HomeMy WebLinkAboutord2009-040 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL Na 2009 - 205
CLEARANCES Initial Date Date Received in Council Office Agenda Date Assigned to:
Originator: Cathy �n 4/14/09-
Craver l� L '7 V d . D 1
(introduction
Division Head: Oliver /28/09
Grate ( (r IS ( 4 NR / Council
Dept. Head: David ( e-1-3 y/ v /
APR a 2009 5 / 12 / 09 Council
Stalheim
Prosecutor: Royce
Buckingham 7` / - 3- a t WHATCOM COUNTY
COUNCIL
Purchasing/Budget:
Executive: Pete Kremen 1-1 7 „ 07
TITLE OF DOC T: f
Ordinance amending the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan removing the "Provisional Urban Growth Area " designation from
Sudden Valley.
ATTACHMENTS: Ordinance
SEPA review required? ( X ) Yes ( ) NO Should Clerk schedule a hearing? ( ) Yes ( X ) NO
SEPA review completed? ( X ) Yes ( ) NO . Requested Date:
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE: (If this item is an ordinance or requires a public
hearing, you must provide the language for use in the required public notice. Be specific and cite RCW or WCC as appropriate. Be
clear in explaining the intent of the action.)
Ordinance amending the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan removing the `Provisional Urban Growth Area " designation from
Sudden Valley.
•
COMMITTEE ACTION: COUNCIL ACTION:
4 / 28 / 2009 : Forwarded to Council for approval 4 / 14 / 2009 : Introduced
4 / 28 / 2009 : Council forwarded to
concurrency 6 - 1 Crawford opposed
5 / 12 / 2009 : Council Adopted 6 - 1 Crawford
opposed Ord . 2009 - 040
Related County Contract #: . Related File Numbers: Ordinance or Resolution Number:
Ord . 2009 - 040
Please Note: Once adopted and signed, ordinances and resolutions are available for viewing and printing on
the County 's website at: www. co. whatcom. wa. us/council.
. . . . . . . . . ._._ ._ _ . . .
1 SPONSERED BY : Consent
2 PROPOSED BY : PDS
3 INTRODUCTION DATE : 4 / 14 / 09
4
5
6 ORDINANCE NO . 2009 -040
7
8
9 AMENDING THE WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REMOVING THE
10 ` PROVISIONAL URBAN GROWTH AREA' DESIGNATION FROM SUDDEN
11 VALLEY
12
13
14 WHEREAS, Lake Whatcom is the drinking water source for approximately half the
15 residents of Whatcom County ; and
16
17 WHEREAS , the preservation and protection of drinking water is a high priority for
18 Whatcom County ; and
19
20 WHEREAS, Washington State Department of Ecology has listed Lake Whatcom as an
21 impaired waterbody and placed Lake Whatcom on the federal Clean Water Act 303 ( d ) list
22 because of low oxygen levels ; and
23
24 WHEREAS, through the Growth Management Act, counties must designate urban growth
25 areas that encourage growth within them ; and
26
27 WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan identified the Lake Whatcom
28 watershed as an area where limiting development is desirable ; and
29
30 WHEREAS, the Provisional Urban Growth Area designation is given to encourage future
31 urban levels of development, and contradicts the desire to limit development ; and
32
33 WHEREAS, Whatcom County's Comprehensive Plan Policy 2AA- 2A states , " If
34 incorporation has not been accomplished by the end of 2006 , the Sudden Valley Provisional UGA
35 will be designated as a " Recreational Subdivision " .
36
37 WHEREAS , RCW 36 . 70 . 795 requires the adoption of Findings of Fact to justify Council
38 action , the Council makes the following Finding of Facts :
39
40 1 . Notice of the Planning Commission hearing was published in the Bellingham Herald
41 Sunday, June 29 , 2008 .
42
43 2 . Notice of the subject amendment was sent to the Department of Community Trade and
44 Economic Development ( CTED ) and other State agencies on June 4 , 2008 .
45
46 3 . Lake Whatcom has continuing water quality degradation due in part by watershed
47 development .
48
49 4 . The " Urban Growth Area " designation would allow for potential incorporation of
50 Sudden Valley .
51
Page 1
1 5 . Incorporation of Sudden Valley would lead to increased density and development
2 within the Lake Whatcom watershed .
