HomeMy WebLinkAboutord1990-046WHATCON COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL No.--72
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WHATCOM COUNTY
COUNCIL
4/19/90 Hearin in Pt. Roberts
°5/1/90 Council work session
5/7/90
5/8/90
Council spec. mtg.
Council meeting
SUBJECT: FILE REF: 04- 89:CZMT POINT ROBERTS SUBAREA ADOPTION
1. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE, TITLE 20, TO
REVISE EXISTING PROCEDURES FOR TRANSFERRING RESIDENTIAL DENSITIES, PROVIDE DENSITY BONUSES
AS AN :INCENTIVE FOR UTILIZING THE CLUSTER SUBDIVISION OPTION IN CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL ZONES
AND PLACE FARTHER RESTRICTIONS ON FUTURE SUBDIVISION OF RESERVE TRACTS IN CLUSTER
SUBDIVISIONS; AND TO CREATE A POINT ROBERTS SPECIAL DISTRICT OVERLAY ZONE
2. AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE TEXT AND MAPS OF THE POINT ROBERTS SUBAREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
AND ADOPTING THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM COUNTY TITLE 20 ZONING FOR THE POINT ROBERTS SUBAREA
ATTACHMENTS: Agency Report Proposed Comprehensive Plan Map and Text
Staff Report Proposed Title 20 Amendments
Draft Ordinances Background Document
Public Hearing Needed? Yes / / No /—/ OPTIONAL
SUMMARY STATEMENT: Adoption of text and maps of the Point Roberts Subarea Comprehensive
Plan; implementation of the Plan with Title 20 zoning districts; revisions to existing
procedures for transferring residential densities, provision for density bonuses as an
incentive for using the cluster subdivision option in certain residential zones, placement
of additional restrictions on future subdivisions of reserve tracts in cluster subdivisions;
and creation of a Point Roberts Special District overlay zone.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Council adoption of ordinances subject to revisions pursuant to input
received at a Council public hearing.
COMMITTEE ACTION (including dates):
COUNCIL ACTION (including dates):
5 -17 -90 Passed (both ordinances) 0 010 — y5� ,?, / aba,K� 5 -L ,41 vah,[,eal fga-Sey dpYr,"
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Related File Numbers: Ordinance or Resolution Number: 0 90 -45; 90 -46
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FILE REF: 04- 89:CZMT INTRODUCED BY: Consent _
Second Draft PROPOSED BY: PLANNING
May 17, 1990 DATE: 1-13-go
ORDINANCE NO. 90 -46
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE TEXT AND MAPS OF THE POINT ROBERTS SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND ADOPTING THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM COUNTY TITLE 20 ZONING
FOR THE POINT ROBERTS SUBAREA
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Planning Agency is charged with updating and revising
earlier comprehensive plans in order to replace the Interim Zoning Ordinance with
the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, Title 20, and providing recommendations
for legislative action to the County Council; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Planning Agency has reviewed the Point Roberts
Subarea through development of a Background Document that inventoried and analyzed
land use, transportation, community facilities, utilities, recreation, and
environmental features of the subarea while determining important economic and land
use related issues and developing a citizen participation process which has resulted
in development of the Point Roberts Subarea Comprehensive Plan and zoning; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 36.70.590 and Council directive, legal notice was
published in the Westside Record Journal and the Lynden Tribune on July 12, 1989; in
the Bellingham Herald on July 15,1989; and in the Point Roberts All Point Bulletin
on June 26, 1989 for the July 26, 1989 Planning Commission hearing; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposal on July
26, 1989 which was continued to September 12, 1989 and held open for written testimony
until September 29, 1989; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted work sessions on November 8, November
15, November 21, November 29, December 6, December 13, and December 19, 1989 and on
January 9, January 16, January 23, and January 30, 1990 resulting in findings and
recommendations to the Council; those findings are summarized in the attached Planning
Agency Report, Exhibit "C ", dated January 30, 1990, and incorporated herein by
reference; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to WAC 197 -11 and WCC 16.08 the Deputy SEPA Official issued
.a Determination of Significance and a Scoping Notice on May 10, 1989; Scoping was
closed on June 9, 1989; and a Draft Environmental Impact Statement was written and
published by the Whatcom County Planning Department on January 12, 1990; and
WHEREAS, subsequent to Planning Commission action on the proposal, a public
hearing on the adequacy of the EIS was requested by 50 petitioners; said hearing was
held by the Whatcom County Hearing Examiner on February 27, 1990; and the Final EIS
was published on March 30, 1990; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council has reviewed the Planning Agency's Findings,
Reasons, and Motion; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council at their regular meeting on March 13, 1990,
set a public hearing for April 19, 1990, to allow for additional public input; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 36.70.590, legal notice was published in the Westside
Record Journal and the Lynden Tribune on March 21, 1990 and in the Point Roberts All
Point Bulletin on March 30, 1990 for the April 19, 1990 hearing; and
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FILE REF: 04 -89: 7
Page 2
WHEREAS, the Council held a public hearing on April 19, 1990 where testimony was
received, and there was discussion among the Council at the Council Committee of the
Whole meeting on May 1, 1990, and the Council held a Special Meeting on May 7, 1990
where certain motions were passed to adopt the Comprehensive Plan and Map and Zoning
Map with revisions; and
WHEREAS, at a Council Special Meeting on May 17, 1990 the Council made a final
decision to adopt the Point Roberts Subarea Comprehensive Plan and zoning with the
attached revisions;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE WHATCON COUNTY COUNCIL:
I. Comprehensive Plan and Plan Maps: The 1979 Point Roberts Plan Text and Maps for
the geographic area known as the Point Roberts Subarea is hereby amended in its
entirety to read as set forth in Exhibit "A" and the map revisions in Exhibit
"B" which are attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
2. Zoning Map: The Official Whatcom County Zoning Map for the area referred to as
the Point Roberts Subarea is hereby amended in its entirety as set forth in
Exhibit "A" and the map revisions in Exhibit "B" which are attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference.
