On March 9, 2026, the Blaine City Council approved interim Ordinance 26-3043. The ordinance, which became effective March 16, 2026, establishes a 1-year period during which maximum building height limits, design reviews, and minimum vehicle parking requirements are eliminated in the Central Business District (CBD).
The council confirmed the adoption of the ordinance in meeting minutes dated March 23, 2026, with a 7-0 vote. The initial motion on March 9 passed with a 5-1-1 vote. City Manager Michael Harmon stated the measure is a “step in the right direction for increasing housing in Blaine.” During the public hearing, developers Skip Jansen and Wayne Schwandt provided testimony in support of the ordinance. Other residents expressed concerns regarding the loss of design standards and the potential for structures to block views.
Staff reports for the ordinance indicate that height and design requirements can increase development costs by limiting unit density and requiring lengthy review processes. The removal of these requirements is intended to reduce development costs to stimulate residential growth.
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