HomeMy WebLinkAboutord2009-032 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL NO. 2009 - 210A •
CLEARANCES Initial Date Date Received in Council Office Agenda Date Assigned to:
Originator: Josh / 4/28/09 Introduction
Fleischmann
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Natural Division Head: Oliver 't ' 4 c/ - I� = (� Q (� 1 f 11 5/12/09 Council Resources
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Dept. Head: David —�4,0"9/7 k — (, /J 7 APR 2 0 2009
Stalheim
Prosecutor: Royce if 4 -' 17 '41 \ H A COM COUNTY Buckingham
COUNCIL
Purchasing/Budget: nn
Executive: Pete Kremen YQ0
TITLE OF DOCUMENT:
Ordinance Removing the Lot Clustering Provision from Whatcom County Code 20. 42, Rural Forestry District.
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.)
The proposed ordinance makes the provisions of interim ordinance Ord. 2006-00045, Ord. 2006-00057, Ord. 2007-00028, Ord. 2007-
00064, Ord. 2008-00018, and Ord. 2008-00045, permanent. The changes remove language referencing Lot Clustering from
subsections WCC 20. 42. 130, 20. 42.251-253, 20. 42. 300-320, and 20. 42. 450. Lot clustering would no longer be allowed in the Rural
Forestry District.
•
COMMITTEE ACTION:: COUNCIL ACTION:
5 / 12 / 2009 : Forwarded to Council for approval 4 / 28 / 2009 : Introduced
5 / 12 / 2009 : Council Adopted 6 - 1 Crawford
opposed Ord . 2009 - 032
Related County Contract #: Related File Numbers: Ordinance or Resolution Number:
Ord . 2009 -032
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.
•
SPONSORED BY : Consent
PROPOSED BY : Nelson
INTRODUCTION DATE : 4 / 28 / 2009
ORDINANCE NO . 2009 - 032
REMOVING THE LOT CLUSTERING
PROVISION FROM WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 20 . 42,
RURAL FORESTRY DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council wishes to maintain and enhance Whatcom
County's natural resource industries and protect the rural character of the County ; and
WHEREAS, approximately 36 , 526 acres of land in Whatcom County are identified as
supporting commercial forestry with zoning of rural or agriculture ; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council recognizes that conversion of forest use to
other incompatible land uses can and will threaten future forest practices ; and
WHEREAS, continued pressure to convert land to residential use will threaten this
valuable resource and can reduce environmental protection ; and
WHEREAS, on November 21 , 2006 , May 22 , 2007 , November 20 , 2007 , May 20 ,
2008 , and November 12 , 2008 , the Whatcom County Council adopted interim ordinances
removing the lot clustering provision from Whatcom County Code 20 . 42 , Rural Forestry ; and
WHEREAS, The ordinance currently in effect ( Ordinance 2008 - 045 ) will expire on
May 28 , 2009 ; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County SEPA Official issued a Determination of Non -
Significance on November 1 , 2006 ; and
WHEREAS, the Council makes the following findings of fact to justify its actions as
required by RCW 36 . 70 . 795 :
1 . The Resource Lands Chapter of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan states that
the goals of individual forest landowners; whether in the forestry zone or not, encompass a
broader range of objectives than just timber production and may include management for
wildlife , conservation , specialty forest products, firewood , privacy, aesthetics, and low
density residential or other uses compatible with forestry .
2 . County- Wide Planning Policy 1 - 9 states, " As part of a broad based economy,
productive timber, agriculture and fisheries industries should be maintained in a sustainable
manner. "
3 . Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Policy 8F- 3 states : " Lands mostly devoted to
growing trees for commercial timber production , usually located within public service
districts such as fire or water districts, accessed by private roads built to Whatcom County
development standards or public roads, with low density residential development . Land
parcels are generally 20 acres or greater in size . "
4 . Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Policy 8F- 7 states : " Discourage inappropriate
conversion of productive forest land to incompatible non - forest uses . It is the intent of this
policy not to allow conversion of forest land if the proposed use is incompatible with the
maintenance of long -term forest management . Incompatible uses include those which :
• create fire or safety hazards to adjacent forest land ;
• permanently remove a significant portion of a parcel from
productive forest use ;
• create significant financial hardships for adjacent forest
landowners ; or
• can lead to land use conflicts with adjacent forest landowners . "
5 . Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Policy 8H - 6 states : "Adopt development
regulations that would allow minimal residential development in Commercial Forestry
zones . " ; and
WHEREAS, the Council makes the following conclusions :
1 . This interim regulation relating to removal of the clustering provision from Whatcom
County Code 20 . 42 is consistent with the planning goals of the Growth Management Act
( RCW36 . 70A . 020 ) .
2 . This regulation is consistent with the goals of the Whatcom County Comprehensive
Plan .
•
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Whatcom County Council that
Whatcom County Code 20 . 42, Rural Forestry District, is hereby amended as indicated in
Exhibit A to this ordinance .
