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INTRODUCED BY: CONSENT
PROPOSED BY: PLANNING
DATE INTRODUCED: February 5, 1987
ORDINANCE NO. 87-11
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 20
THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE
WHEREAS, the Planning Department and Bureau of Building and
Codes have requested amendments to Title 20 in order to make
administration easier, correct errors in the text, increase
consistency between regulations, and add certain uses to some
zones; and
WHEREAS, the statutory requirements have been satisfied; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance amendment will simplify
administration and be of benefit to the public without altering
the overall intent of any zoning district or the protection of
the public health, safety, or welfare;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that Title 20, the official
Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, be amended as provided in
Exhibit B, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
APPROVED this 5th day of March , 1987,
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Tom Burton, Chair
ATTEST: ( �/) APPROVED ( ) VETOED
C �
Carol Ebergson Shirley Van Z nten Cl
Clerk of the Council County Executive
Date: March 6, 1987
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Terry Lewis, Civil Deputy
Prosecuting Attorney
Published on 2/11 and
This ordinance becomes effective on 3/16/87
January 20, 1987
File Ref: ZT 9-86
WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING AGENCY REPORT
IN THE MATTER OF AMENDING THE TEXT OF TITLE 20, )
THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE, FOR ) FINDINGS,
NUMEROUS ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTIONS TO WORDING AND ) REASONS, AND
REORGANIZATION OF TEXT AND THE ADDITION OF CERTAIN ) MOTION
USES IN MANY DISTRICTS. )
WHEREAS, The Planning Department staff and the Bureau of Buildings and
Code Administration has applied for zoning amendments to the Official
Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, Title 20, that would resolve certain
administrative problems and would add certain non - conflicting uses as
permitted uses in many zone districts;
WHEREAS, this amendment would not change the intent of the provisions in
the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance concerning any zone district
or general administrative requirements;
WHEREAS, this amendment would simplify administration of Title 20 and
benefit the public; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 36.70.590, a legal notice was published in the
Bellingham Herald on January 7, 1987; and
WHEREAS, a determination of non- significance was made in the SEPA review;
and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public- hearing on the proposal on
January 20, 1987.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
Findings of Fact and Reasons for Action
1. That a quorum of Commission members was present during the hearing.
2. The statutory requirements were met regarding legal notice and SEPA
review.
3. The reorganization of portions of the text and the corrections in
wording found through out the document aid administration, assist
in making the document understandable by the public, and remove
inconsistencies between regulations.
4. The addition of accessory apartments as conditional uses and
temporary dwelling units while permanent units are under,
construction as accessory uses in residential, rural, and resource
zone districts adds flexibility in residential uses for the public
without changing the character of the zone districts.
5. The addition of private and public playing fields and recreational
centers to conditional uses in the Rural zone, the addition of
child and adult day care centers to permitted uses in the
Neighborhood Commercial zone, and the addition of rental storage
facilities to permitted uses in the General Commercial zone allows
certain uses in appropriate zones wihtout changing the character of
the zone district.
6. The alteration of certain setback requirements for intensive
agricultural practices and the limiting of numbers of livestock on
parcels less than 10 acres in size is appropriate to prevent use
conflicts and enhances the use of SCS /WCCD farm plans.
7. Sign requirements that allow more flexibility in sign placement and
size and more clearly limit private directional signs take into
account the sign industry standards and the general character of
signs in Whatcom County.
8. Requiring development of all weather road access before industrial
development requiring such access takes place for areas rezoned
industrial in the future enhances the economic viability of
industrial development without placing undue burdens on the county
road funds.
9. That a majority of the Planning Commission adopts the Findings as
presented in the Staff Report (Exhibit C) and further recommends to
the County Council the adoption of the proposed amendments to Title
20, as presented in Exhibit B.
10. The Chairperson and Secretary are hereby directed to place their
signatures on this document and transmit same, together with
Exhibit B and C to the County Council.
Done and passed by a unanimous vote this 20th day of January, 1987.
WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Pe #ip'n, Chairperson
Ne �U;u Q L-- -) U
Daniel W. Taylor, Ucretary
Attachments: Exhibit B - Amended text of Title 20
Exhibit C - Staff Report
py�rkt- ��
January 14, 1987
File Ref: ZT 9 -86
WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT
APPLICANT: Planning Department and Bureau of Buildings and Code Administration
REQUEST: In order to simplify administration and remove unnecessary requirements
of Title 20, the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, it is requested that
amendments be made to Title 20 as shown in Exhibit A. These amendments resolve
certain questions of interpretation that have arisen, correct some sections that
were in contradiction to other sections, reorganize certain paragraphs so that
the document is more consistent than before, and reword some confusing sentences.
In addition, changes were made in the conditional uses including adding accessory
apartments in most zones and making consistent the public and human service uses
allowed in most zones. In most zones temporary dwelling units while a permanent
unit is being constructed is added as an accessory use, churches are added as a
permitted use to the tourist commercial zone, and day care centers are added as a
permitted use to the neighborhood commercial zone.
LOCATION: The requested amendments will affect all districts in Whatcom County
that are administered 'under Title 20.
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS: Pursuant to RCW 36.70.590, a legal notice was published
in the Bellingham Herald on January 7, 1987. An environmental checklist was
submitted for SEPA review, and a determination of non - significance was received
on September 22, 1986.
REGULATORY EFFECTS OF THE REQUEST: The effects would be to simplify the
administration of Title 20 regulations and to allow some additional uses.
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION: These proposed amendments have been compiled during 4
years of administering the provisions of Title 20. Both the housekeeping and
substantive amendments have resulted from interactions with the public that have
indicated deficiencies in the current version. The enactment of the housekeeping
amendments would make administration simpler and more efficient, would eliminate
certain confusions that the public experiences in complying with Title 20, and
would allow additional uses.
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS:
1. . The Planning Department and Bureau of Buildings and Codes are requesting
amendments to Title 20 that would make administration easier, correct certain
errors in text, increase consistency between regulations, and add certain.uses to
some zones.
2. Statutory requirements have been met.
3. This amendment would simplify administration and be of benefit to the public
without altering the overall intent of any zoning district or the protection of
the public health, safety, or welfare.
RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Department recommends adoption of the amendments as
presented in Exhibit A.
Chapters
20.04
20.04.010
20.04.020
20.04.030
20.04.035
20.04.040
20.04.050
20.04.060
20.04.070
20.04.080
W.20 (UR)
20.22 (URM)
20.32 (RR)
20.34 (RR -I)
20.36 (R)
20.40 (AG)
20.42 (F)
20.44 (ROS)
20.60 (NC)
20.62 (GC)
20.63 (TC)
20.64 (RC)
20.66 (LII)
20.67 (GM)
20.68 (HII)
20.70 (AO)
TITLE 20
OFFICIAL WHATCOM COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Statutory Authority
Statement of Purpose
Interpretation and Conflict
Administrative Responsibilities
Title
Application
Establishment of Districts
Adoptions of District Zoning Maps
Amendments
URBAN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
URBAN RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY DISTRICT
RESIDENTIAL RURAL DISTRICT
RURAL RESIDENTIAL- ISLAND
RURAL DISTRICT
AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT
FORESTRY DISTRICT
RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
TOURIST COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
RESORT COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
LIGHT IMPACT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
GENERAL MANUFACTURING DISTRICT
HEAVY IMPACT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
L_XH/ r3l l i__.)
Chapters:
20.80
SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS
20.80.200
Setback Requirements
20.80.300
Waterfront Lots
20.80.350
Variances to Lot Area and Width Requirements for New Subdivisions
20.80.400
Clear Visions
20.80.500
Sign Controls
20.80.600
General Development Standards
20.80.700
Off- Street Parking and Loading
20.80.800
Livestock Regulations
20.82. -1-00
PUBLIC UTILITIES
20.83
NONCONFORMING USES AND PARCELS
20.84
VARIANCES, CONDITIONAL USES AND APPEALS
20.85
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
20 786
PR66EBURES- FAR -I, -1-1; - 9M - HH- B -ISTRMT- APPI,WATIONS
3.88
MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
20.89
DENSITY TRANSFER PROCEDURE
20.90
AMENDMENT AND FEES
20.92
HEARING EXAMINER
20.94
ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
20.95
SEVERABILITY
20.97 DEFINITIONS
OFFICIAL ZONING MAPS FOLLOW TEXT:
Cherry Point - Ferndale Subarea
Lake Whatcom Subarea
Urban Fringe Subarea
Lummi Island Subarea
Chuckanut -Lake Samish Subarea
Lynden- Nooksack Valley Subarea
URBAN RESIDENTIAL (UR) DISTRICT
20.20.010 PURPOSE
CHAPTER 20.20
To promote an orderly transition from rural to urban development, the intent of
this District is to encourage land uses and associated densities which will be
complementary with future urban densities and services, while allowing reasonable
transition uses of properties. Furthermore, it is the intent of this District to
implement the policies of the Urban Reserve Comprehensive Plan designation for
the appropriate subarea. In addition, it is the intent of this District to
provide the opportunity for the development of building sites which will maximize
the efficient use of both energy and land by allowing an option for clustering of
residential lots. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
20.20.050 PERMITTED USES
Unless otherwise provided herein, permitted, accessory and conditional uses shall
be administered pursuant to the applicable provisions of Chapter 20.80
(Supplementary Requirements) and Chapter 20.84 (Variances, Conditional Uses and
Appeals) of the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, the Whatcom County SEPA
Ordinance, the Whatcom County Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom County
Shoreline Management Program.
.051 One single - family dwelling per lot.
.052 Single - family attached dwellings provided that public sewer, water and,
where identified by the appropriate subarea comprehensive plan policies,
storm water collection and retention facilities - -- where-- ident -if-ied - -by -tire
appropriate - subarea-- eamprehenatve- plan-- po�efes; serve the site, not more
than four units are attached, and the number of dwelling units conforms to
the density requirements of the District. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
.053 Agriculture including animal husbandry, horticulture, viticulture,
floriculture, silviculture and beekeeping.
-A54 Home-- oeet�pattens-- pttrsuartt-- te-- 5eetrea- 29-9�-�89 --of -- tote- Affrera�- Whateom
G'otinty- Zoning- Ardtrtartee-
.0554 Noncommercial Nneighborhood parks and public recreation facilities.
Private- aeeeommeretal- boat -- decks--- �atine�tea ,--- raatpa--- f�oeta; -- moorages -arid
boathouses- pursuant -to- the- Whateom-0etinty- Shore -line- Management- Program-
20.20.100 ACCESSORY USES
�leeesar�ry- uses- rnetdenta� -to- tile- •primary- permitted -aszs-
.101 Home occupations pursuant to Section 20.97.180 of the Official Whatcom
County Zoning Ordinance.
.102 Private noncommercial boat docks, launches, ramps, floats, moorages and
boathouses pursuant to the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program.
.103 Other accessory uses incidental to the primary permitted uses.
CHAPTER 20.20
- i$ 4-` PcmPararg- dove��ag-- aat- g- t�et -- Mesa -ttan --X68- sere --ice ; -including tLcLv1v -
-tr*et }era - arm- reereatroaa�- erehs�es- where - the - unit- is-- �nn��'t��-'ta
- she -- as .ewage-- aad-- wa�e�-- s3�tems ;-- der-- ase-- b�- e�mers- during`'t�tCperivd -o�f
- coast. F�s��- a�- Q- pQt�we���E- Frlrt} e- �rti�d�s�ermit- is- va�i�-- imt -tv
10MG2-a- U.000-
20.20.160 CONDITIONAL USES
.1541 Public and community facilities, including fire stations, libraries,
community c4ubsfcenters and other public facilities consistent with the
purpose of this district.
.16 -12 Public schools; and Pparochial or private schools, provided such
schools shall be approved by the State Superintendent of Public
Instruction.
.153 Churches, educational and religious training institutions, and summer camps.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
.1564 Retirement, boarding and convalescent homes; social and health
rehabilitation centers; children and adult care centers in a building
not used as a residence; and other health related services consistent
with the purpose of the district.
-I66 Oommunity -clubs f centers-
.1575 Neighborhood grocery stores; provided that:
(1) the gross commercial floor areas, including sales and storage areas,
shall not exceed 2,600 square feet;
(2) storage areas shall be located entirely within the structure; however,
outside trash receptacles shall be enclosed and screened from public
view;
(3) the owner may have no more than two (2) gasoline pumps islands;
(4) minor auto repairs may be provided; however.engine overhaul, body and
fender work, tire recapping and vehicle sales are prohibited;
(5) hours of operation shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m.;
(6) height of the building shall not exceed twenty -eight (28) feet from the
average grade;
(7) the site shall be full fronting on two or more improved public roads or
streets;
(8) internal -- structural all lighting shall be designed and installed to
prevent the illumination of adjacent properties during business hours;
however, security lighting may be permitted during nonbusiness hours if
it is designed to prevent the illumination of adjacent properties;
(9) not more than two (2) identification signs, not exceeding forty (40)
square feet in area for each road frontage shall be permitted; provided
CHAPTER 20.20
that said sign(s) shall be attached flush against the building, but
shall not project above any part of the roofline nor extend more than
eighteen (18) inches from the wall of the building to which it is
attached. Said sign(s) shall be harmonious and compatible in
appearance with the character of the surrounding area. Signs may only
be illuminated by an indirect external source.
.1586 Golf course. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
.16857 A manufactured home, a fully serviced travel trailer or motor home, to
provide:
(1) A temporary dwelling space for family members who, due to
professionally documented physical or mental disorders, or risks of
such disorders, require daily supervision and care where such care is
provided by members of the family who reside on the property; or
(2) A temporary dwelling space for a third party where the person requiring
supervision and care in the manner described above is the resident
owner of the subject property;
PROVIDED, that
(3) Such conditional use shall only be permitted on fully serviced parcels
on which applicant can meet setback, ingress, egress, height
restrictions and lot coverage requirements;
(4) The size of the temporary dwelling shall be appropriate to the use and
size of the parcel and shall be limited so as to comply with the
standards set forth in (3) above;
(5) The temporary home shall be connected to an approved water supply and
adequate capacity sewage disposal system;
(6) When the need for daily care no longer becomes necessary, the temporary
home shall be removed;
(7) The permit shall be valued valid for a one -year period. Said permit
may be extended on a yearly basis provided that an affidavit is
furnished by the permittee affirming that the circumstances requiring
allowing the original permit remain-in effect.
(8) A covenant shall be filed that restricts sale of the property while the
temporary dwelling is in place.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(d); Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(f) & (ee))
.158 Accessory apartments to single- family detached residences, provided that:
There shall be not more than one (1) accessory apartment per lot;
(2) The owner(s) of the one - family lot upon which the accessory apartment
is located shall occupy at least one (1) of the dwelling( units on the
premises;
CHAPTER 20.20
Adequate provision has been made for the disposal of sewage, waste and
drainage generated by the occupancy of such accessory apartment;
(4) There shall be only one (1) front entrance to the house visible from
the front yard and street;
(5) The accessory apartment shall be clearly a subordinate part of an
existing building attached by a common wall, floor or ceiling and not
simply by an attached breezeway or porch, and there shall be no
external evidence of occupancy of more than one dwelling unit;
(6) No additional parking is required when adding an accessory apartment.
(7) When the total area of the existing dwelling unit plus the accessory
apartment is greater than 2,000 square feet, the accessory apartment
shall be no larger than 600 square feet in area; and
The construction and occupancy of the accessory apartment shall not be
detrimental to the neighborhood in which the lot is located.
.159 Bed and breakfast lodgings.
.160 Intensive animal husbandry practices such as confinement feeding operations
and feedlots.
20.20.200 PROHIBITED USES
All other uses.
20.20.250 MAXIMUM DENSITY, MINIMUM LOT SIZE AND WIDTH
.251 For the purpose of creating new building lots within the Urban Residential
District, several land use densities are herein provided. The minimum lot
size requirements for new construction vary according to the method of
subdivision, as well as whether or not public sewer, water, and, where
identified by the appropriate subarea comprehensive plan policies, storm -
water collection and retention facilities serve the project site. Where the
conventional method is used to create new building lots, the minimum lot
size shall be five (5) acres or, if public sewer and water, and, where
specified by the comprehensive plan, stormwater drainage facilities are
provided, the minimum lot size shall be 12,000 square feet. Where the lot
cluster subdivision method is used, the minimum lot size is based -on the
conatderation -of the District's setback - requirements (WCC 20.80.200) and the
Bellingham - Whatcom County Health Department regulations for on -site septic
disposal or—,-if public - ,-t
aiiaii -be- 8;800 - square -feet. but shall not be less than that shown below.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
CHAPTER 20.20
.252 Maximum Density and Minimum Lot Size
MIN. RESERVE
GROSS MINIMUM LOT SIZE AREA (CLUSTER
DISTRICT DENSITY CONVENTIONAL /CLUSTER SUBDIVISIONS)
UR (all densities
1 dwelling
5 acres
1 acre
55%
without public
unit/5 acres
sewer and water
UR all densities
1 dwelling
5 acres
15,000
75%
with public sewer
unit /5 acres
sq. ft.
or water)_
UR -33 with public sewer
3 dwelling
12,000
8,000
25%
and water collection
units /l acre
sq. ft.
sq. ft.
and stormwater retention
facilities where identi-
fied by the appropriate
subarea comprehensive
plan policies
UR -4 with public sewer
4 dwelling
8,000
6,000
20%
and water collection
units /acre
sq. ft.
sq. ft.
and retention.facili-
ties.where.identified
by the appropriate
subarea comprehensive
plan policies
Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a), (h)
.253 Minimum Lot Width and Depth
WIDTH AT STREET LINE WIDTH AT MINIMUM
DISTRICT CONVENTIONAL /CLUSTER BLDG. LINE MEAN DEPTH
UR (all densities 300' 70'* 80' 0'
without public
sewer and water
UR with public sewer
and water, and stormwater
collection and retention
facilities where identi-
fied by the appropriate
subarea comprehensive
plan policies
3 units per acre 30' 30' 70' 80'
4 units per acre 30' 30' 60' 70'
*Thirty feet (30') on a cul -de -sac only.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a),(h))
CHAPTER 20.20
20.20.300 LOT CLUSTERING AND RESERVE TRACT
.310 LOT CLUSTERING
The purpose of lot clustering is to provide an alternative method of
creating economical building lots with spatially efficient sizes. Cluster-
ing is intended to reduce development cost, increase energy efficiency and
reserve areas of land which are suitable for agriculture, forestry, open
space or possible future development. The creation of new building lots,
pursuant to this section, shall be governed by the following recommended
design standards:
(1) Clustered building lots may be only created only through the
subdivision or short subdivision process.
(2) Building lots should be designed and located to the fullest extent
possible to be compatible with valuable or unique natural features, as
well as physical constraints of the site.
(3) Where practical,
cluster or concei
features, allow
other uses in
encroachments on
building lots is
known as linear,
the majority of building sites should be arranged in a
itrated pattern to be compatible with physical site
for the efficient conversion of the "reserve tract" to
the future, and have no more than two common
existing county roads. The arrangement of clustered
intended to discourage development forms commonly
straight -line or highway strip patterns.
(4) Common access to clustered building lots should be provided by short
length roads or loop roads. In addition, interior streets shall.be
designed to allow access to the "reserve tract" for the purpose of
future approved development.
.320 RESERVE TRACT
For the purposes. of this Section, "reserve tract" is defined as that portion
of a proposed subdivision or short subdivision which is intended for
agricultural, forestry, open space or future development purposes. All
"reserve tract" created through the subdivision process shall be subject to
the following provisions:
(1) After a site is initially subdivided pursuant to this Chapter, the
"reserve tract" may be retained by the subdivider, conveyed to
residents of the subdivision or conveyed to a third party.
(2) The "reserve tract" may be considered as a building lot, provided that
such lot is included in the overall density calculation of the original
parcel of record.
(3) The "reserve tract" shall not be further subdivided until such time
that the District is changed to another district which would permit a
greater density, or until each "reserve tract" is eligible for review
and consideration for other uses and densities, consistent with the
Whatcom County Planning Process and Comprehensive Plan revision or
policies.
CHAPTER 20.20
(4) The purpose of the reserve tract as stated in Section .320,
Paragraph 1, 2 and 3 shall be communicated in writing on the face of
the plat or short plat. The number of developable building sites
remaining (if any) with the original parcel of record, based on the
assigned density, shall also be prominently displayed on the plat or
short plat. Whatcom County shall make every effort to assist all
agents in communicating clearly such information to all purchasers and
prospective purchasers of building lots or "reserve lots."
(5) That the above stated requirements (2) to .(4) shall be recorded as a
deed restriction at the time of filing of the final plat or short plat,
and shall constitute an agreement between Whatcom County and the owner
of record. Said deed restriction may be amended by mutual agreement
between said parties after review for consistency and compliance with
the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, the Whatcom County
Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
20.20.350 BUILDING SETBACKS
Building setbacks shall be administered pursuant to WCC 20.80.200 (Setback
Requirements).
20.20.400 HEIGHT REGULATIONS
Maximum height shall be limited to thirty -five (35) feet. Height of structures
shall also conform, where applicable, to the general requirements of
WCC 20.80.675. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h) and (s))
20.20.450 LOT COVERAGE
No structure or combination of structures, including accessory buildings, shall
occupy or cover more than thirty -five percent (35x) of the total area.
20.20.650 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
.651 Plat Language for Proposed Subdivisions:
Where a proposed subdivision, binding site plan or short subdivision will be
located adjacent to or across a right- of-way from an existing agricultural
or forestry fiend -use district, the developer and any'subsequent purchasers
or successors in interest shall agree to refrain from any legal action to
restrain or collect damages from the owners of such adjacent properties, or
from Whatcom County, arising out of any reasonable and lawful activity on
said agricultural or forestry lands which occurs in the normal course of
their established use. The agreement shall appear as a covenant or deed
restriction upon the plat and each lot thereof, and shall run with the land.
Said covenant or deed restriction may be removed by submission to and
approval by the Whatcom County Hearing Examiner, of a petition representing
a majority of the land owned by munceab-- affeeted property owners within
three hundred (300) feet of the plat boundary. However, the Hearing
Examiner shall remove the restriction only upon finding that the risk of
liability to Whatcom County. of the previously existing agricultural or
forestry uses will not be increased thereby.
CHAPTER 20.20
.662 Parking Requirements:
Parking shall conform to the requirements of Section 20.80.700 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance. However, recreation vehicles, and
boat parking and storage shall be limited to side and rear yard areas.
.663 Livestock Regulations:
The keeping of livestock shall be administered pursuant to W86
Section 20.80.800 (Supplementary Requirements).
URBAN RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY (URM) DISTRICT
20.22.010 PURPOSE
CHAPTER 20.22
To provide for a supply of land in areas planned for urban residential purposes
that will accommodate the county's need for medium density and compatible
nonresidential as identified in the appropriate subarea comprehensive plan.
Since Urban Residential Medium Density areas may be adjacent to other land use
forms, compatibility among these forms shall be accomplished through responsible
design and development considerations of this district.
20.22.050 PERMITTED USES
Unless otherwise provided herein, permitted, accessory and conditional uses shall
be administered pursuant to the applicable provisions of Chapter 20.80 (Supple-
mentary Requirements) and Chapter 20.84 (Variances, Conditional Uses and Appeals)
of the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, the Whatcom County SEPA Ordi-
nance, the Whatcom County Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom County Shoreline
Management Program.
.051 One single - family dwelling per lot.
.052 Noncommercial Nneighborhood parks and public recreation facilities.
20.22.100 ACCESSORY USES
.101 Home occupations pursuant to Section 20.97.180 of the Official Whatcom
County Zoning Ordinance.
.102 Private noncommercial boat docks, launches, ramps, floats, moorages and
boathouses .,pursuant to the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program.
