HomeMy WebLinkAboutord1988-053FILE #08 -88 INTRODUCED BY: Consent
PROPOSED BY: Planning Commission
DATE: June 2, 1988
ORDINANCE NO. 88 -53
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TEXT OF TITLE 20 THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM COUNTY
ZONING ORDINANCE, TO ALLOW MULTI - FAMILY DWELLING UNITS IN THE GENERAL
COMMERCIAL ZONE
WHEREAS, an application was made to modify the text of Title 20, the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, to allow to allow multi - family
dwelling units at a density not to exceed eighteen (18) units per acre in the
General Commercial zone subject to:
1. Site plan review shall be done by the Technical Review Committee to
insure compliance with the intent of the General Development Standards
(Chapter 20.22.650);
2. Adequate right -of -way and street improvements to bring adjacent roadways
up to necessary standards shall be provided; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 36.70.590 and Council directive a legal notice
was published in the Westside Record Journal on May 4, 1988, and the
Bellingham Herald on May 7, 1988; and
WHEREAS, a Determination of Non - significance was issued on May 12, 1988
by the Deputy SEPA Responsible Official; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposal on
May 17,1 1988 and heard all testimony on the issues and after due deliberation
made a determination that the application be approved with minor modifications.
WHEREAS; the Planning Commission accepted the findings and reasons for
action as presented by the staff and unanimously moved to recommend to the
County Council that multi - family dwelling units be allowed outright in the
General Commercial zone subject to conditions.
WHEREAS, the Council at a public meeting on June 16, 1988 reviewed and
approved the Planning Commission's recommendation;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. Title 20, the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance is hereby amended
as follows:
ADD TO: 20.62.010 PURPOSE General Commercial (GC) District
Property within this district may also serve to meet the multi - family needs of
the community in accordance with the demands of the market place.
ADD TO: 20.62.050 PERMITTED USES General Commercial (GC) District
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FILE #08 -88:ZT
.065 Multi - family dwellings at a density not to exceed eighteen (18) units per
acre subject to:
(11 Adequate public sewer, water and storm drainage;
(2) Provision of adequate right -of -way and street improvements to bring
ad-iacent roadways up to necessary standards-,
(3) Height regulations, lot coverage, open space, development standards and
141 Site plan review shall be done by the Technical Review Committee to
insure compliance with the intent of the General Development Standards
Chapter 20.22.650.
2. The Council finds the public health, safety and general welfare are
promoted by the above change.
3. The Council further makes the following findings as recommended by the
Planning Commission:
FINDINGS
A. A need has been demonstrated for multi - family development on a
parcel within a General Commercial zone,
B: Based on evidence from other urban areas this is in conformity with
today's market place and will meet a rising demand. It also conforms
with current objectives to broaden the scope of the commercial and
industrial zones.
C. Some land in General Commercial zones may be best suited for multi-
family use as a transition from adjoining residential districts.
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D. Providing multi - family units in commercial areas provides a
convenience for the residents, as well as enhancing the market for
many types of commercial uses particularly convenience commercial
and after hour services such as restaurants and markets or grocery
stores.
E. Providing multi - family units in close proximity to commercial uses
creates the possibility of reducing vehicular trips in the urbanized
area by allowing walk -to shopping and potentially shortening
journeys to work.
F. Multi- family creates lesser impacts than most commercial use; it is
still in scale with commercial and is an appropriate utilization of
commercial land at densities of 18 units per acre.
G. Projects with site plan review and adequate access which do not
exceed 18 units per acre are capable of being adequately served in
the unincorporated county.
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FILL #08 -88 :ZT
H. Traffic impacts are less than for most successful commercial uses.
I. Displacement of commercial uses in the General Commercial zone is
not an issue as an adequate base of commercial zoning exists at this
time in the county.
J. While single family residential is probably not compatible with most
commercial uses and would therefore discourage appropriate
development in a commercial zone, this is not the case with multi-
family residential. Multi- family projects will provide their own
screens and buffers and will have little if any effect on future
development in adjacent commercial properties.
K. Public utilities are appropriate for multi- family densities, and
multi - family projects are best reviewed using the standards from the
Urban Residential Medium Density zone.
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.
PASSED this 16th day of June , 1988.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
William P. Roehl Chairperson
ATTEST:
, 1,2-,,,,1, &., '
Clerk of the Cou cil
APP�AS RM:
D e Cottin m
Civil Deput Prosecuting Attorney
(,)'APPROVED ( ) VETO D
Shirley Van Za ten, Co6Ay Executive
Date June 17, 1988
Published June 8 and June 22 1988.
This Ordinance becomes effective June 27, 1988 1988.
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