BE IT FINALLY ORDAINED that adjudication of invalidity of any of the sections,
clauses, or provisions of this ordinance shall not affect or impair the validity of the
ordinance as a whole or any part thereof other than the part so declared to be invalid .
ADOPTED this 12th day of May , 2009 .
`\\`"\ N � Y Co",,00 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
A •X, . • HT . . / ' a. WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
0 .6 0 COUNn, ° O
Dgia Bro . ( fpG�i f •Clerk..bf the Council Se 0 leetwood , Council Chair
i • • . . . . `.
Inns MO
WHATCOM COUNTY EXECUTIVE
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
APPROVED AS TOfOR •
Civil Deputy Prosecutor Pete Kremen , County Executive
( Approved ( ) Denied
Date Signed : Se 7
Chapter 20.42
RURAL FORESTRY (RF) DISTRICT
Sections :
20 .42 . 010 Purpose.
20 .42 . 050 Permitted uses.
20 .42 . 100 Accessory uses.
20 .42. 130 Administrative approval uses.
20 .42 . 150 Conditional uses .
20.42 .200 Prohibited uses.
20.42 .250 Minimum lot size and width.
20.42 .251 Minimum lot size.
20 .42 .252 Maximum density and minimum lot size.
20 .42 .253 Minimum lot width and depth.
20 .42 . 300 Deleted.
20 .42. 310 Deleted.
20 .42 . 315 Repealed.
20 .42.320 Deleted.
20 .42.330 Deleted.
20 .42.350 Building setbacks.
20.42 .400 Height limitations.
20.42 .450 Lot coverage.
20.42 . 550 Reforestation area.
20 .42 . 650 Development criteria.
20 .42. 651 Plat language for proposed subdivisions.
20 .42.652 Use of natural resources.
20 .42 .653 Landscaping.
20 .42 .654 Parking requirements.
20.42 . 655 Livestock regulations.
20.42 . 656 Domestic water supplies.
20 .42 . 657 Drainage.
20 .42 . 900 Conditional use permit criteria.
20.42.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this district is to implement the forestry designation of the Whatcom
County Comprehensive Plan, established pursuant to RCW 36 . 70A. 170, by providing the
opportunity for nonindustrial landowners to manage their land for long-term productivity
and sustained use of forest resources . In addition, the district encourages the management
of land for wildlife, aesthetics, and other noncommodity values. It also provides for uses
that are compatible with these activities, while maintaining water quality and soil
productivity. Lummi Island Scenic Estates shall be administered under the RR-I zone
district regulations. (Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord.
2008 -018 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2005-079 § 1 , 2005 ; Ord. 2003 -029 § 1 (Att. A § 6), 2003 ;
Ord. 98-083 Exh. A § 66, 1998 ; Ord. 92-094, 1992 ; Ord. 91 -023 , 1991 ; Ord. 87- 12, 1987 ;
Ord. 87- 11 , 1987 ; Ord. 86-42, 1986) .
20.42.050 Permitted uses.
Unless otherwise provided herein, permitted, accessory and conditional uses shall be
administered pursuant to the applicable provisions of Chapter 20 . 80 WCC
(Supplementary Requirements) and Chapter 20. 84 WCC (Variances, Conditional Uses,
Administrative Approval Uses and Appeals), the Whatcom County SEPA Ordinance, the
Whatcom County Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom County Shoreline
Management Program.
. 051 The cultivation, harvest, and production of forest products or any forest crop, in
accordance with the Forest Practices Act of 1974 and any regulations adopted pursuant
thereto; and the cultivation, harvest and production of ferns, moss, boughs, bark, berries,
nuts, tree fruits, tree seeds, nursery stock, and Christmas trees.
.052 Agriculture, floriculture, horticulture, beekeeping; raising, keeping and feeding of
domestic animals, poultry and livestock; and structures accessory to animal husbandry.
. 053 Operation of sawmills, chippers, shake and shingle mills, scaling stations; log
dumps, sorting and storage areas; forest industry equipment maintenance buildings and
storage yards, and forest industry residue dumps and other uses involved in the harvesting
and primary processing of timber; provided, that all such uses within 1 ,000 feet of any
existing Residential or Commercial Zone District as well as the Recreation and Open
Space (ROS) District, or park, or recreation area shall be temporary and of less than 12
months ' duration.
( 1 ) The intent of processing is initial reduction in bulk and/or to facilitate transport to
secondary processing centers; and
(2) All uses within 1 ,000 feet of a park, recreation area or zone district other than Rural,
Agriculture or Industrial shall be temporary and of less than 12 months ' duration.
. 054 The management and propagation of fish and wildlife.
. 055 Watershed management practices including erosion control measures, drainage
control structures, vegetation management to improve runoff characteristics, weather
stations, stream gauging stations, or watershed research facilities.
. 056 One single-family dwelling per legal lot of record.
.057 Deleted by Ord. 2001 -012.
. 058 Surface mining, rock crushing, washing and sorting subject to the Forest Practices
Act (Chapter 76.09 RCW); provided, that administrative approval is required for
accessory rock crushing activities located within 1 ,000 feet from a rural or residential
district.