.103 Other accessory uses incidental to the primary permitted uses.
fl4-- 'PemporarsFd++e- }ess��hmr-- 35$- sgnar'e- -feet; ine�ndint�- travel
..tr$i ler-$- 1 where "it
Teaaee�- �e- �ermer�ent
-044& - sewage ea; r- -wetel --eye fer -- biers - e-* Ted-of
-4— 4-4 a peFMgMApt d%4911ifige�e- 'ra�E--- is- ve�el; r�et
20.22.150 CONDITIONAL USES
.1561 Public and community facilities, including fire stations, libraries,
community c4tbafcenters and other public facilities consistent with the
purpose of this district.
.1542 Public schools; and parochial or private schools, provided such schools
shall be approved by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
.153 Churches, educational and religious training institutions, and summer camps.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(dd))
- .154 Retirement, boarding and convalescent homes; social and health
rehabilitation centers; children and adult care centers in a building not
used as a residence; and other health related services consistent with the
purpose of the district.
:155 Pub }re- aehee }a
CHAPTER 20.22
15 }5 Multi - family residential including apartments and residential
condominiums but not time share condominiums.
.1526 Rooming houses, or bed and breakfast lodgings.
.1537 Mobile home parks
.158 Professional offices
.16059 Golf-courses
}6} c'hi }dreg- and - adapt- eare- faer�rtres- as-- defraed- bq-- Wssh�agton- �tdmrnrstrative
Eadr- Scet�en- 388- t3- 8 }4f } }- -f4 }-- and- f6 }fa }- sad- fb }- --
1620 A manufactured home, a fully serviced travel trailer or motor home, to
provide:
(1) A temporary dwelling space for family members who, due to
professionally documented physical or mental disorders, or risks of
such disorders, require daily supervision and care where such care is
provided by members of the family who reside on the property; or,
(2) A temporary dwelling space for a third party where the person requiring
supervision and care in the manner described above is the resident
owner of the subject property; PROVIDED, that
(3) Such conditional use shall only be permitted on fully serviced parcels
on which applicant can meet setback, ingress, egress, height
restrictions, and lot coverage requirements;
(4 ) The size of the temporary dwelling shall be appropriate to the use and
size of the parcel and shall be limited so as to comply with the
standards set-forth in (3) above;
(5) The temporary home shall be connected to an approved water supply and
adequate capacity sewage disposal system;
(6) When the need for daily care no longer becomes necessary, the temporary
home shall be removed;
(7) The permit shall be valued valid for a one -year period. Said permit
may be extended on a yearly basis provided that an affidavit is
furnished by the permittee affirming that the circumstances requiring
allowing the original permit remain in effect.
(8) A covenant shall be filed that restricts sale of the property while the
temporary dwelling is in place.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(d);Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(f) & (ee))
20.22.200 PROHIBITED USES
All other uses.
CHAPTER 20.22
20.22.250 MAXIMUM DENSITY, MINIMUM LOT SIZE AND WIDTH
.251 For the purpose of creating new building-lots within the Urban Residential
Medium Density District, several land use densities are herein provided.
The minimum lot size requirements for new construction vary according to the
method of subdivision, as well as whether or not public sewer and water
serve the project site. Where the conventional method is used to create new
building lots, the minimum lot size shall be five (5) acres or,. if public
sewer and water are provided the minimum lot size shall be 87000
7,200 square feet. Where the lot cluster subdivision method is available,
the minimum lot size is based on the- consideration -off the District's setback
requirements (WCC 20.80.200) and the Bellingham- Whatcom County Health
Department regulations for on -site septic disposal, but shall not be less
than that shown below.
.252 Maximum Density and Minimum Lot Size - General
(1) MIN.RESERVE
GROSS MINIMUM LOT SIZE AREA(CLUSTER
DISTRICT DENSITY CONVENTIONAL /CLUSTER SUBDIVISIONS)
URM (all densities without 1 dwelling 5 acres 1 acre 55%
public sewer and water) unit /5 acres
URM (all densities with 1 dwelling 5 acres 15,000
public sewer and water) unit /5 acres sq. ft.
URM -6 with public sewer, 6 dwelling .7,200 N/A
water and stormwater col- units /l acre sq. ft.
lection and retention
facilities where identified
by the appropriate subarea
comprehensive plan policies.
URM -12 with public sewer, 12 dwelling 7,200 N/A
water and stormwater col- units /l acre sq. ft.
lection and retention
facilities where identified
by the appropriate subarea
comprehensive plan policies.
URM -18 with public sewer, 18 dwelling 7,200 N/A
water and stormwater col- units /l acre sq. ft.
lection and retention
facilities where identified
by the appropriate subarea
comprehensive plan policies.
NA means not applicable.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
75%
N/A
N/A
N/A
CHAPTER 20.22
(2) Where the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan policies allow for the transfer
of densities and where the provisions of WCC 20.89 are met, then the maximum
allowable density shall be equal to that established by the comprehensive
plan; PROVIDED that public sewer and water is available.
.253 Maximum Density and Minimum Lot Size - Specific Uses
(1) Multi- family residential uses as provided in Section 20.22.151 shall have a
minimum parcel size equal to the gross density of the zone provided that
under no circumstance shall the minimum parcel size be less than
8,000 square feet.
(2) Mobile home parks shall have a density equal to that established by the zone
district with a maximum density of seven (7) units per acre and a minimum
net parcel size of two (2) acres.
.254 Minimum Lot Width and Depth
WIDTH AT STREET LINE WIDTH AT. MINIMUM
DISTRICT' CONVENTIONAL /CLUSTER BLDG. LINE MEAN DEPTH
URM without public sewer & water 300' 70'* 80' 100'
URM with public sewer & water 30' 30' 70' 80'
*Thirty feet (30') on a cul -de -sac only.
20.22.300 LOT CLUSTERING AND RESERVE TRACT
.310 LOT CLUSTERING
The purpose of lot clustering is to provide an- alternative method of
creating economical building lots with spatially efficient sizes. Cluster-
ing is intended to reduce development cost, increase energy efficiency and
reserve areas of land which are suitable for agriculture, forestry, open
space or possible future development. The creation of new building lots,
pursuant to this section, shall be governed by the following recommended
design standards:
(1) Clustered building lots shall be onl-y created only through the
subdivision or short subdivision process.
(2) Building lots should be designed and located to the fullest extent
possible to be compatible with valuable or unique natural features, as
well as physical constraints of the site.
(3) Where practical, the majority of building sites should be arranged in a
cluster or concentrated pattern to be compatible with physical site
features, allow for the efficient conversion of the "reserve tract" to
other uses in the future, and have no more than two common
encroachments on existing county roads. The arrangement of clustered
building lots is intended to discourage development forms commonly
known as linear straight -line or highway strip patterns.
CHAPTER 20.22
(4) Common access to clustered building lots should be provided by short
length roads or loop roads. In addition, interior streets shall be
designed to allow access to the "reserve tract" for the purpose of
future approved development.
.320 RESERVE TRACT
For the purpose of this Section,
of a proposed subdivision or
agricultural, forestry, open spa4
"reserve tracts" created through
the following provisions:
"reserve tract" is defined as that portion
short subdivision which is intended for
�e or future development purposes. All
the subdivision process shall be subject to
(1) After a site is initially subdivided pursuant to this Chapter, the
"reserve tract" may be retained by the subdivider, conveyed to
residents of the subdivision, conveyed to a third party.
(2) The "reserve ,tract" may be considered as a building . lot, provided that
such lot is included in the overall density calculation of the original
parcel of record. If the "reserve tract" is not included in the
overall density calculation, it can only be developed with an open
space use allowed by WCC 20.22.050.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
(3) The "reserve tract" shall not be further subdivided until such time
that the District is changed to another district which would permit a
greater density, or until each "reserve tract" is eligible for review
and consideration for other uses and densities, consistent with the
Whatcom County Planning Process and Comprehensive Plan revision or
policies.
(4) The purpose of the reserve tract as stated in Section .320,
Paragraph 1, 2 and 3 shall be communicated in writing on the face of
the .plat or short plat. The number of developable building sites
remaining (if any) with the original parcel of record, based on the
assigned density, shall also be prominently displayed on the plat or
short plat. Whatcom County shall make every effort to assist all
agents in communicating clearly such information to all purchasers and
prospective purchasers of building lots or "reserve lots."
(5) At the time of filing of any final plat or short plat containing a
"reserve tract," the subdivider shall execute a covenant limiting the
use of said 'reserve tract' consistent with the requirement of
paragraphs (2) through (4) above. This covenant shall be enforceable
by Whatcom County and be recorded at the time of final plat approval as
a covenant running with the land; provided that, it may be later
amended by mutual agreement between said parties after review for
consistency and compliance with the Official Whatcom County Zoning
Ordinance, the Whatcom County Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom
County Comprehensive Plan.
(Adopted per WCC 20.040.80(1)(h))
CHAPTER 20.22
20.22.350 BUILDING SETBACKS
Building setbacks shall be administered pursuant to WOO Section 20.80.200
(Setback Requirements).
20.22.400 HEIGHT REGULATIONS
Maximum height shall. be limited to forty (40) feet. Height of structures shall
also conform to, where applicable, the general requirements of WCC 20.80.675.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h) and (s))
20.22.450 LOT COVERAGE
No structure or combination of structures, including accessory buildings, shall
occupy or cover more than thirty -five percent (35%) of the total area.
20.22.500 OPEN SPACE
.501 Multi - family housing shall keep maintain a minimum of twenty percent (20 %)
of the site free of buildings, structures, hard surfacing, parking areas and
other impervious surfaces.
.502 Mobile home and recreational vehicle parks shall keep maintain a minimum of
forty percent (40 %) of the site free of buildings, structures, hard
surfacing, parking areas and other impervious surfaces. (Amended per
WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
20.22.600 SIGN REGULATIONS
Sign regulations shall be administered pursuant to Section 20.80.500 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
20.22.650 DEVFLOPMENT STANDARDS
The requirements of WCC 20.22.651, 20.22.652, 20.22.653 and 20.22.654 do not
apply to single - family or duplex residences.
.651 Facility Design:
(1) All Developments: Each development shall screen roof mechanical
equipment so as not to be visible by surrounding uses or roads.
(2) Conditional Uses: in-- addition- o- eor►formag- with - WOE'- 29- $$- 6 § }t } };
aAll conditional uses provided by WOO Section 20.22.150 shall be
designed consistent.with the scale of a project, to:
(a) consider solar access and wind exposure;
(b) provide coordinated landscape and architectural designs;
(c) provide integrated circulation design for pedestrians, vehicles
and bicycles;
CHAPTER 20.22
(d) provide an integrated circulation design that complements the
architectural design of the project, considers adjoining land use
activities and meets adopted county standards;
(e) provide an integrated street and land use design -- whiff- provi.+¢s
for with appropriate sized roadways to meet anticipated traffir-
demands;
(f) minimize ingress and egress points to arterials;
(g) utilize valuable or unique natural features as part of the sl.te.
design; and
(h) accommodate physical constraints of a site.
(3) Multi- family Residential: -in --- addition tb
W88- 29:22.- 65ifi�- and- �;�} - -aAll multi - family residential uses allowed by
WCC Section 20.22.151 shall be designed, consistent with the scale of
the project, to:
(a) encourage views from individual units towards parks, open space
and other natural features;
(b) discourage views from individual units towards other dwelling
units;
(c) implement comprehensive plan policies addressing view blockage;
(d) provide, regardless of the project's scale, adequate fire protec-
tion and acoustical privacy between dwellings to meet fire code
requirements and "Sound Transmission Code" (STC) ratings found in
Chapter 10 or "A Guide to Airborne, Impact, and Structure Borne
Noise Control in Multi - Family Dwellings" by U.S. Department, of
Housing and Urban Development; and
(e) Consider off - street parking areas for boat and /or recreational
vehicles in an amount sufficient to serve the anticipated needs of
a development.
(4) Nonresidential Development: in - -- addition- - -to -- conforming- -with
W_2g_22_gs� }� } }- and- t2 } - -aAll nonresidential development as provided
by WPC Sections 20.22. 15507
nenresidentia}- eenditronai- nse- wken-- deveieped- in-- eanjanetien -wgti� t-tsr
specific- uacs -- cited -tn- this- section shall be designed, consistent with
the scale of the project, to:
(a) orient open space areas of the development towards existing and
proposed residential areas;
(b) encourage shared access and parking;
(c) orient land use activities requiring traffic flows or vehicular
types heavier than for residential areas towards arterials or
collectors and away from residential areas; and
CHAPTER 20.22
(d) encourage orient activity areas of a project involving lighting,
noise or traffic away from residential areas.
(5) Mixed Use Development: }n --- addition---- to--- canfermtng--- �viti;
projects containing hoth
multi - family residential and nonresidential developments as allowed by
this chapter shall be designed, consistent with the scale of the
project, to:
(a) orient nonresidential high traffic generators toward arterials and
collectors;
(b) orient residential areas away from arterials and collectors unless
the size of the residential area requires servicing by such a
facility;
(c) permit commercial activities with similar architectural scale and
design, and characteristics compatible characteristics with
residential areas to be developed within residential areas. Such
characteristics include amount and type of traffic, hours of
operation, noise, lighting, odor and dust;
(d) provide an integrated sign design which would not visually intrude
into residential areas; -and due to size height and illumination;
and
(e) provide pedestrian and bicycle pathways which that links the
residential and nonresidential development together.
(Amended per-WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.652 Landscaping: A landscape plan, pursuant to Section 20.80.610 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, shall be submitted to the Zoiii.ng
Administrator for approval. For conditional uses the plan shall conform to
the following requirements:
(l) Fifteen (15) feet within the front yard setback situated adjacent to
the right -of -way shall be used -on }y- for- }andscap}ng; landscaped except
for walkways and permitted signs. This same area may be penetrated by
driveways which access required parking areas. With approval of the
zoning administrator after review of a site plan, the balance of a
front. yard setback not contained in the landscape area may be used for
parking and maneuvering.
(2) Screening shall be provided for service buildings, storage areas and
parking areas. If screening consists of a fence or wall, it shall not
be less than six (6) feet nor more than seven (7) feet in height; and
it shall be supplemented by a planting strip of vegetation, at least
four (4) feet in width. - - - -- Such- vegetation ; and shall not obstruct
necessary vision of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
(3) The purpose of said landscaping on a year -round basis is to create a
comfortable living environment and soften visual impact of structures
while improving adverse on- and off -site views. Where appropriate, the
landscaping can also be used in conjunction with other methods to
reduce noise impacts. Said design shall be encouraged to use
vegetation that has minimal irrigation needs such as native Northwest
CHAPTER 20.22
vegetative species or non - native species which have a demonstrated
suitability for Whatcom County.
(4) Implementation of said required landscapeing and /or screenjjIg shall
commence prior to building occupancy, shall be maintained, fey- -a- period
ef-- five - -f 5 }- - yews-- �rereafer; and sera -1-1 may be guaranteed by a
performance bond or similar means of ensuring implementation and
maintenances, as approved by the Zoning Administrator, for an amount of
one hundred fifty percent (150 %) of the estimated landscaping cost.
All required landscaping shall be completed within 180 days after
occupancy. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.65:3 Parking Requirements:
Parking shall conform to the requirements of Section 20.80.700 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance. However, recreation vehicles, and
boat parking and storage shall be limited to side and rear yard areas.
654 Sidewalks:
Sidewalks shall be installed pursuant to the requirements of the County
Engineer.
655 Drainage:
Drainage plans shall be reviewed and approved by the County Engineer,
pursuant to Section 20.80.630 of the Official Whatcom County Zoning
Ordinance.
.656 Driveways:
Consistent with Section 20.80.640 of the Official Whatcom County Zoning
Ordinance, driveway plans shall be reviewed by the County Engineer or State
Department. of Highways.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
G57 Access ss and Roadways:
Access shall conform to the provisions of Section 20.80.669765 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance. Roadways shall be provided
pursuant. to the requirements of the County Engineer.
658 Lighting:
Outdoor lighting shall be provided to adequately illuminate on -site streets,
parking and where applicable, pedestrian walkways. Light shall comply with
the requirements of the County Engineer, and shall be sized and directed to
avoid adverse impacts on adjacent properties.
659 Binding Site Plan
Should the use be developed as part of a binding site plan, it shall be
administered pursuant to Title 21 of the Whatcom County Code (Subdivision
Regulations) and additional requirements, as applicable.
CHAPTER 20.22
.660 Plat Language for Proposed Subdivisions:
Where a proposed subdivision, binding site plan or short subdivision will be
located adjacent to or across a right -of -way from an existing agricultural
or forestry land use, the developer and any subsequent purchasers or
successors in interest shall agree to refrain from any legal action to
restrain or collect damages from the owners of such adjacent properties, or
from Whatcom County, arising out of any reasonable and lawful activity on
said agricultural or forestry lands which occurs in the normal course of
their established use. The agreement shall appear as a covenant or deed
restriction upon the plat and each lot thereof, and shall run with the land.
Said covenant or deed restriction may be removed by submission to and
approval by the Whatcom County Hearing Examiner, of a petition representing
a majority of the land owned by adjacent affected property owners within
three hundred (300) feet of the plat boundary. However, the Hearing
Examiner shall remove the restriction only upon finding that the risk of
liability to Whatcom County of the previously existing agricultural or
forestry uses will not be increased thereby.
.661 Garbage Facilities:
Garbage disposal facilities shall be provided in accordance with applicable
Whatcom County Board of Health rules and regulations, and subject to
approval of the Health Department.
20.22.700 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The following provisions shall apply to all uses within this District:
.701 There shall be no storage or handling of hazardous, explosive, highly
flammable materials which would cause fire, explosion or safety hazards,
except the storage and dispensing of gasoline in service stations.
.702 There shall be no production of noise at any property line of any use in
this District in excess of the average intensity of street and traffic noise
found in the District.
.703 There shall be no emission dust, dirt, odors, smoke, or toxic gases and
fumes.
.704 There shall be no production of heat, glare or vibration perceptible from
any property line of the premises upon which such heat, glare or vibration
is being generated.
(District adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
CHAPTER 20.32
RESIDENTIAL RURAL (RR) DISTRICT
20.32.010 PURPOSE
The purpose of the Residential -Rural District is to maintain the low density
residential character of the areas designated as Residential -Rural on the
Comprehensive Plan Map and implement the appropriate subarea comprehensive plan
policies. In addition, it is the intent of this District to provide the
opportunity for the development of building sites which maximize the efficient
use of both energy and land by allowing an option for clustering of residential
lots. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
20.32.050 PERMITTED USES
Unless otherwise provided herein, permitted and conditional uses shall be
administered pursuant to the applicable provisions of Chapter 20.80
(Supplementary Requirements) and Chapter 20.84 (Variances, Conditional Uses and
Appeals) of the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, the Whatcom County SEPA
Ordinance, the Whatcom County Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom County
Shoreline Management Program.
.051 One single - family dwelling per lot.
.052 Single - family attached dwellings provided that not more than two units are
attached and the number of dwelling units conforms to the density
requirements of this District.
.053 Noncommercial Nneighborhood parks and public recreation facilities.
.051 The raising of crops, fruits, berries, horticultural products and animal
husbandry.
20.32.100 ACCESSORY USES
v06f.101 Home occupations pursuant to Section 20.91.180 of the Official Whatcom
County Zoning Ordinance.
-:055.102 Private noncommercial boat docks, launches, ramps, floats, moorages and
boathouses pursuant to the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program.
-.056_103 Befaehed- garages -- earperfs, - -bul }drags -- for- fhe-- sferage -of -- home - garden
equlpmenf--- name - -- workshops, - -- home-- greenhet�ses -- and-- efher-- bnr }cl }ngs
norms}} p-- aeeessery-- e-- resfdenfra } - -- uses.- Other accessory uses
incidental to the primary permitted use. - --
s_ .i..#.�_ �� _. eruct-- �, ra#. ex_-- �-}•g..s,-- ��r--- ��se--- h�-- ec�r�r� �.��- i= t�- i�'�iac} -e�
nnnc h ri,rt i nn of ,2^ ,1gY'.III�ABA ,dyigl�,+7 -Fl - j,� _- 441_ iB y _ _ri0•�4_0.
20.32.150 CONDITIONAL USES
.1521 Public sehea }s and community facilities, including fire stations,
libraries, community centers and other public facilities consistent
with the purpose of this district.
CHAPTER 20.32
.15 -12 Public schools, and parochial or private schools; provided such schools --
shall be approved by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
.153 Churches educational and religious training institutions, and summer camps.
.1564 Retirement 1- boarding and convalescent homes; social and health
rehabilitation centers; children and adult care centers in a buildin
not used as a residence; and other health related services consistent
with the purpose of the district.
1575 Neighborhood grocery stores, provided that:
(1) the gross commercial floor area, including sales and storage areas,
shall not exceed 2,500 square feet;
(2) storage areas shall be located entirely within the structure; however,
outside storage of solid waste receptacles shall be permitted if the
receptacles are enclosed and screened from public view;
(3) the owner may have no more than two (2) gasoline pumps;
(4) minor auto repairs may be provided; however, engine overhaul, body and
fender work, tire recapping and vehicle sales are prohibited;
(5) hours of operation shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m.;
(6) height of the building shall not exceed 28 feet from the average grade;
(7) the site shall be full fronting on two or more improved public roads or
streets;
(8) internal structural lighting shall be limited to hours of operation and
shall be designed and installed to prevent the illumination of adjacent
properties; however, lighting for security purposes may be used after
business hours if such lighting is consistent with the above statement.
(9) not more than two (2) identification signs, not exceeding forty (40)
square feet in area for each road frontage, shall be permitted;
provided that said sign(s) shall be attached flush against the
building, but shall not project above any part of the roofline nor
extend more than eighteen (18) inches from the wall of the building to
which it is attached. Said sign(s) shall be harmonious and compatible
in appearance with the character of the surrounding area. Signs may
only be illuminated by indirect external source.
.1586 Golf course. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
.1597 A manufactured home, a fully serviced travel trailer or motor home, to
provide:
(1) A temporary dwelling space for family members who, due to
professionally documented physical or mental disorders, or risks of
such disorders, require daily supervision and care where such care is
provided by members of the family who reside on the property; or,
CHAPTER 20.32
(2) A temporary dwelling space for a third party where the person requiring
supervision and care in the manner described above is the resident
owner of the subject property;
PROVIDED, that
(3) Such conditional use shall only be permitted on fully serviced parcels
on which applicant can meet setback, ingress, egress, height
restrictions, and lot coverage requirements;
(4) The size of the temporary dwelling shall be appropriate to the use and
size of the parcel and shall be limited so as to comply with the
standards set forth in (3) above;
(5) The temporary home shall be connected to an approved water supply and
adequate capacity sewage disposal system;
(6) When the need for daily care no longer becomes necessary, the temporary
home shall be removed;
(7) The permit shall be valued valid for a one -year period. Said permit
may be extended on a yearly basis provided that an affidavit is
furnished by the permittee affirming that the circumstances requiring
allowing the original permit remain in effect.
(8) A covenant shall be filed that restricts sale of the property while the
temporary dwelling is in place.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(d);Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(f) & (ee))
.158 Accessory apartments to single - family detached residences, provided that:
(1) There shall be not more than one (1) accessory apartment per lot;
(2) The owner(s) of the one - family lot upon which the accessory apartment
is located shall occupy at least one (1) of the dwelling units.on the
premises;
_QJ Adequate provision has been made for the disposal of sewage, waste and
drainage generated by the occupancy of such accessory apartment;
There shall be only one (1) front entrance to the.house visible from
the front yard and street;
The accessory apartment shall be clearly a subordinate part of an
existing building attached by a common wall, floor or ceiling and not
simply by an attached breezeway or porch, and there shall be no
external evidence of occupancy of more than one dwelling unit;
No additional parking is required when adding an accessory apartment.
