HomeMy WebLinkAboutord2005-016Of HATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL NO. 2004 -345
CLEARANCES
initial
Date
Date Received in Council Office
Agenda Dore
Assignor to:
Originator: Sylvia Condwin
9/28/04
Council Introduction.
- -= `— -�-
CLt 2 M4
M4
��f Cli�i Vt +�1� vl�U±vl t
rtl�9. rM1l
.10/26/2004
Division Head. Sylvia Goodwin
P&D / Council
Public Hearing
Dept. Hrad: Hal Hart
Ci+
i
11/23/2004
Prosecutor: Karen Forges
Purchasholilud&eu
r
Eserutiee: Parr Xremen
RA)
SUBJECT:
Proposed amendments to the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 2 —Land Use, City ofLynden Urban Growth Area
ATTACHMENTS:
(I) Proposed ordinance
(2) Planning Commission Findings of Fact & Reasons for Action, Conclusions, and Recommendations
(3) Staff report andproposed amendments
(4) Draft Planning Commission minutes
SEPA review required? ( x ) Yes ( ) NO
Should Clerk schedule a hearing? ( ) Yes ( z) NO
SEPA review completed? ( x ) Yes ( ) NO
Requested Date:
I A hearing mast be held if the Council changes the Planning Commission
recommendation (WCC20.ro.110.
St1MMARY STATEMENT:
Distribution Request
Pursuant to RCW 36.70A.130, Whatcom County is required to review and
revise its comprehensive plan, as needed, by December 1, 2004. The proposed
amendments constitute Whatcom County's 7 -year review and update of
a rope ter co�mru action
mdtspe mole who should right.
List specific names m the fight
ADS Facilities Management
sections of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 2 -Land Use,
related to the City of Lynden UGA. The amendments clarify use and
ADS Finance
calculation of "net developable" densities in the UGA; adding language to
ADS Human Resources
ADSI s Services
address drainage, flooding, and fish habitat in Double Ditch and Benson
Assessor
Creeks; and amend Policy 2X -3 to update information regarding the interlocal
agreement between the City of Lynden and the County.
Auditor
Cooperative Extension
Note: The subject proposal is one of a number of comprehensive plan
District Court
Executive
amendments initiated this year. These amendments must be considered
Health
concurrently by the County Council so that the cumulative effect of the various
Hearing Examiner
proposals can be evaluated (RCW 36.70A. 130). Additionally, pursuant to the
jail
review schedule established in WCC 20.10.120, final Council action on these
amendments should occur on or about November 30.
COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN:
✓uvenae
Parks
9/28/2004: Introduced.
Planning
Hal Hart
10/26/2004: Committee amended & recommended approval to full 8ouncil.
10/26/2004: Council amended, public hearing to be held.
11/23/2004: Forwarded to concurrency
Prosecutor
Public Works
Sheriff
1/25/2005: Adopted 7 -0, Ord. #2005 -016
Superior Cana
Treasurer
Related County Contract #:
Omer
Ordinance or Resolution Number
Related File Numbers: CMP2004 -00006
(this item): Ord. #2005 -016
SPONSORED BY: nnc
PROPOSED BY: PDS
INTRODUCTION DATE: 9/28/04
ORDINANCE NO. 2005 -016
AMENDING THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, CHAPTER 2 -
LAND USE, TO UPDATE SECTIONS RELATING TO THE CITY OF LYNDEN URBAN GROWTH
AREA, AS NECESSARY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GROWTH MANAGEMENTACT 7 -YEAR
COMPLIANCE REVIEW REQUIREMENT PER RCW 36.70A.130
WHEREAS, the Growth Management Act requires counties and cities to review and, if
needed, revise comprehensive plans to ensure continued compliance with the GMA (RCW
36.70A.130); and
WHEREAS, it is also appropriate to review the comprehensive plan in light of new
information and changed County and City priorities; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 36.70.390, legal notice was published in the Bellingham
Herald; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed amendments
on July 22, 2004 and held additional work sessions on August 12, 2004 and September 9, 2004;
and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has evaluated the proposed amendments; and
WHEREAS, the County Council has considered the Planning Commission's Findings of Fact
& Reasons for Action, Conclusions, and Recommendations; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council finds the amendments to be within the interest of
the public health, safety and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the County Council has adopted the following Findings and Conclusions:
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
1. Notice of the Planning Commission public hearing forthe subject amendments was published in
the Bellingham Herald on July 8, 2004.
2. The Whatcom County Planning Commission held a public hearing on July 22, 2004.
3. A determination of Non - significance was issued by the Whatcom County SEPA official on
August 30, 2004.