. 059 Repealed by Ord. 2000-006. .
.060 Living quarters for trail crews, fire crews, nursery crews, logging crews,
maintenance crews and watchmen.
. 061 Hydroelectric power generation facilities using only diversion structures creating
impoundments less than three acres, and cogeneration facilities; provided, that the power
shall be to serve and will be associated with a permitted or conditional use situated in the
Forestry Zone District.
.062 Storage of explosives operated in compliance with Chapter 70.74 RCW.
. 063 Trails, trailheads, restroom facilities and associated parking areas for no more than
30 vehicles.
. 064 Temporary dwelling units which have full living accommodations including
sleeping, self-contained cooking, bathing, and toilet facilities where the plumbing is
connected to permanent site sewage and water systems, including those travel trailers and
recreational vehicles that meet the above description, for use by owners during the period
of construction of a permanent dwelling while building permit is valid, not to exceed two
years.
. 065 Private, noncommercial, recreation occupancy of a recreational vehicle; provided,
that the following minimum requirements and standards are met and/or followed:
( 1 ) Maximum length of stay of any recreational vehicle on a lot shall not exceed a total of
120 days per calendar year; provided, that no accessory guest RV shall remain on the
subject lot for more than 14 consecutive days nor more than 30 days total per calendar
year.
(2) One recreational vehicle and one accessory guest RV per lot shall be allowed. If such
lot is greater than five nominal acres, one additional guest RV may be allowed per each
additional two acres of the subject lot. The total number of recreational vehicles on a
single lot at one time shall not exceed five.
(3) In the case of a special event or occasion:
(a) Any proponent of a temporary special event which requires a total allowable number
of RVs that exceeds the standard maximum allowed shall file an affidavit with the
department of planning and development services which specifies the nature of the
special event, location, specified days of the proposed use and the sanitation and
wastewater disposal facilities proposed for the event.
(b) The duration of the temporary special event shall include the days the use is being set
up and established as well as when the event actually takes place.
(c) A parcel shall host no more than three temporary special events within a calendar
year; provided, that the time periods specified in subsection ( 1 ) of this section are not
exceeded.
(4) All recreational vehicles that remain on the site for more than 14 consecutive days
shall be connected to a permitted on-site sewage system or public sewer or shall provide
documentation that wastewater was removed by a licensed sanitary disposal service.
(5) All recreational vehicles shall be screened from neighboring properties not using RVs
and from public roads. Such screening may consist of landscaped buffer areas, suitable
native vegetation or a fence.
(6) Lots shall not be leased or rented out on a daily or overnight basis for recreational use.
(7) The locations of parked RVs on vacant lots shall observe normal building setback
standards for a single-family residence.
(8) All recreational vehicles shall be supported by their own wheels or camper jacks, and
not be fastened to accessory structures. Placement of a recreational vehicle on a
foundation or removal of the wheels of a recreational vehicle, except for temporary
purposes for repair, is prohibited.
. 066 Gravel bar scalping projects within the jurisdiction of the Shoreline Management
Program.
. 067 Light industrial/manufacturing uses that were legal under concomitant agreement
filed under Auditor File No . 940107190 (as revised under Auditor File No . ) prior
to the effective adoption date of the county' s Comprehensive Plan, May 20, 1997, will be
considered permitted uses. Expansion will be allowed as a permitted use but will be
limited to the land area zoned Light Impact Industrial on May 20, 1997, and must comply
with applicable conditions and with the requirements of the Light Impact Industrial Zone
where there is conflict with the requirements of the Rural Forestry Zone.
.068 One one-story detached accessory storage building per lot; provided, that the floor
area shall not exceed 200 square feet and shall only be used for personal storage and not
for habitation or business ; and provided further, that the storage building shall contain no
indoor plumbing but may be served with electrical power for lighting.
. 069 Public forest preserves, wildlife reserves, natural systems education, and/or
interpretive areas .
. 088 Adult family homes as defined in Chapter 70 . 128 RCW.
.089 Boarding homes that are similar in size, facilities and occupancy to other residential
structures permitted in the zoning district.
. 090 Mental health facilities that provide residential treatment and are similar in size,
facilities and occupancy to other residential structures permitted in the zoning district.
.091 Substance abuse facilities that provide residential treatment and are similar in size,
facilities and occupancy to other residential structures permitted in the zoning district.
(Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008 ;
Ord. 2005 -079 § 1 , 2005 ; Ord. 2004-026 § 1 , 2004; Ord. 2004-014 § 2, 2004 ; Ord. 2001 -
012 § 1 , 2001 ; Ord. 2000-040 § 1 , 2000 ; Ord. 2000-006 § 9, 2000; Ord. 99-062, 1999;
Ord. 98-078 Exh. A, 1998 ; Ord. 97-069, 1997; Ord. 92-094, 1992 ; Ord. 92-079, 1992;
Ord. 88-29, 1988 ; Ord. 87-23 , 1987 ; Ord. 86-42, 1986) .
20.42. 100 Accessory uses.
