HomeMy WebLinkAboutord2005-022WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA RILL NO. 2004 -272A
CLEARANCES
Initial
Date
Date Received in Council Office
A ends Date
Assignedu:
Originator: Sylvia Goodwin
11-12 -04
11 -23
....
e C rvn••
Introduction
-__
Public Hearing
Division Head: Sylvia Goodwin
I��lG
12 -7
Dept Head: Hal Han
.�
Prosecutor- Koren Frakes
Alf
Purehasing/Eudgec
Executive: Pete Kremen
SUBJECT:
Proposed amendments to the County-wide Planning Policies adopted as Appendix C of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan.
ATTACHMENTS:
(1) Proposed amendments
(1) Planning Commission Findings of Fact & Reasons for Action, Conclusions, and Recommendations
(3) Planning Commission minutes
SEPA review required? ( x ) Yes ( ) NO
Should Clerk schedule a hearing? ( X ) Yes ( ) NO
SERA review completed? ( x ) Yes ( ) NO
Requested Date:
I hearing must be heldifthe Council changes the Planning Commission
recommendation 1 WLC 20.10110.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
Distribution Request
The County-wide Planning Policies were jointly developed by the Cities and
County and adopted by all jurisdictions in 1995. The County made minor
revisions and adopted these as an Appendix to the County Comprehensive Plan
Indicate those who should receive a copy after Councdacdon.
List specific names to the right
in 1997. The attached amendments were jointed developed by the City and
ADS Facilities Management
County Planning staff, with additional amendments recommended by the
ADS Finance
County Planning Commission and Planning and Development Committee. All
ADS Human Resources
of the Cities will need to review and approve the proposed amendments prior to
ADS Info services
final adoption. Bellingham, Blaine and Femdale have reported that they will
Assessor
Keith Willnauer
not adopt the CWPPs until 2005. Staff recommends conditional adoption of the
Auditor
CWPPs this year, with provision to revisit them next rear after adoption by all
Cooperative Extension
of the Cities.
District Court
Executive
Note: The subject proposal is one of a number of comprehensive plan
Health
amendments initiated this year. These amendments must be considered
Hearing Examiner
concurrently by the County Council so that the cumulative effect of the various
Jail
proposals can be evaluated RC W 36.70A.130 .
COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN:
Juvenile
11/23/2004: Introduced
12/7/2004: Forwarded to concurrency
Parks
Planning
Hal Hart
Prosecutor
1/25/2005: Adopted 7 -0r Ord. #2005 -022
Public Works
Sheriff
Superior Court
Treasurer
Related Counor Contract #:
Other
Ordinance or Resolution Number
Related File Numbers: CMP2004 -00027
(this item): Ord, )/2005 -022
12 Planning Division \Camp Plan Amendments \Comp Plan 2003 \CMP2004 -00021 (Appendix C) - AB.doe
SPONSORED BY: Planning
PROPOSED BY: Planning
INTRODUCTION DATE: 11/23/2004
ORDINANCE # 2005 -022
ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO APPENDIX C OF THE
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
COUNTY -WIDE PLANNING POLICIES
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, the County Comprehensive Plan Appendix C includes County-wide
Planning Policies which were jointly developed and adopted by County and Whatcom
County Cities in 1995; and
WHEREAS, a group of Planners representing the planning staff of the County
and every City in Whatcom County met regularly for over a year to update the County-
wide Planning Policies in 2004; and
WHEREAS, after legal public notice, the Whatcom County Planning
Commission held a public hearing on the proposal and made minor modifications; and
WHEREAS, the City Planning Commissions and Councils are in the process of
conducting hearings and considering the proposed amendments, but some have indicated
that they will not complete their review of the amendments until early 2005; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments to the County -wide Planning Policies
must be adopted concurrently with the 2004 batch of County Comprehensive Plan
amendments or wait a full year for the 2005 batch of amendments; and
WHEREAS, the County Council held a public hearing, considered public
comment on the amendments, and adopted the following findings and conclusions:
FINDINGS OF FACT AND REASONS FOR ACTION
1. Notice of the Planning Commission hearing for the subject amendment was
published in the Bellingham Herald on May 13, 2004.
2. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the subject amendment on
May 27, 2004 and continued the hearing until June 10, 2004.
3. A determination of non - significance under the State Environmental Policy Act
(SEPA) was issued on October 26, 2004.
4. Growth Management Act (GMA) planning goal # 11 Citizen Participation and
Coordination is to: Encourage the involvement of citizens in the planning
process and ensure coordination between communities and jurisdictions to
reconcile conflicts.
5. The proposed amendments to the County -wide Planning Policies (C WPPs)
reflect progress that has been made on actions called for in the initial CWPPs
and issues that have emerged since the initial adoption of the C WPPs.
6. The proposed amendments are consistent with existing Whatcom County
Comprehensive Plan text regarding County -wide Planning Policies and
provide a framework to implement goals and policies that encourage
coordination between Cities and the County.
CONCLUSIONS
1. The subject amendment is consistent with Growth Management Act, County
Wide Planning Policies, and Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan.
2. The subject amendment complies with the approval criteria for comprehensive
plan amendments of WCC 20.10.080.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Whatcom County Council that:
Section 1. Appendix C of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan relating to County -wide
Planning Policies is hereby amended as shown on Exhibit A.
Section 2. That the County-wide Planning Policies will be reconsidered during the 2005
Comprehensive Plan amendment process once they have been considered and adopted by all of the
Whatcom County Cities.
Section 3. 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 25 day of January , 2005
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Civil Deputy Prosecutor
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber, Council Chair
pproved O Denied
Pete Kremen, Executive
Date:
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
G4
EXHIBIT A
Appendix C
GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT PLANNING GOALS
COUNTY -WIDE PLANNING POLICIES
VISIONING VALUE STATEMENTS
GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT PLANNING GOALS
(RCW 36.70A.020)
The following goals are adopted to guide the development and adoption of comprehensive plans and
development regulations of those counties and cities that are required or choose to plan under RCW
36.70A.040. The following goals are not listed in order of priority and shall be used exclusively for the
purpose of guiding the development of comprehensive plans and development regulations
(1) Urban Growth. Encourage development in urban areas where adequate public facilities and services
exist or can be provided in an efficient manner.
