BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Mandated parking is one step closer to being a thing of the past in Bellingham.

The Bellingham City Council voted unanimously at its meeting on Monday, May 20, to explore the possibility of eliminating off-street parking mandates.

Current regulations require a minimum number of parking spaces for each type of housing development.

Two alternative options were presented to the council. One would eliminate parking minimums citywide, the other would take a transit-oriented approach to eliminate parking minimums within urban villages and near high-frequency bus routes.

Public Works Director Eric Johnston said the changes would not remove any existing parking spaces but instead allow developers to use their own judgement.

One potential benefit of eliminating parking minimums is that it would allow developers to build more housing that otherwise might not meet the current code requirements. Some council members brought up concerns that the change would give too much power to developers.

Both options will now go through an application process and public hearing before an eventual decision from the council.