. 101 Utilization of sewage sludge on land when regulated by a utilization permit issued
by the Bellingham-Whatcom County district department of public health in accordance
with WAC 173 -304-300 . This would apply to any land owned or leased by the same
operator. Utilization of sludge in the Lake Whatcom watershed is not allowed.
. 102 Uses incidental to the primary permitted uses.
. 103 ( 1 ) The usual wholesale marketing activities associated with the agricultural,
aquacultural, forestry, and mineral resource uses permitted in this district.
(2) Retail marketing, by the operator, of Whatcom County products which originate from
the permitted uses stated in WCC 20.42 . 050; provided:
(a) Only one stand containing not more than 500 square feet of floor area shall be
permitted;
(b) Such stand shall be subject to the setback requirements of WCC 20 . 80 .200; and
(c) Such stand shall be provided with a sufficient area to permit at least five automobiles
to park safely off the road right-of-way and to re-enter the traffic in a forward direction.
. 104 On-site treatment and storage facilities for hazardous wastes associated with outright
permitted uses or approved conditional uses subject to the most current siting criteria
under Chapter 173 -303 WAC . On-site treatment and storage facilities for hazardous
wastes are not allowed in the Lake Whatcom watershed.
. 105 Home occupations, when in compliance with the following:
( 1 ) The occupation or profession shall be carried out wholly within the principal or
accessory buildings; and
(2) Not more than two persons outside the immediate family shall be employed in the
home occupation. (Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2008-
018 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2003 -029 § 1 (Att. A § 13), 2003 ; Ord. 96-056 Att. A § J1 , 1996;
Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 91 -023 , 1991 ; Ord. 89- 10, 1989; Ord. 88-29, 1988 ; Ord. 87-84,
1987) .
20.42. 130 Administrative approval uses.
The following uses are permitted subject to administrative approval pursuant to WCC
20. 84 .235 .
. 131 A temporary second dwelling unit of no more than 1 ,248 square feet in floor area, in
the form of a manufactured home, a fully serviced travel trailer or motor home, to
provide :
( 1 ) A temporary dwelling space for family members who, due to professionally
documented physical or mental disorders, or risks of such disorders, require supervision
and care where such care is provided by members of the family who reside on the
property; or
(2) A temporary dwelling space for a person providing care for the resident owner of the
subject property when said owner needs supervision and care as described in subsection
( 1 ) of this section.
Approval Requirements :
Administrative approval for temporary second dwelling units shall be approved if it is
determined that the proposal meets the following requirements :
( 1 ) Temporary second dwelling units shall only be permitted on fully serviced parcels on
which the applicant can meet setback, ingress, egress, height restrictions, and lot
coverage requirements .
(2) The size of the temporary dwelling shall be appropriate to the use and size of the
parcel and shall be limited so as to comply with the standards set forth in subsection ( 1 )
of this section.
(3) The temporary home shall be connected to an approved water supply and adequate
capacity sewage disposal system approved by the Whatcom County health department.
(4) When care is no longer necessary, the temporary home shall be removed within 60
days.
(5) The permit shall be valid for one year. The permit may be extended on a yearly basis;
provided, that an affidavit is furnished by the permittee affirming that the circumstances
allowing the original permit remain in effect.
(6) A covenant shall be filed that restricts sale of the property while the temporary
dwelling is in place.
(7) The use will not be hazardous or disturbing to existing or future neighboring uses.
(8) Evidence of adequate off-street parking space shall be provided.
(9) There shall be no occupancy of the temporary dwelling outside the conditions under
which the temporary dwelling is permitted pursuant to this section.
( 10) All mobile homes must demonstrate compliance with minimum HUD Fire Safety
Standards and compliance with the current Washington Administrative Code (WAC) .
Penalties : False statements on supporting documentation submitted with the application
or failure to comply with any of the approval requirements may be cause for revocation
of the permit and prosecution.