3. Repealer: The Interim Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 2.24, Whatcom County Code, text
and map, is hereby repealed as far as it affects the Point Roberts Subarea.
4. Validity: 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.
5. The Council finds the public health, safety and general welfare are promoted by
this change.
PASSED this 17th day of May 1990.
WHATCOM COUNTIKJCOUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNT , ASHJNGTON
4,�,Donald G. ,*n�ly,oChairpersy i
ATTEST: (✓f APPROVED ( ) VETOED
Clerk of the Council Shirley Van Z nten, ounty Executive
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Date 6—
Robert A. C rmich a Civil Deputy ""Prosecuting Attorney
• ,s`
POINT ROBERTS
SUBAREA
a component of the
. Whatcom County
Comprehensive Land Use Plan
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� Pt. Roberts Subarea
POINT ROBERTS SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
JANUARY 1990
WHATCOM COUNTY IS A NUCLEAR FREE ZONE
As approved by the voters of. Whatcom County, County
Initiative Measure # 1 -84, November 6, 1984; Adopted by
Whatcom County Resolution #85 -29, June 20, 1985
WHATCOM COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Shirley Van Zanten
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Tom Burton **
Margaret M. Laidlaw
Donald G. Hansey, Chair
William P. Roehl **
Robert A. Imhof
Marvin G. Vanderpol
Emily Jackson
Dennis Vander Yacht
C. J. "Corky" Johnson **
Daniel M. Warner
** former council member
WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Roger Almskaar
Jim Heeringa
Emil Baijot
John Shintaffer
David Ernst
David Simpson, Chair
James Freeman
Alvin Van Dalen J
Robert Furikhouser
WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF
Daniel W. Taylor, Director of Land Use and Economic Planning
Diane .E. Harper, Senior Planner
Carl F. Batchelor, Planner III
Terry Galvin, Planner II
Jennifer Olson, Administrative Secretary
Elizabeth K. Olsen, Cartographer
Sarah Bussard, Planning Technician
Tim Woollett, Intern
Shawn Phelps, Intern
Laura Smith, Intern
WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT
401 Grand Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
(206) 676 -6756
POINT ROBERTS SUBARE4
.TABLE OF CONTENTS
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
POLICIES ........................... ............................... 31
Introduction ... ...:...:........ ............................... .....
PAGE
COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANNING .................: .......... ....
1
Statutory Authority ........ ............ . .............................
1
Definition and Application ...................................................
1
Subarea Planning Concept ....:.......... ...............................
1
Whatcom County Planning Process ..................... .......*..........
2
PlanFormat ................... .. ............................... ...
2 .
GOAL STATEMENTS ....... ............................... ...............
5
SPECIFIC GOALS FOR POINT ROBERTS SUBAREA PLAN ......... „ ...............
6
POPULATION FORECASTS .. ............................... ..............
8
SUBAREA DESCRIPTION AND FINDINGS .......................................
12
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS ................. ...............................
24
Introduction ............................................. ..............
24
Urban Reserve. ........... .. ................... ....... ............
24
Urban Reserve Medium Density ... ............................. .......
25
Rural... ... .. ............................... .....: ......
26
General Commercial ..................... ...............................
28
Resort Commercial ....... ..:............................ ............
29
Light Industrial Park .................... ...............................
30
Public
50 _
POLICIES ........................... ............................... 31
Introduction ... ...:...:........ ............................... .....
31
Land Use
Designation Policies ............ ...............................
32
1.
Urban Reserve ......... ............................... ......
32
2.
Urban Reserve Medium Density ............. ..... ...............
34
3.
Rural ....:.....:. ......... ...............................
36
4.
General Commercial ..... ......................... ..........
37
5.
Resort Commercial ........... ...............................
.
39- -
6.
Light Industrial Park .............. ...............................
41
7.
Public
8.
Land Development Options, Guidelines and Requirements ............•...
42
Community Facilities and Resources Policies .. .......................:.......
44
1.
Community Utilities and Services .................. ........... .
44
2.
Transportation System ... ....... . ................. .......
47
'Transportation Plan Map ............................ ..........
50 _
3.
Parks and Recreation ...................... _ ..... ..............
51
4.
Environmental Resources ....... .............................
52
Environmental Constraints Map ..... ............. ...............
54
5.
Economic Development ............................... ,..........
55
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT CRITERIA . . ...........................:..