(7) When the total area of the existing dwelling unit plus the accessory
apartment is greater than 2,000 square feet, the accessory apartment_
shall be no larger than 600 square feet in area; and
CHAPTER 20.32
The construction and occupancy of the accessory apartment shall not be
detrimental to the neighborhood in which the lot is located.
.159 Bed and breakfast lodgings.
.160 Intensive animal husbandry practices such as confinement feeding operations
and feedlots.
20.32.200 PROHIBITED USES
All other uses.
20.32.250 MAXIMUM DENSITY, MINIMUM.LOT SIZE AND WIDTH
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sewer- er -water
MOE-
Witirpab]+e- sewer ---------- tmi+yq- sere ------------ act. --tt-
and/- OF- wa#,err -ands
stounwater- -Fetent,4ea -and ----- a -------- - - -IG*
eelleetiors #aQik- tles --------
wh ere- idsnt4fied-by ------------- 4m-
4hO- -6ppr-opr -iate -mss Faa ------ 3-dwel4ing-- - -12 409 ---- grO08 ----------- 2g,
comprahoriai�►e - I>7,ar�- Po�l.ic�es, -- - aai#.+a�� - acres -- - -s4• - €t-.- - - sg.- �-t .
(Amended•- per- WGC- -2A:04.4989f jjsf ,-(40-and - +na }}
CHAPTER 20.32
.253 Minimum Lot Width and Depth
WIDTH AT STREET LINE WIDTH AT MINIMUM
DISTRICT CONVENTIONAL /CLUSTER BLDG. LINE MEAN DEPTH
RR with neither 30' 30' 80' 100'
public sewer nor water
RR with public sewer and /or 30' 30' 70' 80'
water, and stormwater
collection and retention
facilities where identified 30' 30' 70' 80'
by the appropriate subarea
comprehensive plan policies.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a),(h) and (aa))
20.32.300 LOT CLUSTERING AND RESERVE TRACT
.310 LOT CLUSTERING
The purpose of lot clustering is to provide an alternative method of
creating economical building lots with spatially efficient sizes. Cluster-
ing is intended to reduce development cost, increase energy efficiency and
reserve areas of land which are suitable for agriculture, forestry, open
space or possible future development. The creation of new building lots,
pursuant to this section, shall be governed by the following recommended
design standards:
(1) Clustered building lots may be only created through the subdivision or
short subdivision process.
(2) Building lots should be designed and located to the fullest extent
possible to be compatible with valuable or unique natural features, as
well as physical constraints of the site.
(3) Where practical, the majority of building sites should be arranged in a
cluster or concentrated pattern to be compatible with physical site
features, allow for the efficient conversion of the "reserve tract" to
other uses in the' future, and have no more than two common
encroachments on existing county roads. The arrangement of clustered
building lots is intended to discourage development forms commonly
known as linear, straight -line or highway strip patterns.
(4) Common access to clustered building lots should be provided by short
length roads or loop roads. In addition, interior streets shall be
designed to allow access to the "reserve tract" for the purpose of
future approved development.
.320 RESERVE. TRACT
For the purposes of this section, "reserve tract" is defined as that portion
of a proposed subdivision or short subdivision which is intended for
CHAPTER 20.32
agricultural, forestry, open space or future development purposes. All
"reserve tracts" created through the subdivision process shall be subject to
the following provisions:
(l) After a site is initially subdivided pursuant to this Chapter, Lhe
"reserve tract" .may be retained by the subdivider, conveyed to
residents of the subdivision or conveyed to a third party.
(2) The "reserve tract" may be considered as a building lot, provided that
such lot is included in the overall density calculation of the original
parcel of record.
(.3) The "reserve tract" shall not be further subdivided until such time
that the District is changed to another district which would permit a
greater density, or until each "reserve tract" is eligible for review
and consideration for other uses and densities, consistent with the
Whatcom County Planning Process and Comprehensive Plan revision.
(4) The purpose of the reserve tract as stated in Section .320,
Paragraph 1, 2 and 3, shall be communicated in writing on the face of
the plat or short plat. The number of developable building sites
remaining (if any) with the original parcel of record, based on the
assigned density, shall also be prominently displayed on the plat or
short plat. Whatcom County shall make every effort to assist all
agents in communicating clearly such information to all purchasers and
prospective purchasers of building lots or "reserve lots."
(5) That the above state requirements (2) to (4) shall be recorded as a
deed restriction at the time of filing of the final plat or short plat,
and shall constitute an agreement between Whatcom County and the owner
of record. Said deed restriction may be amended by mutual agreement
between said parties after review for consistency and compliance with
the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, the Whatcom County
Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
20.32.350 BUILDING SETBACKS
Building setbacks shall be administered pursuant to WCC 20.80.200 (Setback
Requirements).
20.32.400 HEIGHT LIMITATIONS
Maximum height shall be limited to thirty -five (35) feet. Height of structures
Shall also conform, where applicable, to the general requirements of
WCC 20.80.675. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h) and (s))
20.32.450 LOT COVERAGE
No struci.ure or combination of structures shall occupy or cover more than thirty -
five percent (35 %) of the total area.
CHAPTER 20.32
20.32.650 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
.651 Plat Language for Proposed Subdivisions:
When a proposed subdivision, binding site plan or short subdivision will be
located adjacent to or across a right-of-way from an existing agricultural
or forestry -land -use district, the developer and any subsequent purchasers
or successors in interest shall agree to refrain from any legal action to
restrain or collect damages from the owners of such adjacent properties, or
from Whatcom County, arising out of any reasonable and lawful activity on
said agricultural or forestry lands which occurs in the normal course of
their established use. The agreement shall appear as a covenant or deed
restriction upon the plat and each lot thereof, and shall run with the land.
Said covenant or deed restriction may be removed by submission to and
approval by the Whatcom County Hearing Examiner, of a petition representing.
a majority of the land owned by ad�a ent-- affeeted property owners within
three hundred (300) feet of the plat boundary. However, the Hearing
Examiner shall remove the restriction only upon finding that the risk of
liability to Whatcom County of the previously existing agricultural or
forestry uses will not be increased thereby.
652 Parking Requirements:
Parking shall conform to the requirements of Section 20.80.700 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance. However, recreation vehicles, and
boat parking and storage shall be limited to side and rear yards.
.653 Livestock Regulations:
The keeping of livestock shall be administered pursuant to WCC 20.80.800
(Supplementary Requirements).
CHAPTER 20.34
RURAL RESIDENTIAL - ISLAND (RR -I) DISTRICT
0.34.01.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this district is to allow for a harmonious mixture of residential,
retail commercial, public uses and those light industrial uses associated with
agriculture, forestry and fishing. In addition, the district requires that new
light industrial, retail commercial and residential uses complement the rural
character by adherence to the goals and policies of the Lummi Island Plan.
Furthermore, the purpose of this district is to provide the option for
residential uses to arrange in cluster development patterns while reserving
tracts of land for rural uses and potential future resubdivision. In addition,
the district provides for density transfer to preserve land and.water quality.
20.34.050 PERMITTED USES
Unless otherwise provided herein, permitted, accessory and conditional uses shall
be administered pursuant to the applicable provisions of Chapter 20.80
(Supplementary Requirements) and Chapter 20.84 (Variances, Conditional Uses and
Appeals) of the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, the Whatcom County SEPA
Ordinance, the Whatcom County Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom County
Shoreline Management Program.
.051 One single - family detached dwelling per lot.
.052 Agriculture including animal husbandry, horticulture, viticulture,
floriculture and beekeeping; and the cultivation of crops.
.. -05� Hr+ me--- eeenpat= Wiens- -- parsaafl�-- �a-- See�tort- 29 -9$- X86- -c+ € -- the- Afftera�- Whateem
C;hunt;v--r anrng-6rdinanee-
:-(3�, %l Nefleemmere�al'` -b oat- etoeks,-- }atuiei�es - -- ramps, -- f�aet`s,- -- moorages- anfl- boati�ouses
pu rs unnt--t`o-t= lie- Wisat-cem- Eount`p- 6i�ere�tne- Management;- Pregrsm-
.0553 Fish farms and aquaculture and mariculture projects; provided that no
new seafood or fish - raising facilities or ponds shall be located within
one thousand (1000) feet of agricultural operations requiring pesticide
and /or herbicide applications as part of their normal farm practices
pursuant to the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program.
.0564 Small wood lot management, tree farming, commercial forestry and
reforestation, including the temporary use of portable management
harvesting or processing equipment.
20.34.1.00 ACCESSORY USES
Rf-rrssr,rp - uses- �nci- dr.nt-a�- td -tlzr- primary- permrtt=eel -uses .-
.1_0_1_ Hume occupations pursuant to Section 20.97.180 of the Official Whatcom
County Zoning Ordinance.
.102 Private noncommercial boat docks, launches, ramps, floats, moorages and
boathouses pursuant to the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program.
_103 Other accessory uses incidental to the primary permitted uses.
CHAPTER 20.34
4 04- Tempeett-- dwel-l-i -ng-- uzri +e-ix -- mesa- thair- i5{�- sguarL- - fee- h-inc- hid�irur avet-
t r- ai. 4ere- a ed- r- ee-Feari-eRa-1- -vehseles-wheee -uke- -teed is-- eowiee -tec- -te- gervAmeat-
94 -te- -sewage --a *d --w& et- -- &w- tems, - -Qx—, pe4cPd -&f-
eoestrwat -iea- of- e- permeaent �we�l3ag- wlri�e- t4ie -htt lt�iag- perm }i = i- s- val-id7; -n&t-
t-o- -em ee ed- -tw& -(-24 - yeam-.
20.34.150 CONDITIONAL USES
.151 Public and community facilities, including Churches,- fire stations,
libraries, community clubs/centers aammer- eampa;- eemetcrYes - -- retirement -and
convaiacen -t homes and other public facilities which am consistent with the
purpose of this district.
.152 Public schools; and parochial or private schools, provided such schools
shall be approved by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
.153 Churches, educational and religious training institutions, and summer camps.
.154 Retirement, boarding and convalescent homes; social and health
rehabilitation centers; children and adult care centers in a building not
used as a residence; and other health related services consistent with the
purpose of the district.
.1525 Single - family attached dwellings provided that not more than four
dwelling units are attached and the number of dwelling units conforms
to the density requirements of this District.
.1536 Commercial uses including retail trade, professional and personal
services.
.1547 Light Industrial uses associated with fishing, forestry and
agriculture, including manufacturing, processing, repair and storage
and distribution of goods.
.1558 Home occupations employing no more than three (3) people outside the
family, conducted in a structure(s) other than the dwelling unit
provided that:
(1) The Whatcom County Hearing .Examiner shall find that the primary
function of the home occupation is related to the purposes and need of
the Rural Residential -Island District.
(2) Construction of new buildings to house said occupation shall not exceed
759 1,250 square feet of total floor area and shall be subject to the
standards of Sections 20.36.400, 20.36.450, 20.80.200 and 20.80.700 of
the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
(3) In the event materials will be stored outdoors, the Hearing Examiner
may require adequate landscaping or other devices in order that the
material will not be visible by surrounding uses or roads.
.1579 A manufactured home, a fully serviced travel trailer or motor home, to
provide:
CHAPTER 20.34
(1) A temporary dwelling space for family members who, due to
professionally documented physical or mental disorders, or risks of
such disorders, require daily supervision and care where such care is
provided by members of the family who reside on the property; or,
(2) A temporary dwelling space for a third party where the person requiring
supervision and care in the manner described above is the resident
owner of the subject property;
PROVIDED, that
(3) Such conditional use shall only be permitted on fully serviced parcels
on which applicant can meet setback, ingress, egress, height
restrictions, and lot coverage requirements;
(4) The size of the temporary dwelling shall be appropriate to the use and
size of the parcel and shall be limited so as to comply with the
standards set forth in (3) above;
(5) The temporary home shall be connected to an approved water supply and
adequate capacity sewage disposal system;
(6) When the need for daily care.no longer becomes necessary, the temporary
home shall be removed;
(7) The permit shall be va +ned valid for a one -year period. Said permit
may be extended on a yearly basis provided that an affidavit is
furnished by the permittee affirming that the circumstances rega -irtng
allowing the original permit remain in effect.
(8) A covenant shall be filed that restricts sale of the property while the
temporary dwelling is in place:
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(ee))
.160 Accessory apartments to single - family detached residences, provided that:
There shall be not more than one (1) accessory apartment per lot;
The owner(s) of the one - family lot upon which the accessory apartment
is located shall occupy at least one (1) of the dwelling units on the
premises;
Adequate provision has been made for the disposal of sewage, waste and
drainage generated by the occupancy of such accessory apartment,
There shall be only one (1) front entrance to the house visible from
the front yard and street;
The accessory apartment shall be clearly a subordinate part of an
existing building attached by a common wall, floor or ceiling and not
simply by an attached breezeway or porch, and there shall be no
external evidence of occupancy of more than one dwelling unit; -"
No additional parking is required when adding an accessory apartment.
CHAPTER 20.34
(7) When the total area of the existins[ dwelling unit plus the accessory
apartment is greater than 2,000 square feet, the accessory apartment
shall be no larger than 600 square feet in area; and
The construction and occupancy of the accessory apartment shall not be
detrimental to the neighborhood in which the lot is located.
.161 Bed and breakfast lodgings.
.162 Intensive animal husbandry practices such as confinement feeding operations
and feedlots.
20.34.170 LIMITED USE NEAR SHORELINE
On the shore side of West Shore Drive and Nugent Road to the McLean Avenue right -
of -way, along Seacrest Drive and Island Drive south to the Forestry plan designa-
tion, and along Legoe Bay Road from Village Point to the northwest corner of
Peterson's Addition to Bellingham Bay Cities, uses are limited as follows:
(1) No residential or commercial structures may be constructed on any area
of a parcel where the distance between the ordinary high water mark and
the county road right - of-way is less than 100 feet.
(2) On any area of a parcel where the distance between the ordinary high
water mark and the county road right - of-way is 100 feet or greater,
residential uses are limited to single - family structures and commercial
uses are limited to home occupations, except along Legoe Bay Road from
County Road 656 to and including Village Point where commercial and
industrial uses other than home occupations are allowed by condition.
20.34.200 PROHIBITED USES
All other uses.
20.34.250 MAXIMUM DENSITY, AND MINIMUM LOT SIZE AND WIDTH
.251 For the purpose of creating new building lots within the Rural Residential -
Island District, several land use densities are herein provided. The
minimum lot size requirements for new construction vary according to the
method of subdivision design. Where the conventional subdivision method is
used to create new building lots, the minimum lot size shall be:
(1) Ground Water Recharge Areas: Within Ground Water Recharge Areas
specified on the Lummi Island Comprehensive Plan Map, density shall not
exceed one dwelling unit per five acres.
(2) Outside Ground Water Recharge Areas: Outside Ground Water Recharge
.Areas density shall not exceed one dwelling unit per three acres.
(3) Mixed Properties: Where a parcel is situated partially within and
partially outside of a Ground Water Recharge Area (GRA), density or
building sites may be transferred from the portion of the parcel within
CHAPTER 20.34
the GRA to the portion outside thereof. For the purpose of computing
the maximum number of building sites.in the density transfer provision,
contiguous and noncontiguous parcels in one ownership may be treated as
one parcel.
The maximum density for the entire parcel shall not exceed one (1)
dwelling unit per three (3) acres. When building sites are transferred
from within the GRA to a portion of the parcel outside the GRA, the
density outside the GRA may be increased to one (1) dwelling unit per
1.5 acres; however, the density for the portion of the parcel within
the GRA shall not exceed one (1) dwelling unit.per five (5) acres.
Because of these density provisions for the portions of the parcel
inside and outside the GRA, an overall density of one (1) dwelling unit
per three (3) acres may not be attainable in certain cases.
For example, a forty (40) acre parcel with thirty -one (31) acres within
Ground Water Recharge Areas and nine (9) acres outside Ground Water
Recharge Areas has a maximum density without using density transfer of
six (6) dwelling units on the portion within the Ground Water Recharge
Areas and three (3) dwelling units on the portion outside the Ground
Water Recharge Areas. If the density transfer option is used, the
overall maximum density increases to one dwelling unit per three
(3) acres or a total of thirteen (13) dwelling units. However, the
additional four (4) units may be transferred to the portion outside the
Ground Water Recharge Areas only up to the maximum density or one (1)
dwelling unit per 1.5 acres. In this case, six (6) dwelling units
still would be inside (around Water Recharge Areas, and on the remaining
nine (9) acres the maximum number of units would be six (6). Thus, the
total allowed building sites would be twelve (12) instead of
thirteen (13).
.252 Maximum Density and Minimum Lot Size
AREA
GROSS
DENSITY
MINIMUM LOT SIZE
CONVENTIONAL /CLUSTER
MIN. RESERVE
AREA (CLUSTER
SUBDIVISIONS)
RR -I
1 dwelling
3 acres **
30%
outside
unit /3 acres*
Recharge
Areas
RR -I
1 dwelling
5 acres **
55%
within
unit /5 acres*
Recharge
Areas
* Except when density transfer is used as provided in Chapter 20.34.251(3).
** The lot size that satisfies the Bellingham- Whatcom County Health Department
requirements for water and sewage services.
.253 Minimum Lot Width and Depth
AREA
RR -I
outside
Recharge
Areas
RR -I
within
Recharge
Areas
WIDTH AT STREET LINE WIDTH AT
CONVENTIONAL /CLUSTER BLDG. LINE
CHAPTER 20.34
MINIMUM
MEAN DEPTH
200' 70'* 80' 100'
300' 70'* 80' 100'
* Thirty feet (30') on a cul -de -sac only.
.254 Lots Platted Prior to 1978
Platted Lots of Record created prior to 1978 and identified in Table 2,
page 7, of the Lummi Island Comprehensive Plan shall be considered as
separate lots for building purposes regardless of ownership, unless bound to
adjoining lot(s) by covenant, and shall not be subject to the lot
consolidation provisions of Section 20.83.070 of this Ordinance.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(cc))
20.34.300 LOT CLUSTERING, RESERVE TRACT AND DENSITY TRANSFER
.310 Lot Clustering
The purpose of lot clustering is to provide an alternative method of
creating economical building lots with spatially efficient sizes.
Clustering is intended to reduce development cost, increase energy
efficiency and reserve areas of land which are suitable for agriculture,
forestry, open space or .possible future development. The creation of new
building lots, pursuant to this Section, shall be governed by the following
recommended design standards:
(1) Clustered building lots may be only created through the subdivision or
short subdivision process.
(2) Building lots should be designed and located to the fullest extent
possible to be compatible with valuable or unique natural features, as
well as physical constraints of the site.
(3) Where practical, the majority of building sites should be arranged in a
cluster or concentrated pattern to be compatible with physical site
features, allow for the efficient conversion of the "reserve tract" to
other uses in the future, and have no more than two common
encroachments on existing County roads. The arrangement of clustered
building lots is intended to discourage development forms commonly
known as linear, straight -line or highway strip patterns.
CHAPTER 20.34
(4) Common access to clustered building lots should be provided by short
length roads or loop roads. In addition, interior streets shall be
designed to allow access to the "reserve tract" for the purpose of
future approved development.
.320 Reserve Tract
For the purposes of this Section, "reserve tract" is defined as that portion
of a proposed subdivision or short subdivision which is intended for
agricultural, forestry, open space or future development purposes. All
"reserve tracts" created through the subdivision process shall be subject to
the following provisions:
(1) After a site is initially subdivided pursuant to this Section, the
"reserve tract" may be retained by the subdivider, conveyed to
residents of the subdivision or conveyed to a third party.
(2) The "reserve tract" may be considered as a building lot; provided that
such lot is included in the overall density calculation of the original
parcel of record.
(3) The "reserve tract" shall not be further subdivided until such time
that the District is changed to another district which would permit a
greater density, or until each "reserve tract" is eligible for review
and consideration for other uses and densities, consistent with the
Whatcom County Planning Process and Comprehensive Plan revision.
(4) The purpose of the reserve tract as stated in Section 20.34.320: 1,2,3
shall be communicated in writing on the fact of the plat or short plat;
also, the number of developable building.sites remaining (if any) with
the original parcel of record, based on the assigned density, shall
also be prominently displayed on the plat or short plat. Whatcom
County shall make every effort to assist all agents in communicating
clearly such information to all purchasers and prospective purchasers
of building lots or "reserve tracts."
(5) That the above stated requirements 20.34.320: 2,3,4 shall be recorded
as a deed.restriction at the time of filing of the final plat or short
plat, and shall constitute an agreement between Whatcom County and the
owner of record. Said deed restriction may be amended by mutual
agreement between said parties after review for consistency and
compliance with the' Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, the
Whatcom County Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom County
Comprehensive Plan.
.330 Density Transfer
The purpose of density transfer is to provide an opportunity to create
economical building lots while recognizing the appropriate land use for
Ground Water Recharge Areas. The creation of new building lots shall be
governed by the standards in Chapter 20.34.310 and the following provisions:
(1) Maximum gross density shall not exceed one unit per three acres,
provided however, that density within Ground Water Recharge Areas shall
not exceed one unit per five acres and outside Ground Water Recharge
CHAPTER 20.34
Areas may increase to one dwelling unit per 1.5 acres as provided in
Section 20.34.251(3) Density Transfers.
(2) This Density Transfer provision shall not apply to the area specified
in WCC 20.34.170.
(3) Density transfers shall only apply to parcels within the same
ownership.
(4) Deed restrictions shall be attached to the original parcel of record
indicating the total number of building sites (if any) resulting from
full or partial use of the maximum density.
(5) Deed restrictions shall be binding on the property until such time that
the zone district density provisions are amended to allow additional
building sites.
20.34.350 BUILDING SETBACKS
Building setbacks shall be administered pursuant to WCC 20.80.200 - Setback
Requirements.
20.34.400 HEIGHT LIMITATIONS
Maximum height of structures shall be limited to twenty -four (24) feet. Height
of structures shall also conform, where applicable, to the general requirements
of WCC 20.80.675.
20.34.450 LOT COVERAGE
No structure or combination of structures, including accessory buildings, shall
occupy or cover more than thirty -five percent (35 %) of the total area.
20.34.650 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
.651 Plat Language For Proposed Subdivisions:
When a proposed subdivision, binding site plan or short subdivision will be
located adjacent to or across a right - of-way from an existing agricultural
or forestry land -use district, the developer and any subsequent purchasers
or successors in interest shall agree to refrain from any legal action to
restrain or collect damages from the owners of such adjacent properties, or
from Whatcom County, arising out of any reasonable and lawful activity on
said agricultural or forestry lands which occurs in the normal course of
their established use. The agreement shall appear as a covenant or deed
restriction upon the plat and each lot thereof, and shall run with the land.
Said covenant or deed restriction may be removed by submission to and
approval by the Whatcom County Hearing Examiner of a petition representing a
majority of the land owned by adjacent- affected property owners within three
hundred (300) feet of the plat boundary. However, the Hearing Examiner
shall remove the restriction only upon finding that the risk of liability to
Whatcom County of the previously existing agricultural or forestry uses will
not be increased thereby.
CHAPTER 20.34
.652 Parking Requirements:
Parking shall conform to the requirements of Section 20.80.700 of the --
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
653 Livestock Regulations:
The keeping of livestock shall be administered pursuant to WCC 20.80.800
(Supplementary Requirements).
.654 Unstable Slope Regulations:
.Unstable slopes are defined as those having a tendency for mass movement of
earth materials, including slides, flows and soil creeps.
(1) Structures including but not limited to buildings, roads, drainage
facilities and utilities shall not be built on unstable slopes as
identified on Figure Cl and C2 of the Lummi Island Comprehensive Plan.