. 132 Accessory apartments or detached accessory dwelling units to single-family
dwellings; provided, that all of the following approval requirements are met:
( 1 ) In addition to an existing or permitted dwelling, there shall be no more than one
accessory apartment or detached accessory dwelling unit per lot;
(2) The owner(s) of the single-family lot upon which the accessory apartment or detached
accessory dwelling unit is located shall occupy as their primary domicile at least one of
the dwelling units on that lot;
(3 ) Proof that adequate provisions have been made for potable water, wastewater
disposal, and stormwater runoff for the additional dwelling unit must be obtained prior to
application for a building permit;
(4) There shall be only one front entrance to the house visible from the front yard and
street for accessory apartments and only one additional entrance visible from the front
yard for detached accessory dwelling units;
(5) Accessory apartments and detached accessory units shall be clearly a subordinate part
of an existing residence;
(6) In no case shall an accessory apartment or detached dwelling unit be larger than 1 ,248
square feet in floor area;
(7) Long plats and short plats which are granted after January 25 , 1994, shall be marked,
specifically designating lots allowed to be developed with accessory apartments or
detached accessory dwelling units at the option of the developer for future individual
owners. Accessory apartments and detached accessory dwelling units shall be prohibited
on:
(a) All lots in long plats which received preliminary plat approval after January 25 , 1994,
unless those lots have been specifically marked for such use through the long plat
process;
(b) All lots within short plats which received approval after January 25 , 1994, unless
those lots have been specifically marked for such use through the short plat process;
(8) A common driveway serving both the existing unit and any accessory unit shall be
used to the greatest extent possible;
(9) A deed restriction is recorded with the Whatcom County auditor prior to building
permit issuance, stating :
(a) Detached accessory dwelling units and associated land cannot be sold separately from
the original dwelling, except in the event the zoning permits such a land division; and
(b) One of the dwellings must be the primary domicile of the owner;
( 10) Outside of an urban growth area, the minimum lot size for detached accessory units
shall be 20 acres;
( 11 ) Accessory apartments and detached accessory dwelling units to single-family
dwellings are allowed within the Lake Whatcom watershed only under the following
circumstances :
(a) Development of the parcel with the primary residence and accessory apartment or
detached accessory dwelling shall conform to the density of the zoning district in which it
is located. Adjacent properties in the same ownership may be bound by covenant to
comply with the underlying zoning density; and
(b) All of the above approval requirements shall be met for so long as the accessory unit
remains;
( 12) Detached accessory units shall be located closer to the primary unit than to any
adjoining property line unless site constraints require location closer to the property line.
If an accessory unit is located closer to an adjacent property line than to the primary
• dwelling or within 50 feet of an adjoining property, the applicant must provide a
statement of nonobjection from the adjacent property owner and must screen the unit to
minimize visual impacts;
( 13 ) All mobile homes must demonstrate compliance with minimum HUD Fire Safety
Standards and compliance with the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
. 133 Surface mining subject to Washington State' s Surface Mining Act (Chapter 78 .44
RCW), and accessory washing, sorting, and rock crushing, when within a Mineral
Resource Land Special District subject to the requirements of Chapter 20.73 WCC and all
other applicable regulations.
. 135 Cottage industries employing no more than two people on-site, other than family
members residing on the premises; provided, that in addition to the criteria found in
WCC 20. 84 .220 and 20.97. 087 :
( 1 ) The zoning administrator, at his or her discretion, may place limitations on the square
footage in an existing or new structure used for a cottage industry and construction of
new buildings to house said activity shall not, in any case, exceed 2,500 square feet of
total floor area. The total land area used for buildings and outside storage or other uses
related to the cottage industry shall not exceed 10,000 square feet or 25 percent of the
site, whichever is less .
(2) The parcel size shall not be less than one acre.
(3) In the event materials will be stored outdoors, the zoning administrator shall require
adequate landscaping, screening, or other devices in order that the material will not be
visible by surrounding uses or roads.
(4) One nonilluminated sign, not to exceed 16 square feet in size, mounted on the
property, is permitted. A larger sign up to 32 square feet may be approved by the hearing
examiner as a conditional use.
(5) Seasonal employees working less than 21 days per year will not be counted as
employees if they are engaged in work directly related to agriculture or forestry.
. 136 Forestry related/wood based cottage industries which employ no more than 10 on-
site people other than family members residing on the premises, including primary or low
intensity secondary processing of timber not permitted in WCC 20 .42. 053 , including
fabrication of furniture and fixtures, partitions, shelves and lockers, manufacture,
processing, treatment and fabrication of lumber, millwork, miscellaneous wood products,
and other wooden building and roofing materials, excluding pulp, paper or plywood
mills, conducted in structure(s) other than the dwelling unit; provided, that:
( 1 ) The administrator, at his discretion, in consideration of the surrounding development
patterns, property uses and size of the lot on which the proposed cottage industry is
locating, may place limitations on the square footage used in an existing or new structure
used for a cottage industry. The construction of new buildings to house said activity shall
not, in any case, exceed 4,000 square feet of total floor area.
(2) The parcel must access from a collector arterial or higher standard street (this could
include shared access).
(3) Minimum parcel size is one acre. Minimum lot size is five acres for buildings which
exceed 2,500 square feet of total floor area and/or are constructed of materials which are
not of similar materials or scale to a single-family residence.
(4) Minimum open space requirement is 40 percent. Adequate buffering is required for
both visual screening and noise reduction and must comply with WCC 20. 80 . 345 . The
administrator may modify the required buffer widths, either reduction or enlargement, on
a site-specific basis. A finding regarding the rationale for such modification will be
entered into the record. Site development should maintain the existing natural vegetation
to the greatest extent possible.
(5) All work is conducted within a building, except that uses which are complementary to
the Rural Forestry District and which are determined to be harmonious with adjacent
parcels may be allowed outdoors .
(6) In the event materials will be stored outdoors, the administrator may require adequate
landscaping, screening or other devices in order that the material will not be visible by
surrounding uses or roads.
(7) For parcels visible from a state scenic highway, the administrator shall, at his
discretion, require additional measures or restrictions to protect scenic vistas.
(8) The operation of the business must comply with county/state noise, air quality and all
other applicable regulations.