(2) Reduce Sprawl. Reduce the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land into sprawling, low- density
development.
(3) Transportation. Encourage efficient multimodal transportation systems that are based on regional
priorities and coordinated with county and city comprehensive plans.
(4) Housing. Encourage the availability of affordable housing to all economic segments of the population of
this state, promote a variety of residential densities and housing types, and encourage preservation of
existing housing stock.
(5) Economic Development. Encourage economic development throughout the state that is consistent
with adopted comprehensive plans, promote economic opportunity for all citizens of this state,
especially for unemployed and for disadvantaged persons, Promote the retention and expansion of
existing businesses and recruitment of new businesses, recognize regional differences impacting
economic development opportunities and encourage growth in areas experiencing insufficient economic
growth, all within the capacities of the state's natural resources, public services, and public facilities.
(6) Property Rights. Private property shall not be taken for public use withoutjust compensation having
been made. The property rights of landowners shall be protected from arbitrary and discriminatory actions.
(7) Permits. Applications for both state and local government permits should be processed in a timely and
fair manner to ensure predictability.
(S) Natural Resource Industries, Maintain and enhance natural resource -based industries, including
productive timber, agricultural, and fisheries industries. Encourage the conservation of productive forest
lands and productive agricultural lands, and discourage incompatible uses.
County Comprehensive Plan
C -5
(9) Open Space and Recreation. Encourage the retention of open space and development of recreational
opportunities, conserve fish and wildlife habitat, increase access to natural resource lands and water, and
develop parks
(10) Environment. Protect the environment and enhance the state's high quality of life, including air and
water quality, and the availability of water.
(11) Citizen Participation and Coordination. Encourage the involvement of citizens in the planning
process and ensure coordination between communities and jurisdictions to reconcile conflicts.
(12) Public Facilities and Services. Ensure that those public facilities and services necessary to support
development shall be adequate to serve the development at the time the development is available for
occupancy and use without decreasing current service levels below locally established minimum standards.
(13) Historic Preservation. Identify and encourage the preservation of lands, sites, and structures, that have
historical or archaeological significance.
(14) Shoreline Management. Per RC W 36.70A.480 Shorelines of the State the goals and policies of the
Shoreline Management Act, as set forth in RCW 90.58.020, are added as one of the goals of the Growth
Management Act.
Whatcom Counry Comprehensive Plan
C -6
WHATCOM COUNTY
COUNTY -WIDE PLANNING POLICIES
Adopted April 1993, Revised March 11, 1997 and December 7, 2004
A. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT
L The county and the cities shall cooperate to provide public education on the requirements of the
Growth Management Act.
2. The county and the cities shall provide opportunities for citizens to become involved in the growth
management planning process through various mechanisms, such as surveys, public workshops,
meetings, hearings, and advisory committees. The method of citizen involvement may vary based
on the needs and constituents in various communities and shall include representation of both rural
and urban interests on those issues that affect both urban and rural areas.
3. Citizens shall be notified in a timely manner of opportunities to have input and key decision points
in the planning process. This should include actions such as use of telephone hotlines, notification
to interest groups, pre- development meetings, early incorporation of public comments and broader
notification of property owners and residents during a planning process as well as working more
extensively with community and neighborhood groups. The cities shall also develop a public
participation process to solicit and incorporate comments from residents outside city limits but
within proposed Urban Growth Areas.
4. Citizen comments and viewpoints shall be incorporated into the decision - making process in
development of draft plans and regulations. Consideration of citizen comments shall be evident in
the decision - making process.
5. The county and the cities shall establish a system for subarea, community and neighborhood liaison
to foster communication between the respective government and its neighborhoods. This system
would also provide a point of contact for issues that may affect subareas, the community, or
neighborhoods.
6. Various planning techniques, such as overlay maps and Geographic Information Systems, shall be
utilized to allow citizens and public officials the ability to make accurate comparison of issues so
appropriate trade -offs can be consciously made.
B. URBAN VERSUS RURAL DISTINCTIONS*
I. Whatcom County shall primarily become a government of rural areas in land use matters directed
towards agriculture, forestry and other natural resources and natural resource based industries. The
county shall work with citizens to define a variety of types of rural areas based on the
characteristics and needs of different areas. This Section shall not preclude county governance of
large urban industrial areas outside of the city UGA's (see Cherry Point below), developed urban
areas within urban growth areas not yet annexed, and developed rural areas where the "urban"
designation is inappropriate.
2. The county shall discourage urban level development outside Urban Growth Areas and outside of
areas currently characterized by a development threshold greater than a rural development density.
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C -7
and intensive residential de a..... ent gFeatef than a total development density and rural
settleffleties. These areas should be elearly delineated, and not expanded. 11+113a-eg On PfiflAkl RFPRq
43. Whatcom County shall promote appropriate land uses and allow for infill within rural settlements
characterized by existing commercial industrial and intensive residential development greater than
a rural development density. consistent ..'L the ;_mmun, ^, _.h.me:_:, environmental nstfaint
and the ab ilit- l3f8vide needed : °£`_ "- needed . These areas should be clearly
delineated and not expanded beyond logical outer boundaries in accordance with RCW
36.70.070(51. Impacts on rural character, critical areas and other economic considerations as well as
the availability of capital facilities and rural levels of service must be considered before allowing
infill in these areas.
54. In the next 20 years, Whatcom County should discourage "new fully contained communities" (as
defined and authorized by RC W 36.70A.350) outside designated Urban Growth Areas,
656 Whatcom County should undertake a public process to define rural areas and rural growth as
distinct from urban areas and urban growth.
C. URBAN GROWTH AREAS
I. Urban growth needs shall be met by a combination of in -fill within cities and by growth within
designated municipal and non - municipal Urban Growth Areas.
2. The size and location of Urban Growth Areas shall be consistent with adopted local policies and
with the capital facilities plans.