57
ACTION PLAN
.......... ................ . .............................
58
COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN MAP .................. ..................
59
ZONING MAP
..... . ............ ............................... .....
60
APPENDIX: LEGAL
DESCRIPTIONS OF BOUNDARIES .:........:.................
61
5/17/90 i
POINT ROBERTS SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE PLANNING
COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANNING
STATUTORY AUTHORITY
Statutory authority for county comprehensive land use planning is established in the Washington State
Planning Enabling Act, in which'it is stated that 'each planning agency shall prepare a comprehensive plan
for the orderly physical development of the county or any portion thereof..." (RCW 36.70.320). The Point
Roberts Subarea Comprehensive Plan has been developed in response to statutory authority as well as in
recognition of the widely accepted principle that future Whatcom County land use decisions should be made
in a coordinated and responsible manner by both the public and private sectors.
DEFINITION AND APPLICATION
The Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan is defined as an official public document to be used by both the
public and private sectors as a policy guideline for making orderly decisions concerning the future use of
land in the County. The plan has been formulated by the Whatcom County Planning Commission and is
comprehensive, general and long -range in nature. The plan is comprehensive in that it encompasses major
geographic areas of the county and the functional elements that bear on physical development. The plan
is general in that it summarizes major policies and proposals and is not, by statute, a detailed regulation.
The plan is long -range in application because it addresses current issues, as well as anticipated problems
and possibilities of the future.
The purpose of this document is to foster a responsible process of land use decision- making. The goals,
policies and land use plan map contained herein serve to amend the 1979 Point Roberts Plan. a Component
of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan for the geographic area defined as the Point Roberts Subarea.
The' 1979 plan served as a basic plan for the past 10 years, but as times change, people's attitudes,
technologies and economies also change. Consequently, the primary decision- making document of local
government must be revised to address current and anticipated issues of the future.
For the area covered under the 1979 Point Roberts plan, the major change needed is to use better tools to
implement the 1979 plan objectives. Also, there is a need to acknowledge the recent acquisition of a water
supply allocation from the Greater Vancouver Water District. The 1979 plan was initiated in 1977 by local
residents and was funded by an E.D.A. grant obtained by the Whatcom County Board of Commissioners
and Water District 4 and was facilitated by the efforts of the Point Roberts Registered Voters Association and
consultant Jim Arthur. The Plan consists of descriptions of environmental features, population and economy,
existing land use, circulation, and public services and utilities; with plan rationale and goal statements and
policies for appropriate land uses and densities under the various plan designations 'and polices for
,amending the plan. Although the Plan was intended by the County Planning Staff to be implemented by
specific zoning, this was never accomplished and Point Roberts remains zoned General Protection under
the Interim Zoning Ordinance, which was never intended to. be capable of attaining 'the plan's goals and
policies. This plan supports the 1979 plan and uses it as a source document while acknowledging the
change in zoning tools and the changed conditions and increased knowledge of the area. It updates much
of the information in the 1979 plan; reflects the intent of the interim zoning districts used in the 1979 plan
with the addition of the county wide goals the County Council adopted in 1979 to guide the development
and application,of the permanent zoning ordinance; and implements the objectives in the 1979 plan through
the permanent zoning ordinance, Title 20.
The County is aware that changes will continue and realizes that the policies contained herein will be subject
to modification and revision over a period of time. As is discussed in the following section, this subarea plan
will be reviewed on a ten year basis.
SUBAREA PLANNING CONCEPT
Because of the county's diverse physical and cultural composition, the Planning Commission elected to
revise the plan on an individual geographic area basis. Thus, the Commission divided the western one-
5/17/90 . 1
POINT ROBERTS SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE PLANNING
third of the county into ten logical geographic areas where the planning process could be applied in a
uniform and consistent manner. Denoted as "subareas ", these geographic areas were delineated to address
various land use related issues that appeared to be unique -to particular areas of the county.
The criteria used by the commission to delineate subarea boundaries include natural and physical features;
political subdivisions such as sewer, water, fire and school districts; e)asting land use patterns; and the
presence of a city or town to act as a nucleus for ttfe area. Thus, subareas are planning units determined
through the application of criteria and are considered as a practical means of revising the comprehensive .
plan in a consistent and orderly fashion. .
WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING PROCESS
The Whatcom County comprehensive planning process is defined as a continual process of evaluating goals,
conducting various land- related studies, and then using the goals and studies to fashion a balanced and
practical set of land use policies and proposals for future land uses in the County. Stated differently, the
planning process serves as a blueprint for the logical development of the comprehensive plan, as well as
the formulation of effective implementation tools.
The process describes, through a logical sequence, the various land use related factors that must be
considered to effect the formulation of responsible and meaningful land use policies and proposals. These
factors, include the definition of county wide goals; the inventory and analysis of land use,. community
facilities and utilities, transportation, economic, and environmental resource characteristics; the forecasting
of population levels and the county's economic vitality; the analysis of issues both technical and citizen
related; the development of policies to resolve or address the relevant issues; and the transformation of
policies into the plan map and attendant implementation tools.