(9) There is no polluting or hazardous industrial discharge to a public sewer or septic
system.
( 10) One nonilluminated freestanding sign, visible from the road, and not exceeding six
feet in height, may be permitted. One additional nonilluminated sign may be attached to
the building for a maximum total signage of 16 square feet. No portion of any sign shall
extend above the lowest portion of the roof
( 11 ) Not more than 10 nonfamily members not residing on the premises can be employed
on site.
( 12) An application packet shall be submitted on forms provided by the county and must
provide a site plan, drawn to scale, which shows the location of existing and proposed
structures, includes dimensions of new and proposed structures to property lines, distance
to adjacent structures, uses of adjacent parcels, existing vegetative cover and proposed
modifications to vegetative cover of proposed site, location of permanent buffers and
proposed plant materials for the permanent buffer, including species, sizes and spacing.
(Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008 ;
Ord. 2006-061 § 1 (Att. A)(7), 2006; Ord. 2005 -079 § 1 , 2005 ; Ord. 2001 -012 § 1 , 2001 ;
Ord. 98-078 Exh. A, 1998 ; Ord. 98-018 § 1 , 1998 ; Ord. 97-069, 1997) .
20.42. 150 Conditional uses.
The conditional uses listed herein shall be administered pursuant to the applicable
provisions of Chapter 20. 80 WCC (Supplementary Requirements) and Chapter 20 . 84
WCC (Variances, Conditional Uses, Administrative Approval Uses and Appeals), the
Whatcom County SEPA Ordinance, the Whatcom County Subdivision Ordinance and the
Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program. Applicable conditional use permit
criteria are established in the provisions of WCC 20.42. 900 and will not be subject to the
conditional use criteria provided for in WCC 20. 84.220 .
. 151 Construction and operation of water diversion structures, impoundment dams and
hydroelectric generating facilities not permitted under WCC 20.42 .061 .
. 152 Bed and breakfast establishments.
. 153 Surface mining, rock crushing, and accessory washing and sorting, subject to the
conditions in WCC 20.36. 159 .
. 154 Operation of indoor or outdoor parks and recreation facilities including camps,
community centers, campgrounds, activity centers, marinas, riding academies, developed
trailheads with more than 30 parking spaces and off-road vehicle parks; provided, that in
the Lake Whatcom watershed riding academies, marinas, recreational vehicle and off-
road vehicle parks are not allowed.
. 155 The operation of facilities intended to provide education related to forestry, natural
resources and wildlife and the purpose of this district, including but not limited to
demonstration forests and conservation laboratories, educational meeting facilities and
related uses including rental cabins or other lodging structures, cooking and dining
facilities, retail sales or meeting supplies and gifts, in the Foothills Subarea, South Fork
Valley, the Newhalem Exclave and the Baker Lake Exclave, provided the following
standards are met:
( 1 ) Density shall not exceed one sleeping unit per one gross acre or a maximum of 50
beds for the entire development.
(2) Each cabin shall have a maximum of three sleeping units .
(3 ) Must be located with vehicular access fronting on paved county roads or private roads
improved to county standards.
(4) Front yard setback shall be 75 feet, with 100-foot side and rear yard setbacks to
adjacent properties.
(5) Lot coverage for all facilities, including the rental cabins, shall not exceed 20 percent,
clustered on no more than 50 percent of the property.
. 156 Aircraft landing areas when solely for personal (aircraft based at those landing areas
are owned or controlled by the landowner or tenant and subject to any limitations deemed
necessary by the hearing examiner) or forest management uses; provided the centerline of
any such landing area shall not be located within 500 feet of any zone boundary other
than a Commercial Forestry Zone, property line, building, or structure; except that a legal
affidavit from adjacent property owner(s) allowing all, or a portion, of that 500 feet as a
recorded easement on their property, presented as part of a conditional use permit
application, shall be acceptable. The surface of any such landing area shall be grass or
sod and not longer than 2,500 feet. It shall be unlighted and for daytime use only.
Handling and storage of fuel and bulk chemicals associated with forest management on
or near the landing area, and fuels and lubricants associated with the operation of
personal use aircraft, will be stored and handled in accordance with pertinent state and
county codes. Notification of conditional use permit application hearing shall go, by first
class mail, to residents within 1 ,000 feet from any point on a proposed aircraft landing
area; the applicant shall pay the cost of such mailings.
. 157 The operation of fur farms and kennels.
. 158 Major utility and communication facilities.
. 159 Primary or low intensity, secondary processing facilities of timber not permitted in
WCC 20.42 .053 , including fabrication of furniture and fixtures, partitions, shelves and
lockers, manufacture, processing, treatment and fabrication of lumber, millwork,
miscellaneous wood products, and other wooden building, roofing and construction
materials and building material yards, if screened by a fence and/or vegetation as
specified in WCC 20 . 80. 355 ; excluding pulp or paper mills. The conditional use
provisions are applicable for proposals which include structures that exceed 4,000 square
feet and employ more than 10 nonfamily members.