3
4 6 . On February 28 , 2006 , the Whatcom County Council adopted an emergency
5 ordinance to rescind Sudden Valley's designation as an Urban Growth Area .
6 7 . On September 13 , 2007 , the Boundary Review Board passed a motion to not proceed
7 with the Sudden Valley incorporation petition due to the rescinding of the urban
8 growth area designation .
9
10 8 . A determination of non -significance ( DNS ) was issued under the State Environmental
11 Policy Act ( SEPA) on April 3 , 2009 .
12
13 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Whatcom County Council that the
14 Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan is hereby amended as indicated in Exhibit A, B ,
15 and C of this ordinance .
16
17
18
19 ADOPTED this 12th day of May , 200 9 .
20
21 `��ii ► iiiiriiiiii,,
22 ��\‘��`'� � C 0011/�i, WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
23 ATT� ?. SHAT • .Q %, WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
24 ; • : <( — 0 ••�i ;
• . NTY
26 = �� / jj
4
28 DaAa Brg if - Duis , f -i ofShe Council Seth eetwood , ncil Chair
29 30 %, ' • SHING . • '
31 0,,,,,i/ * i `-`````%�.
32 iriiii WHATCOM COUNTY EXECUTIVE
33 WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
34 APPROVED AS TO,FOR
35 .._ -------- aga,----
37 l/ S /
38 Civil Deputy Prosecutor Pete Krem , ounty Executive
39
40 ( Approved ( ) Denied
41
42 Date Signed : SCL/7` `09
43
44
45
Page 2
Chapter Two - Land Use ** Urban Growth Areas
Policy 2M-2 : Ensure that existing land uses do not cause further degradation of
habitat for threatened and endangered species .
Policy 2M-3 : Develop educational tools and incentives to encourage existing land
uses to restore degraded habitat to properly functioning conditions ,
especially for threatened and endangered species .
Policy 2M-4 : Place a note on all permits issued by the County for clearing or
development activity within % mile of the documented habitat of
threatened or endangered species , as shown on the county fish
Distribution Map , alerting the property owner to the presence of these
species .
Policy 2M-5 : Require subdivisions and short plats to be designated in a manner to
protect fish habitat and water quality when a fish bearing stream or
river passes through the site .
URBAN GROWTH AREAS - INTRODUCTION
This section presents policies , map designations and rationale for the urban growth
areas for Bellingham , Blaine , Everson , Ferndale , Lynden , Nooksack, Sumas , Birch
Bay , Columbia Valley , Cherry Point, and Custer. Map 8 shows designated urban
growth areas .
Purpose
The purpose of this section is to establish areas within the County where growth will
be directed . The boundaries , as defined , are an attempt to concentrate growth and
provide urban areas in accordance with expected growth needs while ensuring the
county's identified values to preserve private property rights and reduce unnecessary
regulations .
Process
County Planning and Development Services staff used this information to develop
specific boundaries for county unincorporated urban growth areas . Planning staff
worked with representatives from each city through the Growth Management
Oversight Committee to develop the most appropriate boundaries for each city.
Boundaries were further refined through public hearings and work sessions and by
referring to the comprehensive plans and recommendations from the cities .
GMA Requirements
The Growth Management Act requires the designation of urban growth areas (RCW
36 . 70A. 110) . These areas are to include cities and other areas characterized by
urban growth or adjacent to such areas , and are to be designed to accommodate the
projected population growth for twenty years . Any growth that occurs outside the
areas cannot be urban in nature . The act further specifies that urban growth should ,
first, be located in areas that already have public facilities and service capacity and ,
second , in areas where such services if not already available , are possible .
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
Chapter Two - Land Use ** Urban Growth Areas
URBAN GROWTH AREAS - BACKGROUND SUMMARY
Each city provided information in their comprehensive plans , in work sessions with
planning staff, and at public hearings and work sessions before the County Council
to provide the data and assumptions used as a guide in setting Urban Growth
Boundaries . The comprehensive plans for each city and the written and oral input
provided by them at the public hearings and work sessions serve as background for
establishing UGAs . Each city utilized different methodologies to determine their
present land capacity and land use needs . Their analyses incorporated many
factors , some of which are unique to individual cities . Such variables as service
capability, average population per household , infrastructure and non-residential land
needs , natural systems and critical areas constraints , ownership and development
trends and appropriate market factors to assure adequate supply and affordable
housing were considered .