3a. The most current, accurate population projections based on a range provided for Whatcom County
by the Office of Financial Management shall be used as the basis for determining that Urban
Growth Areas shall include sufficient area to permit the urban growth that is projected to occur in
the county for the succeeding twenty-year period.
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3b. The County and Cities shall develop a consistent approach to calculating the land
supply needed within an urban growth area. This approach shall consider limitations
imposed by critical area regulations, infrastructure needs, open space, existing uses,
local market factors and the ability of the jurisdiction to provide services. It is
recognized that the above limitations may vary by jurisdiction, but the method for
applying them shall be consistent. Urban growth areas shall permit a range of
densities and uses; however, in recognition of community character, these uses and
densities may vary among jurisdictions.
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C -8
4. Urban Growth Areas shall be evaluated at least every ten years to determine if they contain
sufficient area to accommodate the urban growth that is projected for the succeeding twenty-year
period. The market factor for each Urban Growth Area shall
also be evaluated to determine whether the land supply is adequate to meet the needs of the
community or whether the land supply is excessive and contributing to sprawl.
5. The eouray and the cities shall deN el8p an approach to ealGHlatifig the fl-Rd for additi8flill IRHd Aoni
taking into consideration limitations impesed by individual eFitieal aireaS Fegulations and othe
considerations such as epen space, existing uses and market availabil4y a
undeveloped affeage.
6. The county and the cities shall eeeirdiiiate dFainage, stormwater manageffleicit and fleed central in
Urban Growth Areas and M ork mwaFd the dekrelefiffiefi4 of Centurion Stardafds�
35. Urban Growth areas should be established in a way that minim zes mpaer preserves
agricultural land, forestry, mineral resources, water resources, and critical areas. Urban growth
hall maintain proper buffers from natural resource areas to minimize conflicts with natura
resources and industries baaed on them.
D. CITY URBAN GROWTH AREAS
I . The Urban Growth Areas for the small cities shall be of an adequate size to allow them to become
viable economic centers with a balance ofjobs and housing. The small cities shall do appropriate
planning to ensure adequate distribution of land uses and services at a range of urban densities and
zoning classifications.
2 . Urban Growth Areas for cities shall include those areas contiguous to cities and with urban
characteristics as defined by the Act. The Geneva area in Bellingham's UGA is characterized by
urban development, but is also identified by the city and county as a Water Resource Protection
UGA because of its location in the Lake Whatcom Watersheds Lake Whatcom is the
drinking water source for much of the Bellingham urban area., Geneva is appropriate to include in
an urban growth area, but is not an area where additional urban development is desirable.
3. Cities shall develop a plan to provide urban level water and sewer services within their
Urban Growth Areas. This plan should be developed in cooperation with existing water
purveyors and other municipal corporations providing water or sewer services within each
city's Urban Area, and should be implemented through interlocal agreements. Short term
and long term boundaries may be used to facilitate provision of urban levels of service and
to not preclude future urban densities as defined within the Whatcom County
Comprehensive Plan.
4. Existing cities should absorb additional population at a range of densities appropriately responsive
to the city's community vision before extending city Urban Growth Areas into areas where growth
would adversely impact critical areas and resource lands. In those small cities entirely surrounded
by flood plains, critical area and resource lands or within Shellfish Protection Districts, the county
and the city shall seek to negotiate a balance between protection of resources and the allocation of
adequate land area to meet the growth needs of the city and to maintain the desired character of the
community.
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C -9
5. All cities should grow in an efficient manner while maintaining their character and, where
reasonable, shall provide for adequate open space between cities to prevent strip development.
6. Cities should be encouraged to provide positive incentives for in -fill.
E. NON -CITY URBAN GROWTH AREAS
I. Urban Growth Areas may also be established in areas that are not contiguous to existing cities, and
are already characterized by urban growth where adequate facilities and services can be provided
and which are intended to meet needs not met by cities and their Urban Growth Areas.
2. Non -city urban growth areas, for already urbanized unincorporated residential areas shall be
encouraged to infill in a way that will facilitate efficient provision of facilities and services
consistent with the scale of development.
3. Cherry Point shall be designated as an unincorporated industrial urban industrial growth area in
recognition ofexisting large scale industrial land uses. Additional large scale development shall be
encouraged consistent with the ability to provide needed services and consistent with protecting
critical areas along with other environmental protection considerations. The Cherry Point industrial
area is an important and appropriate area for industry due to its access to deep water shipping, rail,
all-weather roads, its location near the Canadian border, and its contribution to the County's goal of
providing family wagejobs.
4. The County shall assure that there are plans to provide appropriate levels of urban facilities
and services within non -city Urban Growth Areas. These plans should be developed by
special purpose districts, water associations and private service providers within each of
these Areas, and should be implemented, where appropriate, through interlocal agreements.
Short term and long term boundaries may be used to facilitate provision of urban levels of
service.
expansion or increased density is desirable
F. CONTIGUOUS, ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING IN URBAN GROWTH
AREAS*
1. Cities, the county and special districts shall execute interlocal agreements to coordinate plans for
and manage growth in Urban Growth Areas prior to annexations. Interlocal agreements shall
acknowledge and implement the County-wide Planning Policies.
2. Interlocal agreements shall incorporate clear and reasonable criteria for orderly annexation. The
county and the cities shall establish a process to incorporate representative citizen input into
interlocal agreement and encourage appropriate districts to participate. If adequate procedures are
developed to replace it, the Boundary Review Board may be replaced.
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C -10
3. All urbanized areas currently within urban growth boundaries associated with cities should be
encouraged to annex to cities. Orderly annexations with logical boundaries shall be encouraged.
Interlocal agreements shall specify guidelines on size, timing of annexations and urban levels of
development, and tax revenue sharing when appropriate.
4. Within Urban Growth Areas, cities shall not extend water and sewer utilities without an adopted
program for annexation and an adopted Capital Facilities Plan. Exceptions may be made in cases
where human health is threatened as determined by the County Health Department. If water
extensions are made, they shall be consistent with the service area boundaries and other provisions
within the adopted Coordinated Water System Plan.