The planning process is continual. The implementation of the comprehensive plan, through the application
and use of various regulatory tools, must be continually monitored. The effectiveness of the planning
process in Whatcom County relies on the county's ability to keep the major components of the plan current
through periodic review and adoption of any necessary amendments.
PLAN FORMAT
The Comprehensive Plan for the Point Roberts Subarea includes the necessary information for the
appropriate formulation of land use decisions by both the public and private sectors of Whatcom County.
The components of the plan include the following:
1. Comprehensive Land Use Planning: To assist both the public and private sectors in understanding
the development, adoption, and amendment -of the comprehensive plan policies and map.
2. Goal Statements: To provide the overall direction for land use planning in Whatcom County.
3. Population Forecasts: To correlate anticipated demand for land uses with the supply of land.
4. Subarea Description: To gene rally define subarea characteristics and establish issue topics as deter-
mined by area residents, the Planning Commission and the planning staff.
5. Rationale and Locational Criteria: To .establish the necessity of land use designations and the
spatial determinants to be used in applying land use designations.
6. Policies: To provide the primary decision- making tools required to address the land use, community
facility and utility, transportation /circulation, parks and recreation, and the environmental resource
and economic issues of the subarea.
7. Amendment Criteria: To assist both the public and private sectors with respect to. revisions of the
comprehensive plan policies and map.
5/17/90 2
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
LAND USE PLANNING
8. Comprehensive Land Use Plan Man: To reflect the spatial distribution of the policy statements
together with the policies; perhaps, the most widely used component of the comprehensive plan.
9. Legal Description of Boundaries: To provide the precise boundaries of each plan designation and
zoning district through legal descriptions.
5/17/90
POINT ROBERTS SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN' LAND USE PLANNING
Whatcom County Planning Process Diagram
5/17/90
4
POINT ROBERTS SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GOAL STATEMENTS
GOAL STATEMENTS .
The following goals provide the general direction for making land use decisions in the subarea and Whatcom
County as. a whole. They were developed and adopted by the Planning Commission and County Council
in July, 1979.
REGIONAL DESIGN GOALS
1. Future urban development should occur within or immediately adjacent to existing urban. areas in
order to eliminate sprawl and strip development, assure the provision of an adequate range of urban
services, conserve agricultural and forestry lands, optimize investments in public services and
conserve energy resources.
2. Future development in rural areas should be low density, complement existing rural character,
contribute to the conservation of agricultural and forest land and not result in demands for urban -
level services.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT GOALS
1. To promote .a conscientious program designed to plan, guide and influence the: appropriate location,
timing, intensity, type and servicing of diverse land use patterns.
2. To determine the required. amounts of land anticipated to be utilized within the planning period
(15 years) while retaining options for future land use decisions beyond the planning period.
3. To encourage a predictable pattern of urban and rural development which utilizes previously
committed land areas and existing facility investments before committing new areas for development.
4. To ensure that a beneficial balance exists between the supply and demand for public services: To
encourage the cooperation among municipalities, special districts, and associations in the planning
and provision of public services. To discourage the proliferation of unnecessary special purpose
districts.
5. To develop a concise, equitable and practical set of land use regulations intended to implement the
goals, policies and proposals of the County Comprehensive Plan in a timely and orderly fashion.
LAND' USE GOALS
To conserve the agricultural and forest lands of Whatcom County for the continued production of
food, forage and timber crops while promoting the expansion and stability of the county's agricultural
and forestry economies.
2. Urban residential development should be planned in areas that can be economically and efficiently
served with existing or planned services, optimize energy use, function as integral neighborhood units
and can environmentally support intensive land uses.
3. Adequate community and neighborhood commercial facilities should be encouraged in appropriate
locations while avoiding incompatible land uses and the proliferation of unnecessary new commercial
areas.
4. To encourage a balanced and diversified economy in order to assure desirable local employment
opportunities and to strengthen and stabilize the tax rase. To- accommodate anticipated economic
development in an environmentally responsible mannerwith due consideration for public cost, energy
availability, land use compatibility and transportation accessibility.
5/17/90 5
POINT ROBERTS SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GOAL STATEMENTS
5. To promote the availability of economical and attractive housing for all income, age and ethnic
groups, while also enhancing the integrity and identity of existing communities.
6. To promote a functional, coordinated and multi -mode transportation system which provides for the
safe and efficient movement of people and goods, avoids undesirable environmental impacts, and
optimize public investments and the conservation of energy resources.
7. Adequate facilities and services which provide diverse education, recreation, cultural and social
opportunities should be encouraged:
CULTURAL AND NATURAL. RESOURCES
To identify and manage environmentally sensitive areas in such a manner as to prevent destruction
of the resource base and reduce potential losses to property and human life.
EDTo continue the identification of cultural and natural resources and formulate viable methods to
preserve and conserve such resources in recognition of their irreplaceable character. .
3. To promote a park and recreation system which is integrated with existing and planned land use
patterns and is diverse, abundant and assures maximum public access and usage.
CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION
To assure opportunity for citizens to be involved in the formulation of land use goals, policies and
proposals and to provide a structure for citizen participation in the planning program of federal, state,
regional and local agencies.