URBAN GROWTH AREAS - ISSUES , GOALS, AND POLICIES
Overall
The Growth Management Act assigns the responsibility of designating urban growth
areas to counties . Growth is to be encouraged within urban growth areas and
discouraged outside them . Urban Growth Boundaries are set in accordance with the
policies established in Chapter 36 . 70A RCW and applicable regulations . Specific
consideration is given to approved comprehensive plans for the municipalities and
their supporting justification . Modifications have been incorporated into this plan
based upon several criteria :
• The need to assure logical service boundaries ,
• The need to avoid isolated pockets or abnormally irregular boundaries ,
•Consideration of land needs analysis of residential , commercial and
industrial needs within urban areas , and
• Identification of special needs with respect to unique non-city industrial sites
(such as Cherry Point) , and County areas for which the County will actively support
incorporation as appropriate (such as Birch Bay, or Columbia Valley) .
County-Wide Planning Policies set guidelines for designating city urban growth
areas including :
• Small cities' UGAs shall be of an adequate size to allow them to become
viable economic centers .
• The size of cities' UGAs shall be consistent with their ability to provide
services .
• UGAs shall include contiguous areas with urban characteristics and zoning .
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
Chapter Two - Land Use ** Urban Growth Areas
• Sufficient land shall be provided within UGAs to accommodate the 20-year
urban growth projection , plus a reasonable land supply market factor.
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
EXHIBIT B
January 2006 Chapter Two - Land Use
Unincorporated Residential/Recreational Urban Growth Areas and Recreational
Subdivisions
Birch Bay, Sudden Valley, and the Columbia Valley/Kendall area are unincorporated areas
with sizable populations and substantial amounts of existing , residential/recreational
development. These areas are characterized by a mix of permanent residents and second
home use , which reflects both the population growth that has occurred in the unincorporated
areas of Whatcom County and the resort/recreational nature of these areas .
Birch Bay
Birch Bay is a resort community which has the highest growth rate and the most potential for
development of any unincorporated area in the county. The area has historically been a
second-home resort area with a trend toward permanent, often retirement homes . A high
proportion are still second homes . According to the 2000 U . S . Census , approximately 51 % of
the housing units in the Birch Bay Census Designated Place are vacant or seasonally
occupied . The 2000 census counted 5 , 094 housing units in the Birch Bay Census Designated
Place , including recreational units and RV sites .
There are an estimated 2 , 353 acres of undeveloped residential land in the Birch Bay UGA.
Approximately 942 of these acres are constrained by wetlands and other critical areas .
Considering a 25% market factor and a deduction of land for infrastructure , utilities , shoreline
and critical areas there is sufficient residential land for approximately 3 ,450 new residential or
recreational units within the Birch Bay Urban Growth Area . Assuming that 50% of the units
will be recreational and that the occupied units would have 2 . 33 residents per household ,
these housing units could house an additional 4 , 019 full-time residential and provide as many
as 1 , 725 seasonal housing units or RV sites .
Water and sewer are provided by Birch Bay Sewer and Water District which has a network of
water lines throughout most of the district including the Birch Point area which was removed
from the urban growth area in 2004 . Birch Bay Water and Sewer District has the capability of
providing sewer service to the entire urban growth area , but the present system covers a
much smaller geographic area than the water distribution . The sewer service area also
includes land which was removed from the Urban Growth Area , but there is no sewer service
outside of the urban growth area .
The district purchases water under a contractual agreement from the City of Blaine . In April
2002 , the District entered into a 30 year contract with the City of Blaine to purchase water
adequate to serve the Districts projected need for water through 2022 . The District also has a
pending application for groundwater rights to a well drilled by the District, and an application
to transfer water from the Nooksack River, by means of a contract with Whatcom County
PUD 1 , to supply the longer term needs of the community.
In 1992 , an attempt was made to incorporate Birch Bay; however, it was defeated by the
voters . One of the issues was whether a portion of the Cherry Point Industrial Area should be
included within the boundaries for incorporation . The County Comprehensive Plan now
includes a number of policies that would prohibit the inclusion of the Cherry Point area with
the boundaries of a future incorporation of Birch Bay.