5. In the areas where utilities presently extend beyond city limits, but are within Urban Growth Areas,
the city, county, and the existing water purveyors for the area shouldjointly plan with the county.
The County shall adopt zoning which reflects this joint planning.
6. Unless etherwise— allowed I r i b state statutes Cities, other municipal
corporations, and other public and private utilities shall not extend urban levels of water service to
serve urban uses outside Urban Growth Areas. If legally allowed water extensions are made
outside of Urban Growth Areas, the maximum number of connections shall not exceed the density
allowed under the associated zoning be eensistent __.ab e_-- --t __-:-a _-a tThe number of
connections shall be specified in a legally binding document at the time the extension is approved.
Property contiguous to extension of utilities necessary to solve existing water deficiencies, but
which cannot benefit from them because of zoning constraints, shall not be assessed for those
improvements.
7. The availability of pipeline capacity required to meet local needs and /or supply shall not be
used to justify development counter to the county-wide land development pattern and shall
not be considered in conversions of agricultural land, forestry, and rural areas.
8. The cities, other municipal corporations, public utilities, and the county shall cooperate to identify
and balance the needs of each jurisdiction and entity when planning for transition of services and
annexation within Urban Growth Areas. This intergovernmental cooperation and coordination
should be reflected in revenue agreements, work programs forjoint projects, and regional solutions
adopted by the affected parties.
9 Within Upba re m Areas, ff.naior transportation, utility and greenway corridors- *Ihot" mall
be planned within Urban Growth Areas. Development =4y,<W- shall be consistent with these
corridors. The coumy=4vmE44-Jx Lensure conformance through the permit process and incentive
programs.
10. Interlocal agreements shall include provisions for agreed upon development standards within Urban
Growth Areas. Unless a different standard is negotiated, the more rigorous of the standards shall be
enforced by the county.
11. The county and the City of Bellingham shall establish through the e im;ern (north) Urban Fringe
Subarea Plan update, the policies, zoning and criteria to comply with current state Growth
Management law. Asimilaf --__ess shall L.. used planning feF eilief areas,_ -„ _., o
12. To encourage contiguous, orderly development and annexation in Urban Growth Areas around
Wbatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C -I1
cities, the county shall designate Urban Residential zones limiting density to a maximum of one
dwelling unit per five acres in undeveloped areas until urban level utilities are provided. Developed
or partially developed areas presently zoned Residential -Rural shall retain that zoning. In the
Bellingham Urban Growth Area, substantial development and subdivisions already have occurred
without annexation. The revised Urban Fringe Subarea Plan and a new Interlocal Agreement
between the City of Bellingham and the county will address sequence and timing for annexations,
subdivisions, and urban levels of development.
13. In Urban Growth Areas where development is occurring based on the presence of utilities, urban
development shall meet common urban standards including fire flow requirements and supply. The
county and the cities will work together to develop reasonable standards over time.
14. The County and the cities shall coordinate drainage, stormwater management and flood
control in Urban Growth Areas and work toward the development of common standards.
G. AFFORDABLE HOUSING*
I. The county and the cities shall develop a a°"-"ion for afr&rdalblo housi g take
actions to ensure a balance of housing and economic growth consistent with each jurisdictions'
employment base and diverse income levels and to reduce commuting times and traffic congestion.
2. The county and the cities shall plan for a range of housing types and costs commensurate with their
affordable housing needs.
3. Affordable housing should be convenient to major employment centers and
public services aad-or be desiened to accommodate public transportation .
4. The county and the cities shall promote innovative techniques and develop strategies to provide for
affordable housing with design, density, lot sizes and development standards that provide for a
variety of housing types.
5. The county and the cities shall review existing regulations and policies that exclude or discourage
affordable housing in their communities and shall not adopt regulations and policies which do so.
Mobile, modular, and manufactured homes on individual lots, mobile home parks, accessory units,
inclusionary zoning, mixed use, and increased densities shall be reviewed as affordable housing
alternatives.
6. The county and the cities should work with the private sector, other public and non -profit agencies,
citizen groups, and trade representatives to assure that there is an adequate supply of sites available
for affordable housing and to encourage housing design that is compatible with the surrounding
neighborhoods.
7. Low income housing shall not be concentrated in only a few communities or neighborhoods.
8. The county and the cities shall consider reducing impact and /or mitigation fees for affordable
housing provided in a proposed development.
9. Each jurisdiction should explore options for providing shelter for the homeless.
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C -12
H. OPEN SPACE /GREENBELT CORRIDORS
1. Adequate open space is vital to the quality of life and sense of place in Whatcom County.
The county, cities, Port of Bellingham, and other appropriate jurisdictions should
coordinate protection of linked greenbelts, within and between Urban Growth Areas, parks,
and open space to protect wildlife corridors and to enhance recreational opportunities,
public access and trail development.
2. The county and the cities shall plan for greenbelts and open space in their Comprehensive Planning
processes and coordinate with each other. Open space systems should include lands which contain
natural areas, habitat lands, natural drainage features, and /or other environmental, cultural and
scenic resources. With increased residential densities, jurisdictions also should ensure provision of
adequate neighborhood parks and play areas within safe bicycling and walking distance for
children.
3. The county and the cities shall encourage, to the extent it is feasible, separation of Urban Growth
Areas through planning, zoning, development regulations, open space purchase, conservation
easements and other mechanisms which may be appropriate. Also, an array of incentives such as
density bonuses, design flexibility and transferable development rights shall be offered to affected
land owners.
4. The County and Cities should work cooperatively to protect and restore stream 'd 'th'
Urban Growth Areas that support anadromous fish
1. ECONOMIC nrmrrL OPME T A .
Ce
segments of the OHMMU04� is iffir0nalit to the qralit�, @4' jifi! ro the area.