. 162 Asphalt and concrete batch plants, when within an MRL Special District.
. 163 The permanent alteration or removal of more than 20 percent of the lot area,
excluding natural meadows, bogs, surface waters, and rock outcrops, from the production
of forest products when not otherwise authorized by WCC 20.42 .450.
. 164 Cottage industries as defined by WCC 20. 97. 087, excluding those allowed in WCC
20 .42 . 135 , and which employ not more than four people outside the family conducted in
structure(s) other than the dwelling unit. Such activities will comply with all other
provisions of WCC 20 . 36 . 161 ( 1 ) through (5).
. 165 Public facilities for emergency-related health and safety purposes, such as firehalls
and Washington State Department of Transportation satellite road safety facilities.
. 166 Shooting ranges.
. 185 Type I solid waste handling facilities.
. 186 Type II solid waste handling facilities.
. 187 Mitigation banks as a form of compensatory mitigation for wetland and habitat
conservation area impacts when permitted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter
16 . 16 WCC; provided, applications for mitigation banks shall be processed as a major
development project pursuant to Chapter 20. 88 WCC . (Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord.
2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2005 -068 § 2, 2005 ; Ord.
2004-041 § 1 , 2004; Ord. 2004-026 § . 1 , 2004; Ord. 2004-014 § 2, 2004; Ord. 2001 -012
§ 1 , 2001 ; Ord. 2000-064 § 1 , 2000; Ord. 99-031 , 1999 ; Res. 99-010 Exh. A, 1999; Ord.
98-078 Exh. A, 1998 ; Ord. 97-069, 1997; Ord. 96-056 Att. A § § J2, J3 , 1996; Ord. 93 -
076, 1993 ; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 92-079, 1992 ; Ord. 91 -013 , 1991 ; Ord. 88-29, 1988 ;
Ord. 86-42, 1986) .
20.42.200 Prohibited uses.
.201 All other uses.
.202 Adult businesses. (Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord.
2008-018 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 99-070 § 2, 1999; Ord. 92-094, 1992) .
20.42.250 Minimum lot size and width.
20.42.251 Minimum lot size.
( 1 ) For the purpose of creating new residential building lots within the Forestry District,
one land use density is provided. The minimum lot size requirements for new residential
construction shall be 20 nominal acres or 1 /32 of a section.
(2) Divisions of land for nonresidential purposes shall have a minimum lot size of 20
acres. (Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A,
2008 ; Ord. 96-056 Att. A § J4, 1996 ; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 86-42, 1986) .
20.42.252 Maximum density and minimum lot size.
Minimum Lot Size
Gross Density — Conventional
1 dwelling unit/20 acres 20 acres
(Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008 ;
Ord. 92-096, 1992 ; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 86-42, 1986) .
20.42.253 Minimum lot width and depth.
Width at Street Line — Conventional Minimum Mean Depth
535 ' 100'
Width at Building Line — Conventional Minimum Mean Depth
270' 100'
(Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008 ;
Ord. 92-096, 1992 ; Ord. 92-094, 1992 ; Ord. 86-42, 1986)..
20.42.300 Lot clustering and reserve tract.
Deleted by Ord. 2008-018 . (Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008) .
20.42.310 Lot clustering.
Deleted by Ord. 2008-018 . (Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ;
Ord. 2006-045 , 2006 ; Ord. 2000-056 § 2, 2000; Ord. 92-096, 1992; Ord. 92-094, 1992;
Ord. 86-42, 1986) .
20.42.315 Exempt cluster tract.
Repealed by Ords. 2005-079 and 2008-018 . (Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-045
Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 98-083 Exh. A § 66, 1998 ; Ord. 92-096, 1992).
20.42.320 Reserve tract.
Deleted by Ord. 2008-018 . (Ord . 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ;
Ord. 92-096, 1992; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 86-42, 1986).
20.42.330 Planned unit development.
Deleted by Ord. 96-056. (Ord . 2009-032 Exh .A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord.
92-094, 1992; Ord. 86-42, 1986).
20.42.350 Building setbacks.
Building setbacks shall be administered pursuant to WCC 20. 80 .200 (Setback
requirements) . Building setbacks for parcels of less than five nominal acres shall be
administered pursuant to WCC 20. 80 .256(4) . (Ord . 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-
045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2003 -029 § 1 (Att. A § 2), 2003 ;
Ord. 99-0080, 1999; Ord. 99-0058 ; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 86-42, 1986).
20.42.400 Height limitations.
No residential structures or buildings accessory thereto with the exception of barns and
silos shall exceed a height of 35 feet. (Ord . 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-045 Exh.
A, 2008 ; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 92-094, 1992).
20.42.450 Lot coverage.
No more than 20 percent of the lot area shall be permanently altered or removed from
production of forest products, excluding natural meadows, bogs, surface water and rock
outcrops, unless authorized as a conditional use or the planned unit development
provision of Chapter 20 . 85 WCC, in which case no structure or combination of
structures, including accessory buildings, shall occupy or cover more than 35 percent of
the lot. (Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2008-018 Exh.