2. To participate in intergovernmental coordination with federal, state, provincial, regional and local
agencies, to develop a coordinated approach to problems which transcend local government bodies
and to create an environment for the exchange of information and technical assistance.
SPECIFIC GOALS FOR POINT ROBERTS SUBAREA PLAN
1. To promote economic development to meet the retail and service needs of residents and visitors while
.providing for a variety of business and employment opportunities.
2. To allow for a variety of housing needs.
3. To maintain a beneficial balance between traffic generating urban residential and commercial uses
and low density residential and green spaces.
4. To allow a minimum area for light industrial uses to meet the needs of Point Roberts residents and
businesses.
5. To maximize the property tax base in order to support future autonomy as incorporation becomes
feasible.
6. To preserve the attractiveness of the. Point while providing a place to live, work, and raise families.
7. To balance the need .for-a stable year - around population with the need for economic development.
. To protect environmentally sensitive areas including critical wildlife habitat, wetlands, steep .and
f t unstable slopes, cultural, archaeological and historical sites, unique vegetative stands and shorelines.
5/17/90 6
POINT ROBERTS SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GOAL STATEMENTS
9. To protect scenic views, preserve the present high standard of air quality, and preserve the rural
character and attractiveness of Point Roberts for residents and visitors.
10. To maintain existing natural vegetation cover to the maximum .extent feasible in order to minimize
runoff and prevent erosion of steep slopes. '
11. To maintain existing shoreline processes (longshore transport)- in order to prevent destruction of
natural accretion beaches.
12. To assure beneficial use of nonrenewable resources and manage nonrenewable resources so as to
prevent depletion.
13. To assure that adequate public facilities including sewer, water, solid waste disposal, drainage,
transportation, police, fire, emergency, schools, and parks and recreation facilities are provided to
meet future needs as development occurs.
14. To promote public health by encouraging development of an economically feasible sanitary. sewer
system and interim wastewater disposal systems that do not pollute ground and surface waters.
15. To encourage provision of public sewer service to existing subdivisions, particularly those having a
history of building permit denials because of poor soils or those having a history of septic system
problems. .
16. To minimize traffic congestion and hazards, support and encourage improvement of border crossing
facilities, and provide adequate facilities for pedestrian, equestrian and bicycle travel.
17. To encourage alternate modes of transportation such as bus, ferry, and aircraft.
18. To encourage provision of economical and convenient communications systems such as telephone.
19. To encourage provision of a public school facility commensurate with the needs of local residents.
20. To encourage charging higher fees for use of county parks and other public facilities by non - residents.
i
5/17/90 7
POINT ROBERTS SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
POPULATION FORECASTS
INTRODUCTION
POPULATION FORECASTS
The purpose of population forecasting, as it relates to land use planning, is to accommodate the long -term
spatial requirements of various land uses such as residences, commerce, industry, recreation, and public
facilities. Population forecasting. is also of assistance in decision making for land use related matters, such
as. determining the appropriate scale and location of public works facilities and land development activities.
Population forecasts are subject to revision which may be accomplished in the comprehensive plan update
process.
Point Roberts is unique in regard to population .growth and characteristics. The ordinary methods of
population forecasting do not apply because of the limitations created by the Canadian border. Also as a
result of these limitations, the characteristics of the population are quite different from any other area in
Whatcom County or in the state of Washington. Although some general information is presented within this
section on the population growth for Whatcom County, Point Roberts' population is not predictable based
upon what is happening in the rest of the county.
POPULATION GROWTH
Point Roberts has three types of population, and each type has a different growth potential. The three
categories are: (1) permanent residents; (2) seasonal residents who spend summers and weekends in Point
Roberts; and (3) day visitors (also known as transients). Historically the transient population has been by
far the largest group in Point Roberts on summer weekends. They have recently increased year round in
order to purchase gasoline and other consumables at American prices. The smallest group is the permanent
residents. The following discussion examines-the 1988 situation based upon limited information available
since the U.S. Census in 1980. After the 1990 census these estimates should be revised.
Permanent Residents: Table 1 indicates the permanent resident population in 1904, and from 1950 to 1980,
and is taken from the 1979 Whatcom County Point Roberts Plan with the addition of the data from the 1980
census. The 1970 count appears to be an anomaly in a general history of gradual growth, particularly
since it is double the 1969 count. This 1970 self -count probably included some who are not legally full -
time residents of Point Roberts. The 1980 U.S. Census indicated 461 people in Point Roberts, and the Point
Roberts Water District reports that'there have been 24 new water services for permanent residences in the
last few years. Given the 1980 census figure of 370 year round dwellings, a proportional increase in
permanent residents would be about 6.5 %, or a 1988 population of 490. If the base is taken to be the 209
households counted in the 1980 census, the increase in permanent residents would be about 15 %. or a
population of 530. The 1985 draft plan for sewer prepared by Hammond, Collier & Wade for Water District
#4 used an estimate of 530 residents in 1984. Records on registered voters . indicate that there has been
little change in permanent population since the 1980 census: 215 registered voters in 1976; 250 in 1983;
and 211 in 1989. This may indicate a decline in permanent residents, or a population which because of age
or other factors is no longer interested in being registered to vote.