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Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C -13
tile e8ffiffehensive Plan, tile County s
^,. Tile a..ie, and een agree to :.c[ fol ides- titJaryprcw,ng -prr .',c r. _ju
Hn D. 1 opin ents as V er o CA' ocannn
1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT*
I. Whatcom County recognizes that a healthy economyl which provides opportunity for diverse
segments of the community, is important to the quality oflite in the area. The Greater Whatcom
Comprehensive Economic Development Strateuv WEDS) "is intended to out forth economic
development alternatives for Whatcom County that will support lobs creation. with an emphasis on
higher wage jobs and diversilication"
industrN in appropriate locations be and 20 Nears. In order to attract new industry and provide for
and critical areas
3. 'fo _ _ ' provide sufficient land supply for industrial growth and
development industrial designations must not only include lancissu'table fordevelopm• t butalso
lands suitably zoned to provide adequate buffers It is also importantthat these lands and buffers
be conserved with appropriate land use and zoning provisions to ensure that they will be available
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C -14
o
!a eal e) add F@4�es unemple.5nonit
the
"inn
people! 13f8b101"s
Of eetfflt� Mid
seeks
ON atiNeteehniques"
in the k3eal
prefits, eeonoffl� and e,
tile e8ffiffehensive Plan, tile County s
^,. Tile a..ie, and een agree to :.c[ fol ides- titJaryprcw,ng -prr .',c r. _ju
Hn D. 1 opin ents as V er o CA' ocannn
1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT*
I. Whatcom County recognizes that a healthy economyl which provides opportunity for diverse
segments of the community, is important to the quality oflite in the area. The Greater Whatcom
Comprehensive Economic Development Strateuv WEDS) "is intended to out forth economic
development alternatives for Whatcom County that will support lobs creation. with an emphasis on
higher wage jobs and diversilication"
industrN in appropriate locations be and 20 Nears. In order to attract new industry and provide for
and critical areas
3. 'fo _ _ ' provide sufficient land supply for industrial growth and
development industrial designations must not only include lancissu'table fordevelopm• t butalso
lands suitably zoned to provide adequate buffers It is also importantthat these lands and buffers
be conserved with appropriate land use and zoning provisions to ensure that they will be available
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C -14
for future use
d. F,ncourage business location retention and expansion accord inato city and county comprehgnsiye laps
in order to meet current and future demand for diverse buitnessand industry. Wok _with funding
aaencies and the Private sector to facilitate extension of adequate sewer. water telecommunications and
road access to existing commercial and industrial- zoned-properties creating shovel -ready sites Cites
and county uPl'ze the "Quick Sites" economic develop entprogram th rough OTFD which links
strategic elements of planning. zoning environmental review and permitting with the business -c'tno
effort.
5 The coumv and the cities should include an economic development element in their Comprehensive
Plans. L.conomic development elements should be consistent with the CFDS Fconomic
development shall be coordinated with environmental concerns to protect the quality of life
industries.
6. The count y and the cities should continue to coopetatc through the Partnership fora Sustainable
Economv to maintain the CH)S for infrastructure funding. Other appropriate organizations
businesses. and individuals should be involved in the Process.
7. Economic vitalitN and job development Oafl beencoura ced in all the cities and in desitinated area
of the county consistent with conun0114N growth policies. particularly addressing adeguacv of
transportation corridors, public transportation, impacts on the environment. and the ability of the
area to provide urban services.
8. Economic development should be encouraged that: a) does not adversely impact the environment:
b) is consistent with community values stated in local comprehensive plans twtil c) encourages
development that provides iobs to county residents c0 addresses unemplovment problems in the
county and seeks innovative techniques to attract ditierent industries for a more divcdfied
economic base: e) promotes reinvestment in the local economy, and t) supports retention and
expansion of existing businesses.
9 The County and the cities recognize the need for the protection and utilization of natural
resources and resource lands including agricultural mineral forestry and tishing As part
of a broad based econotmN. prodUCtINC timber. agriculture and fisheries industries should be
supported in a sustainable manner.
10. The cities and eoumr a grec to set tolicies for approving proposals to authorize siting of Ma or
Industrial Develonmcntsfor tar eor resource -based industries outside of Urban Growth Areas (as
per RCW 36.70A365)._Phc master planning process for specific manufacturing, industrial or
commercial businesses shall address infrastructure buffers environmental protection sprawl resource
lands. critical area and land supply.
11. Whatcom County encourages siting of industrial uses in proxi pity to and to further mili /aY-m of
our access to deep water and cort facilities tier shipping, rail airports roadwa s utility corridors and
the international border.
Whatcom Counry Comprehensive Plan
C -15
J. COUNTY -WIDE TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES AND STRATEGIES`
A Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) has been established in
Whatcom County to conduct regional, cooperative transportation planning. The RTPO has
completed a Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) including County-wide transportation
policies. The RTP has been approved by a regional transportation Policy Board consisting
of elected representatives of most area jurisdictions. The Transportation Chapter of the
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and the Comprehensive Plans for each of the City's
most be consistent with the RTP as it is amended. The county and the cities will continue
to support the RTPO on an on -going basis to coordinate transportation planning across
Whatcom County.
2. Whatcom County jurisdictions shall encourage alternative modes of transportation to the single
occupancy vehicle. Each jurisdiction v*W shall encourage: I)Publisedueationteeneoufage use of
public transportation; 2) Development of linked on- street bicycle routes and pedestrian and bicycle
trail corridors; 3) Adequate pedestrian facilities; 4) hinks, including well designed ped°Sw _- links,
Connections between different modes of transportation; and 5) Intermodal linkage connection of
freight transportation, Public transportation includes fixed route transit, car pools, van pools, and
other demand responsive modes.
3. To facilitate alternatives to th a single el.:,. ,. _,.,1....._ _ sea! e,.,.
density shall be encouraged within Urban Pre"Arth Areas in areas with goad aeeess to majaF aneFial
b
ifful-publie transportatien. To encourage use of single occupant vehicle alternatives and
development of pedestrian scale neighborhoods, high density residential development shall be
encouraged in urban growth areas with narticular attention to those locations within cities and in
close proximity to arterials and main transit routes
Cities are particularly encouraged
to support
transit and pedestrian
friendly mixed i edevelopments
within their UGAs to help achieve
the
goals supported in these
ooliciea
?5, Where the roadway level of service (LOS) adopted in local comprehensive plans cannot be
maintained as a result of proposed new development, that development shall be denied, unless the
Proponents agree to t -in pay a proportionate share of the cost of maintaining the LOS.
