasized the long-term benefits of these reforms.

The Bellingham City Council took action in January 2025 by passing an interim ordinance that eliminated minimum parking requirements. In June, they voted to extend this policy through at least January 2027. Some council members expressed concerns about whether all neighborhoods have sufficient bikeable or walkable infrastructure to support such a shift.

Additional Requirements and Research Findings

Despite the absence of on-site parking, the project must still provide both long- and short-term bicycle parking. It also needs to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and safety requirements. Research published in 2024 suggests that parking reforms can significantly boost housing construction, with estimates ranging from 40% to 70%.

The Broader Implications

This development represents a broader movement toward more sustainable and accessible urban living. By removing parking mandates, cities like Bellingham are encouraging alternative transportation methods, such as walking and cycling, while also making housing more affordable and available.

As the city continues to adapt to these changes, the success of this project could serve as a model for future developments across the region. The focus on people, housing, and the environment reflects a growing recognition that traditional urban planning models may no longer be suitable for modern needs.

Conclusion

The proposed 54-unit studio apartment building in Bellingham highlights a significant shift in how cities approach housing and transportation. With the elimination of on-site parking requirements, the project aligns with state and local efforts to create more sustainable, affordable, and livable communities. As the city moves forward, it will be important to monitor how these changes impact residents, businesses, and the overall urban landscape.