Restraints on growth in permanent population in the subarea include:
Very few jobs are available in Point Roberts. For Americans to commute into the rest of the county
is extremely time consuming because of the two border crossings, the distance, and the Canadian
urban traffic. For Canadians to live in Point Roberts and commute into Canada to work, or for
Americans to work in Canada, has been very difficult until recently. With the passage of the Free
Trade Act 1988, this is more possible for those jobs considered to be professional.
2. The commute required of school children, or the expense and cultural ramifications of attending a
Canadian school, mean that few families with school age children find Point Roberts attractive.
3. The problems with water until.recently restrained growth. Water storage capacity is a remaining
restraint. In the future, the restraint will be the problems with septic systems, although these can
5/17/90 8
POINT ROBERTS SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
POPULATION FORECASTS
generally be counteracted given enough money. This restraint would disappear with the Installation
of a sewer system.
Seasonal Residents: The major constraint on seasonal resident growth was the ability to obtain a building
permit while water was scarce. With Point Roberts Water District having a contract for water from the
Greater Vancouver Regional District for sufficient water, the main question on obtaining a building permit
will be the ability of the lot to support an on -site septic tank system, or the cost of installing a workable
system. With the growth in Canadian population shown on Table 1, the availability of comparatively
inexpensive land in a relatively rural or undeveloped area that can now lie developed because of water
availability may create fast growth of seasonal residents. However, in recent years this has not been the
case. The 1980 census indicated that there were 1486 seasonal dwellings in Point Roberts, and the Water
District reports adding 33 seasonal resident connections, or a growth of about 3% to 1519 dwellings.
TABLE 1
POPULATION GROWTH IN REGION
year* Pt.Roberts Whatcom County . Delta,B.C.
1910
286
49,511
1920.
50,600
2,839
1930
59,128
3,709
1940
60,355
4,287
1950
267
66,733
6,701
1960
232
70,317
14,597
1970 **
326
81,983
45,860
1980
461
106,700
74,810
Vancouver Metro
824,350
1,078,801
1,264,820
1990 * ** 123,100 82,932 1,505,397
2000 * ** 140,400 92,109 1,728,351
* '1910' is actually 1904 for Point Roberts, and the decade census in Canada is taken one year later
than the U.S. Census (1981 Instead of 1980).
** There was a 1970 Point Roberts count of 662, but this is definitely an anomaly in the series and is
probably the result of it being a self -count. The figure used for 1970 is a 1969 count taken. by a
researcher.
* ** These numbers are taken respectively from the Washington Office of Financial Management (OFM)
or from the Greater Vancouver Regional District projections.
The 1979 land use plan and the water and sewer plans for Point Roberts have all used the rough estimate
by the fire department that about 80% of seasonal dwellings are occupied in the peak summer period: The
combination of these two estimates indicates that in 1988 there were 1519 seasonal dwellings (the land
use research for this document indicates 1798 dwellings total. for Point Roberts), and therefore at 80%
occupancy about 1216 of the seasonal dwellings would be occupied. Two different approaches to seasonal
population would be to assume that the 1980 average household size for Point Roberts of 2.21 persons per
household was applicable to seasonal residents; or to assume, that seasonal households contain a larger
number of children or visitors and to use 3.5 persons per household. These two household sizes applied
to the 80% occupancy rate give a current peak seasonal population of 2700 to 4300.
Day Visitors or Transient Population: In order to obtain an accurate projection of the population load on
Point Roberts services such as water, sewer, transportation, and public safety, as well as the demand for
dwelling units and businesses, it is necessary to consider day visitors separately since the number of visitors
Is very large compared to the population. The number of daily visitors is perhaps the most difficult to 'justify,
although clearly border crossings are the best guide to how many transients are a part of Point Roberts'
5%17/90 9
POINT ROBERTS SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN POPULATION FORECASTS
population. The Transportation section of this document indicates that In 1981 there were 811,665 border
crossings, while in 1988 there were 1,454,034. To obtain an estimate of how many of these were day
visitors, the 1981 survey of border crossings was used and then modified by the growth rates shown above
for permanent and seasonal residents. Table 2 below shows this estimate.
TABLE 2
BORDER CROSSINGS BY THREE POPULATION CATEGORIES
1981
(from 1981 survey)
1981
estimated 1988
total
percentage
number of
plus popula-
number of
crossings x
by, type =
crossings '
tion increase.
= crossings
permanent 811,665 x.
7%
56,800
15%
65,300
seasonal- 811,665 x
33%
267,900
3%
276,000
subtotal nontransient
40%
323,700.
341,300
transient 811,665 -
323,700
488,000
1988 total 1,454,034
100%
1988 est. nontransient -341,300
23%
1988 transient 1,112,700.
77%
* An examination of Point Roberts internal traffic counts indicates that as many as 872,000 of these
transient crossings stay on Tyee Drive and presumably are coming across the border primarily to
make gasoline purchases.
The calculations above indicate that while 1980 permanent population has grown no more than 15 %. and
seasonal population no more than 3 %, transient population has grown by 35 -40 %. This is indicated by the
change in border crossings since 1981 when 40% were permanent or seasonal residents, while in 1988 the
estimate Is that only 23% of all border crossings are permanent or seasonal residents. Since we have no
indication of the destination of the day visitor population given in earlier population estimates, it is difficult
to determine If more or fewer of the 1988 day visitors are using commercial facilities in Point Roberts than
were visitors in earlier years. The growth in the Vancouver Metropolitan Region, and particularly in the Delta
area just across the border, (shown on Table 1)Js probably creating growth in recreational day visitors.