45Strategiesfor maintaining established levels of service en -eewtry reads shall may include ^m, ate
- p Reate -"-- - ..,,,es transportation demand management techniques, project impact and/ee
mitigation fees, nr�reved- enhanced access to public transportation service, and /or other demand steps to reduce or limit a°- elopme induced '-°-ease° is traffic
congestion. ,
deNrelepinent will be lifflite&6
6. Priorities shall be established and expenditures coordinated for county-wide bicycle and
trail corridors. Bicvcle and pedestrian- snecific trails and other facilities shall he include
explored among all responsible and interested parties
Z Whatcom County should work
cooperatively with the Whatcom County Council of Governments Cities Whatcom Tran h
Authority and other agencies with imisdiction to plan for inter- county and international
County Comprehensive Plan
C -16
transportation links, such as airports, border crossings, passenger rail, freight rail, transit, ferries,
and other transportation facilities.
K. SITING OF PUBLIC FACILITIES*
I . As part of the comprehensive planning process, the county and the cities shall identify appropriate
land for public facilities which meets the needs of the community, such as schools, recreation,
transportation and utility corridors, human service facilities, and airport and other port facilities. In
order to reduce land use conflicts, policies related to a design component shall be incorporated in
the comprehensive plans.
2. The county and the cities shah - develop will implements cooperative and structured process, which
includes early and continuous public involvement, to consider siting of essential public facilities of
a regional and statewide nature-.
^' as solid waste d' ° - ° °- - edueation
. State facilities will shall conform to local siting procedures.
3. Public facilities that generate substantial travel demand should be sited along or near major
transportation and public transit corridors where available.
4. The county and the cities shall work with their respective school district to encourage siting of
schools in conjunction with areas where substantial development exists or is projected and near
public transportation corridors.
5. Sharing of corridors for major utilities, trails and other transportation rights -of -way is encouraged
when not in conflict with goals to protect wildlife, public health and safety.
6. Essential public facilities m ill net be pFeeluded ffom - n thin Whateem Geun4y
asF ..,.d by nhrt n n _ .:.h r�nn n ....d .h.. r,.. .... ..: d., nl..__....
L. IMPACT FEES
1. The county and the cities are encouraged to adopt fair and reasonable impact and/or mitigation fee
ordinances to ensure that new growth pays its fair share of the cost of capital facilities, such as
transportation improvements, parks, and schools.
2. The county and cities shall with their school districts to develop impact fee
formulas as appropriate to the district's capital needs.
nafd the 8ell.fiGH 69 irtRmei -o.;EL/OF ` itrgaii8fi fees..
M. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION
1. To adequately plan for growth and implement the policies of the Growth Management Act, the
governmentaljurisdictions in Whatcom County, including the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe,
and the Port of Bellingham shah -herald shall work together to establish on -going mechanisms to
improve communication, information sharing and coordinated approaches to common problems.
2. Whatcom County governments should communicate with neighboring counties and governments in
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C -17
British Columbia and work cooperatively on growth management issues that cross county and
national borders.
N. WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY
The qualil� of life and eernamail, health of Whatoeas Ga�ty cmrym�ities depend on the
maintenaRee of safe and reliable water supply. AlliuFisdictions enidwater purveyeFs,4hettW
1. The cities and county in cooperation with other municipal corporations, tribal governments,
federal and state agencies, and public and private utilities shall cooperate in eonsering the
protection of water resources and in drawing upon said water to support growth.
1. The Seities and the Qounty in cooperation with other municipal corporations and tribal
governments, shall adopt zoning regulations and development standards to protect water
resources.
°table ct.._ supplies and . fwater reset-Fees °.. ° high _rie fit when Where there are
potential conflicts with designations required by the Growth Management Act such as
natural resource lands and critical areas. water resource protection shall generally have
priori .
3. Jurisdictions shall cooperate to protect and restore water resources and fish habitat gaaliry
and qeawit) within UGA's and° v.satersherls and -»° -° °.. ° «._ L,.d:.,.... L:..L across
jurisdictional boundaries to maintain quality of life and economic health in Whatcom
Coup .
4. Jurisdictions involved in the development of ground and/or surface water management plans
shall pursue the adoption and implementation of the plans as well as coordination and
integratlone of the plans into local comprehensive plans as appropriate. Examples of such
plans include the Lake Whatcom Management Plan, WRIA 1 Watershed Management
Plan, Shellfish Protection District Plans and drinking water source protection plans.
5. All jurisdictions should participate in the process to establish a county -wide water resource
management body in accordance with the Watershed Management Act and other applicable
federal, state and local regulations to inform GMA plamm rng efforts.
6. All jurisdictions akew#d -jhan maximize reduction of water pollutants from stormwater
runoff and combined sewer overflows.
O. FISCAL IMPACT*
it is recognized that implementation of the GFewth Management Aet will PfOR18te Mete effisient growth
patlefns which may result in a reduced Cost Of PUblie SeFVi6as and faeilities in the long teFffl.
1. It is also recognized that if the Growth Management Act and these policies are implemented to their
maximum extent, county government may eventually lose the tax base needed to operate essential
services, including the criminal justice function and the Offices of Treasurer, Assessor, and
Auditor, which serve alljurisdictions in the area. Revenue - sharing shall be addressed in inter -local
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C -18
agreements between Cities and the County.
I. the
pfai ided b5 !he County in the extent that resoui,ees afe��
fit. and the ties should seek state needed .. m..r: ad a
.eg:.onrt�ainc
P. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS
1. As required in the Growth Management Act, private property shall not be taken for public use
without just compensation having been made. It is not the purpose of this paragraph to expand or
reduce the scope of private property already provided in local, state and federal law.
2. The county as required by Whatcom County Home Rule Charter Section 1.1 1, and cities should
seep -te establish a pro- active process to anticipate potential takings and other private property
issues, , and resolve them out of court.
GLOSSARY
Affordable Housing: In this document the definition of "affordable housing" is to be developed by each
community as part of the Comprehensive Planning process.