In 2002 , a citizen group competed a Community Plan for the Birch Bay Urban Growth Area
and surrounding rural area . The Birch Bay Community Plan , as revised , was adopted as a
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
January 2006 Chapter Two - Land Use
Subarea of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan in 2004 and provides more detailed
background information and policy direction regarding growth and development within Birch
Bay. Where there are conflicts between the Birch Bay Community Plan and the Whatcom
County Comprehensive Plan , The County Comprehensive Plan shall prevail .
Columbia Valley/Kendall
Located in the northeast region of the developed portion of the county, the Columbia
Valley/Kendall UGA is the most populous area in the eastern part of Whatcom County.
The Columbia Valley area , like many other areas in Whatcom County, was originally
developed to cater to a seasonal population , primarily Canadians who are allowed to spend
up to six months per year in the United States . 2000 U . S . Census data indicates that
approximately 52% of the existing housing is either seasonal or vacant. However, portions of
the area , particularly Paradise Lakes , have become attractive for permanent residents , with
this trend expected to increase to 60% in the 20 year planning period . The lots are affordable
and the current and projected development will provide an available work force for economic
development.
Columbia Valley refers to two large subdivisions , Paradise Lakes and Peaceful Valley, which
are located along both sides of Kendall Road (SR547) . These developments include a golf
course , a large pond and wetland complex along Kendall Creek, and some undeveloped land .
There are approximately 2 , 000 platted lots , with an estimated 1 , 615 current dwelling units
consisting of recreational cabins , manufactured homes , and permanent residences . Since
designation of the Columbia Valley/Kendall UGA in 1999 , dwelling units have increased by
approximately 17% . Accounting for some buildout of undeveloped land , summertime
populations could reach 5 , 000 people within the 20 year planning horizon .
Paradise Lakes has public roads and continues to utilize septic systems for sewage disposal .
The Evergreen Water-Sewer District provides public water service (formerly provided by the
Paradise Lakes Country Club) to residential and camper lots within the Paradise Lakes
divisions . Peaceful Valley has private roads and a water and sewer system managed by
Water District 13 which has ample capacity. The district has gone through bankruptcy
because of the need to carry the capital debt and operating costs of a system that is under-
utilized .
Public transit service is provided to the Columbia Valley/Kendall area by the Whatcom
Transportation Authority (WTA) . Local east-county law enforcement is provided by a full time
resident Sheriff's Deputy that is based out of Kendall . The small town of Kendall has a
commercial district, fire station , and an elementary school .
Sudden Valley Recreational Subdivision
Sudden Valley was established in the early 1970s as a recreation/resort area located in the
Lake Whatcom Watershed . But over the last thirty years it has developed into an Urban
Residential area . Sudden Valley has private paved roads , all underground utilities (electricity,
gas , cable and telephone) , and a public water and sewer system provided by Lake Whatcom
Water and Sewer District. Fire District #2 , strategically located in Sudden Valley, provides fire
and ambulance service . Sudden Valley's 1 , 724 total acres originally included 4 , 648 platted
single-family lots/condominiums , a limited commercial area , community facilities , a marina ,
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
January 2006 Chapter Two - Land Use
and a golf course . Of the 1 , 545 acres , 835 acres of open space and 140 acres of golf course
(63%) are community association owned . The remaining 749 acres (43%) are private
property. 2000 US Census data indicates that approximately 26% of the existing housing in
S udden Valley is either seasonal or vacant.
S udden Valley contributes to a high volume of vehicle trips on Lake Whatcom Boulevard and
Lake Louise Road . Right-of-way and alignment studies have been proposed for the 6-year
TIP to study alternatives , cost and location relative to addressing the growing volume of
vehicular trips on Lake Whatcom Boulevard and Lake Louise Road . Public transportation
services are provided by the Whatcom Transportation Authority (VVTA) .