A, 2008 ; Ord. 92-094, 1992 ; Ord. 86-42, 1986) .
20.42.550 Reforestation area.
Upon completion of forest harvest operations, the highest priority for reforestation shall
be given to that land within 100 feet of another zone district. Reforestation shall utilize
seedlings or whips and shall be consistent with the Forest Practices Act of 1974, as
amended. (Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2008-018
Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 92-094, 1992 ; Ord. 86-42, 1986) .
20.42 .650 Development criteria.
(Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008 ;
Ord. 96-056 Att. A § Al , 1996).
20.42.651 Plat language for proposed subdivisions. .
When a proposed subdivision, binding site plan, short subdivision or exempt land
division will be located adjacent to or across a right-of-way from an existing Forestry
District, the developer and any subsequent purchasers or successors in interest shall agree
to refrain from any legal action to restrain or collect damages from the owners of such
adjacent properties, or from Whatcom County, arising out of any reasonable and lawful
activity on said forestry lands which occurs in the normal course of their established use.
The agreement shall appear as a covenant or deed restriction upon the plat, tract or
instrument of conveyance and shall run with the land. (Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord.
2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 99-058, 1999; Ord. 92-015 ,
1992 ; Ord. 87- 12, 1987; Ord. 87- 11 , 1987).
20.42.652 Use of natural resources.
All discretionary project permits for land on or within one-half mile of the area
designated as Agriculture, Rural, Commercial Forestry or Rural Forestry or within 300
feet of an area designated as Mineral Resource Lands in the Whatcom County
Comprehensive Plan, or upon which farm operations are being conducted, shall be
subject to the right to farm, right to practice forestry and mineral land disclosure policies
contained in WCC Title 14, Use of Natural Resources. (Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009; Ord.
2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 98-083 Exh. A § 48, 1998 ;
Ord. 96-056 Att. A § A2, 1996 ; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 92-015 , 1992) .
20.42.653 Landscaping.
Refer to WCC 20. 80 .300 for landscaping requirements. (Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ;
Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 92-094, 1992 ; Ord. 89-
117, 1989).
20.42.654 Parking requirements.
Parking shall conform to the requirements of WCC 20. 80. 500 . However, recreation
vehicles and boat parking and storage shall be limited to side and rear yards. (Ord. 2009-
032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 92-
094, 1992).
20.42.655 Livestock regulations.
The keeping of livestock shall be administered pursuant to WCC 20 . 80 . 800
(Supplementary requirements) . (Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A,
2008 ; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 92-094, 1992).
20.42.656 Domestic water supplies.
Domestic water supply sources shall not be located within 100 feet of the property
boundary or on an adjacent property without written consent of the adjacent property
owner. (Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2008-018 Exh.
A, 2008 ; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 86-42, 1986) .
20.42.657 Drainage.
All development activity within Whatcom County shall be subject to the stormwater
management provisions of the Whatcom County Development Standards unless
specifically exempted.
No project permit shall be issued prior to meeting submittal requirements relating to
stormwater management in the appropriate chapters of the Whatcom County
Development Standards. (Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009 ; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord.
2008-018 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 96-056 Att. A § A2, 1996; Ord. 94-022, 1994) .
20.42.900 Conditional use permit criteria.
.901 The conditional uses listed in WCC 20 .42 . 150 shall be subject to the following
Forestry conditional use criteria. Said criteria listed in WCC 20.42 . 902 shall supersede
the criteria listed in WCC 20. 84.220 .
.902 Before approving an application for a conditional use permit, the hearing examiner
shall ensure that any specific standards of the use district defining the conditional use are
fulfilled and shall find adequate evidence showing that the proposed conditional use at
the proposed location will:
( 1 ) Be in accordance with all applicable local and state laws, standards and regulations;
(2) Be reasonably compatible with the surrounding environment and with the policies of
the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan;
(3) Not generate traffic in excess of capacity of the public road system at reasonable
safety and service levels;
(4) Not create unreasonable demands for public expenditures to provide services,
facilities, or utilities beyond those which are normally required for permitted uses in the
Forestry District;
(5) Provide entrances to public roads or private roads open to public use in accordance
with applicable county or state standards;
(6) Provide reasonable sound and sight buffering so as not to detract from normal use of
surrounding property, public and private roads, and trails open to public use;
(7) Be located a reasonable distance from areas of actual or potential natural hazard;
(8) Not unreasonably contribute to actual or potential water quality or quantity problems;
(9) Be designed to provide reasonable safety from fire hazard;
( 10) Not unreasonably interfere with any territorial or otherwise significant view from
surrounding property and public roads;
( 11 ) Not remove areas of native vegetation which protect shorelines and streambanks
from erosion, except as necessary for such uses as culverts, bridges, boat ramps,
recreation areas and stream bank stabilization projects; and
( 12) Include reasonable soil erosion plans necessary to prevent soil, organic debris and
other pollutants from entering streams, ponds, or lakes . (Ord. 2009-032 Exh.A, 2009;
Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008 ; Ord. 92-094, 1992) .