Capital Facilities Plan: A required element of the Comprehensive Plan designed to form a better match
between development and provision of services. It must include an inventory of existing facilities, forecast
of future needs and a six -year financing plan.
Critical Areas: As defined by each jurisdiction, including at least the following areas and ecosystems: (a)
wetlands; (b) areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water; (c) fish and wildlife
habitat conservation areas; (d) frequently flooded areas; and (e) geologically hazardous areas.
Greenbelts /Greenways: These are undeveloped open space, natural areas, including agricultural lands, golf
courses and other recreational uses, wildlife corridors and similar uses.
Impact/Mitigation Fees: A payment of money imposed upon new development as a condition of approval
as defined and provided by RCW 82.02 and /or 43.21c. This fee must be used exclusively to finance
improvements in capital facilities that are necessitated by the development.
Inclusionary Zoning: Zoning that requires developers to provide a portion of housing units in a specific
project or area to meet the needs of low and moderate income people.
In -fill: The practice of using developable land that lies within a city, UGA, or developed area outside
resource lands, where services are available rather than passing over such parcels in favor of land farther out
or farther from available services.
Interlocal Agreements: An agreement intended to apply within designated Urban Growth Areas to set
clear and reasonable criteria for orderly annexations including guidelines on size and timing of annexations
and urban levels of development, appropriate development standards and tax revenue sharing provisions.
Participants in the agreement could include the county, any adjacent city, affected fire districts (if
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C -19
applicable) and any other utility provider.
Level of Service (LOS)
Low Income Housing: The federal government defines low income housing as housing provided for
individuals earning 50% or less of the average family wage of the local jurisdiction.
Natural Resource Lands: Natural Resource Lands include agricultural, forestry, and mineral resource
lands that are not already characterized by urban growth and that have long -term significance for the
commercial production of food or other agricultural products, for the commercial production of timber, and
that have long -term significance for the extraction of minerals.
Private Utilities: Water and /or sewer service owned and operated by an entity other than a political
subdivision of the federal, state or tribal governments.
Public Utilities: Water and /or sewer services owned and operated by a political subdivision of federal, state
or tribal governments (includes water and sewer districts and public utility districts).
Regional Transportation Planning Organization: An organization created by the Growth Management
Act to coordinate regional transportation efforts and to foster cooperation among state and local
jurisdictions. Through voluntaFy asseeiinian t The Whatcom Getiab Council of Governments has been
designated as the Regional Transportation Planning Organization for Whatcom County.
Resource Based Industry: A business or industry that has a direct relationship to natural resources such as
agriculture, minerals, forestry and fishing. This type of industry is generally located in close proximity to
the resource or resource land.
Short- Term/Long Term Boundaries: Short Term boundaries are used as a tool for facilitating provision
of urban levels of services and preventing sprawl. The Long Term boundary includes the short term
boundary d as well as areas that have unresolved issues within the identified 20 year Urban Growth
Boundary.
Urban Fringe Subarea Plan: A plan pertaining to the Bellingham Urban Growth Area and athat portion
of Whatcom County immediately north of Bellingham and containing most of Bellingham's suburban
growth. It is a plan designating the interface between urban and rural land uses. Some part of the Urban
Fringe Area will be included in an Urban Growth Area. Some of the area already lies within Bellingham's
Urban Service Area.
Urban Growth Area: An area designated within which urban growth will be encouraged and outside of
which growth can occur only if it is not urban in nature.
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C -20
Urban Level of Service: The minimum level of urban facilities and services, including sanitary sewer,
water service, police protection, fire protection and emergency medical services, parks and recreation
programs, solid waste management, electric service, land use controls, communication facilities and public
schools, to support urban levels of development. A full range of services would add urban public transit,
natural gas, storm drainage facilities, street lighting, libraries, local parks, local recreation facilities and
services, and health services.
*Those headings with an asterisk(*) are the elements required by the Growth Management Act.
The title was expanded for the first required category (Urban Growth Areas) to better reflect the
content as the policies developed.
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C -21
COMMUNITY VALUE STATEMENTS
as derived from Visioning Public Process by Visioning Committee February 1994
TRANSPORTATION
More lanes on major roads and more frequent public transit service with additional routes are
the most important transportation issues for Whatcom County. The following transportation
issues are of secondary importance:
A. Need for bike lanes and footpaths
B. Enhancement of safety measures along County roads, for example, wider shoulders
and signals at busy intersections
C. The desire for carpooling
D. Integration of various transportation modes (ie.: ferry/ bus link)
2. Financing transportation improvements need to be addressed because the public is only
somewhat willing to pay additional taxes for roads and transit.
URBAN GROWTH
Given that roughly 75% - 90% of the land base in Whatcom county (excluding public land)
should be designated for rural, agricultural and forestry use 50 years hence, urban sprawl
should be discouraged. To prevent sprawl, we should infill where possible, allow for growth
where the infrastructure exists (sewer, water, etc.) and encourage upward not outward growth,
particularly in Bellingham. Cluster housing should be allowed in rural areas. The objective is to
increase housing densities in urban areas so that the elements which contribute to a rural
lifestyle, including privacy, peace and quiet, open space, and little or no traffic are preserved.
2. Urban growth should not pollute or deplete water supplies and should not be allowed to
encroach on lands needed to sustain our natural - resource based industries, including
agriculture, forestry, mining and fishing. Infill should occur in existing urban areas before
annexation is considered. Both annexations and infilling should be subject to local citizen
review and input. The costs of urban growth, including infrastructure and services (fire, sewer,
schools, roads, etc.) should be paid for primarily by developers and secondarily by cities and
public agencies (which are funded by taxpayers).
3. As Whatcom County continues to grow it is important to retain individual town and
community character.
PROPERTY RIGHTS
Preserving private property rights and protecting Whatcom County's natural environment and
resources need not conflict with one another. Private property rights go hand in hand with
private property responsibilities. People should be allowed to utilize their land as they wish, so
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C -22
long as their actions do not unduly impact affected property owners. The interests of the
community outweigh a single individual's property rights, however, in instances where
property rights are infringed upon through public action, some form of compensation should be
available to the landowner.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Whatcom County should preserve and maintain historical sites and artifacts.