S udden Valley lies within the Lake Whatcom Watershed where limiting development has
been identified as desirable . The Sudden Valley Community Association (SVGA) has a Board
of Directors mandated lot consolidation program with a targeted density reduction of 1 ,400
lots , reducing the total lots for development from 4, 648 to 3 , 248 . To date approximately 75%
( 1 , 047 lots) have been placed into density reduction of which 452 are voluntary private lot
consolidation . SVGA funding has been set aside to purchase additional lots for density
reduction . In accordance with the 2000 Lake Whatcom Management Program , the County
and lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District have also assisted Sudden Valley with their
density reduction program through several joint agreements and exchanges of property and
restrictive covenants . To date , the SVCA, County, and Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer
S istrict have acquired 115 undeveloped lots in Sudden Valley at annual tax foreclosure
auctions . The Lot Consolidation Covenant to Bind process has , also , increased voluntary
private lot consolidation . The County Council has exempted Sudden Valley from the Lake
Whatcom Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program because Sudden Valley's density
reduction plan meets the intent of the TDR program .
S ince 1985 , Sudden Valley has mandated the use of appropriate stormwater best
management practices through standards for individual stormwater detention for all new
construction . Any new building permits on existing lots must be able to demonstrate that
stormwater detention is included on the plan as a precondition to issuance of a permit.
S udden Valley is also subject to additional regulatory protections that apply to the Lake
Whatcom watershed under the Water Resource Protection Overlay District, Stormwater
S pecial District, and Water Resource Special Management Area requirements . Under the
provisions of these special districts , potential impacts from impervious surfaces , stormwater
runoff, and clearing activities are required to be addressed on-site .
S udden Valley has implemented a 10-year Forest And Wildlife Stewardship (FAWS) plan with
the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources ( DNR) . This plan provides
environmental education and guidance to the Sudden Valley community, on a continuing
basis , to assure sound environmental health and safety for plants , animals , and residents with
an emphasis on properly managing flora and fauna indigenous to the region .
GOAL 2AA : Recognize Birch Bay and the Columbia Valley/Kendall area as
county urban growth areas , not associated with existing cities .
Policy 2AA- 1 : Work with the Birch Bay Water and Sewer District to amend the District
service area boundaries to be consistent with the revised Urban Growth
Area and establish policies for provision of water service to portions of
the District that were removed from the UGA.
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
January 2006 Chapter Two - Land Use
Policy 2AA-2 : Work with Birch Bay Water and Sewer District and the City of Blaine to
resolve the issue of jurisdiction north of Lincoln Road and east of the
long term planning area until a master plan has been completed to
identify traffic impacts and infrastructure/utility/service needs , and
appropriate mitigation measures .
Policy 2AA- 13 : Preclude additional commercial zoning within the urban growth area
until the Small Town Commercial district in Kendall is fully developed
and a land supply study demonstrates a need for additional commercial
land .
Policy 2AA- 14 : Facilitate meeting the unique needs of Sudden Valley due to its location
within the Lake Whatcom Watershed .
Policy 2AA- 15 : Recognize the existing parcelization and the commitment for
development of the remaining multi-family parcels in Sudden Valley .
Policy 2AA- 16 : Work with the Community Association towards achievement of the
density reduction target of 1 ,400 lots within Sudden Valley.
Policy 2AA- 17 :. If the county acquires lots through tax foreclosure , consider selling them
as non-buildable lots .
Policy 2AA- 18 : Support Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District's effort to maintain
adequate sewer capacity and control stormwater run-off in keeping with
appropriate environmental controls and the Sudden Valley Community
Association's density reduction goal .
Policy 2AA- 19 : Explore alternatives for traffic impact mitigation including :
• enhanced bus service to Sudden Valley
• consideration of some additional commercial and limited light
industrial development within existing Neighborhood Commercial
and Resort Commercial zones to create a fuller service community
to limit shopping and journey to work trips
Policy 2AA-20 : Recognize Sudden Valley as a " Recreational Subdivision" .
Policy 2AA-22 : Work with all parties to maintain , and appropriately plan for
infrastructure , public services , and stormwater retention so that Sudden
Valley can develop to its appropriate potential .
Policy 2AA-24 If incorporation has not been accomplished by February 26 , 2006 , the
Sudden Valley Provisional UGA will be designated as a " Recreational Subdivision . "
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
EXHIBIT C
January 2006 Appendix C-County- Wide Planning Policies
maintain proper buffers from natural resource areas to minimize conflicts with natural
resources and industries based on them .
