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HomeMy WebLinkAboutord2005-018IYIIATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL NO. 2004 -339 CLEARANCES initial Date ='dial R ved�in Come dlb rc Agenda Done Assi nelhe Originator: Amp d. Pederson ?�L �y _•. .,, •.: " "e. o ^^ rrtt P. ^7 2 Lvn� N F �'lv ii: :7 's.nhen `vll�Jlei j 9/28/04 10/12/04 Council Introduction. Plan & Pee Corma /Cncl. Division Head: Sylvia Goodwin Dept. Head: Hal Hart 4 11/23/2004 Public Hearing Prosecutor: Karen Frakes Purchasing /BUdgeC N a Executive: Pete Kerman SUBJECT: Proposed amendments to the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 2- Sudden Malley Provisional Urban Growth Area ATTACHMENTS: (1) Proposed ordinance (2) Planning Commission Findings ofFort & Reasons forAction, Conclusions, and Recommendations (3) Staff report andproposed amendments (4) Draft Planning Commission minutes SEPA review required? ( x ) Yes ( ) NO SEPA review completed? ( x ) Yes ( ) NO Should Clerk schedule a hearing? ( ) Yes ( z) NO Requested Date: t A hearing must be held if the Council changes the Planning Commission recommendation (WCC20.10.110. SUMMARY STATEMENT: Parsnant 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 VV County's 7 -year review and update of sections of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 2 -land Use, related to the Sudden Valley Provisional Urban Growth Area under the Unincorporated Residential/Recreational Urban Growth Areas section. Note: The subject proposal is one of a number of comprehensive plan amendments initiated this year. These amendments must be considered concurrently by the County Council so that the cumulative effect of the various proposals can be evaluated (RCW 3670A.130). Additionally, pursuant to the review schedule established in WCC 20.10.120, final Council action on these amendments should occur on or about November 30. Distribution Request mdimre. mn.ve who should receive n ropy after t'ounril amino. Sisrspechc names to the right . ADS Facilities Management ADSFbanre ADS Human Resource. ADS /onto Services Assessor Auditor Cooperative Extension District Court Executive Health Hearing Examiner Jail COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: 9/28/2004: Introduced. 10/12/2004: Forwarded to concurrency; may need a hearing. 11/23/2004: Public Hearing held - forwarded to concurrency 1/25/2005: Adopted 6 -1, Bremner opposed, Ord. #2005 -018 Juvemle Parks Planning Hal Hart Prosecutor Public Works Sheriff Superior court Related County Contract #: I measurer other Related File Numbers: CMP2004 -00012 Ordinance or Resolution Number (thisitem): Ord. #2005 -018 SPONSORED BY: pn_G PROPOSED BY: PDS INTRODUCTION DATE9 /28/04 ORDINANCE NO. 2005 -018 AMENDING THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, CHAPTER 2 - LAND USE, TO UPDATE SECTIONS RELATING TO THE SUDDEN VALLEY PROVISIONAL URBAN GROWTH AREA, AS NECESSARY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT 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 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 8, 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 W hatcom 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 June 24, 2004. 2. The W hatcom County Planning Commission held a public hearing on July 8, 2004. 3. A determination of Non - significance was issued by the Whatcom County SEPA official on August 30, 2004. 4. State law requires that W hatcom County review its Comprehensive Plan by December 1, 2004 to ensure continued compliance with the Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.130). Page I 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, Residential /Recreational Urban Growth Areas (UGAs) sections, relating to the Sudden Valley Provisional UGA to ensure continued compliance with the GMA and incorporate new information. 6. Pursuantto RCW 36.70A. 040, Whatcom Countyadopted the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan on May 20, 1997. 7. Pursuant to RCW 36.70AA 10, 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. No amendments are proposed to the boundaries or allowable development densities within the Sudden Valley Provisional 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). 9. The Sudden Valley area was platted prior to the Growth Management Act and is continuing to infll 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 underthe Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan by Ordinance #2001 -071. 11. Services and utilities are currently available, or are planned to be available, to serve the Sudden Valley PUGA. 12. The Sudden Valley PUGA is experiencing rapid population and development growth. 13. The proposed amendments are consistent with the Growth Management Act, County Wide Planning Policies, and the Whatcom County 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 ExhibitA 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. If1M day of January , 2005 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON SrowT"TIAb .• - laurie Caskey- Schreiber, Council Chair t the Cesnc#Is )V,Ei���S�ltllHfm ( pproved () Denied Frakes, Civil Deputy Prosecutor Pete Kremen, Executive Date: Page 3 Sudden Valley Provisional Urban Growth Area EXHIBIT A WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, Chapter 2 — Land Use (from pages 2 -48 to 2 -51 of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan) REVISED - Amendments recommended by County Council on October 12, 2004 are shown in double underline and dQ1hla- s1tiketpred§p. 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 Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District 40. Fire District #2, strategically located in Sudden Valley, provides fire and ambulance service. Sudden Valley's 1 724 1545 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 749 579 acres 4( 3%) (374) are private property. 