(2) Structures shall not be built on potentially unstable slopes as
identified on Figure C1 and C2 of the Lummi Island Comprehensive Plan
unless they can be designed and constructed without causing the slope
to become unstable. Development that is proposed in unstable slope
areas should present specific engineering drawings to the Zoning
Administrator that 'display how the proposed development will mitigate
the slope hazard.
(3) Vegetation shall be disturbed as little as possible on unstable and
potentially unstable slopes.
.655 Fire Flow Requirements:
Any development with fire flow requirements exceeding the capability of the
Whatcom County Fire District #11 pumper tankers shall have adequate on -site
storage to provide the required fire flow. If on -site storage is a pond, a
concrete encasement with filters, screens and clean -out provisions shall be
constructed.
656 Ground Water Regulations:
(1) Solid waste landfills are prohibited.
(2) There shall be no underground storage of fuel tanks where public water
supplies could be endangered.
(3) Runoff from impervious surfaces such as buildings, driveways and roads
shall drain back into the ground rather than be conveyed by pipe or
ditches away from the island.
(4) Naturally occurring ponds and swamps shall not be drained.
(District adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(u))
RURAL (R) DISTRICT
20.36.010 PURPOSE
CHAPTER 20.36
The purpose of this District is to implement the Rural designation of the
appropriate subarea Comprehensive Plan which calls for the maintenance of rural
character and environmentally fragile areas by allowing a multiplicity of low
intensity uses that are compatible and complementary with the conservation of
agricultural, forestry and related uses. Furthermore, the purpose of this
District is to provide the option for residential uses to arrange in cluster
development patterns while reserving tracts of land for rural uses and potential
future resubdivision. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
20.36.050 PERMITTED USES
Unless otherwise provided herein, permitted, accessory and conditional uses shall
be administered pursuant to the applicable provisions of Chapter 20.80
(Supplementary Requirements) and Chapter 20.84 (Variances, Conditional Uses and
Appeals) of the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, the Whatcom County SEPA
Ordinance, the Whatcom County Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom County
Shoreline Management Program.
.051 One.single- family detached dwelling per lot.
.052 Agriculture including animal husbandry, horticulture, viticulture,
floriculture and beekeeping; and the cultivation of crops.
7953 Marketing - -by- the - operator,-- ef- Whatcem- 6ennty- products -- which- originate -from
the - permitted- uses - stated- tn- Ereettens -Z6- 36:652- and -26- 36:658;- prevtded�
{ }} enfy -one -- stand- centatntng- net�ere- than -fide- hundred- f569 }- square -feet
ef- freer- area- sha�� -be- permitted;
f2� such -- stand -- shaft-- be-- subeet- -te - -- the -- setback --- requirements—of
WE£- 26 -86- 269; -and
f3} such- stattel -- chaff- be- provre�ed- �►rth -a- sufficient- area -te- permit -at -feast
five- f5 }- autemeb��es -te- park - safely- -off- the -= read - right -ef -Nay -- and -to
re- enter- the - traffic- rn- a- ferxard- motion - --
.0543 Soil stripping and sod farming, provided.that removal of such material
does not exceed 500 cubic yards of soil per year.
.-955 Heme- eccupattens -- pursuant - -te -- Erection- 26- 9�- t55 - -ef -- the-- Affrcra�- Whatcem
Oeunty- Zoning- Ardinance7
-956 Private-- nencemmercraf -- beat-- e�eeks--- faunehes -- ramps, -- (feats -- moorages -anc}
boathouses- pursuant -te- the- Whatcem- 6eunty- Shere3:rne- Management- Pregrom-
.0574 Fish farms, and aquaculture
new seafood or fish - raising
one thousand (1,000) feet
pesticide, and /or herbicide
practices.
and mariculture projects; provided that no
facilities or ponds shall be located within
of agricultural operations requiring
applications as part of their normal farm
CHAPTER 20.36
.0585 Small wood lot management, tree farming, commercial forestry and
reforestation, including the temporary use of portable management
harvesting or processing equipment.
20.36.100 ACCESSORY USES
l4eeesaorp- uaes- iaeidenta� -te- the - primary- permitted -uses-
.101 Home occupations pursuant to Section 20.97.180 of the Official Whatcom
County Zoning Ordinance.
.102 Private noncommercial boat docks, launches, ramps, floats, moorages and
boathouses pursuant to the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program.
.103 Other accessory uses incidental to the primary permitted uses.
- d841Pempv dwe- 14- ink- -um}ts -- net-- Ir ess- tkan-- Yk- 3quare-- €eet-- inc4uding- -traw4
ttt 4 4er,s-an&- -reereet4eaei- yelvic4es -where -Mie -turn -is - emmeete& -to - pefwanent
- si.�e- sewage -e�� -water s��sr- der -- +use-- b3�- ewse��s-- dirrie�E -- tie-- pe��ed�f
�at���en- �- e�e�' meserrt- dwc���sg- wlri�e- #- ize-- l�- i3��s�- persri -t 3e- ve13d ;-��
.105 Marketing, by the operator, of Whatcom County products which originate from
the permitted uses stated in Sections 20.36.052 and 20.36.058: provided:
only one stand containing not more than five hundred (500) square feet
of floor area shall be permitted;
such stand shall be subject to the setback requirements of
WCC 20.80.200; and
such stand shall be provided with a sufficient area to permit at least
five (5) automobiles to park safely. off the road right- of-way and to
re -enter the traffic in a forward motion.
20.36.150 CONDITIONAL USES
.151 Public and community facilities, including churches,- fire stations,
libraries, community einbsfcenters cemeteries; retirement -md- coma -lescent
home -T and other public facilities witich a. consistent with the purpose of
this district.
.152 Public schools, and parochial or private schools; provided such schools
shall be approved by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
.153 Churches, educational and religious training institutions, and summer camps.
.154 Retirement, boarding and convalescent homes; social and health
rehabilitation centers; children and adult care centers in a building not
used as a residence; and other health related services consistent with the
purpose of the district.
.1525 Animal hospitals and accessory kennels and stables provided:
CHAPTER 20.36
(1) no building or animal enclosure shall be located closer than fifty (50)
feet from the external property lines;
(2) such facilities must have a waste disposal program approved by the
county Health Department; and
(3) such facility shall be operated at all times in a manner specifically
designed to prevent the use of the facilities from becoming a nuisance,
either public or private; and the Hearing Examiner shall require of the
applicant a detailed program to minimize potential annoying effects;
said program to be recorded as one of the conditions attached to the
permit.
.1536 Private commercial kennels and stables intended for the boarding,
propagation or training of domestic animals.
.1547 Housing or camping facilities to accommodate seasonal agricultural
employees, provided:
(1) such facilities shall be located at least fifty (50) feet from the
external property lines;
(2) such facilities shall conform with applicable building and health
regulations; and
(3) such facilities shall be occupied only by agricultural employees and
their immediate families.
.1558 Aircraft landing strips when solely for personal uses; provided no
landing strip shall be located within two hundred and fifty (250) feet
from the center line of the landing strip to any property.line,
building or structure. The Hearing Examiner shall be further guided by
the safety recommendations of the Federal Aviation Administration.
.1569 Surface and subsurface mining of coal, soil, sand, gravel, peat and
other similar solid material, including mineral processing facilities
which have an intended locational life in excess of twelve (12) months.
Surface mining for the purpose of improving agricultural productivity
shall not be restricted by this provision; provided materials, when
removed for agricultural purposes, remain on site.
(1) The Whatcom County Hearing Examiner shall approve a surface and
subsurface mining project if it is determined the proposed mining
operation:
(a) will be harmonious and in accordance with the general and specific
objectives of Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and zoning
regulations;
(b) will be operated and maintained so the essential character of the
general vicinity will remain the same;
(c) will not have a significant impact on the surrounding area;
CHAPTER 20.36
(d) will not result in excavation or location of structures, buildings
or machinery within 500 feet of any RR district and within
150 feet of any county road right -of -way;
(e) will not impair lateral support or cause earth movements or
erosion beyond the exterior property lines of the subject site;
(f) will not be hazardous or disturbing to existing neighboring uses;
(g) will have vehicular approaches to the site designed to minimize
the conflict between automobile and truck traffic while
maintaining the carrying capacity of county roads;
(h) will not result in the destruction, loss or damage of any natural
scenic or historic feature of major importance; and
(i) has complied with other ordinances and laws regulating mining,
such as but not limited to, the Shoreline Management Program, the
Whatcom County SEPA Ordinance, the Washington State Surface Mining
Act (RCW 78.44), as well as State and Federal regulations
concerning subsurface mining.
(2) In addition, the Whatcom County Hearing Examiner may impose conditions
of approval which may be necessary to protect the value and enjoyment
of existing adjacent uses, such as:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
.15 -760 Neil
hours of operation;
buffer areas and visual screening;
protective fencing;
performance and maintenance bonds;
reclamation plans; and
drainage control.
;hborhood grocery stores, provided that:
(1) The gross commercial floor area, including sales and storage areas,
shall not exceed 2,500 square feet except that the overall floor area
may be increased to a maximum of 3,500 square feet where an ancillary
use is approved by the Hearing Examiner. All ancillary uses shall not
exceed 30% of the total floor area and must have similar type and level
of impacts as generated by a neighborhood grocery store. Such
ancillary uses may include but not be limited to post office, soda
fountain, hardware sales or clothing sales.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(k))
(2) storage areas shall be located entirely within the structure; however,
outside storage of solid waste receptacles shall be permitted if the
receptacles are enclosed and screened from public view;
(3) the owner may have no more than two (2) gasoline pumps;
CHAPTER 20.36
(4) minor auto repairs may be provided; however, engine overhaul, body and
fender work, tire recapping and vehicle sales are prohibited;
(6) hours of operation shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m.;
(6) height of the building shall not exceed 28 feet from the average grade;
(7) the site shall be full fronting on two or more improved public roads or
streets;
(8) internal structural lighting shall be limited to hours of operation and
shall be designed and installed to prevent the illumination of adjacent
properties; however, lighting for security purposes may be used after
business hours if such lighting is consistent with the above statement;
and
(9) not more than two (2) identification signs, not exceeding forty (40)
square feet in area for each road frontage shall be permitted; provided
that said sign(s) shall be attached flush against the building, but
shall not project above any part of the roofline nor extend more than
eighteen (18) inches from the wall of the building to which it is
attached. Said sign(s) shall be harmonious and compatible in
appearance with the character of the surrounding area. Signs may only
be illuminated by an indirect external source.
.15861 Home occupations employing no more than three (3) people outside the
family, conducted in a structure(s) other than the dwelling unit
provided that:
(1) The Whatcom County Hearing Examiner shall find that the primary
function of the home occupation is related to the purposes and need of
the Rural, Agricultural and Forestry districts.
(2) Construction of new buildings to house said occupation shall not exceed
1,250 square feet of total floor area and shall be subject to the
standards of Sections 20.36.400, 20.36.450, 20.80.200 and 20.80.700 of
the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
(3) In the event materials will be stored outdoors, the Hearing Examiner
may require adequate landscaping or other devices in order that the
material will not be visible by surrounding uses or roads.
.15962 Small scale commercial processing of agricultural and forestry products
on a permanent basis, utilizing permanently installed equipment, and
provided the use is compatible and augments the economic viability of
the forest or local agricultural community and is consistent with
applicable local, state and federal standards and regulations, and that
appropriate provision is made of water to meet fire flow standards.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.1603 Solid waste disposal facilities and sites.
CHAPTER 20.36
.16-14 Private or public, commercial and noncommercial sports facilities and
clubs including 8golf courses, playing fields for outdoor sports and
other facilities consistent with the purpose of this district.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
.1625 Hydroelectric projects of five (5) megawatts or less.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
.1636 A manufactured home, a fully serviced travel trailer or motor home, to
provide:
(1) A temporary dwelling space for family members who, due to
professionally documented physical or mental disorders, or risks of
such disorders, require daily supervision and care where such care is
provided by members of the family who reside on the property; or,
(2) A temporary dwelling space for a third party where the person requiring
supervision and care in the manner described above is the resident
owner of the subject property;
PROVIDED, that
(3) Such conditional use shall only be permitted on fully serviced parcels
on which applicant can meet setback, ingress, egress, height
restrictions, and lot coverage requirements;
(4) The size of the temporary dwelling shall be appropriate to the use and
size of the parcel and shall be limited so as to comply with the
standards set forth in (3) above;
(5) The temporary home shall be connected to an approved water supply and
adequate capacity sewage disposal system;
(6) When the need for daily care no longer becomes necessary, the - temporary
home shall be removed;
(7) The permit shall be valued valid for a one -year period. Said permit
may be extended on a yearly basis provided that an affidavit is
furnished by the permittee affirming that the circumstances requiring
allowing the original permit remain in effect.
(8) A covenant shall be filed that restricts sale of the property while the
temporary dwelling is in place.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(d); Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(f) & (ee))
.167 Coin - operated laundry where developed in association with a neighborhood
grocery store as provided in Whatcom County Code 20.36.1578. Maximum total
floor area of the laundry and grocery store shall be 4,500 square feet.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(k)
.168 Accessory apartments to single - family detached residences, provided that:
There shall be not more than one (1) accessory apartment per lot;
CHAPTER 20.36
The owner(s) of the one - family lot upon which the accessory apartment
is located shall occupy at least one (1) of the dwelling units on the
premises:
Adequate provision has been made for the disposal of sewage, waste and
drainage generated by the occupancy of such accessory apartment;
There shall be only one (1) front entrance to the house visible from
the front yard and street;
The accessory apartment shall be clearly a subordinate part of an
existing buildin attached by a common wall, floor or ceiling and not
simply by an attached breezeway or porch, and there shall be no
external evidence of occupancy of more than one dwelling unit;
(6) No additional parking is required when adding an accessory apartment.
(7) When the total area of the existing dwelling unit plus the accessory
apartment is greater than 2,000 square feet, the accessory apartment
shall be no larger than 600 square feet in area; and
The construction and occupancy of the accessory apartment shall not be
detrimental to the neighborhood in which the lot is located.
.169 Bed and breakfast lodgings.
.170 Intensive animal husbandry practices such as confinement feeding operations
and feedlots.
20.36.200 PROHIBITED USES
All other uses.
20.36.250 MAXIMUM DENSITY, AND MINIMUM LOT SIZE AND WIDTH
.251 For the purpose of creating new building lots within the Rural District,
several land use densities are herein provided. The minimum lot size
requirements for new construction vary according to the method of
subdivision design. Where the conventional subdivision method is used to
create new building lots, the minimum lot size shall be two 2 five (5) or
ten (10) acres. Where the lot cluster subdivision method is used, the
minimum lot size is based on the consideration of the District's setback
requirements (WCC 20.80.200) and the Bellingham - Whatcom County Health
Department regulations for on -site septic disposal, but shall not be less
than that shown below.
CHAPTER 20.36
.252 Maximum Density and Minimum Lot Size
MIN. RESERVE
GROSS MINIMUM LOT SIZE AREA (CLUSTER
DISTRICT DENSITY CONVENTIONAL /CLUSTER SUBDIVISIONS)
R -2A without
1 dwelling unit/
2
acres
1 acre
20%
public water
2 acres
80'
100'
R -10A
300'
R -2A with
1 dwelling unit/
2
acres
15,000
65%
public water
2 acres
sq. ft.
R -5A without
1 dwelling unit/
5
acres
1 acre
55%
public water
5 acres
R -5A with
1 dwelling unit/
5
acres
15,000
75%
public water
5 acres
sq. ft.
R -10A without
1 dwelling unit/
10
acres
1 acre
709
public water
10 acres
R -10A with
1 dwelling unit/
10
acres
15,000
80%
public water
10 acres
sq. ft.
(Amended per WCC
20.04.080(1)(a))
.253 Minimum Lot
Width and Depth
WIDTH AT STREET LINE
WIDTH AT
MINIMUM
DISTRICT
CONVENTIONAL %CLUSTER
BLDG.
LINE
MEAN DEPTH
R -2
200'
70'*
80'
100'
R -5A
300'
70'*
80'
100'
R -10A
300'
70'*
80'
100'
*Thirty feet (30') on a cul -de -sac only.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
20.36.300 LOT CLUSTERING AND RESERVE TRACT
.310 LOT CLUSTERING
The purpose of lot clustering is to provide an alternative method of
creating economical building lots with spatially efficient sizes. Cluster-
ing is intended to reduce development cost, increase energy efficiency and
reserve areas of land which are suitable for agriculture, forestry, open
space or possible future development. The creation of new building lots,
pursuant to this Section, shall be governed by the following recommended
design standards:
CHAPTER 20.36
(1) Clustered building lots may be only created through the subdivision or
short subdivision process.
(2) Building lots should be designed and located to the fullest extent
possible to be compatible with valuable or unique natural features, as
well as physical constraints of the site.
(3) Where practical,
cluster or concei
features, allow
other uses in
encroachments on
building lots is
known as linear,
the majority of building sites should be arranged in a
itrated pattern to be compatible with physical site
for the efficient conversion of the "reserve tract" to
the future, and have no more than two common
existing county roads. The arrangement of clustered
intended to discourage development forms commonly
straight -line or highway strip patterns.
(4) Common access to clustered building lots should be provided by short
length roads or loop roads. In addition, interior streets shall be
designed to allow access to the "reserve tract" for the purpose of
future approved development.
.320 RESERVE TRACT
For the purposes of this Section, "reserve tract" is defined as that portion
of a proposed subdivision or short subdivision which is intended for
agricultural, forestry, open space or future development purposes. All
"reserve tracts" created through the subdivision process shall be subject to
the following provisions:
(1) After a site is initially subdivided pursuant to this Section, the
"reserve tract" may be retained by the subdivider, conveyed to
residents of the subdivision or conveyed to a third party.
(2) The "reserve tract" may be considered as a building lot, provided that
such lot is included in the overall density calculation of the original
parcel of record.
(3) The "reserve tract" shall not be further subdivided until such time
that the District is changed to another district which would permit a
greater density, or until each "reserve tract" is eligible for review
and consideration for other uses and densities, consistent with the
Whatcom County Planning Process and Comprehensive Plan revision.
(4) The purpose of the reserve tract as stated in Section .350, Paragraph
1, 2 and 3, shall be communicated in writing on the face of the plat or
short plat; also, the number of developable building sites remaining
(if any) with the original parcel of record, based on the assigned
density, shall also be prominently displayed on the plat or short plat.
Whatcom County shall make every effort to assist all agents in
communicating clearly such information to all purchasers and
prospective purchasers of building lots or "reserve tracts."
(5) That the above stated requirements (2) to (4) shall be recorded as a
deed restriction at the time of filing of the final plat or short plat,
and shall constitute an agreement between Whatcom County and the owner
of record. Said deed restriction may be amended by mutual agreement
CHAPTER 20.36
between said parties after review for consistency and compliance with
the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, the Whatcom County
Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
20.36.350 BUILDING SETBACKS
Building setbacks shall be administered pursuant to WCC 20.80.200 (Setback
Requirements).
20.36.400 HEIGHT LIMITATIONS
Maximum height shall be limited to thirty -five (35) feet. Height of structures
shall also conform, where applicable, to the general requirements of
WCC 20.80.675. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h) and (s))
20.36.450 LOT COVERAGE
No structure or combination of structures, including accessory buildings, shall
occupy or cover more than thirty -five percent (35 %) of the total area.
20.36.650 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
.651 Plat Language for Proposed Subdivisions:
When a proposed subdivision, binding site plan or short subdivision will be
located adjacent to or across a right- of-way from an existing agricultural
or forestry land -use district, the developer and any subsequent purchasers
or successors in interest shall agree to refrain from any legal action to
restrain or collect damages from the owners of such adjacent properties, or
from Whatcom County, arising out of any reasonable and lawful activity on
said agricultural or forestry lands which occurs in the normal course of
their established use. The agreement shall appear as a covenant or deed
restriction upon the plat and each lot thereof, and shall run with the land.
Said covenant or deed restriction may be removed by submission to and
approval by the Whatcom County Hearing Examiner, of a petition representing
a majority of the land owned by ad�aeent--affeeted property owners within
three hundred (300) feet of the plat boundary. However, the Hearing
Examiner shall remove the restriction only upon finding that the risk of
liability to Whatcom County of the previously existing agricultural or
forestry uses will not be increased thereby.
.652 Parking Requirements:
Parking shall conform to the requirements of Section 20.80.700 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance. However, recreation vehicles, and
boat parking and storage shall be limited to side and rear yards. For
clustered lots created pursuant to Section 20.36.300, recreational vehicles,
and boat parking and storage shall be located in an identifiable area and
screened so that the vehicles or boats shall not be visible by adjoining
properties.
.653 Livestock Regulations:
The keeping of livestock shall be administered pursuant to WCC 20.80.800
(Supplementary Requirements).
AGRICULTURE (AG) DISTRICT
20.40.010 PURPOSE
CHAPTER 20.40
The primary purpose of this District is to allow the type of activity that
preserves, enhances and supports the opportunity for the production of food and
fiber in Whatcom County. It is the intent of this District that such activity
will maintain a sufficiently large scale of agriculture to assure the economic
feasibility of necessary supporting services to the agricultural sector. In
addition, the nature of nonfarm activity allowed in this district shall be of the
intensity to preclude excessive tax burdens as a result of urban encroachment and
attendant public service costs. To avoid excessive tax burdens, division of
agricultural land for residential purposes shall be discouraged.
20.40.050 PERMITTED USES
Unless otherwise provided herein, permitted, accessory and conditional uses shall
be administered pursuant to the applicable provisions of Chapter 20.80
(Supplementary Requirements) and Chapter 20.84 (Variances, Conditional Uses and
Appeals) of the Official Whatcom County zoning Ordinance, the Whatcom County SEPA
Ordinance, the Whatcom County Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom County
Shoreline Management Program.
.051 Dairying, raising of livestock, husbandry of small animals, raising of
crops, raising of fruits, berries, greenhouse operations, beekeeping -of -been
apiaries and apiculture, and raising of mushrooms; including processing of
locally harvested crops using temporary portable equipment.
20.40.100 ACCESSORY USES
101 Any use on the farm which is ancillary to the normal operation of the
primary permitted uses.
.102 One single - family detached dwelling shall be permitted as an accessory use
for:
(1) Each forty (40) acres (nominal area) or each fractional one - sixteenth
(1 /16th) part of a section, which is owned or customarily operated as a
single farm unit; or for
(2) Each parcel of record, provided that the deeds of all adjoining lands
in the same ownership and having boundaries in common have been
consolidated by recording of a new deed which unifies the descriptions
of the adjoining parcels so they are no longer divided.
(3) Any parcel approved for the purposes stated in WCC 20.40.251(4).
103 Additional single - family detached dwellings shall be permitted as accessory
.uses provided:
(1) All dwellings on the property will be occupied by persons and families
engaged in the ownership and /or operation of the farm;
(2) A deed restriction recorded with the Whatcom County Auditor is attached
to the dwelling at the time of building permit issuance, stating that
CHAPTER 20.40
the dwelling cannot be sold separately from the farm; except as
provided for in Section 20.40.250 of the Agriculture District, or in
the event the zone is changed to another zone district that would
permit the land division;
(3) All land not occupied in homesites shall be kept in primary
permitted uses;
(4) The titles of all adjoining lands in the same ownership and having
boundaries in common have been consolidated by recording of a new deed
which unifies the descriptions of the adjoining parcels so they are no
longer divided;
(5) An affidavit sworn before a notary public is filed with the application
for a building permit to verify compliance with the above.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.104 An additional single - family detached dwelling shall be permitted for a
retiring farm owner who has legally resided on the property and operated the
farm full -time at least five (5) years.
105 Marketing of agricultural products grown within Whatcom County by the farm
operator provided:
(1) Only one stand containing not more than five hundred (500) square feet
of floor area shall be permitted.