4. State law requires that Whatcom County review its Comprehensive Plan by December 1, 2004
to ensure continued compliance with the Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.130).
Page 1
5. Pursuant to RCW 36.70A.130, the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments attached as
Exhibit A constitute Whatcom County's seven -year review and update of the official Whatcom
County Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 2 — Land Use, Urban Growth Areas (UGAs) sections,
relating to the City of Lynden UGA to ensure continued compliance with the GMA and
incorporate new information.
6. Pursuant to RCW 36.70A. 040, Whatcom County adopted the Whatcom County Comprehensive
Plan on May 20, 1997.
7. Pursuant to RCW 36.70A.110, counties are required to designate urban growth areas within
which urban growth will be encouraged and outside of which growth can only occur if it is not
urban in nature.
8. Pursuant to RCW 36.70A.130 cities and counties are required to continually review, evaluate,
and revise their comprehensive plans and development regulations, if needed, to ensure that
the provisions of those plans and regulations are consistent with the requirements of the Growth
Management Act (GMA).
9. Pursuant to RCW 36.70A.1 30(4)(a) the county and cities are also required to review and revise
their comprehensive plans and development regulations, as needed, by December 1, 2004 and
every seven years after that.
10. As many of the cities are currently in the process of reviewing and updating their respective
comprehensive plans, no amendments are proposed to the boundaries or allowable
development densities within the Lynden Urban Growth Area as part of the proposed
amendments. Whatcom County will conduct a review and update of urban growth areas, as
necessary, in accordance with RCW 36.70A.130(3).
11. Services and utilities are currently available, orare planned to be available, to serve City UGAs.
12. The County has entered into interlocal agreements with all of the Cities regarding annexation
and development in the Urban Growth Areas.
13. Updated population projections for the County and Urban Growth Areas have been adopted by
Whatcom County.
14. Designated Resource Lands are not being impacted by the proposed amendments to the
County Comprehensive Plan as no additions are being proposed to any of the previously
adopted city Urban Growth Boundaries.
15. The County anticipates initiating future modifications to current zoning designations within UGAs
to ensure that future urban development densities can be achieved.
16. The City of Lynden's Comprehensive Plan was initially adopted in August 1995 and was
amended in January of 1997. Lynden is currently working on an update and expects to
complete it by the end of 2004.
17. The City of Lynden and Whatcom County entered into an interlocal agreement regarding
annexation and development within the Lynden Urban Growth Area in 1998.
Page 2
18. Lynden has conducted five annexations since the adoption of their Comprehensive Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Whatcom County Council that:
Section 1. The Official Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan be amended as shown in Exhibit A.
Section 2. Adjudication of invalidity of any of the sections, clauses, or provisions of the
Comprehensive Plan shall not affect or impair the validity of the plan as a whole or any part thereof
other than the part so declared to be invalid.
day of larnury , 2005
Clerk 040,e CoDftiP'
APPROVED ss 46 >erSi-�m"```
Karen Frakes, Civil Deputy Prosecutor
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
61,, L� 4�1 -S
Iaurie Caskey - Schreiber, Council Chair
( _ pproved O Denied
Pete remen, Executive
Page 3
-02 y -les
City of Lynden Urban Growth Area EXHIBIT A
Comprehensive
Plan text amendments
recommended
by County
Council on October 26, 2004
are shown in do
ble ekkaikFeulph and double
underline
text.
net
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, Chapter 2 — Land Use
(from pages 2 -18, and 2 -38 to 2 -39 of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan)
Goal 2P: Encourage Bellingham
acre: encourage a" Ferndale to establish new residential developments at
densities averaging six to eight units per net residential acre; encourage
Lynden to establish new residential developments at densities averaging
five to gjgM seven units per net residential acre; and encourage remaining
smaller cities and Unincorporated Residential /Recreational Urban Growth
Areas not associated with a City to establish new residential development
at average densities of four units per net residential acre, while respecting
unique characteristics associated with each city.
Lynden
County
goals encourage Lynden
to
develop
residentially
zoned areas
at average net densities
of five
to eek.N seven units per
net
developable
residential
acre. Net
developable acreage is
space.
Issues in defining the Lynden Urban Growth Area include preservation of agricultural resource
lands and uses allowed within county zoning designations. Lynden is surrounded by agricultural
resource lands. The Growth Management Act requires cities to protect adjacent resource lands
through the adoption of buffers or the regulation of uses.
Another issue in the vicinity of Lynden is the impact of existing county zoning policies which
allow a broad range of agriculturally related commercial and industrial uses by conditional use
permit. County zoning's leniency impacts Lynden's ability to attract agricultural related
businesses and could preclude logical future urban growth area expansion for residential
development. Changes in county zoning should be made to correct this imbalance.