2000 US Census data indicates that approximately 26% 22% of the existing housing pepulatian 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 (SVCA) 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% 57% (1 047 943 lots) have been placed into density reduction of which 452 34@ 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 Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District 49 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 District 49 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. 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 subiect to Sudden Valley Provisional Urban Growth Area EXHIBIT A impacts from impervious surfaces, stormwater runoff, and clearing activities are required to be addressed on -site. 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 -1: Work with all parties to resolve the water issue so Birch Bay can develop to its full potential. 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 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. Policy 2AA -3 Re- evaluate the amount and location of area designated as resort commercial and multiple family in Birch Bay, based on the present knowledge of wetlands in the area. Policy 2AA-4: 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. 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. Sudden Valley Provisional Urban Growth Area EXHIBIT A 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 enhance /restore 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 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. 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 -16: If the county acquires lots through tax foreclosure, consider selling them as non - buildable lots. Policy 2AA -19: Support Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer Districts 4.9 effort to maintain Prevlde adequate sewer capacity and control stormwater run -off in keeping with appropriate environmental controls and the Sudden Valley Community Association's density reduction goal. Sudden Valley Provisional Urban Growth Area EXHIBIT A 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, reselve 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. The County will only support incorporation if a leaally binding agreement is reached reaardina the above listed items Policy 2AA -25 If incorporation has not been accomplished by the end of 2006, a the Sudden Valley Provisional UGA will' be cedesianated as fetarned te a "Recreational Subdivision." 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 Heraid; 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. 8. 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 w yt _ Hal H. Hart, Secretary 7IYlov ME 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, tent 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 doultale text indicate additional amendments e4kethFaugh recommended by the Whatcom County Planning Commission on July 8, 2004. Unincorporated Residential /Recreational Urban Growth Areas Birch Bay, Sudden Valley, and the Columbia ValleylKendall 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 mostdevelepmeat 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. ^'° n the Birch Bay region. There are also -3;000 an estimated 2.210 acres of undeveloped residential zoned land in the Birch Bay UGA wits rbaR zo. ^^ ° ^ ^: g. Approximately 549 Over t,000 of these acres are constrained by wetlands and other critical areas. Considering eX at ^^ vacant platted lots, a 25% market factor,, t ° , and a deduction of land for infrastructure, utilities, ^ town ^ ^•v�omrwre area, and shoreline ^ ^ ^" shoreline and critical areas -buffers,the- gfewth e^t'mat^ to there is sufficient residential land for approximately 4.235 new residential or recreational units within the Birch Bay Urban Growth Area. duF in^ the plann ^^ period is 5,300 n ^ dents ever the planning her Zan. 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 4.932 full - time residents and provide as many as 2.117 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, essentially coterminous with the urban growth area designated . zaa'.ag. 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. 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 Comprehensive Plan now includes a Columbia ValleylKendall 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% 6" 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 S( R 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 1,375 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 septic systems for sewage dispos utilizes within the Paradise Lakes divisions. 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. 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 Sheriffs Deputy that is based out of Kendall The small town of Kendall has a commercial district, fire station, 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 4645 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 749 &7.9 acres (43xM ( 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 (SVCA) 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% 67% (1 047 943 lots) have been placed into density reduction of which 452 348 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 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 subiect 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: 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. Pelisy 2M_3_ Re evaluate the AMn -'nt and lesati An of area designated knowledge of wetinnols ;R the AFeA Policy 2AA -4: 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 enhance /restore 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 previde 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, aad public services and stormwater retention issues so that Sudden Valley area can develop to its appropriate €aU 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."