(2) Such stand shall be subject to the setback requirements of
Section 20.80.200 of the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
(3) Such stand shall be provided with a sufficient area to permit at least
five (5) automobiles to park safely off the road right- of-way and to
re -enter the traffic in a forward direction.
.106 Home occupations, when in compliance with the following:
(1) The occupation or profession shall be carried out primarily within the
principal or accessory buildings.
(2) Not more than two (2) persons outside the immediate family shall be
employed in the home occupation.
.107 Noncommercial extraction of sand gravel or both; provided the top soil
remains on -site. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.108 Private noncommercial boat docks, launches, ramps, floats, moorages and
boathouses pursuant to the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program.
.109 Other accessory uses incidental to the primary permitted uses.
= I_1( �-- Temrorarr- dwe4 +int- - tnii�not -Ies - -than -359- square --feet; �mmttrdinrg -tt iVB�
- trarl�ers -��- - recr�at i+anai- vela- i�ee- -w�le� #4ie= t�-i�- �a - c�oeeeo#� -do- ��
-s4t-e- sewage - for- - -use -- r3-- ewieFs-- der4:R* -- the- -peFi-ec --of --
-een&tr- uet4en -ef --a- -peFinanex* -dwel4 i-rAE- 4qhi-le - -t-he -bu-i4d!n&L-.seim-i.t- }e -val}d r ter%
-te -ex eeed two- 42,)- -year-&,-
CHAPTER 20.40
20.40.150 CONDITIONAL USES
.151 Public and community facilities, including Ffire stations, scheela-
churchea; libraries, community clubs centers; and the expansion of said
uses, provided that all new construction must be located fifty (50) feet or
more from external property lines.
.1512 Public schools, and parochial or private schools; provided such schools
shall be approved by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
.1513 Churches, educational and religious training institutions, and summer
camps.
.15-24 Animal hospitals and accessory kennels and accessory stables, provided:
(1) No animal enclosure or building shall be closer than one hundred and
fifty (150) feet to the external property lines.
(2) Such facilities must have a waste disposal program approved by the
,County Health Department.
(3) Such facility shall be operated at all times in a manner specifically
designed to prevent the use of facilities from becoming a nuisance,
either public or private, and the Hearing Examiner shall require of the
applicant a detailed program to minimize potential annoying effects;
said program to be recorded as one of the conditions attached to the
permit.
.1535 Multiple - family attached or clustered housing or camping facilities to
accommodate seasonal agricultural employees provided:
(1) In addition to any other setback requirements contained herein, such
multi_ family facilities shall be located at least one - hundred and fifty
(150) feet from any existing dwelling not on the same property and
fifty (50) feet from any property line; and
(2) Such facilities shall conform with applicable building and health
regulations; and
(3) Such facilities shall be occupied only by agricultural employees and
their immediate families.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(e))
.1546 Aircraft landing strips when solely for agricultural uses; provided no
landing strip shall be located within two hundred and fifty (250) feet
from the centerline of the landing strip to any property line, building
or structure. The Hearing Examiner shall be further guided by the
safety recommendations of the Federal Aviation Administration.
.1557 Fish farms and aquaculture and mariculture projects; provided that no
new seafood or fish raising facilities or ponds shall be located within
one thousand (1,000) feet of agricultural operations requiring
CHAPTER 20.40
pesticide, weedicide, and /or herbicide applications as part of their
normal farm practices.
.1568 Home occupations employing from three to six persons outside the
immediate family, provided that the Hearing Examiner shall make a
finding that the proposed home occupations is consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan and with the purpose or regulations of the
Agricultural District.
1579 Public outdoor recreation where density of persons per unit of land
area is low and structure or site grade changes are not necessary;
including but not limited to fishing, hunting, hiking, horseback riding
and bicycling, but not including recreational vehicle parks and
campgrounds.
15860 Public utilities pursuant to Chapter 20.82 of the Official Whatcom
County Zoning Ordinance.
.15961 Rendering plants.
.1602 Processing of agricultural and forestry products utilizing permanent
equipment, provided the locations, scale and character of the operation
is determined by the Hearing Examiner to be appropriate in the specific
situation and to the Agriculture District, in general.
.16 -13 Solid waste disposal facilities and sites.
.1624 Restaurants, when located on the same property and subordinate to a
permanent facility for the processing of agricultural products into
food or beverage for human consumption, provided that the size, scale
and character of the restaurant facility are compatible with the
agricultural /rural character of the surrounding area and are consistent
with the general purpose of the zone district.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.1635 Commercial extraction of sand or gravel or both, and accessory washing
and sorting; provided the Hearing Examiner has determined, through
information provided by the applicant, that:
(1) The operation(s) will not result in excavation, or location of
structures, buildings or nonmobile machinery within 500 feet of any
zone district other than Forestry or industrial; and will not result in
the location of structures, buildings or nonmobile machinery within
100 feet of adjoining property lines.
(2) The operation(s) will not impair stability or cause lateral movements
such as slump, creep or landslide, or cause soil erosion or
sedimentation beyond the exterior property lines of the site.
(3) The operation(s) will be in compliance with other ordinances and laws,
such as but not limited to the Washington State Surface Mining Act
(RCW 78.44), the Surface Mined Reclamation Act (WAC 332 -18) and the
Washington State Hydraulic Act (RCW 75.20).
CHAPTER 20.40
(4) The operation(s) will have sufficient water for washing sand or gravel
or both, and will employ methods to minimize sedimentation of water
sources, as necessary.
(5) The site contains sand or gravel resources.
(6) The site is underlain by soils that are identified in the "Soil
Survey: Whatcom County, Washington" (Soil Conservation Service) as
probable sources of sand or gravel or both.
In addition, the Hearing Examiner shall impose the following conditions of
approval, as appropriate, which are intended to protect the value, use and
enjoyment of adjacent properties; as well as provide for subsequent
agricultural or related uses of the site.
(7) Hours of operation.
(8) Buffer areas and visual screening.
(9) Protective fencing and posted "no trespassing" signs.
(10) Drainage and stormwater runoff control.
(11) Haul road agreements.
(12) Setbacks for the excavation area; or structures, buildings or nonmobile
machinery associated with extraction, washing or sorting, that will be
adequate to minimize potential adverse impacts to adjoining properties
or county road rights -of way.
(13) Extraction depth will be no deeper than five (5) feet above the
regional water table, computed on the basis of yearly average
elevation, as determined by well log data or other geologic or
hydrologic data.
(14) A reclamation plan providing for:
(a) stock piling top soil for subsequent use during reclamation;
(b) top soil protection by seeding during the time period it is stock
piled.
(c) reclamation in two (2) to ten (10) acre increments, as
appropriately responsive to the size and intensity of the
particular excavation activity; seeding to be accomplished
annually by September 30;
(d) reclamation materials that are nonnoxious, nonflamable and
noncombustible;
(e) the intended subsequent agricultural or related use of the site,
consistent with the permitted, accessory and conditional uses of
the Agriculture zone district;
CHAPTER 20.40
(f) reclaimed side slopes that appropriate for the subsequent use of
the site, that in no case shall be steeper than one and one -half
(1 1/2) feet horizontal to one (1) foot vertical;
(g) vegetative cover that is appropriate for the intended subsequent
use of the site; and
(h) final topography that is consistent with the surrounding area and
doesn't extend below grade.
(15) Performance bonds that are intended to assure that the provisions of
the reclamation plan, WCC 20.40.162 (14.c, 14.d, 14.f, 14.g and 14.h)
are accomplished, provided:
(a) the Whatcom County Public Works Department shall determine the
amount and administer the performance bond when the proposal is to
extract less than 10,000 tons of sand or gravel or both per year,
or when less than two (2) acres of surface area will be disturbed
per year; or
(b) the Washington State Department of Natural Resources shall
determine the amount and administer the performance bond when the
thresholds of extraction in 15.a above, are exceeded.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.1646 Commercial operations that directly provide goods or services to
agricultural operators with the intent of augmenting agricultural
operations, including but not limited to livestock auction facilities,
hay sales and storage, sawdust sales and storage, farm equipment
service and repair, and farm chemical applicator establishments,
provided the applicant demonstrates:
(1) that locating the prospective commercial operation within the
Agriculture District better serves the agricultural operator than if
the commercial operation is located in another district;
(2) the site is better used for agricultural services than the raising of
crops or livestock; and
(3) the prospective commercial operation is limited to directly serving
agricultural operators and doesn't include the manufacture of farm
related implements.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.1657 Health care facilities, provided the applicant demonstrates and the
Hearing Examiner finds:
(1) the site is better used for health care services than the raising of
crops or livestock;
(2) locational criteria for the specific health care facility make other
zone districts unsuitable;
(3) specific site conditions render the proposed location to be difficult
or unsuitable for agricultural operations including topography, poor
CHAPTER 20.40
soils, poor drainage, the need to clear extensive amounts of land,
etc.;
(4) adequate measures will be employed to protect the use and enjoyment of
adjoining properties and the general neighborhood, including buffering,
screening and use of an appropriately sized parcel; and
(5) the benefit to society as a whole is greater than the benefit to the
Agriculture District.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.168 Accessory apartments to single - family detached residences, provided that:
There shall be not more than one (1) accessory apartment per lot;
The owner(s) of the one - family lot upon which the accessory apartment
is located shall occupy at least one (1) of the dwelling units on the
premises;
(3) Adequate provision has been made for the disposal of sewage, waste and
drainage generated by the occupancy of such accessory apartment;
There shall be only one (1) front entrance to the house visible from
the front yard and street;
The accessory apartment shall be clearly a subordinate part of an
existing building attached by a common wall, floor or ceiling and not
simply by an attached breezeway or porch, and there shall be no
external evidence of occupancy of more than one dwelling unit;
No additional parking is required when adding an accessory apartment.
(7) When the total area of the existing dwelling unit plus the accessory
apartment is greater than 2,000 square feet, the accessory apartment
shall be no larger than 600 square feet in area; and
The construction and occupancy of the accessory apartment shall not be
detrimental to the neighborhood in which the lot is located.
.169 A manufactured home, a fully serviced travel trailer or motor home, to
provide:
(1) A temporary dwelling space for family members who, due to
professionally documented physical or mental disorders, or risks of
such disorders, require daily supervision and care where such care is
provided by members of the family who reside on the property; or,
(2) A temporary dwelling space for a third party where the person requiring
supervision and care in the manner described above is the resident
owner of the subject property;
PROVIDED, that
- (3) Such conditional use shall only be permitted on fully serviced parcels
on which applicant can meet setback, ingress, egress, height
restrictions, and lot coverage requirements;
CHAPTER 20.40
(4) The size of the temporary dwelling shall be appropriate to the use and
size of the parcel and shall be limited so as to comply with the
standards set forth in (3) above;
(5) The temporary home shall be connected to an approved water supply and
adequate capacity sewage disposal system;
(6) When the need for daily care no longer becomes necessary, the temporary
home shall be removed;
(T) The permit shall be valued valid for a one -year period. Said permit
may be extended on a yearly basis provided that an affidavit is
furnished by the permittee affirming that the circumstances requiring
allowing the original permit remain in effect.
(8) A covenant shall be filed that restricts sale of the property while the
temporary dwelling is in place.
20.40.200 PROHIBITED USES
All other uses.
20.40.250 MINIMUM LOT SIZE AND LAND SUBDIVISION
.251 All divisions of land in the Agriculture District shall be approved and
filed for record prior to sale, in accordance with the local and state
subdivision laws. No division which creates any parcel of less area than
forty (40) acres or less road frontage than six hundred (600) feet shall be
permitted, consistent with the following criteria; provided that intensive
agriculture shall be determined by considering the amount of land
customarily used for a specific form of agriculture, customary farm gate
values for a specific form of agriculture, soil type and attendant estimated
crop production, agricultural improvements, and the prevailing size of
surrounding parcels used for agricultural operations.,
(1) Each parcel created by the division will assist the consolidation of
adjacent agricultural operations into more economic farming units;
provided resulting parcels are at least ten (10) acres in size; or
(2) Each parcel created by the division will facilitate intensive
agricultural operations; provided resulting parcels are at least ten
(10) acres in size; or
(3) The division is to allow the landowner retiring from agricultural
operation to continue to occupy the farmstead house and to retain those
buildings accessory thereto, provided:
(a) that said farmstead land area is not less than one acre or more
than five acres; and
(b) that said retiring landowner has legally resided on said farmstead
for at least five (5) years; and —
CHAPTER 20.40
(c) that said retiring landowner or their heirs grant a future right
of first refusal of six (6) months to the purchaser or subsequent
landowner of the farm unit land to purchase said farmstead
buildings and land before they are offered on the open market;
(d) that said retiring landowner(s) shall retain ownership for a
minimum of five (5) years or until the death of one of the owners,
if that should occur earlier; or
(4) The division is to allow for realization of a security interest entered
into for the purpose of financing a new house provided that the divided
parcel shall not be sold separately from the farm except in the event
of foreclosure or forfeiture; or
(5) The division is for the purpose of a public use or expansion of such
uses pursuant to Section 20.40.151.
(6) The division is for the purpose of establishing a parcel for the
conduct of a conditional use provided in the Agriculture zone text.
(7) The division is to segregate the existing farm residence from the
farmstead, when the segregation is intended to facilitate financing of
the owner or operator, occupied new farm residence; provided that an
existing farm residence may be separated from the existing farm only
once every fifteen years, and the resultant parcel is no more than five
(5) acres in size.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.252 Consolidation of adjacent tracts in the same ownership may be required in
approval of any subdivision or short subdivision in the Agricultural
District.
.253 The burden of. establishing intent in and legal proceeding relating to a
transaction accomplished or proposed under the authority of this section
shall be'upon the land owner or purchaser.
20.40.350 BUILDING SETBACKS
Building setbacks shall be administered pursuant to WCC 20.80.200 (Setback
Requirements). Building setbacks for parcels of less than five (5) nominal acres
shall be administered pursuant to WCC 20.80.282 (3).
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
20.40.650 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
.651 Limitations on Feedlots:
(1) No feedlot in excess of three hundred and seventy -five (375) animal
units shall be located closer than one thousand (1,000) feet from a
residential, resort, commercial or industrial zone.
(2) All feedlots of seven hundred and fifty (750) animal units or larger
shall be located above the one hundred (100) year floodplain of all
river system Ti +hree- dred fifty f300- 50 feet from irrigation and
drainage ditches and waterways, and +hree- hundred fifty f8We 50 feet
CHAPTER 20.40
from the ordinary high water line of any lake and waterway. provided
that best management practices as determined by the Whatcom County
Conservation District are in place. If the best management practices
are not in place 300 feet shall be substituted for 50 feet.
(3) Animal units shall be calculated by adding the following numbers: the
number of slaughter and feeder cattle multiplied by 1.0, plus the
number of mature dairy cattle multiplied by 1.4, plus the number of
swine weighing greater than 55 pounds multiplied by 0.4, plus the
number of sheep or lamb multiplied by 0.1, plus the number of horses
multiplied by 2.0, plus the number of ducks multiplied by 0.2, plus the
number of hens or broilers (if the facility has continuous overflow
watering) multiplied by 0.01, plus the number of hens or broilers (if
the facility has a liquid manure handling system) multiplied by 0.33.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
CHAPTER 20.42
FORESTRY (F) DISTRICT
20.42.010 PURPOSE
The purpose of this district is to implement the Forestry designation of the
appropriate subarea comprehensive plan by providing for and encouraging the long-
term productivity, commercial management and sustained use of forest resources.
In addition, the district provides for uses that are compatible with forestry
activities, while maintaining water quality and soil productivity..
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
20.42.050 PERMITTED USES
Unless otherwise provided herein, permitted, accessory and conditional uses shall
be administered pursuant to the applicable provisions of Chapter 20.80 (Supple-
mentary Requirements) and Chapter 20.84 (Variances, Conditional Uses and Appeals)
of the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, the Whatcom County SEPA Ordi-
nance, the Whatcom County Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom County Shoreline
Management Program.
.051 The cultivation, harvest, and production of forest products or any forest
crop, in accordance with the Forest Practice Act of 1974.and any regulations
adopted pursuant thereto; and the cultivation, harvest and production of
ferns, moss, boughs, bark, berries, nuts tree fruits, tree seeds, nursery
stock, and Christmas trees. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.052 Agriculture, floriculture, horticulture, bee keeping; raising, keeping and
feeding of domestic animals, poultry and livestock; and structures accessory
to animal husbandry. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.053 Operation of sawmills, chippers, shake and shingle mills, scaling stations;
log dumps, sorting and storage areas; forest industry equipment maintenance
buildings and storage yards, and forest industry residue dumps and other
uses involved in the harvesting and primary processing of timber, provided:
that all such uses within one thousand (1,000) feet of any existing
residential or commercial zone district as well as the Recreation and Open
Space (ROS) District, or park, or recreation area shall be temporary and of
less than twelve (12) months duration.
(1) the intent of processing is initial reduction in bulk and /or to
facilitate transport to secondary processing centers, and
(2) all uses within one thousand (1,000) feet of a park, recreation area or
zone district other than .Rural, Agriculture or industrial, shall be
temporary and of less than twelve (12) months duration.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.054 The management and propagation of fish and wildlife.
.055 Watershed management practices, but not including water diversion
structures, impoundment dams or hydroelectric generation facilities.
.056 Single - family residential dwellings, together with the usual accessory
buildings and uses, provided the lot:
CHAPTER 20.42
(1) is at least twenty (20) nominal acres in size; or
(2) has been created through the clustering provisions of WCC 20.42.300; or
(3) has been created through the planned unit developments provisions of
WCC 20.85.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.057 Home occupations, when in compliance with the following:
(1) The occupation or profession shall be carried out wholly within the
principal or accessory buildings, and
(2) Not more than two persons outside the immediate family shall be
employed in the home occupation.
.058 Surface mining, excavation or removal of sand, gravel, clay, rock or other
materials in remote areas (as defined in WAC 332 -18- 010(3)) by an owner or
holder of possessory interest in land for the primary purpose of construc-
tion or maintenance of access roads in the Forestry zone district.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.059 Communication relay stations.
.060 Living quarters for trail crews, fire crews, nursery crews, logging crews,
maintenance crews and watchmen.
.061 Hydroelectric power generation facilities using only diversion structures,
and cogeneration facilities; provided that the power shall be to serve and
will be associated with a permitted or conditional use situated in the
Forestry zone district. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1.)(bb))
.062 Storage of explosives operated in compliance with RCW 70.74.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.063 Trails. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
20.42.150 CONDITIONAL USES
The conditional uses listed herein shall be administered pursuant to the applic-
able provisions of Chapter 20.80 (Supplementary Requirements) and Chapter 20.84
(Variances, Conditional Uses and Appeals) of the Official Whatcom County Zoning
Ordinance, the Whatcom County SEPA Ordinance, the Whatcom County Subdivision
Ordinance and the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program. Applicable
conditional use permit criteria are established in the provisions of Section
20.42.900 of this district and will not be subject to the conditional use
criteria provided for in Section 20.84.220 of this Ordinance.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.151 Construction and operation of water diversion structures, impoundment dams
and hydroelectric generating facilities not permitted under WCC 20.42.061.
.152 Petroleum drilling and exploratory drilling, geothermal energy drilling and
exploratory wells. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
CHAPTER 20.42
.153 Commercial surface mining of sand, gravel, clay or other minerals not
permitted by WCC 20.42.058 and WCC 20.42.059, and primary processing of such
minerals as follows:
(1) The Whatcom County Hearing Examiner shall approve the conditional use
permit, if the proposal:
(a) Will not result in excavation, or location of structures,
buildings within 500 feet of any zone district other than Forestry
or industrial; or within 150 feet of any county road right -of -way;
(b) Will not impair lateral support or cause earth movements or
erosion beyond the exterior property lines;
(c) Will not be hazardous to existing neighboring uses;
(d) Has complied with other ordinances and laws including but not
limited to the Washington State Surface Mining Act (RCW 78.44),
the Surface Mined Reclamation Act (WAC 332 -18) and the Washington
State Hydraulic Act (RCW 75.20).
(2) In addition, the Hearing Examiner may impose conditions of approval
that may be necessary to protect the value, use and enjoyment of-
existing adjacent uses, including:
(a) Buffer areas and visual screening;
(b) Performance and maintenance bonds;
(c) Reclamation plans;
(d) Drainage control;
(e) Hours of operation; and
(f) Protective fencing.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
154 Operation of indoor or outdoor recreation facilities including public or
institutional camps, community centers, campgrounds, parks, marinas, game
reserves, riding academies, developed trail heads, off -road vehicle parks,
excluding camping clubs and trailer- pnrksT recreational vehicle and travel
trailer park. (Amended per.WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.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.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.156 One single - family home and accessory buildings on pre- existing parcels less
than twenty (20) acres nominal size; provided, however, that the Hearing
Examiner shall find by a preponderance of evidence:
(1) Sewage disposal system or soil suitable for sewage disposal by septic
tanks and drainfields;
CHAPTER 20.42
(2) Approved water supply or availability of a suitable source of water on
the site;
(3) Domestic water supply sources that will not be located within one
hundred (100) feet of the property boundary or on an adjacent property
without written consent of the adjacent property owner;
(4) Feasible road access;
(5) Adequate fire protection;
(6) Available electric power; or
(7) A sufficient.number of residences in the area to make denial of a
permit for residential construction a substantial hardship to the
applicant.
(Amended per WCC.20.04.080(1)(bb))
.157 The operation of fur farms and kennels.
.158 Major utility and communication facilities, including but not limited to,
overhead transmission lines, power generation plants, and underground
pipelines which are designed to serve areas beyond the local community.
.159 Primary or low intensity, secondary processing facilities of timber not
permitted in WCC 20.42.053; excluding pulp, paper or plywood mills.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
20.42.200 PROHIBITED USES
All other uses.
20.42.250 MINIMUM LOT SIZE AND WIDTH
251 For the purpose of creating new building lots within the Forestry District,
one land use density is provided. The minimum lot size requirements for new
construction vary according to the method of subdivision. When the
conventional subdivision method is used to create new building lots, the
minimum lot size shall be twenty (20) nominal acres or one - thirty second
(1/32) of a section, less roads. When the lot cluster subdivision method is
used, the minimum lot size is based on consideration of the District's
setback requirements (WCC 20.80.200) and Health Department requirements for
on -site wastewater disposal. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.252 Maximum Density and Minimum Lot Size
MIN. RESERVE
GROSS MINIMUM LOT SIZE AREA (CLUSTER
DISTRICT DENSITY CONVENTIONAL /CLUSTER SUBDIVISION)
Forestry . 1 dwelling unit /20 acres 20 acres 1 acre 701,
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
CHAPTER 20.42
.253 Minimum Lot Width and Depth
WIDTH AT STREET LINE WIDTH AT BLDG. LINE MINIMUM
DISTRICT CONVENTIONAL /CLUSTER CONVENTIONAL /CLUSTER MEAN DEPTH
Forestry 535' 70'* 270' 80' 100'
*Thirty (30) feet on a cul -de -sac only. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
20.42.300 LOT CLUSTERING AND RESERVE TRACT
.310 Lot Clustering
The purpose of lot clustering is to provide a method of creating economical
building lots with spatially efficient sizes. Clustering is intended to
reduce development cost, increase energy efficiency and reserve areas of
land which are suitable for agriculture, forestry, open space or possible
future development. The creation of new building lots, pursuant to this
section, shall be governed by the following recommended design standards:
(1) Clustered building lots may only be crated by subdivision or short
subdivision.
(2) Building lots should be designed and located to the fullest extent
possible, to be compatible with valuable or unique natural features, as
well as physical constraints of the site.
(3) Where practical, the majority of building sites should be arranged in a
cluster or concentrated pattern to be compatible with physical site
features, allow for efficient conversion of the "reserve tract" to
other uses in the future, and have no more than two encroachments on
existing county roads. The arrangement of clustered building lots is
intended to discourage development forms commonly known as linear,
straight -line or highway strip patterns.
