Slice ‘N Spice Pizza Restaurant planned for the Bellingham area

BELLINGHAM, WA – January 23, 2025 – In a decision that bolsters local commerce while preserving the rural essence of Whatcom County, the Whatcom County Hearing Examiner has approved a Conditional Use Permit for Secret Sauce LLC to transform a part of an existing commercial building into Slice ‘N Spice Pizza Restaurant. This story was first broken by What Now Seattle.

Project Overview:
According to a recent permit filing, Slice ‘N Spice Pizza aims to debut in Bellingham at 5305 Northwest Drive Suite B. The restaurant will become a part of Bellingham’s “Northwest Retail Building.” The building, described by Commercial MLS, is a “3840 SF former Market and Deli that was completely remodeled and was most recently being used as a Bath and Kitchen design studio. Open floorplan with ample parking and great ingress, egress driveway.”

The proposal from Secret Sauce LLC, represented by Sarah Brown Architecture and Design, seeks to introduce a new 1,528 square foot establishment. The restaurant will feature 595 square feet dedicated to dining, with the remainder for general commercial use, operating from 10 AM to 9 PM weekdays and extending to 10 PM on weekends.

Zoning and Compliance:
Located in a Residential Rural 2-A (RR-2A) zoned area, the project resides within the Rural Neighborhood comprehensive plan designation. The site’s history of commercial activities, including previous restaurant operations, underpinned the approval, ensuring no drastic change to the area’s character.
The Hearing Examiner, Rajeev Majumdar, confirmed the proposal’s compliance with a myriad of regulations, from the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to local Whatcom County Codes, emphasizing environmental and community considerations.

Decision Highlights:

• Approval with Conditions: The permit was granted with conditions to maintain harmony with the neighborhood, including no alterations to the approved plan without further review, adherence to noise regulations, and securing necessary building permits.
• Public Services Assurance: The site will leverage existing City of Ferndale utilities for water and sewage, ensuring no new strain on public resources.
• Environmental Stewardship: The project involves no new land disturbance, capitalizing on existing infrastructure to minimize ecological impact.
• Community Integration: Efforts to blend the restaurant aesthetically and functionally with the area include specific measures for parking, noise, and operational hours.

Conditions of Approval:
The approval is contingent upon Secret Sauce LLC’s commitment to:

• Maintain the approved layout without unauthorized changes.
• Secure all required permits for development work.
• Comply with noise levels as per state regulations.
• Apply for a commercial building permit within two years, ensuring all conditions are met.
• Submit a final site plan detailing landscaping and parking arrangements.

Looking Forward:
This development is seen as a step towards enhancing local economic sustainability and employment opportunities while preserving the rural charm of Whatcom County. The decision reflects a balance between fostering business growth and safeguarding community standards.