2. As the County population continues to grow, the cultural composition of the County will
become more diverse. Accepting these cultures in coming years will be important.
PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES
In the social services sector, first priority should be given to providing quality basic education
and vocational training. Law enforcement, crime prevention, and other social services are also
although to a lesser extent, services which the community is willing to support.
2. While there was general consensus that expanding our county parks system is a worthwhile
investment, financing such expansion through additional taxes should be approved by a vote of
the people.
HOUSING
1. The ability to purchase or rent affordable housing (Mean price: $90,000) is important.
While affordable housing should be located in urban areas it should also exist throughout the
County and there should be latitude and flexibility in zoning to allow for affordable housing in
rural areas.
There was support for a mix of housing types that reflect different income and age levels.
NATURAL RESOURCE INDUSTRIES
1. Productive resource based industries like agriculture, forestry, and fisheries should be
encouraged and protected.
2. Gravel mining was a contentious issue, with some people supporting and others opposing
gravel mining.
3. Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries should be sustained through good conservation
practices.
4. Farmers should be given first priority when allocating water supplies, even if this has an impact
County Comprehensive Plan
C -23
on the volume of water available to future residential and industrial users.
PERMITS
L Many residents in the County believe that they are over- regulated. A comprehensive review of
the building permit process needs to be undertaken to ensure that the rules and regulations
imposed are simpler to understand, less redundant, and above all, more flexible and more user
friendly. Government agencies need to be more responsive to the public and more efficient and
consistent in the processing of building permit applications. Wherever possible economic
incentives rather than additional regulations should be used. There also needs to be better
coordination between the regulatory requirements of federal, state and local agencies so that
building permit applications are not unduly delayed. Moreover, there needs to be greater,
uniform enforcement of existing land use rules and regulations.
2. Fewer building restrictions should apply to those property owners who want to build or
enhance a single primary residence or accessory buildings on land zoned rural.
3. Rural residents should not be constrained by unnecessary and inflexible urban regulations,
including land use regulations, dog leash laws, and burn bans.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AND COORDINATION
1. Respondents felt that government needs to be more responsive to its' citizens and that people
want to be able to exercise local control (ie. neighborhoods /subareas) in all land -use decisions.
2. Property owners want personal notification prior to land -use decisions which impact them.
3. People want more opportunity for public input prior to passage of regulations, taxes, etc.
4. More issues should be subject to a vote of the people.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
1. Allow free market solutions to economic development problems.
2. Business and industrial development should be encouraged.
3. Attracting high paying jobs is more important than the quantity ofjobs, but the County should,
none the less, plan for service related jobs such as tourism and recreation.
4. Allow for small and cottage businesses in rural areas that don't remove productive agricultural
and forest land.
5. Business and industrial development should occur primarily in designated areas including the
I -5 corridor.
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C -24
6. Maintaining water quality and quantity take priority over economic development.
Resource jobs should be encouraged.
Commercial development should occur along Guide Meridian corridor at key intersections.
SPRAWL
New growth should be located in existing business and residential areas, so that we can prevent
urban sprawl.
2. Urban sprawl should be discouraged in Whatcom County. As a means to prevent sprawl we
should infrll where possible, grow where infrastructure is available, encourage growth to go up,
not out, encourage clustering in rural areas, and 75 -90% of the land area in Whatcom County
designated for rural, agricultural, and forestry use in 50 years.
ENVIRONMENT
1. Protecting water quality and quantity and associated natural features like watersheds and
aquifers is extremely important.
2. It is essential to protect Whatcom County's rivers, streams. and natural beauty.
3. Our natural environment should be protected while at the same time ensuring our natural
resource industries remain an important segment of our economy.
4. Residential, industrial, and commercial development should be discouraged on productive
agricultural and forested lands.
OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION
Encourage open space designation, retention/development of recreational opportunities and
conservation of fish and wildlife habitat.
2. Land purchased for open space or greenbelts should be purchased with existing County and
state funds and other sources as appropriate.
3. Purchase of park land, greenbelts, and open space should be imposed only upon vote of the
people.
LAND USE /ZONING
Zoning should provide consistency and predictability for property owners. At the same time,
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C -25
however, zoning designations are subject to change because the variable that dictate zoning
designations are dynamic (population increase, building restrictions, transitions in the
economy, etc.) and not static.
2. Clearly, zoning should conform to the best use of the land and allow for flexibility, latitude,
and creativity in its application (cluster housing, accessory housing, etc.).
3. Citizens want to exercise more control in determining how their community will develop and
grow including review of large -scale commercial, industrial, and residential projects.
4. 75 %- 90% of our land supply (excluding National Forest and Park land) should be designated
as rural, agricultural, and forestry land in the year 2040.
5. Residents want to maintain the rural character of Whatcom County and protect agriculture
and forest lands. However, they also want greater self - determination on their property.
6. Three units or more per acre should be located only in urban areas.
7. New development should be prohibited in areas prone to flooding and discouraged on
productive agricultural and forest lands.
RURAL LIFESTYLE
Maintaining rural character is very important to County residents. The elements making up a
rural lifestyle include:
Rank 1 - -Open Space
Rank 2- -Quiet areas/Private
Rank 3-- Largely agriculture and forestry oriented
Rank 4 - -Low density population
-- Crossroads - gathering places
- -Enjoy natural features of landscape
-- Freedom
2. Open space is an important element of rural lifestyle.
TAXES
1. Current taxes are high. Spend tax money wisely and eliminate government waste.
2. If money must be spent to preserve land that provides significant public benefit, then current
local funds should be used to compensate property owners.
3. People are more willing to be taxed for schools than for other services.
4. Some rural areas should have greater revenue generating tax bases.
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
C -26
Use tax breaks to encourage positive stewardship of land, protect critical areas and resource
lands, and provide relief to residents on a fixed income.
6. New taxes should be imposed only upon the vote of the people.
County residents do not want city residents to control the amount of taxes levied on them.
P. 27