21.10.170 Preapplication conference.
A. The purpose of a preapplication conference with staff is to assist applicants in preparing development applications for submittal to the city by identifying applicable regulations and procedures. It is not intended to provide an exhaustive review of proposed plans or a staff recommendation on future permit decisions. The director shall establish the submittal requirements and process for preapplication conferences. A fee may be required if established by the city council.
B. Applicability – Land Use Applications. A preapplication conference is required for the following land use applications unless a written waiver is granted by the planning director:
1. Preliminary plat (10 or more lots);
2. General binding site plans;
3. Planned development and institutional site plans;
4. Shoreline substantial development permits, conditional uses and variances;
5. Design review (excluding Type I);
6. Co-housing;
7. Conditional use (excluding bed and breakfast and single-family residential uses that do not exceed the thresholds in subsection (C) of this section);
8. Rezones and site-specific comprehensive plan amendments;
9. Institutional master plans (including essential public facilities reviewed under IMP process);
10. Critical area permit (excluding Type I);
11. Incentive program for innovative affordable homeownership; or
12. Preliminary short plat requiring a critical area permit.
C. Applicability – Building and Grading Applications.
1. A preapplication conference is required for building or grading applications for projects that include any of the following situations unless a written waiver is granted by the planning director:
a. Required land use permits have not been completed;
b. Required SEPA environmental review has not been completed;
c. Over 5,000 square feet of new or replaced impervious surface;
d. Disturbance of more than one acre of land;
e. Public street or public utility construction; or
f. Construction of more than one primary building on a lot or any building that is four stories or more.
2. A preapplication conference may be required for any project that the planning director determines to be similar in nature to those listed in subsection (C)(1) of this section.
D. Submittal. The planning director shall develop submittal requirements and forms for preapplication conferences. A fee may be established by the city council.
E. Expiration. Preapplication review does not vest an application. If a complete application is not submitted within one year of the preapplication conference, a new preapplication conference or written waiver is required.
F. Authority Not Affected. A preapplication conference shall not be construed to constitute permit application, approval or any other decision and shall not affect in any way the city’s authority under the provisions of the Bellingham Municipal Code. [Ord. 2020-03-005 § 6; Ord. 2008-08-079; Ord. 2004-09-065].