The Lynden Urban Growth Area has been designated to provide a sufficient land supply for
Lynden and minimize impact on adjacent agricultural resource land.
Areas included in UGA - (Map UGA -5)
East
A large area of land presently zoned for urban levels of development has been included. This
area is already developed at higher densities than surrounding agricultural land. It also includes
land adjacent to Lynden which is not designated as resource land. Land supply demand
indicates a need for this land.
of Lynden Urban Growth Area EXHIBIT A
North
A small tract of land to the north of Lynden has been included in the UGA. While this is prime
agricultural land, it is logically located for service provision and is necessary to adequately
accommodate Lynden's growth needs through 2015. Double Ditch Creek and Benson Creek.
West
A large amount of land located west of Lynden is included to facilitate industrial and commercial
growth for the City of Lynden.
Goal 2X: Designate an Urban Growth Area for Lynden of sufficient size to
provide for future growth, protect the existing character of Lynden,
and minimize impact on county resource lands.
Policy 2X -1: Review county zoning regulations to ensure that conditional uses in the
agricultural zone do not discourage the development of such uses within
the City of Lynden.
Policy 2X -2: Require Lynden to propose long term measures to assure compatibility of
adjacent uses to mineral and agricultural resource lands.
Policy 2X -3: Review and update the Sleget ate and adopt an interlocal agreement with
Lvnden, as needed. to Provide which- prevides for:
• restriction of extension of urban levels of service to urban uses
outside the Short Term Planning Areas of the urban growth areas
..haF n., f.....,
• identification of needed improvements and establishment of how they
will be paid for
• land- use -and zoning designations and density levels- ef- develeprNent
within the UGA
devetapmeaEprepesals
GOOK] Rat On wth the Gaunty of gFeaRbelts and open spaGe
• timing and procedures to be used for review of adequate land supply
• consistency with the Coordinated Water System Plan
2
or Lynden Urban Growth Area EXHIBIT A
WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
FINDINGS OF FACT, REASONS FOR ACTION &
RECOMMENDATIONS
AMENDING THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, CHAPTER 2 —
LAND USE, TO UPDATE SECTIONS RELATING TO UNINCORPORATED
RESIDENTIAL/RECREATIONAL URBAN GROWTH AREAS, INCLUDING BIRCH BAY,
COLUMBIA VALLEYIKENDALL, AND THE SUDDEN VALLEY PROVISIONAL URBAN
GROWTH AREA
WHEREAS, the Growth Management Act requires counties and cities to review and, if
needed, revise comprehensive plans to ensure continued compliance with the GMA (RCW
36.70A. 130); and
WHEREAS, it is also appropriate to review the comprehensive plan in light of new
information and changed County priorities; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 36.70.390, legal notice was published in the Bellingham
Herald; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed
amendments on Thursday, July 8, 2004; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has evaluated the proposed amendments and
considered all testimony.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
THE PLANNING COMMISSION ENTERS THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS OF FACT, REASONS
FOR ACTION AND RECOMMENDATION:
I. FINDINGS OF FACT AND REASONS FOR ACTION
1. Notice of the Planning Commission public hearing for the subject amendments was
published in the Bellingham Herald on June 24, 2004.
2. The Whatcom County Planning Commission held a public hearing on July 8, 2004,
3. A determination under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) is anticipated in August of
2004, prior to concurrent review of the Comprehensive Plan amendments by the Planning
Commission.
4. State law requires that Whatcom County review its Comprehensive Plan by December 1,
2004 to ensure continued compliance with the Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.130).
5. Pursuant to RCW 36.70A.040, Whatcom County adopted the Whatcom County
Comprehensive Plan on May 20, 1997.
6. Pursuant to RCW 36.70A.110, counties are required to designate urban growth areas within
which urban growth will be encouraged and outside of which growth can only occur if it is
not urban in nature.
7. On November 23, 1999, pursuant to RCW 36.70A.130, the Whatcom County Council
designated the Columbia Valley /Kendall area as an unincorporated residential /recreational
Urban Growth Area (UGA) under the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan by Ordinance
#99 -075.
6. No amendments are proposed to the boundaries of any of the Unincorporated
Residential /Recreational Urban Growth Areas.
9, Sudden Valley and the Columbia Valley areas were both platted prior to the Growth
Management Act and are continuing to infill at urban densities.
10. On December 11, 2001, pursuant to RCW 36.70A.130, the Whatcom County Council
designated the Sudden Valley as a Provisional Urban Growth Area under the Whatcom
County Comprehensive Plan by Ordinance #2001 -071.