Population Growth Summary: The 1979 Point Roberts Plan projected that in 1985 the permanent
population would double to 850, the peak seasonal population would double to 4,000 to 6,000, and the peak
day visitors would increase by 50% to 30,000. (The day visitor number was based on a mistaken estimate.
of 20,000 visitors in 1977 on a festival day; however, the peak day visitor number prior to 1979 was actually
closer to 8,000 - 10,000.) The 1988 population of Point Roberts based on the above discussion is: 530
permanent residents and 2700 to 4300 seasonal residents during the summer peak. Based on the 1988
border crossing counts, with a peak day count of 6580 vehicles averaging 2.25 persons per vehicle, the
number of people crossing the border is 14,800, and If no permanent or seasonal resident crossed the
border that day it would be the maximum transient population. To arrive at an estimate of the minimum
number of these that are transients, If 90% of all permanent and seasonal residents crossed the border that
same day (4350 people), the transient population on the peak day would have been 10,450. These two
extremes would result in a total Point Roberts' population on the peak day of 15,300 to 19,600. Note that
this range does not take into account those people who walk across the border, and it assumes that the
average figure of 2.25 persons per vehicle that the border station uses is accurate.
Further growth In population may be attributed to different factors for each group. Permanent residents are
the least likely to grow unless major recreational facilities open that would provide additional employment
5/17/90 . 10
POINT ROBERTS SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN POPULATION FORECASTS
for Americans, -as lack of jobs and difficulty of school and medical access discourage most potential
permanent residents. Seasonal residents are likely to grow now that water is -@vailable, especially with the
population growth In the Vancouver region providing impetus for finding lower density areas for second
homes. Transient population Is difficult to predict, but at some point the border crossing wait will discourage
additional trips. Various reasons for crossing the border as a day visitor Included the availability of beer on
'Sundays, access to recreation, bingo facilities, the lower price of American gasoline, and the ability to obtain
mail order goods from American firms through the post office and UPS. With the change in Canadian law
to allow the purchase of alcohol on Sundays, the younger beer drinking recreational traffic to Point Roberts
seems to have tapered. off In favor of families or individuals buying gasoline.. The addition of golf courses
or hotels could create growth in all three types of population. The amount of growth possible in permanent
and seasonal residents will be determined by zoning and the availability of sewer service, as will the potential
for additional attractions for day visitors.
5/17/90
11
POINT ROBERTS SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
INTRODUCTION
SUBAREA DESCRIPTION
AND FINDINGS
SUBAREA DESCRIPTION AND FINDINGS
In July 1989, the Whatcom County Planning Department.published the background document for the Point
Roberts Subarea. The document contains descriptions of existing conditions related to the physical environ-
ment, community facilities and utilities, transportation, parks and recreation, settlement and development,
land use, and existing land use regulations. In addition, the document identifies specific issues for the
subarea. The issues identified by the Planning Department staff, Planning Commission and citizens have
been evaluated and addressed through the development of specific comprehensive plan policy statements.
For additional detail concerning findings and issues, the Point Roberts Subarea Background Document can
be consulted.
Subarea boundaries were established by the Planning Commission in 1979 prior to beginning the
comprehensive plan update process. The boundaries of the Point Roberts Subarea are the obvious ones
formed by the U.S. - Canada international boundary and the Point Roberts coastline.
FINDINGS
The Point Roberts Subarea is comprised of the southern tip of a peninsula extending south from the lower
British Columbia mainland and is approximately 4.9 square miles or about 3,150 acres in area. The northern
boundary of the subarea is the U.S. - Canada International Boundary. The subarea is bounded on the
remaining three sides by the waters of Puget Sound, with Boundary Bay to the east and the Strait of Georgia
to the south and west.
The only land access to Point Roberts from the U.S. is through British Columbia. By water it is
approximately 14 miles to Blaine, Washington and 25 miles by land. One must drive approximately 50 miles
from Point Roberts to reach the County Seat at Bellingham, passing through customs at Point Roberts and
at Blaine.
1. ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES
Existing environmental conditions include air and climate, topography, geology and shoreforms, soils, water
resources, and flora and fauna.
Air and Climate: Air quality is generally excellent except for occasions, particularly during temperature
inversions, when pollution generated in the urban environs of Vancouver and the lower mainland of British
Columbia extends southward to point Roberts. These occurrences do not persist, however, because the
frequent winds at the Point quickly disperse pollutants. The temperate marine climate with only half the
rainfall received by Vancouver helps to attract residents and visitors to Point Roberts.