(4) Common access to clustered building lots should be provided by short
length roads or loop roads. In addition, interior streets shall be
designed to allow access to the "reserve tract" for the purpose of
future approved development.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.320 Reserve Tract
For the purpose of this section, "reserve tract" is defined as that portion
a proposed subdivision or short subdivision that is intended for agricultu-
ral, forestry, open space, or future development purposes. All "reserve
tracts" created through subdividing shall be subject to the following
provisions:
(1) After a site is initially subdivided pursuant to this section, the
"reserve tract" may be retained by the subdivider, conveyed to
residents of the subdivision or conveyed to a third party.
CHAPTER 20.42
(2) The "reserve tract" may be considered as building lot; provided the lot
is included in the overall density calculation of the original parcel
of record.
(3) The "reserve tract" shall be further subdivided until the time the
district is changed to another district that would permit a greater
density, or until each "reserve tract" is eligible for review and
consideration for other uses and densities, consistent with the Whatcom
County Planning Process and comprehensive plan revision.
(4) The purpose of the "reserve tract" as stated in Section 20.42.320,
paragraph 1, 2 and 3 shall be communicated in writing on the face of
the plat or short plat. In addition, the number of developable
building sites remaining (if any) with the original parcel of record,
based on the assigned density, shall be prominently displayed on the
plat or short plat. Whatcom County shall make every effort to assist
all agents in clearly communicating the information to all purchasers
and prospective purchasers of building lots or "reserve tracts."
(5) The above stated requirements in paragraphs (2) through (4) shall be
recorded as a deed restriction at the time of filing the final plat or
short plat and shall constitute an agreement between Whatcom County and
the owner of record. The deed restriction may be amended by mutual
agreement between Whatcom County and the owner of record, after review
for consistency and compliance with the Official Whatcom County Zoning
Ordinance, the Whatcom County Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom
County Comprehensive Plan.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
20.42.330 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
Building lots may be created through a planned unit development process,
consistent with WCC 20.85 of the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
20.42.350 BUILDING SETBACKS
Building setbacks shall be administered pursuant to WCC 20.80.200 (Setback
Requirements). Building - setbacks for parcels of less than five (5) nominal acres
shall be administered pursuant to WCC 20.80.283(2).
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
20.42.400 HEIGHT LIMITATIONS
No residential structures or buildings accessory thereto with the exception of
barns and silos shall exceed a height of thirty -five (35) feet.
20.42.450 LOT COVERAGE
No more than twenty -five (25 %) of the lot area shall be permanently altered for
removed from production of forest products, excluding natural meadows, bogs,
surface water and rock outcrops, unless authorized as a conditional use; or
unless the lot is created through the clustering provision of WCC 20.42.300 or
the planned unit development provision of WCC 20.85, in which case, no structure
CHAPTER 20.42
or combination of structures, including accessory buildings, shall occupy or
cover more than thirty -five (35 %) of the lot. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
20.42.550 REFORESTATION AREA
Upon completion of forest harvest operations, the highest priority for
reforestation shall be given to that land within 100 feet of another zone
district. Reforestation shall utilize seedlings or whips and shall be consistent
with the Forest Practice Act of 1974, as amended.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
20.42.650 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
.651 Plat Language For Proposed Subdivisions:
When a proposed subdivision, binding site plan or short subdivision will be
located adjacent to or across a right- of-way from an existing agricultural
or forestry imsd-twe district, the developer and any subsequent purchaser or
successors in interest shall agree to refrain from any legal action to
restrain or collect damages from the owners of such adjacent properties, or
from Whatcom County, arising out of any reasonable and lawful activity on
said agricultural or forestry land which occurs in the normal course of
their established use. The agreement shall appear as a covenant or deed
restriction upon the plat and each lot thereof, and shall run with the land.
Said covenant or deed restriction may be removed by submission to and
approval by the Whatcom County Hearing Examiner, of a petition representing
a majority of the land owned by adkneent-- affeeted property owners within
three - hundred (300) feet of the plat boundary. However, the Hearing
Examiner shall remove the restriction only upon finding that the risk of
liability to Whatcom County will not be increased thereby.
.652 Parking Requirements:
Parking shall conform to the requirements of Section 20.80.700 of the
official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance. However, recreation vehicles and
boat parking and storage shall be limited to side and rear yards.
.653 Livestock Regulations:
The keeping of livestock shall be administered pursuant to WCC 20.80.800
(Supplementary Requirements).
.654 Domestic Water Supplies:
Domestic water supply sources shall not be located within one hundred (100)
feet of the property boundary or on an adjacent property without written
consent of the adjacent property owner. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(l)(bb))
20.42.900 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CRITERIA
.90.1 The conditional uses listed in Section 20.42.150 shall be subject to the
following Forestry conditional use criteria. Said criteria listed in
Section 20.42.902 shall supercede the criteria listed in Section 20.84.220.
CHAPTER 20.42
.902 Before approving an application for a Conditional Use permit, the Hearing
Examiner shall ensure that any specific standards of the use district
defining the conditional use are fulfilled and shall find adequate evidence
showing that the proposed conditional use at the proposed location will:
(1) Be in accordance with all applicable local and state laws, standards
and regulations;
(2) Be reasonably compatible with the surrounding environment and with the
policies of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan;
(3) Not generate traffic in excess of capacity of the public road system at
reasonable safety and service levels;
(4) Not create unreasonable demands for public expenditures to provide
services, facilities, or utilities beyond that which is normally
required for permitted uses in the Forestry District;
(5) Provide entrances to public roads or private roads open to public use
in accordance with applicable County or State standards;
(6) Provide reasonable sound and sight buffering so as not to detract from
normal use of surrounding property, public and private roads, and
trails open to public use;
(7) Be located a reasonable distance from areas of actual or potential
natural hazard;
(8) Not unreasonably contribute to actual or potential water quality or
quantity problems;
(9) Be designed to provide reasonable safety from fire hazard;
(10) Not unreasonably interfere with any territorial or otherwise
significant view from surrounding property and public roads;
(11) Not remove areas of .native vegetation which protect shorelines and
streambanks from erosion, except as necessary for such uses as
culverts, bridges, boat ramps, recreation areas and stream bank
stabilization projects; and
(12) TTiclude reasonable soil erosion plans necessary to prevent soil,
organic debris and other pollutants from entering streams, ponds, or
lakes.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL CENTER (NC) DISTRICT
20.60.010 PURPOSE
CHAPTER 20.60
The purpose of the Neighborhood Commercial District is to provide for small,
concentrated land areas intended for retail sales of convenience goods and
services to persons residing within a neighborhood trade or service area. An
additional purpose of the District is to provide developmental standards aimed at
achieving cohesive, coordinated development within this District and achieving
compatibility between commercial and surrounding residential uses. The
appropriate location of the Neighborhood Commercial District is addressed in the
policies of the respective Subarea Comprehensive Plan.
20.60.050 PERMITTED USES
The following permitted uses shall be allowed subject to an evaluation by the
Zoning Administrator pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter and
Chapter 20.80. In addition, each permitted use shall be administered pursuant to
the applicable provisions of the Whatcom County SEPA Ordinance, the Whatcom
County Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program.
.051 Barber and beauty shops.
.052 Baker shop.
.053 Drug store.
.054 Food market.
.055 Hardware store.
.056 Stationery store.
.057 Other convenience retail atones shops not greater than 2,500 square feet Per
shop.
.058 Professional offices not greater than 2,500 square feet per business.
.059 Adult or child day care centers.
20.60.100 ACCESSORY USES
.101 Single - family dwellings.
20.60.150 CONDITIONAL USES
Unless otherwise provided herein, conditional uses shall be administered pursuant
to the applicable provisions of Chapter 20.84 (Variances, Conditional Uses and
Appeals) of the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, the Whatcom County SEPA
Ordinance, the Official Whatcom :County Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom
County Shoreline Management Program.
CHAPTER 20.60
.151 Service station.
.152 Laundry and dry cleaning establishments.
.153 Eating and drinking establishments..
20.60.200 PROHIBITED USES
All other uses.
20.60.250 MINIMUM LOT SIZE
The minimum lot size shall be consistent with the area required to meet the
Building Setback, Lot Coverage and Development Standards of this District.
20.60.300 MAXIMUM BUILDING SIZE
.301 Maximum allowable floor area shall not exceed 6,000 square feet per indivi-
dual use allowed in the District.
.302 The aggregate floor area of all buildings within each Neighborhood
Commercial zone district shall not exceed 30,000 square feet.
20.60.350 BUILDING SETBACKS
Building setbacks shall be administered pursuant to Section 20.80.200 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
20.60.400 HEIGHT LIMITATIONS
Maximum building height shall not exceed twenty -five (25) feet.
20.60.450 LOT COVERAGE
Buildings or structures shall not occupy more than thirty percent (30%) of a
parcel.
20.60.500 OPEN SPACE
At least fifteen percent (15 %) of the site shall be kept free of buildings,
structures, hard surfacing, parking areas and other impervious surfaces.
20.60.550 BUFFER AREA
.551 When parcels situated within this District adjoin an Urban Residential,
Residential Rural or Rural district, side and rear yard setbacks shall be
increased to twenty -five (25) feet.
-Y
CHAPTER 20.60
.552 When parcels situated within this District are between an interstate highway
and a Residential Rural or Rural district, the setback on sides adjoining
the Residential Rural or Rural districts and paralleling the interstate
shall be increased to 100 feet. This buffer shall not be altered from
existing dense natural vegetation or, where vegetation is lacking, shall be
landscaped so as to provide a dense vegetative screen.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(aa))
20.60.600 SIGN REGULATIONS
Sign regulations shall be administered pursuant to Section 20.80.500 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
20.60.650 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
.651 Facility Design: Individual development within a Neighborhood Commercial
zone district shall be designed to accommodate additional commercial
development on adjacent property in an integrated manner. Consistent
architectural treatment among structures is encouraged. Each development
shall screen roof - mounted mechanical equipment so as not to be visible by
surrounding uses or roads.
.652 Landscaping: A landscape plan, pursuant to Section 20.80.610 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, shall be submitted to the Zoning
Administrator for approval. The plan shall conform to the following
requirements:
(1) Fifteen (15) feet within the front yard setback and situated adjacent
to the road shall be naed -only for landscaping, except for driveways,
walkways and signs consistent with the provisions of Section
20.60.653(1). The-remainder - setback- mar -be -used -for
bicycle parking.
(2) Screening shall be provided for buildings, storage areas and parking
areas which abut noncommercial or nonindustrial districts. If
screening consists of a fence or wall, it shall not be less than six
(6) feet nor more than seven (7) feet in height; and it shall be
supplemented by a planting strip of vegetation at least four (4) feet
in widthr-- 6ueh- vegetatirnz and shall not obstruct necessary vision of
pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
(3) Fences and walls shall be kept in good repair, and dead or dying
vegetation shall be replaced immediately.
.653 Off- street parking and loading:
(1) For interior lots, no vehicular parking or driveways shall be allowed
between a store and public right- of-way unless an overall site plan
with landscaping is approved by the Zoning Administrator; and for
corner lots, no parking or driveway shall be allowed between a store
and the right- of-way the store fronts, unless an overall site plan with
landscaping is approved.
CHAPTER 20.60
(2) A bicycle parking area at a rate of one space per one thousand (1,000)
square feet of floor area or a minimum of one space, whichever is
greater, shall be provided for each use. Each bicycle parking space
shall consist of a rack or other structure designed for the lock -up of
a bicycle.
(3) If two of more businesses adjoin each other are otherwise designed and
developed in a coordinated fashion as determined by the Zoning
Administrator in order to utilize . shared parking facilities, then the
total number of required parking spaces for all the uses involved shall
be reduced by 30% or not less than five (5) spaces per retail
establishment, whichever is greater.
(4) Except as provided in this section, off- street parking and loading
shall be administered pursuant to Section 20.80.700 of the Official
Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
.654 Sidewalks: Sidewalks shall be installed pursuant to the requirements of the
County Engineer.
.655 Drainage: Drainage plans shall be reviewed and approved by the County
Engineer, pursuant to Section,20.80.630 of the Official Whatcom County
Zoning Ordinance.
.656 Driveways: Consistent with Section 20.80.640 of the Official.Whatcom County
Zoning Ordinance, driveway plans shall be.reviewed by the County Engineer or
State Department of Highways, as applicable. -
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.657 Access: Access shall conform to the provisions of Section 20.80.660766 of
the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
.658 Lighting: Lighting shall be designed to avoid excessive glare onto
neighboring properties, and to create safety hazards or unreasonable
interference with adjacent uses.
.659 Binding Site Plan: Should the commercial use be developed as part of a
binding site plan, it shall be administered pursuant to Title 21 of the
Whatcom County Code (Subdivision Regulations) and additional requirements,
as applicable.
20.60.700 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The following provisions shall apply to all uses within this District:
.701 There shall be no' storage or handling of hazardous, explosive, highly
flammable materials which would cause fire, explosion or safety hazards,
except the storage and dispensing of gasoline"in service stations.
CHAPTER 20.60
.702 There shall be no production of noise at any property line of any use in
this District in excess of the average intensity of street and traffic noise
found in the District.
.703 There shall be no emission of dust, dirt, odors, smoke, or toxic gases and
fumes.
.704 There shall be no production of heat, glare or vibration perceptible from
any property line of the premises upon which such heat, glare or vibration
is being generated.
.705 There shall be no storage or merchandising outdoors.
(District adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC) DISTRICT
20.62.010 PURPOSE
CHAPTER 20.62
The purpose of the General Commercial District is to provide land areas,
commensurate with the anticipated demand, for the siting of commercial uses which
serve the surrounding community with a broad range of retail goods and services.
Since general commercial uses are such that they attract clientele from a
relatively large trade area, the application of this district shall only be
utilized where transportation access can be maximized and incompatible impacts to
surrounding land uses minimized.
20.62.050 PERMITTED USES
Unless otherwise provided herein, permitted and conditional uses shall be
administered pursuant to the applicable provisions of Chapter 20.80
(Supplementary Requirements) and Chapter 20.84 (Variances, Conditional Uses and
Appeals) of the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, the Whatcom County SEPA
Ordinance, the Whatcom County Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom County
Shoreline Management Program.
.051 Automobile, motorcycle, marine and farm implement sales, repair and service;
provided that all repair services are conducted within an enclosed building.
.052 Automobile service stations, car washes and public garages.
.053 Mobile home and recreational vehicle sales.
.054 Eating and drinking establishments.
.055 Rental agencies.
.056 Indoor commercial recreation facilities limited to bowling alleys, skating
rinks, indoor theaters and physical fitness centers.
.057 Passenger terminal facilities.
.058 Service establishment including but not limited to barber and beauty shops,
laundries, dry cleaners, furniture repair, frozen food lockers, funeral
parlors, animal hospitals, auction houses, financial institutions, fraternal
organizations and professional offices.
.059 Retail establishments including but not limited
sundries, variety, building supplies, clothing,
sporting goods, appliance, music and pet stores.
060 Printing and publishing establishments.
.061 Public facilities and utilities.
.062 Rental storage establishments.
20.62.150 CONDITIONAL USES
.151 Commercial wholesaling.
to grocery, liquor, drug,
florist, nurseries, optical,
CHAPTER 20.62
.152 Churches.
.153 Amusement parks, outdoor theaters and other outdoor commercial recreation.
.154 Recreational vehicle parks for transient motor homes and tourist trailers.
.155 Animal kennels.
.156 Commercial truck service facilities including truck fueling, repair and
storage operations, overnight accommodations and restaurants.
.157 Golf course. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
20.62.200 PROHIBITED USES
All other uses.
20.62.250 MINIMUM LOT SIZE
The minimum lot size shall be consistent with the area required to meet the
Building Setback, Lot Coverage and Development Standards of this District.
20.62.350 BUILDING SETBACKS
Building setbacks shall be administered pursuant to Section 20.80.200 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
20.62.400 HEIGHT LIMITATIONS
Maximum building height shall not exceed thirty -five (35) feet. Height of
structures shall also conform, where applicable, to the general requirements of
WCC 20.80.675. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
20.62.450. LOT COVERAGE
No more than thirty percent (30 %) of a parcel shall be occupied by buildings or
structures.
20.62.500 OPEN SPACE
At least ten percent (10 %) of the site shall be kept free of buildings,
structures, hard surfacing, parking areas and other impervious surfaces.
20.62.550 BUFFER AREA
When parcels situated within this District adjoin an Urban Residential,
Residential -Rural or Rural district, side and rear yard setbacks shall be
increased to twenty -five (25) feet.
20.62.600 SIGN REGULATIONS
Sign regulations shall be administered pursuant to Section 20.80.500 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
CHAPTER 20.62
20.62.650 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
651 Landscaping: A landscape plan, pursuant to Section 20.80.610 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, shall be submitted to the Zoning
Administrator for approval. The plan shall conform to the following
requirements:
(1) Fifteen (15) feet within the front yard setback and situated adjacent
to the road shall be used -only -for landscaptnged, except for driveways,
walkways and signs. The remainder of the front yard setback may be
used for parking.
Properties which are generally located on the Guide Meridian between
Horton and Kellogg roads, and specifically identified in the Guide
Meridian Improvement Plan, shall be subject to the provisions of said
plan. The provisions of said plan shall supersede this chapter where
there is inconsistency in minimum building setback and landscape
requirements. (Amended per WCC 2O.O4.O8O(1)(n))
(2) Screening shall be provided for buildings, storage areas and parking
areas which abut noncommercial or nonindustrial districts, or where
said areas abut a use of substantially different character. If
screening consists of a fence or wall, it shall not be less than six
(6) feet nor more than seven (7) feet in height; and it shall be
supplemented by a planting strip of vegetation at least four (4) feet
in width.-- - Suck - vegetation ; and shall not obstruct necessary vision of
pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
(3) Fences and walls shall be kept in good repair, and dead or dying
vegetation shall be replaced immediately.
.652 Off- street parking and loading: Off- street parking and loading shall be
administered pursuant to Section 20.80.700 of the Official Whatcom County
Zoning Ordinance.
.653 Drainage: Drainage plans shall be reviewed and approved by the County
Engineer, pursuant to Section 20.80.630 of the Official Whatcom County
Zoning Ordinance.
654 Driveways: Consistent with Section 20.80.640 of the Official Whatcom County
Zoning Ordinance, driveway plans shall be reviewed by the County Engineer or
State Department of Highways, as applicable.
(Amended per WCC 20.O4.O8O(1)(h))
.655 Access: Access shall conform to the provisions of Section 20.80.660765 of
the Official Whatcom County zoning Ordinance.
.656 Lighting: Lighting shall be designed to avoid excessive glare onto
neighboring properties, and to not create safety hazards or unreasonable
interference with adjacent uses.
.657 Binding Site Plan: Should the commercial use be developed as part of a
binding site plan, it shall be administered pursuant to Title 21 of the
Whatcom County Code (Subdivision Regulations) and additional requirements,
as applicable.
CHAPTER 20.62
20.62.700 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The following provisions shall apply to all uses within this District:
.701 There shall be no storage or handling of hazardous, explosive, highly
flammable materials which would cause fire, explosion or safety hazards,
except the storage and dispensing of gasoline in service stations.
.702 There shall be no production of noise at any property line of any use in
this District in excess of the average intensity of street and traffic noise
found in the District.
.703 There shall be no emission of dust, dirt, odors, smoke, or toxic gases and
fumes.
.704 There shall be no production of heat, glare or vibration perceptible from
any property line of the premises upon which.such heat, glare or vibration
is being generated.
TOURIST COMMERCIAL (TC) DISTRICT
20.63.010 PURPOSE
CHAPTER 20.63
The purpose of the Tourist Commercial District is to supply sufficient areas
arranged in a concentrated form that would allow land use activities which serve
the traveling public. The District shall be located and implemented consistent
with the goals, objectives and policies of the appropriate subarea comprehensive
plan. The District should be located near major transportation corridors in such
a fashion as to provide safe and convenient access that would not impact adjacent
noncommercial activities. Further, the District should be in areas where
adequate public services such as roads, sewer, water and drainage are available.
The District should provide for uses which normally serve the traveling public
and encourage a type of development which occurs in a well- designed pattern
considering aesthetics and safety.
20.63.050 PERMITTED USES
The following permitted and accessory uses shall be allowed subject to an
evaluation by the Zoning Administrator pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter
and Chapter 20.80. Further, each permitted and accessory use shall be
administered pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Whatcom County SEPA
Ordinance, the Whatcom County Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom County
Shoreline Management Program.
.051 Restaurants.
.052. Retail shops no greater than 2,500 square feet in size per shop.
.053 Tourist information centers.
.054 Barber and beauty shops.
.055 Post offices.
.056 Professional offices no greater than 2,500 square feet in size per - structure
shop.
.057 Service stations and towing services when based at a service station.
.058 Laundromats.
.059 Banks and /or bank machines.
.060 Churches.
20.63.100 ACCESSORY USES
.101 All accessory uses normally incidental to the primary permitted use.
20.63.150 CONDITIONAL USES
Unless otherwise provided herein, conditional uses shall be administered pursuant
to the applicable provisions of this Chapter, Chapter 20.80 (Supplementary
Requirements) and Chapter 20.84 (Variances, Conditional Uses and Appeals) of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, the Whatcom County SEPA Ordinance, the
Official Whatcom County Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom County Shoreline
Management Program.
CHAPTER 20.63
.151 Hotels and motels.
.152 Automobile repair garages.
.153 Dry cleaners.
.154 Recreational vehicle parks.
.155 Public uses, which because of locational requirements, are necessary in the
Tourist Commercial district; provided, the uses are consistent with Tourist
Commercial policies, the purpose of the district and its attendant
provisions. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(j))
20.63.200 PROHIBITED USES
All other uses.
20.63.250 MINIMUM LOT SIZE
.251 Hotels and motels shall have a minimum net parcel size of 20,000 square
feet.
.252 Recreational vehicle parks shall have a minimum net parcel size of two (2)
acres.
.253 Other uses shall have a minimum lot size consistent with the area required
to meet the Building Setback, Lot Coverage and Development Standards of this
District.
20.63.300 MAXIMUM DENSITY
.301 Hotels and motels shall not exceed a floor area ratio (FAR) of .60.
.302 Recreational vehicle parks shall not exceed a density of 15 units per acre.
.303 All other uses shall not exceed a floor area ratio (FAR) of .70.
20.63.350 BUILDING SETBACKS
Building setbacks shall be administered pursuant to Section 20.80.200 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
20.63.400 HEIGHT LIMITATIONS
Maximum building height shall not exceed forty (40) feet. Height of structures
shall also conform to, where applicable, the general requirements of
WCC 20.80.675.
20.63.450 LOT COVERAGE
maximum building or structural coverage shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of
the lot size.
CHAPTER 20.63
20.63.500 OPEN SPACE
.501 Recreational vehicle parks shall keep thirty -five percent (35 %) of the site
free of buildings, structures, hard surfacing, parking areas and other
impervious surfaces.
.502 All other uses shall keep ten percent (10 %) of the site free of buildings,
structures, hard surfacing, parking areas and impervious surfaces.
20.63.550 BUFFER AREA
When a parcel situated within this District adjoins an Urban Residential, Urban
Residential Medium Density, Rural or Residential Rural district, side and rear
yard setbacks shall be increased to twenty -five (25) feet. Said area shall be
landscaped consistent with the requirements of WCC 20.63.652.
20.63.600 SIGN REGULATIONS
Sign regulations shall be administered pursuant to Section 20.80.500 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
20.63.650 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
.651 Facility Design: .
Individual developments within a Tourist Commercial zone district shall be
designed to accommodate additional commercial development on adjacent
property in an integrated manner. Consistent architectural treatment is
encouraged. Each development shall screen roof - mounted mechanical equipment
so as not to be visible by surrounding uses or roads.