D . CITY URBAN GROWTH AREAS
1 . The Urban Growth Areas for the small cities shall be of an adequate size to allow them
to become viable economic centers with a balance of jobs and housing . The small
cities shall do appropriate planning to ensure adequate distribution of land uses and
services at a range of urban densities and zoning classifications .
2 . Urban Growth Areas for cities shall include those areas contiguous to cities and with
urban characteristics as defined by the Act. The Geneva area in Bellingham 's UGA is
characterized by urban development, but is also identified by the city and county as a
Water Resource Protection UGA because of its location in the Lake Whatcom
Watershed . Lake Whatcom is the drinking water source for much of the Bellingham
urban area . Geneva is appropriate to include in an urban growth area , but is not an
area where additional urban development is desirable .
3 . Cities shall develop a plan to provide urban level water and sewer services within their
Urban Growth Areas . This plan should be developed in cooperation with existing
water purveyors and other municipal corporations providing water or sewer services
within each city's Urban Area , and should be implemented through interlocal
agreements . Short term and long term boundaries may be used to facilitate provision
of urban levels of service and to not preclude future urban densities as defined within
the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan.
4 . Existing cities should absorb additional population at a range of densities appropriately
responsive to the city's community vision before extending city Urban Growth Areas
into areas where growth would adversely impact critical areas and resource lands . In
those small cities entirely surrounded by flood plains , critical area and resource lands
or within Shellfish Protection Districts , the county and the city shall seek to negotiate a
balance between protection of resources and the allocation of adequate land area to
meet the growth needs of the city and to maintain the desired character of the
community.
5 . All cities should grow in an efficient manner while maintaining their character and ,
where reasonable , shall provide for adequate open space between cities to prevent
strip development.
6 . Cities should be encouraged to provide positive incentives for in-fill .
E . NON -CITY URBAN GROWTH AREAS
1 . Urban Growth Areas may also be established in areas that are not contiguous to
existing cities , and are already characterized by urban growth where adequate
facilities and services can be provided and which are intended to meet needs not met
by cities and their Urban Growth Areas .
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C- 1
January 2006 Appendix C-County- Wide Planning Policies
2 . Non-city urban growth areas , for already urbanized unincorporated residential areas
shall be encouraged to infill in a way that will facilitate efficient provision of facilities
and services consistent with the scale of development.
3 . Cherry Point shall be designated as an unincorporated industrial urban growth area in
recognition of existing large scale industrial land uses . Additional large scale
development shall be encouraged consistent with the ability to provide needed
services and consistent with protecting critical areas along with other environmental
protection considerations . The Cherry Point industrial area is an important and
appropriate area for industry due to its access to deep water shipping , rail , all-weather
roads , its location near the Canadian border, and its contribution to the County's goal
of providing family wage jobs .
4 . The County shall assure that there are plans to provide appropriate levels of urban
facilities and services within non-city Urban Growth Areas . These plans should be
developed by special purpose districts , water associations and private service
providers within each of these Areas , and should be implemented , where appropriate ,
through interlocal agreements . Short term and long term boundaries may be used to
facilitate provision of urban levels of service .
F. CONTIGUOUS , ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING IN URBAN GROWTH
AREAS*
1 . Cities , the county and special districts shall execute interlocal agreements to
coordinate plans for and manage growth in Urban Growth Areas prior to annexations .
Interlocal agreements shall acknowledge and implement the County-wide Planning
Policies .
2 . Interlocal agreements shall incorporate clear and reasonable criteria for orderly
annexation . The county and the cities shall establish a process to incorporate
representative citizen input into interlocal agreement and encourage appropriate
districts to participate . If adequate procedures are developed to replace it, the
Boundary Review Board may be replaced .
3 . All urbanized areas currently within urban growth boundaries associated with cities
should be encouraged to annex to cities . Orderly annexations with logical boundaries
shall be encouraged . Interlocal agreements shall specify guidelines on size , timing of
annexations and urban levels of development, and tax revenue sharing when
appropriate .
4 . Within Urban Growth Areas , cities shall not extend water and sewer utilities without an
adopted program for annexation and an adopted Capital Facilities Plan . Exceptions
may be made in cases where human health is threatened as determined by the
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C-2