11. A new 2004 Birch Bay Community Plan has been written and is currently before the County
Council for review and adoption.
12. Services and utilities are currently available, or are planned to be available, to serve the
Birch Bay, Columbia Valley /Kendall, and Sudden Valley UGAs.
13. The Birch Bay, Columbia Valley /Kendall, and Sudden Valley UGAS are all experiencing
rapid population and development growth.
14. The proposed amendments are consistent with the Growth Management Act, County Wide
Planning Policies, and the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan,
II. RECOMMENDATION
Based upon the above findings of fact and reasons for action, the Whatcom County Planning
Commission recommends approval of the proposed Comprehensive Plan text amendments as
attached as Exhibit A.
WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Hal H. Hart, Secretary
Vote taken July 8 2004 at a regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting
Commissioners voting:
DAVID PROS, ROBERT WIESEN, RON ROOSMA, JOHN STEENSMA, DAVID HUNTER,
KENNETH MANN, JOHN BELISLE, GEOFF MENZIES, AND RABEL BURDGE.
Ayes: 9, Nays: 0, Abstain: 0. Motion carried to adopt the above Findings of Fact and Reasons
for Action, Conclusions and Recommendations.
Attachments:
EXHIBIT A: Recommended Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 2 — Land Use,
text amendments.
Unincorporated Urban Growth Areas Agency Report EXHIBIT A
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, Chapter 2 — Land Use
(from pages 2 -47 to 2 -51 of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan)
Note: Double underline
and
area has
text indicate additional
amendments
resort area with a trend toward permanent, often
recommended
by the Whatcom
County
Planning Commission on July 8,
2004.
Unincorporated Residential /Recreational Urban Growth Areas
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 most development 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.
. There are also 3,090 an estimated 2.210 acres of undeveloped
residential zoned land in the Birch Bay UGA with - urban - zoning. Approximately 549 Over 1,000
of these acres are used'cr p =-y_, and other p_b;c Uses or ,,,c constrained by wetlands and
other critical areas. Considering existing vaGant platted 1 a 25% market factor, the h gh
seasonal use (eslimated at ° , and a deduction of land for
infrastructure, utilities, A town G9FP Arp.A, nnrl shoreline and critical areas_lauNerfrthe growth
est mate for there is sufficient residential land for approximately 4,235 new residential or
recreational units within the Birch Bay Urban Growth Area ie
Water and sewer are provided by Birch Bay Sewer and Water District which has a network of
water lines throughout most of the district, essentially coterminous with the urban growth area
designated - zoning. Birch Bay has the capability of providing sewer service to the area, but the
present system covers a much smaller geographic area than the water distribution.
_Tj call
Unincorporated Urban Growth Areas Agency Report EXHIBIT A
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 Comorehensive Plan now includes a
Columbia Valley /Kendall
Located in the northeast region part of the developed portion of the county, the Columbia
Valley /Kendall UGA area 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%
53-04 of the existing housing population 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 SR 547. 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 4737-6 current dwelling units
consisting of both recreational cabins, manufactured homes, and permanent residences. Since
Unincorporated Urban Growth Areas Agency Report EXHIBIT A
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, utilizes
septic systems for sewage disposal. The Evergreen Water -Sewer District Drovides nuhlic wafer
wnnin me raragise Lakes awisions Peaceful Valley has private roads and a water and sewer
system managed by Water District 13 which has with 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.
IS based out of Kendall. The small town of Kendall has a
and an elementary school.
Sudden Valley Provisional UGA
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 Water District 10.
Fire District #2, strategically located in Sudden Valley, provides fire and ambulance service.
Sudden Valley's 1,724 4,545 total acres originally included 4,648 platted single - family
lots /condominiums, a limited commercial area, community facilities, a marina, 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 Z92 579 acres (43%1 ) are private property. 2000 US
Census data indicates that approximately 26% 22% of the existing housing population in
Sudden Valley is either seasonal or vacant.
Sudden 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 supplied by the Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA).
Sudden 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% 670/6
(1 047 943 lots) have been placed into density reduction of which 452 348 are voluntary private
lot consolidation. SVCA funding has been set aside to purchase additional lots for density
reduction. In accordance with the 2000 Lake Whatcom Management Program, the County and
Water District 10 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 Water District 10 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
Unincorporated Urban Growth Areas Agency Report EXHIBIT A
from the Lake Whatcom Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program because Sudden
Valley's density reduction plan meets the intent of the TDR program.