.'652 Landscaping:
A. landscape plan, pursuant to Section 20.80.610 of the Official Whatcom
County Zoning Ordinance, shall be submitted to the Zoning Administrator for
approval. The plan shall conform as-follows to the following requirements:
(1) For uses which abut or are within commercial or industrial districts,
or abut a use which is not of a substantially different character, then
the following specifications shall apply:
(a) Fifteen (15) feet within the front yard setback and situated
adjacent to the road shall be used-only-for landseapinged, except
for driveways, walkways and signs. The remainder of the front
yard setback maybe used for parking.
(b) For recreational vehicle parks, screening shall be provided on the
perimeter of all.side and rear yards. If screening consists of a
fence or wall, it shall not be less than six (6) feet nor more
than seven (7) feet in height; and it shall be supplemented by a
planting strip of vegetation and shall not obstruct necessary
vision of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
CHAPTER 20.63
(2) For uses which abut noncommercial or nonindustrial districts, or abut a
use of a substantially different character, then the following
specifications shall apply:
(a) Screening shall be provided for buildings, storage areas and
parking areas which abut noncommercial or nonindustrial districts,
or where said areas abut a use of substantially different
character. If screening consists of a fence or wall, it shall not
be less than six (6) feet nor more than seven (7) feet in height;
and it shall be supplemented by a planting strip of vegetation and
shall not obstruct necessary vision of pedestrian and vehicular
traffic.
(b) For recreational vehicle parks, a visual buffer twenty (20) feet
in width located along the perimeter of any yard abutting a
noncommercial or nonindustrial district, or a use of substantially
different character. The buffer shall consist of existing
vegetation supplemented, where needed, with new planting of trees,
shrubs and ground covers sufficient to obscure views through the
buffer.
(3) Fences and walls shall be kept in good repair, and dead or dying
vegetation shall be replaced immediately.
.653 Off- Street Parking and Loading:
Off--street parking and loading shall be administered pursuant to
Suction 20.80.700 of the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
.651 Drainage:
Drainage plans shall be reviewed and approved by the County Engineer,
pursuant to Section 20.80.630 of the Official Whatcom County Zoning
Ordinance.
.655 Driveways:
Consistent with Section 20.80.640 of the Official Whatcom County Zoning
Ordinance, driveway plans shall be reviewed by the County Engineer. or State
Department. of Highways.
.656 Access:
Access shall conform to the provisions of Section 20.80.660765 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
.657 Lighting:
Lighting shall be designed to avoid excessive glare onto neighboring
properties, and to not create safety hazards or unreasonable interference
with adjacent. uses.
CHAPTER 20.63
.658 Binding Site Plan:
Should the commercial use be developed as part of a binding site plan, it
shall be administered pursuant to Title 21 of the Whatcom County Code
(Subdivision Regulations) and additional requirements as applicable.
20.63.700 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The following provisions shall apply to all uses within this District:
.701 There shall be no storage or handling of hazardous, explosive, highly
flammable materials which would cause fire, explosion or safety hazards,
except the storage and dispensing of gasoline in service stations.
.702 There shall be no production of noise at any property line of any use in
this District in excess of the average intensity of street and traffic noise
found in the District.
.703 There shall be no emission of dust, dirt, odors, smoke, or toxic gases and
fumes.
.704 There shall be no production of heat, glare or vibration perceptible from
any property line of the premises upon which such heat, glare or vibration
is being generated.
(District adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
RESORT COMMERCIAL (RC) DISTRICT
20.64.010 PURPOSE
CHAPTER 20.64
The purpose of the Resort Commercial District is to provide land areas which
through their natural and man -made attributes attract resort activities. The
district shall be located and implemented consistent with the goals, objectives
and policies of the appropriate subarea comprehensive plan. The District should
he located in such areas where adequate public services such as roads, sewer,
water and drainage are available, and be of such size that a viable resort can be
established and maintained. The district should provide for uses normally found
in resort areas and encourage the type of development which occurs in a cohesive
fashion and which promotes open space and other amenities considered significant
for viable resort areas.
20.64.050 PERMITTED USES
The following permitted uses shall be allowed subject to-an evaluation by the
Zoning Administrator pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter and
Chapter 20.80. In addition, each permitted use shall be administered pursuant to
the applicable provisions of the Whatcom County SEPA Ordinance, the Whatcom
County Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program.
.051 A One single - family unit per lot of record.
.052 A One duplex per lot of record.
.053 Convenience retail shops no greater than 2,500 square feet in area per shop.
.054 Barber and beauty shops.
..055 Restaurants.
.056 Laundromats.
.057 Banks no greater than 2,500 square feet in area.
.058 Real estate and professional offices.
20.64.100 ACCESSORY USES
.101 Docks.
.102 Resort Administrative offices.
.103 All other accessory uses incidental to the primary permitted use.
20.64.150 CONDITIONAL USES
Unless otherwise provided herein, conditional uses shall be administered pursuant
to the applicable provisions of Chapter 20.80 (Supplementary Requirements) and
Chapter 20.84 (Variances, Conditional Uses and Appeals) of the Official Whatcom
County Zoning Ordinance, the Whatcom County SEPA Ordinance, the Official Whatcom
County Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program.
CHAPTER 20.64
151. Marina.
.152 Multi - family residential including residential condominiums.
153 Hotels and motels.
.154 Time share condominiums.
.155 Rooming and boarding houses.
.156 Mobile home parks.
.157 Recreational vehicle parks.
.158 Recreation rental units.
159 Taverns.
.160 Commercial amusement establishments.
.161 Service stations.
162 Automobile repair garages.
.163 Golf courses.
20.64.200 PROHIBITED USES
All other uses.
20.64.250 MINIMUM LOT SIZE
.251 Single fiunily and duplex shall have a minimum net parcel size of
8,000 square feet Per family.
.252 Multi--family housing including all condominiums except time share
condominiums shall have a minimum net parcel size of 36,000 square feet.
.253 Mobile home and recreational vehicle parks shall have a minimum net parcel'
size of two (2) acres.
.254 Nonresort- oriented hotels and motels shall have a minimum net parcel size of
20,000 square feet.
.255 Resort- oriented hotels and motels including time share condominiums shall
have a minimum net parcel size of five (5) acres.
.256 Nonhahi.tation commercial uses shall have a minimum lot size consistent with
the area required to meet the Building Setback, Lot Coverage and Development
Standards of this District.
20.64.300 MAXIMUM DENSITY
.301 Single family.and duplex shall not exceed a density of four (4) units per
acre.
CHAPTER 20.64
.302 Multi. - family housiirg including all condominiums except time share
condominiums shall not exceed a density of twenty -two (22) units per acre.
.303 Mobile home parks shall not exceed a density of seven (7) units per acre.
.304 Recreational vehicle parks shall not exceed a density of fifteen (15) units
per acre.
.305 Nonresort - oriented hotels and motels shall not exceed a floor area ratio
(FAR) of .60.
.306 Resort - oriented hotels and motels including time share condominiums shall
not exceed a floor area ratio (FAR) of .56.
.307 Nonhabitation commercial uses shall not exceed a floor area ratio (FAR)
of .70.
20.64.350 BUILDING SETBACKS
Building setbacks shall be administered pursuant to Section 20.80.200 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
20.64.400 HEIGHT LIMITATIONS
Maximum building height shall not exceed forty -five (45) feet.
20.64.450 LOT COVERAGE
.451 Buildings or structures for single family and duplex uses shall not occupy
more than thirty -five percent (35 %) of a parcel.
.452 Buildings or structures for multi - family housing including all condominiums
except time share condominiums shall not occupy more than thirty -five
percent (35%) of a parcel.
20.64.500 OPEN SPACE
.501 Multi -- family housing, resort - oriented hotels and motels, and condominiums
including time share condominiums shall keep twenty percent (2051%) of the
site free of buildings, structures, hard surfacing, parking areas and other
impervious surfaces.
.502 Mobile home and recreational vehicle parks shall keep fifty percent (50%) of
the site free of buildings, structures, hard surfacing, parking areas and
other impervious surfaces.
.503 Nonresort.- oriented hotels and motels, and nonhabitation commercial uses
shall keep fifteen percent (15 %) of the site free of buildings, structures,
hard surfacing, parking areas and other impervious surfaces.
20.64.550 BUFFER AREA
Except for single - family residences, when'a parcel situated within this District
adjoins an Urban Residential, Residential -Rural or Rural district, side and rear
yard setbacks shall be incr.-eased to twenty -five (25) feet.
CHAPTER 20.64
20.64.600 SIGN REGULATIONS
Sign regi.i.lations shall be administered pursuant to Section 20.80.500 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
20.61.650 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
The requirements of WCC 20.64.651, 20.64.652, 20.64.653 and 20.64.654 do not
apply to single - family or duplex residences.
.651 Facili_ty Design: Individual developments within a Resort Commercial zone
district shall be. designed to accommodate additional commercial development
on adjacent property in an integrated manner. Consistent architectural
treatment is encouraged. Each development shall screen roof - mounted
mechanical equipment so as not to be visible by surrounding uses or roads.
.652 Landscaping: A landscape plan, pursuant to Section 20.80.610 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, shall be submitted to the Zoning
Administrator for approval. The plan shall conform to the following
requirements:
(1) Fifteen (15) feet within the front yard setback and situated adjacent
to the road shall be landscaped except for
driveways, walkways and signs. The remainder of the front yard setback
may be used for bicycle parking.
(2) Screening shall be provided for buildings, storage areas and parking
areas which abut noncommercial or nonindustrial districts. If
screening consists of a fence or wall, it shall not be less than six
(6) feet nor more than seven (7) feet in height; and it shall be
supplemented by a planting strip of vegetation at least four (4) feet
in width. -- -Such- vegetation ; and shall not obstruct necessary vision of
pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
(3) Fences and walls shall be kept in good repair, and dead or dying
vegetation shall be replaced immediately.
.653 Off--Street Parking and Loading:
(1) For interior lots, no vehicular parking or driveways shall be allowed
between a store and public right -of -way; and for corner lots, no
parking or driveway shall be allowed between a store and the right -of-
way the store fronts.
(2) A bicycle parking area at a rate of one space per one thousand (1,000)
square feet of floor area or a minimum of one space, whichever is
greater, shall be provided for each use. Each bicycle parking space
shall consist of a rack or other structure designed for the lock -up of
a bicycle.
(3) If two or more developments adjoin each other or otherwise are designed
and developed in a coordinated fashion as determined by the Zoning
Administrator in order to utilize shared parking facilities, the total
number of required parking spaces for all the uses involved shall be
CHAPTER 20.64
reduced by 30% or no less than five (5) spaces per retail
establishment, whichever is greater.
�4) Except as provided in this section, off - street parking and loading
shall be administered pursuant to Section 20.80.700 of the Official
Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
.654 Sidewalks: Sidewalks shall be installed pursuant to the requirements of the
County Engineer.
.655 Drainage: Drainage plans shall be reviewed and approved by the County
Engineer, pursuant to Section 20.80.630 of the Official Whatcom County
Zoning Ordinance.
.656 Driveways: Consistent with Section 20.80.640 of the Official Whatcom County
Zoning Ordinance, driveway plans shall be reviewed by the County Engineer or
State Department of Highways, as applicable. (Amended per
WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.657 Access: Access shall conform to the provisions of Section 20.80.660765 of
the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
.658 Lighting: Lighting shall be designed to avoid excessive glare onto
neighboring properties, and to not create safety hazards or unreasonable
interference with adjacent uses.
.659 Binding Site Plan: Should the use be developed as part of a binding site
plan, it shall be administered pursuant to Title 21 of the Whatcom County
Code (Subdivision Regulations) and additional requirements, as applicable.
20.64.700 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The following provisions shall apply to all uses within this District:
:701 There shall be no storage or handling of hazardous, explosive, highly
flammable materials which would cause fire, explosion or safety hazards,
except the storage and dispensing of gasoline in service stations.
.702 There shall be no production of noise at any property line of any use in
this District in excess of the average intensity of street and traffic noise
found in the District.
.703 There shall be no emission of dust, dirt, odors, smoke or toxic gases and
fumes.
.704 There shall be no production of heat, glare or vibration perceptible from
any property line of the premises upon which such heat, glare or vibration
is being generated.
.705 There shall be no storage or merchandising outdoors.
(District adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
CHAPTER 20.66
LIGHT IMPACT INDUSTRIAL (LII) DISTRICT
20.66.010 PURPOSE
The purpose of this District is to implement the Light Industrial Park
designation of the Comprehensive Plan by providing for the planned development of
large land areas, in appropriate locations, exclusively for industrial and
subordinate uses which provide support services to the District. Light
industrial uses are primarily related to services, and distribution, manufacture
and assembly of finished products that have a relatively light impact on adjacent
uses and districts. Furthermore, it is the purpose of this District to encourage
the master planning of the entire industrial site in ensuring compatibility
between industrial operations, as well as the existing and future character of
adjacent areas. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
20.66.050 PERMITTED USES
Unless otherwise provided herein, permitted and accessory uses shall be
administered pursuant to the applicable provisions of Chapter 20.80
(Supplementary Requirements), Chapter 20.84 .(Variances, Conditional Uses and
Appeals) and Chapter 20.86 (Procedures for Light and Heavy Impact Industrial
District Applications) of the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, the
Whatcom County SEPA Ordinance, the Whatcom County Subdivision Ordinance and the
Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program.
.051 Fabrication of office, computing and accounting machine.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.052 Manufacture of miscellaneous textile goods and fabrication of apparel
including clothing, hats, caps, millinery fur products; and miscellaneous
fabricated textile products. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.053 Fabrication of furniture and fixtures including household, office and public
. building furniture; and partitions, shelving and lockers.
.054 Fabrication of paper products including paperboard containers, boxes,
carrion boxes and paper containers.
.055 Printing and publishing newspapers, periodicals and books; commercial
printing; book binding; and manufacture of manifold business forms and
greeting cards.
.056 Fabrication of leather products including belting; packing; cut stock and
findings for shoes and boots; shoes; footwear; gloves and mittens; luggage;
personal leather goods and handbags.
.057 Fabrication of glass products including glass products from prepared
materials; stone cutting; and monuments. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.058 Processing and packaging of drug, pharmaceuticals, perfumes and cosmetics.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.059 Fabrication of electrical equipment including industrial apparatus and
household appliances, radio and television sets; communications equipment;
CHAPTER 20.66
electrical components and accessories; and electric lighting equipment and
lamps. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.060 Fabrication of instruments, photographic goods, optical goods, watches and
clocks, and including engineering, scientific,.surgical, medical, dental and
ophthalmic products.
.061 Manufacture and fabrication of jewelry, silverware, plated ware, musical
instruments and parts, toys, sporting and athletic goods; pens, pencils and
other office and artistic supplies; novelties, buttons and notions; and
miscellaneous manufacture.
.062 Rail, truck and freight terminals; warehousing and storage; parcel delivery
service; freight forwarding; inspection weighing services; and packaging and
crating. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h),)
.063 Boat building and repair.
.064 Communications including telephone exchanges, and radio and television
broadcasting stations and transmitting towers.
.065 Business firm headquarters and professional offices.
.066 Construction contractors' offices and yards.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.067 Wholesale trade or storage of durable and nondurable goods including
automobile parts and supplies; tires and tubes; furniture and home
furnishings; lumber and other construction materials; sporting goods, toys
and hobby. goods; metal service centers and offices; electrical goods;
hardware, plumbing and heating equipment; machinery equipment and supplies;
jewelry, watches and precious stones; other durable goods; paper and paper
products; drugs, proprietaries and sundries; apparel, piece goods and
notions; groceries and related products; beer, wine and distilled beverages;
waste bottles; waste boxes; rags; waste paper; wiping rags and miscellaneous
nondurable goods provided, however, that trade, storage or processing of
sulphur shall be prohibited. (Amended per WCC_20.04.080(1)(h))
.068 Building material yards, if screened by a fence and /or vegetation as
determined by the Zoning Administrator; provided that screening shall not be
required between two contiguous yards where the operator of each yard agrees
that such screening is unnecessary; and provided further that the screening
requirements of Section 20.66.550 of this District shall pertain to only
those portions of the yard to which said Section is applicable. (Amended
per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.069 Eating establishments, convenience grocery stores, cafes and gas stations
operating primarily for the convenience of employees, clients and customers
of the District; providing the following criteria are met:
(1) Maximum floor area is 3,000 square feet per use;
(2) No more than two pump islands for each .gas station;
CHAPTER 20.66
(3) Centrally located within the district to primarily serve the industrial
uses of this District and not to primarily serve adjacent nonindustrial
uses. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.070 Manufacture, processing, treatment or fabrication of metal products and
machinery; provided that smelters and remelting mills, and the manufacturing
of turbines, oil machinery, mining machinery, industrial process ovens,
paper, and textile or rolling mill machinery shall be prohibited. (Adopted
per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.071 Manufacture, processing, treatment and fabrication of lumber, millwork,
mobile homes, travel trailers, campers, miscellaneous wood products and
other buildings, roofing and construction materials; provided that all odor
and noise producing processes shall be conducted within an enclosed
structure equipped with such scrubbing, filtering equipment or noise
reduction equipment as is .necessary to mitigate the odor and/or noise
produced. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.072 Fabrication of rubber products from finished rubber only and manufacture of
miscellaneous plastic products from purchased resins only.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.073 Manufacture of glass, glass products, pottery and related products, and
cutting and shaping of stone products. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.074 Bottling plants. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.075 Churches. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(dd))
.076 Public uses, including police and fire stations.
20.66.100 ACCESSORY USES
-iAi Pubiie- uses,-- sneladtng- pol-iee -and- fire- stebioaa:
.1021 Employee recreation facilities and play areas.
.1032 Temporary buildings for construction purposes for a period not to
exceed the duration of such construction.
.1043 Testing and experimentation in connection with a principally permitted
use.
.1054 Other accessory uses and buildings, including security and caretaker
residences, customarily appurtenant to a principally permitted use.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.1065 Retail sales of merchandise manufactured, assembled or stored on the
site and consistent with the definition of Accessory Uses as defined in
Chapter 20.97 (Definitions). (Adopted per WCC.20.04.080(1)(h))
CHAPTER 20.66
20.66.150 CONDITIONAL USES
.151.Manufacture of hydraulic cement; concrete gypsum and plaster products; and
abrasive asbestos and miscellaneous nonmetallic mineral products.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.152 Manufacture of sands. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.153 Collection, transfer, repacking, cutting, grading and similar nonprocessing
activities for animal, dairy, fruit, vegetable, seafood, bakery and beverage
products. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
20.66.200 PROHIBITED USES
All other uses.
20.66.250 MINIMUM LOT SIZE
The minimum lot size shall be consistent with the area required. to meet the
Building Setback, Lot Coverage, Buffer, Open Space and Development Standards of
this District.
20.66.350 BUILDING SETBACKS
Building setbacks shall be administered pursuant to Section 20.80.200 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
20.66.400 HEIGHT LIMITATIONS
No maximum height is established; however, when building height exceeds thirty -
five (35) feet, the setback requirements of WCC 20.80.200 shall be increased by
one (1) foot for each foot of building height in excess of thirty -five (35) feet,
as applicable to all setbacks. Height of structures shall also conform to, where
applicable, the general requirements of Section 20.80.675.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
20.66.450 LOT COVERAGE
The maximum building coverage shall not exceed sixty percent (60 %) of the lot
size.
20.66.500 OPEN SPACE
At least thirty -five percent (35 %) of any parcel situated within a designated
light industrial park shall be utilized for open space (an area devoid of
structures, accessory facilities and impervious surfaces). At least fifteen
percent (15 %) of any individual parcel planned- far-en with a single industrial
use which is situated outside of an industrial park shall be utilized for open
space. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
20.66.550 BUFFER AREA
.551 Properties which are generally located on the Guide Meridian between Horton
and Kellogg roads, and specifically identified in the Guide Meridian
Improvement Plan, shall be subject to the provisions of said plan. The
CHAPTER 20.66
provisions of said plan shall supersede this chapter where there is
inconsistency in minimum building setback and landscape requirements.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(0))
552 Except as specified in Section 20.66.551, this Section is applicable to
building sites located adjacent to one or more of the following: another
district (except Agriculture, Forestry, General Manufacturing and Heavy
Impact Industrial); or county or state roads proposed for improvements to
primary arterial status.
In such case a buffer.and planting strip of not less than fifty (50) feet
shall be installed along the common property line or right -of -way edge in
accordance with the following requirements:
(1) Said screen shall be designed and installed in accordance with a plan
approved by the Zoning Administrator pursuant to Section 20.80.610 of
the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
(2) The purpose of said landscape screen is to protect, on a year -round
basis, the adjacent district or roadways from unsightliness, visual
distraction, and /or noise impacts. Said screen design shall be
encouraged to use vegetation that has minimal irrigation needs such as
native northwest vegetative species or non - native species which have a
demonstrated suitability for Whatcom County. The fifty (50) foot
screen width may be reduced where it can be demonstrated that the
screening can adequately accomplish the purposes stated in this
subsection.
(3) Implementation of said landscape screen shall commence prior to
building occupancy, shall be maintained for a period of five (5) years
thereafter, and shall be guaranteed by a performance bond or similar
means of ensuring implementation and maintenances, as approved by the
Zoning Administrator, for an amount of one hundred fifty percent (150 %)
of the estimated screen cost.
(4) Said screen shall be planted according to good practices, in good soil,
irrigated as necessary and maintained in good condition at all times.
(5) Said planting screen shall be maintained continuously by the owner or
lessee of the property or by a shared landscape maintenance service for
industrial park users, if applicable.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.553 If any part of said buffer area is separated from, or sold to any contiguous
or adjacent owner, lessee or user, the parcel so separated or sold shall be
used only as a buffer area in accordance with the above requirements.
20.66.600 SIGN REGULATIONS
Sign regulations shall be administered pursuant to Section 20.80.500 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
CHAPTER 20.66
20.66.650 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
.651 Landscaping: Pursuant to Section 20.80.610 of the Official Whatcom County
Zoning Ordinance, a twenty -five (25) foot width, located adjacent to the
front yard property line, shall be landscaped. The remainder of the front.
yard setback requirement may be used for off - street parking or the Open
Space requirement of this .District. In addition, landscaping shall be
placed within all open areas not otherwise used, and screening shall be
provided around the perimeter of all outdoor storage yards, provided that
such screening should not be required between adjacent storage yards where
the owners agree it is necessary. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
Lands generally located on the Guide Meridian between Horton and Kellogg
roads, and specifically located in the Guide Meridian Improvement Plan,
shall be subject to the provisions of said plan. The provisions of said
plan shall supersede this chapter where there is inconsistency. (Amended
per WCC 20.04.080(1)(m))
.652 Off - Street Parking and Loading: Off- street parking and loading provisions
shall be administered pursuant to Section 20.80.100 of the Official Whatcom
County Zoning Ordinance. In addition, loading areas must be located in such
a manner that no loading, unloading and /or maneuvering of trucks associated
therewith takes place on public rights -of -way.
.653 Drainage: Drainage plans shall be reviewed and approved by the County
Engineer, pursuant to Section 20.80.630 of. the Official Whatcom County
Zoning Ordinance.
.654 Driveways: Consistent with Section 20.80.640 of the Official Whatcom County
Zoning Ordinance, driveway plans shall be reviewed by the County Engineer or
State Department of Highways. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.655 Access: Access shall conform to the provisions of Section 20.80.660 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
.656 Maintenance: The owner, lessee or user shall be responsible for maintaining
an orderly appearance of all properties and shall. be responsible for
assuring the care and maintenance of any natural growth where appropriate.
