Two public hearings Monday, Oct. 5

City of Bellingham news reported the following in its 2026-10-01 newsletter. This article covers the “Two public hearings Monday, Oct. 5” section.

More flexibility for small home businesses

We are proposing changes to Bellingham’s home occupation code designed to give home-based businesses more flexibility, such as allowing them to operate in an accessory building on their property, sell goods made on-site, and have up to three employees.

This proposal is an initial first step toward a potential future expansion of small-scale commercial uses in Bellingham neighborhoods — a change community members said they want to see and that supports City goals to promote walkability, placemaking, and employment in neighborhoods. That change could be introduced as early as 2027.

The proposed 2027 City budget

Last week, we shared an initial draft of the 2027 City budget . The proposed budget maintains our current levels of service while we seek a long-term budget solution: a Regional Fire Authority .

At Monday’s City Council meeting, there will be a public hearing on the proposed budget, and public comment is welcome.