Major Change to Downtown Blaine Development Rules

Yesterday was a historic day for Blaine. The City Council passed an ordinance that temporarily removes height and parking restrictions for downtown.

Here is a link to the ordinance that was passed:

https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/23499/RFCA---Ord-26-3043-Downtown-Interim-Ordinance

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.

Two comments during the meeting helped address concerns I had been hearing. Councilmember Sarbie Bains said that downtown doesn’t have a parking shortage — it has a lack of foot traffic. City Manager Mike Harmon also said that developers building taller buildings with view units will want to make sure those views are protected, which is why he did not believe the ordinance needed additional view protections.

Changes like this can have a real impact on property values, redevelopment opportunities, and the future shape of downtown Blaine. If you own property downtown, are thinking about investing, or simply want to understand what these changes could mean, please reach out!

Faithfully yours,

Jeremiah for the Ramsey Team