Topography: The topography of Point Roberts is ideally suited to take full advantage of solar energy. It
rises gradually from a low flat former tidal marsh at its southwest corner to a ridge aligned along a northwest
to southeast axis (highest elevation = 235 feet). This upland terminates in steep bluffs along the northwest,
east, and southeast shores. The topography also contributes to the scenic marine views available from
many locations, thus forming a component of the area's character and attractiveness. Slopes throughout
the upland area average 5 to 15 %,.although slopes in the vicinity of the bluffs are very steep, occasionally
exceeding 100 %. The natural vegetative cover along the northeastern slopes inhibits erosion and is therefore
essential to their stability. The southeastern and, to a lesser extent, the northwestern bluffs, although
vegetated, are prone to slumping caused by waves undercutting their bases. Such erosion helps maintain
beaches by supplying them with sediment The beaches are also an important component of Point Roberts'
character and - it is important to maintain the supply of sediments that prevents the beaches from being
eroded by wave action.
5/17/90 12
POINT ROBERTS SUBARE4
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
SUBARE4 DESCRIPTION
AND FINDINGS
Geology and Shoreforms: Virtually all of the surficial geology of Point Roberts is of glacial origin and is
composed of densely compacted unsorted sand, gravel, and clay. Steep slopes having marginal stability
occur at three locations: on the northwestern coastal shore; along the southeastern coastal shore; and along
the northeast facing bluff southwest of Maple Beach. Due to its glacial origins, much of the Point Roberts
geology has a good potential for sand and gravel resources. There is one gravel pit on Roosevelt Road
which has produced a considerable amount of material in the past but is currently not commercially active.
The Whatcom County Engineers currently depend on gravel brought in from other parts of the county or
purchased from Canadian sources for road maintenance work at the Point. During excavation for the marina
and neighboring projects, sand and gravel were extracted but that source is no longer available.
Natural accretion shoreforms occur at Point Roberts at Maple Beach, portions of Lily Point, and the South
Beach - Lighthouse Park area from South Beach Road around to just north of Gulf Road. The remaining
shorelines feature erosional bluffs.
Soils: There are four major categories of soils at Point Roberts: organic soils, clay -silt loam, silt -loam, and
sand - gravel loam. In general the higher elevations of the eastern one -third of the Point have soils that do
not have severe limitations for urban growth. On the remainder of the Point, the soils are unsuited for septic
tanks because of their relative impermeability or high water table. In addition, many of these soils also
display high shrink -swell characteristics and low bearing strength, which makes construction difficult and
expensive. Organic soils occur in the southwest and northeast corners of the Point and have generally poor
drainage. Clay -silt loam soils exhibit poor to moderate internal drainage and occupy much of the southwest
facing slopes of Point Roberts. Silt loam soils have generally poor to moderate internal drainage and are
intermixed with the large areas of clay -silt loam. Sand - gravel loams cover most of the upland area and, with
the exception of those in coastal areas, have good to excessive internal drainage.
An ideal soil for development of homesites, recreation areas, commercial buildings, or roads and streets is
a deep, well-drained Loam, with moderate permeability, on a level or nearly level site that can be worked on
under a wide range of moisture conditions during most of the year.. Everett Complex with 2 to 8 percent
slopes and Everett gravelly sandy loam hard substratum with 2 to 8 percent slopes come the closest to this
ideal on the Point. However, they have moderate limitations for development because their rapid
permeability in conjunction with the dense glacial till underlying them creates poor conditions for septic
drainfields. Wetness, too slow or too rapid permeability, low strength and seasonal high water table are
some of the primary characteristics of the remaining soils in the' subarea.
Water Resources: Point Roberts has no streams or lakes, and surface water basically exists as sheet runoff
or in gullies and constructed drainage ditches and ponds. Drainage patterns are controlled primarily by the
existing road system and various developments that have altered the natural topography and wetland areas.
Stormwater runoff flows generally to the southwest in the area. south of the northwest - southeast prevailing
ridge across the Point and to the northeast north of the ridge. Roadside drainage is channelled toward
outfalls at the end of Gulf Road and South Beach and in the Maple Beach area and is released through a
tidal gate and outfall in the southeast corner of the marina.
Wetlands at Point Roberts include marine, estuarine, riverine, and palustrine types. Marine wetlands consist
of the open ocean overlying the continental shelf and its associated high- energy coastline, which takes in
virtually all of the Point Roberts coastline. Estuarine wetlands are found only at the marina and consist of
deep water tidal habitats and adjacent tidal wetlands in which ocean water is at least occasionally diluted
by freshwater runoff from the land and are usually semi - enclosed by land but have open, partly obstructed,
or sporadic access to the open ocean. A number of drainage ditches have the wetness and vegetative
characteristics to be classified as riverine wetlands.. Palustrne wetlands generally include prairies, fens,
marshes, bogs, swamps, and ponds. At Point Roberts these consist of man made ponds and areas that are
seasonally wet.
Floods: Flooding at Point Roberts.occurs primarily as coastal inundation resulting from'the combination
of torrential rains, extreme winds and high tides, and relatively impermeable soils. Flooding has occurred
in the Maple Beach area and in the south and southwest coastal lowlands with property damage particularly
prevalent in the southeast.
Flora and Fauna: Point Roberts has a variety of plants and wildlife habitat. The most significant vegetation
is the second and third growth forests which cover more than one third of the Point. These forests serve
as a watershed for groundwater supplies, provide habitat for a diversity of wildlife, and provide much of the
5/17/90 13