RIP RULE OF LAW

As reported by Blaine City Councilwoman Sonia Hurt in the Salishan newsletter, the Central Business District now has no rules. Developers can do whatever they want. For the history of how this criminal misconduct by Blaine officials came to pass, see INTERIM ZONING CONTROL ORDINANCE.

"BIG CHANGES for Blaine’s Business District 

After meeting with developers and other interested parties, City Manager Mike Harmon and Community Develop Director Alex Wenger presented a proposed ordinance to the city council that would temporarily remove height, parking limits and design guidelines for the Blaine business district. By passing this ordinance they believe it will encourage development downtown as well as increase available housing. Developers have wanted to increase heights to 6 stories and eliminate parking requirements for some time. The ordinance was voted on and passed 5 to 2. 

Three key changes: 

• Height limits removed. Buildings in downtown Blaine are no longer limited by the previous maximum height rules.

• Parking minimums removed. New buildings are not required to include a set number of parking spaces.

• Design rules became guidelines. Some design standards are no longer strict rules and can be reviewed more flexibly by the city. 

These changes apply only to the Central Business District in downtown Blaine and are temporary for about one year while the city studies possible long-term updates. There is a project ready to immediately apply for a permit. It is adjacent to the steak house on Peace Portal. It will be 6 stories with commerce on the ground floor and residences above."

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