Since 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. Sudden Valley is also subject to
Sudden 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, Sudden Valley Provisional Urban Growth
Area, and the Columbia Valley /Kendall area as county urban growth
areas, not associated with existing cities.
Policy 2AA -2:
PoliGy 2AA 3
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
Semiahmoo development. As a starting premise, assume the area
between Lincoln Road and Drayton Harbor to ultimately be part of Blaine
but with water and sewer service from the district.
Re evaluate the amount and 'aGat of Area designated
on as resort
AAMM6FGiAl And multiple family R 13 rGh Bay, based on the present
knowledge of wetlands in the aFea.
Policy 2AA4:
Recognize the resort nature of Birch Bay and Columbia Valley /Kendall,
including the significant second home factor when analyzing land supply
for urban growth area boundaries.
Policy 2AA -5:
Encourage incorporation of Birch Bay when financial viability can be
achieved without including the Cherry Point Industrial Area within
proposed city boundaries.
Policy 2AA -6:
Recognize the impacts of tourist development on local residents in the
Birch Bay, Sudden Valley, and Columbia Valley and provide for mitigation
of those impacts.
Unincorporated Urban Growth Areas Agency Report EXHIBIT A
Policy 2AA -7:
Work with all parties to resolve infrastructure and public service issues so
that the Columbia Valley /Kendall area can develop to its full potential.
Policy 2AA -8:
Study Columbia Valley /Kendall to identify the factors necessary to create
an economically viable city, the implications of such development within
the County overall, and make recommendations as to how and when
incorporation should be initiated.
Policy 2AA -9:
Require unplatted areas in Columbia Valley /Kendall to obtain "ability to
serve" letters from schools, fire districts, and water and sewer service
providers and demonstrate adequate road capacity in order to receive
county approval for new subdivisions.
Policy 2AA -10:
For new subdivisions, encourage the use of clustering with adequate
setbacks along Kendall Creek, Kendall and Sprague lakes, and wetlands
to avoid environmental degradation of surface waters, to enhancetrestore
fish habitat relative to complying with listings under the Endangered
Species Act, where they might apply, and to protect the aquifer underlying
the Columbia Valley.
Policy 2AA -11:
For existing lots in Columbia Valley /Kendall, encourage the use of
appropriate stormwater best management practices and connection to
public sewer to protect surface waters and the aquifer. Any new building
permits on existing lots must be able to demonstrate that the water
service is available to provide adequate water as a precondition to the
issuance of a permit.
Policy 2AA -12:
Work with the homeowner's associations and the owners of undeveloped
tracts in Columbia Valley /Kendall to develop regional stormwater
collection and treatment facilities or standards for individual stormwater
detention and infiltration facilities, prior to approval of new subdivisions.
Policy 2AA -13: Recognize the need for light impact industrial land uses within the
Columbia Valley /Kendall Urban Growth Area. Consider establishing a
light impact industrial zone within the long term planning area located on
the north side of Limestone Road. Retain the existing zoning within this
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 -14: 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 -15: Facilitate meeting the unique needs of Sudden Valley due to its location
within the Lake Whatcom Watershed.
Policy 2AA -16: Recognize the existing parcelization and the commitment for
development of the remaining multi - family parcels in Sudden Valley.
Unincorporated Urban Growth Areas Agency Report EXHIBIT A
Policy 2AA -17:
Work with the Community Association towards achievement of the
density reduction target of 1,400 lots within the Sudden Valley Provisional
UGA.
Policy 2AA -18:
If the county acquires lots through tax foreclosure, consider selling them
as non- buildable lots.
Policy 2AA -19:
Support Water District 10's effort to maintain provide 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 -20:
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 -21:
Recognize Sudden Valley as a provisional county urban growth area, not
associated with an existing city.
Policy 2AA -22:
Study Sudden Valley to identify the factors necessary to create an
economically viable city, the implications of such development within the
County overall, and make recommendations as to whether, and, if
feasible, how such action should be addressed.
Policy 2AA -23:
Work with all parties to maintain, and appropriately plan for resolve
infrastructure, and public services, and stormwater retention issues so
that Sudden Valley area can develop to its appropriate full potential.
Policy 2AA -24
Work with the Sudden Valley Community Association to develop an
interlocal agreement prior to Incorporation that will insure that zoning
density is not increased after incorporation, that implementation of the
density reduction program continues, and that protection of critical areas
is equal to or greater than existing County regulations.
Policy 2AA -25
If incorporation has not been accomplished by the end of 2006, a
comprehensive plan amendment shall be docketed to consider whether
the Sudden Valley Provisional UGA is viable or whether it should be
redesignated as returned -to a "Recreational Subdivision."