HomeMy WebLinkAboutres1999-010WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL
NO. 1999 - 108
CLEARANCES Date Date Received in Council Office Agenda Date Assigned To
Orig. Dept.: County Council
3/3199
319199
Planning & Dev. Comm
Division Head:
Dept. Head:
Prosecutor:
- —
Budget:
Executive:
SUBJECT.-
Amend WCC Title 20 to include facilities for education in rural forestry zones
ATTACHMENTS
SUMMARY STATEMENT. -
Related County Contract #: Should the Clerk schedule a hearing? (YIN) Requested Date:
Discussion regarding a proposal to amend Whatcom County Code section 20.42.155, Conditional Uses, to include rural cabins
and meeting facilities for educational purposes in Waal forestry zones
RECOMMENDED MOTION (for final action):
COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN.- ,
1999 - 108 319199: Approved 7 -0 Res. #99 -010
Related File Numbers:
Ordinance or Resolution Number (this item only):
R
Text amendment
PROPOSED BY: Consent
SPONSORED BY: Planning & Dev.
INTRODUCED: March 9. 1999
RESOLUTION NO. 99 -010
RESOLUTION INITIALIZING AN EMERGENCY TEXT
AMENDMENT TO TITLE 20.42.155 - CONDITIONAL USES IN RURAL
FORESTRY ZONING
WHEREAS, the provisions of WCC 20.90, which were adopted under Ordinance 98 -010,
indicate that proposed zoning amendments shall be docketed for consideration once per year; and
WHEREAS, the provisions of WCC 20.90.020 provide for the initiation of "emergency"
zoning amendments outside of the annual amendment cycle to address a situation that necessitates
expeditious action upon approval of a resolution by a two - thirds majority of the County Council; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council has determined that expeditious review of
amendments to Title 20 which are necessary to support the economic well-being of the County and;
WHEREAS, there is a gap in allowed conditional uses in the rural forestry zone which allows
bed and breakfast and camping facilities but not rental cabins and;
WHEREAS, forestry education centers provide a valuable contribution to rural economies
and,
WHEREAS, the economy of the Foothills Subarea has been depressed due to a reduction in
timber harvest and;
WHEREAS, small lot timber owners find it increasingly difficult to maintain sustainable
harvest levels and;
WHEREAS, several current grant offerings depend on expansion of forestry education
centers.
Page 1
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Whatcom County Council that Title
20.42.155 be amended as shown in attached Exhibit A.
APPROVED this qt day of March , 199.
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Clerk of the i�&ncil
APP VED AS TO F
ivil Deputy Prosecutor
Page 2
WHATCOM COUNTY CO- TNCII,
CO TY, WASHINGTON
arle awson, Council Chair
� IIC
20.42.155 The operation of facilities intended to provide education related to forestry and the
purpose of this district, including but not limited to demonstration forests and
conservation laboratories.
Educational meeting facilities and related uses including but not limited to rental cabins or other
lodging structures, cooking and dining facilities, retail sales or meeting supplies and gifts, in the
Foothills Subarea, provided the following standards are met:
1. Density shall not exceed five sleeping units per five gross acres.
2. Legally established resorts or rental cabins existing as of the date of the
adoption of this ordinance which meet the criteria in subsection (1) shall be
permitted outright. However expansions shall only be allowed by
conditional use and shall be bound by the density standard above.
3. Each cabin shall have a maximum of three sleeping units.
4. Must be located with vehicular access in close proximity to paved county
roads.
Page 3