All required yards, parking areas, storage areas, operation yards and other
open uses on the site which are adjacent to a public right - of-way shall be
maintained in a neat and orderly manner appropriate for the district at all
times.
.657 Enclosure: All manufacturing or fabrication processes which produce
physical off -site impacts of a detrimental nature shall be sufficiently
enclosed to mitigate the impact. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(l.)(h))
20.66.700 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
.701 Pollution Control and Nuisance Abatement: Each industry is required to
continuously employ the best pollution control and nuisance abatement
technology when reasonable and practicably available for each particular
industry; provided that where federal, state, or regional laws or
regulations provide for the level of technology to be employed, the
appropriate standards shall apply.
CHAPTER 20.66
.702 Heat, Light and Glare: All operations and facilities producing heat, light
or glare, including exterior lighting, shall be so constructed, screened or
used as to not unreasonably infringe upon the use and enjoyment of property
beyond the boundaries of the District.
.703 Ground Vibration: No ground vibration other than that caused by highway
vehicles, trains or construction activity shall be permitted which is
discernible, without instruments, at or beyond the property line for the use
concerned.
714 Odors: No odors shall be emitted that are detectable, at or beyond the
property line for the use concerned, in such a concentration or of such
duration as to cause a public nuisance, or threaten health or safety, or to
unreasonably infringe upon the use and enjoyment of property beyond the
boundaries of the District.
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GENERAL MANUFACTURING (GM) DISTRICT
20.67.010 PURPOSE
CHAPTER 20.67
The purpose. of this district is to implement the General Manufacturing
designation of the Comprehensive Plan by providing sufficient, fully serviced
urban areas commensurate with demand for industrial activities which by their
nature are less intensive uses than those of heavy industry but of greater
intensity than uses associated with a light industrial park setting. General
manufacturing.uses are primarily related to fabrication, manufacture, storage and
distribution of products which have minimal off -site impacts on adjacent
nonindustrial zone districts. It is a further purpose of this District to
encourage proper design of developments in order to minimize use conflicts within
and beyond the District's boundaries as enabled through the District's
performance and development standards, as well as buffer and setback
requirements.
20.67.050 PERMITTED USES
Unless otherwise provided herein, permitted, accessory and conditional uses shall
be administered pursuant to the applicable provisions of Chapter 20.80
(Supplementary Requirements), Chapter 20.84 (Variances, Conditional Uses and
Appeals) and Chapter 20.86 (Procedures for General Manufacturing and Light and
Heavy Impact Industrial District Applications) of the Official Whatcom County
Zoning Ordinance, the Whatcom County SEPA Ordinance, the Whatcom County
Subdivision Ordinance and the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program.
.051 The manufacture and processing of food including meat, dairy, fruit,
vegetable, seafood, bakery and beverage products.
.052 Fabrication of apparel including clothing, hats, caps, millinery, fur
products; and miscellaneous fabricated textile products.
.053 Fabrication of furniture and fixtures including household, office and public
building furniture; and partitions, shelving and lockers.
.054 Fabrication of paper products including paperboard containers, boxes,
carrion boxes and paper containers.
.055 Printing and publishing newspapers, periodicals and books; commercial
printing; book binding; and manufacture of manifold business forms and
greeting cards.
.056 Fabrication of leather products including belting; packing; cut stock and
findings for shoes and boots; shoes; footwear; gloves and mittens; luggage;
personal leather goods and handbags.
.057 Fabrication of stone, clay and glass products including glassware; glass
products from prepared materials; pottery and related products; stone
cutting; monuments; and manufacture of fiberglass products.
.058 The manufacture of transportation equipment including boat building; and
bicycle and motorcycles, and related parts.
.059 Processing and packaging of drugs, pharmaceuticals, perfumes and cosmetics.
CHAPTER 20.67
.060 Fabrication of electrical equipment including radio and television sets;
communications equipment; electronic components and accessories; and
electric lighting equipment and lamps.
.061 Fabrication of instruments, photographic .goods, optical goods, watches and
clocks, and including engineering, scientific, surgical, medical, dental and
ophthalmic products.
.062 Manufacture and fabrication of jewelry, silverware, plated ware, musical
instruments and parts, toys, sporting and athletic goods; pens, pencils and
other office and artistic supplies; novelties, buttons and notions; and
miscellaneous manufacture.
.063 Rail, truck and freight terminals, warehousing and storage; parcel delivery
service, freight forwarding; inspection and weighing service; and packing
and crating.
.064 Manufacture of office, computing and accounting machines.
065 Retail automobile wrecking yards where determined by the Zoning
Administrator to be adequately screened from adjacent properties and
streets.
066 Construction contractors including general building, heavy construction and
special trade.
067 Wholesale trade of durable and nondurable goods including automotive parts
and supplies; tire and tubes; furniture and home furnishings; lumber and.
other construction .materials; sporting goods, toys and hobby goods; metal
service centers and offices; electrical goods; hardware, plumbing and
heating equipment; machinery, equipment and supplies; jewelry, watches and
precious stones; other durable goods; paper and paper products; drugs,
proprietaries and sundries; apparel, piece goods and notions; groceries and
related products; beer, wine and distilled beverages; and miscellaneous
nondurable goods; automotive wrecking scraps; bag reclaiming; waste bottles;
waste boxes; fur cuttings and scraps; iron and steel scrap; general line of
junk .scrap; nonferrous metals scrap; rags; and waste paper.
.068 Retail sales of lumber and other building materials.
.069 The fabrication of metal products including metal cans, hardware, hand
tools, cutlery, heating apparatus, plumbing fixtures, structural metals,
screws and bolts, and stamping.
.070 The manufacture of machinery including engines; turbines, farm machinery and
equipment; construction, mining and materials handling equipment; machine
tools and dies; and special and general industrial equipment.
.071 The manufacture of electrical machinery including transmission and
distribution equipment, and industrial apparatus.
.072 Manufacture of millwork and structural wood members; wood containers; wood
buildings and mobile homes; resawed cants and lumbers; dressed ceiling
lumber; lath; snow fence lath; cut stock; dressed lumber flooring and
CHAPTER 20.67
dressed lumber siding; and sawmill activities including sawmills; and
independent planning mills.
.073 Public uses, including police and fire stations.
20.67.100 ACCESSORY USES
-404 Public- uses, -- including- police -and- fire- st-ai-rens-
.1021 Employee recreation facilities and play areas.
.1032 Restaurants, cafes or cafeterias operated primarily for the convenience
of employees, clients and customers of the District.
.1043 Temporary buildings for construction purposes for a period not to
exceed the duration of such construction.
.1064 Testing and experimentation in connection with a principally permitted
use.
1065 Other accessory uses and buildings, including security services,
customarily appurtenant to a principally permitted use.
20.67.200 PROHIBITED USES
All other uses.
20.67.250 MINIMUM LOT SIZE
The minimum lot size shall be consistent with the area required to meet the
Building Setback, Lot Coverage, Buffer, Open Space and Development Standards of
this District.
20.67.350 BUILDING SETBACKS
Building setbacks shall be administered pursuant to Section 20.80.200 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
20.67.400 HEIGHT LIMITATIONS
No maximum height is established; however, when building height exceeds thirty -
five (35) feet, the setback requirements of WCC 20.80.200 shall be increased by
one (1) foot for each foot of building height in excess of thirty -five (35) feet,
as applicable to all setbacks. Height of structures shall also conform to, where
applicable, the general requirements of Section 20.80.675.
20.67.450 LOT COVERAGE
The maximum building coverage shall not exceed sixty percent (60 %) of the lot
size.
20.67.500 OPEN SPACE
At least fifteen percent.(15%) of any parcel shall be utilized for open space (an
area devoid of structures, accessory facilities and impervious surfaces).
CHAPTER 20.67
20.67.550 BUFFER AREA
.551 This section is applicable to building sites located adjacent to one or more
of the following: another district (except Agriculture, Forestry, and Light
and Heavy Impact Industrial); or county or state roads proposed for
improvements to principal arterial status.
In such case, a buffer of fifty (50) feet shall be installed along the
common property line or right -of -way edge with a planting strip of not less
than twenty -five (25) feet within the buffer area in accordance with the
following requirements:
(1) Said screen shall be designed and installed in accordance with a plan
approved by the Zoning Administrator pursuant to Section 20.80.610.
(2) The purpose of said landscape screen is to protect on a year -round
basis the adjacent district or roadways from unsightliness, visual
distraction, and /or noise impacts. Said screen design shall be
encouraged to use vegetation that has minimal irrigation needs such as
native Northwest vegetative species of non- native species which have a
demonstrated suitability for Whatcom County.
(3) Implementation of said landscape screen shall commence prior to
building occupancy, shall be maintained for a period of five (5) years
thereafter, and shall be guaranteed by a performance bond or similar
means of insuring implementation and maintenances, as approved by the
Zoning Administrator, for an amount of one hundred fifty percent (150 %)
of the estimated screen cost.
(4) Said screen shall be planted according to good practice, in good soil,
irrigated as necessary and maintained in good condition at all times.
(5) Said planting screen shall be maintained continuously by the owner or
lessee of the property or by a shared landscape maintenance service for
industrial park users, if applicable.
(6) Security roads; vehicular and railroad ingress /egress may locate with
buffer and pass through the planning area and facilities.
.552 If any part of said buffer area is separated from, or sold to any contiguous
or adjacent owner, lessee or user, the parcel so separated or sold shall be
used only as a buffer area in accordance with the above requirements.
20.67.600 SIGN REGULATIONS
Sign regulations shall be administered pursuant to Section 20.80.500 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
20.67.650 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
.651 Landscaping:
Pursuant to Section 20.60.610 of the Official Whatcom County Zoning
Ordinance, a twenty -five (25) foot width, located adjacent to the front yard
CHAPTER 20.67
property line, shall be landscaped. The remainder of the front yard setback
requirement may be used for off - street parking or the Open Space requirement
of this District. In addition, screening shall be provided around the
perimeter of all outdoor storage yards. The purpose of said screen is to
protect adjacent uses from unsightliness or visual distraction, and shall
either be in the form of landscaping or fencing.
.652 Off- Street Parking and Loading:
Off- street parking and loading provisions shall be administered pursuant to
Section 20.80.700 of the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance. In
addition, loading areas must be. located in such a manner that no loading,
unloading and /or maneuvering of trucks associated therewith takes place on
public rights -of -way.
.653 Drainage:
Drainage plans shall be reviewed and approved by the County Engineer,
pursuant to Section 20.80.630 of the Official Whatcom County Zoning
Ordinance.
.654 Driveways:
Pursuant. to Section 20.80.640 of the Official Whatcom County Zoning
Ordinance, driveway plans shall be reviewed by the County Engineer or State
Department of Highways, as applicable.
.655 Access:
Access shall conform to the provisions of Section 20.80.660 of the Official
Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
.656 Maintenance:
The owner, lessee or user shall be responsible for maintaining an orderly
appearance of all properties, and shall be responsible for assuring the care
and maintenance of any natural growth where appropriate. All required
yards, parking areas, storage areas, operation yards and other open uses on
the site which are adjacent to a public right - of-way shall be maintained in
a neat and orderly manner appropriate for the district at all times.
.657 Enclosure:
All manufacturing or fabrication processes which produce physical off -site
impacts of a detrimental nature shall be sufficiently enclosed to mitigate
the impact.
20.67.700 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
.701 Pollution Control and Nuisance Abatement:
Each industry is required to continuously employ the best pollution control
and nuisance abatement technology when reasonable and practicably available
for each particular industry; provided that where federal, state, or
WrIV4-Mz kIX-^M
regional laws or regulations provide for the level of technology to be
employed, the appropriate standards shall apply.
.702 Heat, Light and Glare:
All operations and facilities producing heat, light or glare, including
exterior lighting, shall be so constructed, screened or used as to not
unreasonably infringe upon the use and enjoyment of property beyond the
boundaries of the District.
.703 Ground Vibrations:
No ground vibration other than that caused by highway vehicles, trains or
construction activity shall be permitted which is discernible, without
instruments, at or beyond the property line for the use concerned.
29 76750 PRA6H$HRE
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HEAVY IMPACT INDUSTRIAL (HII) DISTRIC
20.68.010 PURPOSE
CHAPTER 20.68
The purpose of the Heavy Impact Industrial District is to implement the Heavy
Impact Industrial land use designation of the Comprehensive Plan by supplying a
reasonable amount of land, commensurate with demand, for the location and
grouping of heavy impact industrial uses. Heavy industrial uses are primarily
related to producing, distributing and changing the form of raw materials;
whereby, product demand and industrial employment are predominately basic, that
is, serving nonlocal markets. In addition, the purpose of this District is to
encourage the siting of industrial uses which will optimize the limited resource
of land available for heavy impact industry. A further purpose of this District
is to minimize the scope of impacts generated within the HII District and to
provide protection for nonindustrial districts situated outside thereof; as
enabled through the District's performance and development standards, and the
buffer and setback requirements.
20.68.050 PERMITTED USES
Unless otherwise provided herein, permitted and accessory uses shall be
;:administered pursuant to the applicable provisions of Chapter 20.80
(Supplementary Requirements), Chapter 20.84 (Variances, Conditional Uses and
Appeals) and Chapter 20.86 (Procedures for Light and Heavy Impact Industrial
District Applications) of the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, the
Whatcom County SEPA Ordinance, the Whatcom County Subdivision Ordinance and the
Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program. The purpose of the SIC numbers
listed within this Chapter is to adopt by reference other activities similar in
nature to the use identified herein. (Policies of the subarea comprehensive plan
may preclude certain permitted uses to occur in particular subareas. Please
refer to the policies of the applicable .subarea plan to determine the
appropriateness of a land use activity listed below.)
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.051 The manufacture and processing of food including meat, dairy, fruits,
vegetables, seafood, grain mill, large scale bakery, sugar and beverage
products.
.052 Manufacturing and processing of textiles including weaving cotton,
synthetic, silk or wool fabrics; knitting yarn and thread mills; textile
bleaching, dyeing and printing; and carpet manufacture.
.05.3 The manufacture and processing of. lumber and wood including sawmills;
planing mills; millwork; veneer, plywood and prefabricated wood products;
wooden containers and cooperage.
.054 The manufacture and process of paper including pulp, paper and paperboard
mills; and building paper and board mill products.
.055 The manufacture and processing of chemicals and allied products including
industrial inorganic and organic chemicals; synthetic resins, rubber, fibers
and plastic materials; soap, detergents and cleaning preparations; paint,
linseed oil, shellac, lacquer and allied products; chemicals from gum and
wood; and agricultural chemicals.
CHAPTER 20.68
.056 Refining and storage of petroleum and asphalt.
.057 The manufacture and processing of rubber and plastic products.
.058 Leather tanning and finishing.
.059 The manufacture and processing of cement and glass; and concrete, gypsum,
plaster, abrasive, asbestos and nonmetallic mineral products.
.060 Primary metal industries including blast furnaces and steel works; mills for
primary smelting, secondary smelting, refining, reducing, finishing,
rolling, drawing, extruding, and casting of ferrous and nonferrous metals;
and the manufacture of miscellaneous metal products.
.061 The fabrication of metal products including metal cans, hardware, hand
tools, cutlery, heating apparatus, plumbing fixtures, structural metal and
stamping.
.062 The manufacture of machinery including engines; turbines; farm machinery and
equipment; construction, mining and materials handling equipment; machine
tools and dies; and special and general industrial equipment.
.063 The manufacture of electrical machinery including transmission and
distribution equipment, and industrial apparatus.
.064 The manufacture of transportation equipment including automobiles, trucks,
buses, airplanes, boat building and repair, railroad equipment, bicycles and
motorcycles.
.065 Bull( commodity storage facilities, and truck, rail, vessel and pipeline
transshipment terminals and facilities.
.066 Stationary thermal power plants with generating capacity of less than
250,000 kilowatts, floating thermal power plants with generating capacity of
less than 50.,000 kilowatts, and other power plants utilizing renewable
resources from solar, wind or water sources.
.067 Heavy construction contractors. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(l)(h))
.068 Other uses similar in effect on surrounding land uses and the environment
which the Hearing Examiner finds, after a public hearing, to be consistent
with the uses described above, to be consistent with the purpose and intent
of the Heavy Impact Industrial District, and to have the potential to be in
compliance with the Performance Standards of this District (WCC 20.68.700).
.069 Public uses, including police and fire stations, and recreation facilities.
20.68.100 ACCESSORY USES
401 Pzttj3 ie- ases,-- ine�ne�ing- pe�ice -ane�- fire- at`at`rona -- and-- reereat` ion- faei�rt`res-
.1.021 Employee recreation facilities and play areas.
.1.03_2 Restaurants, cafes and cafeterias operated primarily for the
convenience of employees, clients and customers of the District.
GL'"-3l1t OMMI
.1052 Restaurants, cafes and cafeterias operated primarily for the
convenience of employees, clients and customers of the District.
.1043 Temporary buildings for construction purposes for a period not to
exceed the duration of such construction.
.1054 When auxiliary to a principally permitted use: electric utility
facilities; substations; generating plants, if less than 50 megawatt
(MW) net plant capability; gas works; sewage disposal facilities;
refuse -dumps solid waste landfills and incinerators.
.1065 Other accessory uses and buildings, including security services,
customarily appurtenant to a principally permitted use.
20.68.200 PROHIBITED USES
All other uses.
20.68.250 MINIMUM LOT SIZE
The minimum lot size shall be consistent with the area required to meet the
Building Setback, Lot Coverage, Buffer, Open Space and Development Standards of
this District.
20.68.350 BUILDING SETBACKS
Building setbacks shall be administered pursuant to Section 20.80.200 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
20.68.400 HEIGHT LIMITATIONS
No maximum height is established; however, when a building exceeds fifty (50)
feet, the setback requirements of WCC 20.80.200 shall be increased by one (1)
foot for each foot of building height in excess of fifty (50) feet, as applicable
to all setbacks.
20.68.450 LOT COVERAGE
The maximum building or structural coverage shall not exceed sixty percent (60 %)
of the lot size.
20.68.500 OPEN SPACE
At least fifteen percent (15 %) of any parcel shall be utilized for open space (an
area devoid of structures, accessory facilities and impervious surfaces).
20.68.550 BUFFER AREA
.551 The industrial user shall establish a buffer, for building sites adjoining.
the boundary of the Heavy Impact Industrial District (HII), which shall be
located adjacent to the District boundary and situated within the designated
fiII district. The purpose of the buffer is to optimize the visual
appearance of the site by obscuring industrial activity from view by passing
motorists, to contribute to on- and off -site impact abatement, and to move
CHAPTER 20.68
towards attaining compatibility with surrounding nonindustrial land uses and
character.
.552 To implement the buffer requirements of this District, minimum setbacks for
industrial buildings and accessory structures shall be established
consistent with the following options:
(1) If a planting screen is not provided by the industrial user and no
natural vegetative screening exists, the minimum setback(s) shall be
six hundred sixty (660) feet, as measured from the edge of the District
boundary. The setback area may be used for security roads, parking or
the Open Space requirements of the District.
(2) If natural sight obscuring and dense vegetation exists, the minimum
setback(s) shall be two hundred fifty (250) feet, as measured from the
District boundary; provided that a minimum width of fifty (50) feet of
natural vegetation is retained. The remainder of the setback(s) may be
used for security roads, parking or the Open Space requirements of this
District.
(3) If a planting screen is established, pursuant to Section .553, the
minimum setback(s) shall conform to the Setback Requirements of
WCC 20.80.200, as measured from the District boundary. In addition,
security roads may be situated within the minimum buffer setback
provided that the fifty (50) foot wide planing screen is established.
(4) Buffer width in certain areas of the area zoned Heavy Impact Industrial
shall be established consistent with Heavy Impact Industrial
Policy 1.05, Paragraph 2, of the Cherry Point - Ferndale Subarea
Comprehensive Plan.
.553 A planting screen of not less than fifty (50) feet shall conform with the
following requirements:
(1) The planting screen shall be designed, consistent with the purpose of
the buffer, by a licensed landscape architect.
(2) The planting screen shall provide year -round site screening and shall
be encouraged to incorporate vegetative species which have a
demonstrated suitability and will serve the area of concern. In
addition, the screen may be required to incorporate noise - reducing
features.
(3) Implementation of the planting screen shall commence prior to building
occupancy, shall be maintained for a period of five (5) years
thereafter, and shall be guaranteed by a performance bond or similar
means of ensuring implementation and maintenance, as approved by the
Zoning Administrator, for an amount of one hundred fifty percent (150 %)
of the estimated screen cost.
(4) The planting screen shall be planted according to. good practice, in
good soil, irrigated as necessary, and maintained continuously by the
owner or lessee of the property.
CHAPTER 20.68
.554 The planting screen requirements may be waived by the hearing- Examiner
Zoning Officer; provided that the physical features of the site comply with
the purpose of the buffer. In such case the industrial user shall prove
compliance and the setback(s) shall be no less than two hundred fifty (250)
feet.
.555 If any part of said buffer area is separated from, or sold to any contiguous
or adjacent owner, lessee or user, the parcel so separated or sold shall be
used only as a buffer area in accordance with the above requirements.
20.68.600 SIGN REGULATIONS
Sign regulations shall be administered pursuant to Section 20.80.500 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
20.68.650 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
.651 Off- Street Parking and Loading: Off - street parking and loading provisions
shall be administered pursuant to Section 20.80.700 of the Official Whatcom
County Zoning Ordinance. In addition, loading areas must be located in such
a manner that no loading, unloading and /or maneuvering of trucks associated
therewith takes place on public rights -of -way.
.652 Drainage: Drainage plans shall be reviewed and approved by the County
Engineer, pursuant to Section 20.80.630 of the Official Whatcom County
Zoning Ordinance.
.653 Driveway: Consistent with Section 20.80.640 of the Official Whatcom County
Zoning Ordinance, driveway plans shall be reviewed by the County Engineer or
State Department of Highways, as applicable. (Amended per
WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.654 Access: Access shall conform to the provisions of Section 20.80.660 of the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance.
.655 Maintenance: The owner, lessee or user shall be responsible for maintaining
an orderly appearance of all properties, and shall be responsible for
assuring the care and maintenance of any natural growth, where appropriate.
20.68.700 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
.701 Pollution _Control and Nuisance Abatement: Each industry is required to
continuously employ the best pollution control and nuisance abatement
technology when reasonably and practicably available for each particular
industry; provided that where federal, state, or regional laws or
regulations provide for the level of technology to be employed, the
appropriate standards shall apply.
.702 Heat, Light and Glare: All operations and facilities producing heat, light
or glare, including exterior lights, shall be so constructed, screened or
used as to not unreasonably infringe upon the use and enjoyment of property
beyond the boundaries of the District.
.703 Ground Vibration: No ground vibration other than that caused by highway
vehicles, trains or construction activity shall be permitted, which is
CHAPTER 20.68
discernible without instruments, at or.beyond the property line for the use
concerned.
.704 Odors: No odors shall be emitted that are detectable, at or beyond the
property line for the use concerned, in such a concentration or of such
duration as to cause a public nuisance, or threaten health or safety, or to
unreasonably infringe upon the use and enjoyment of property beyond the
boundaries of the District.
20 768 7760 PROCEDURE
Project - applications- pertaining -to- this- Distrret -- shall -be -- administered - pursuant
to Ohapter 20.-86 of the Official- Whateom Oounty- Zoning 0. fnaaee.- -
CHAPTER 20.80
SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS
20.80.200 SETBACK REQUIREMENTS
20.80.210 MINIMUM BUILDING SETBACKS
Properties which are generally located on the Guide Meridian between Horton and
Kellogg roads, and specifically identified in the Guide Meridian Improvement
Plan, shall be subject to the provisions of said plan. The provisions of said
plan shall supersede this chapter where there is inconsistency.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(p))
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a),(h),(1) and (u))
* Roof overhangs or other architectural features shall not project further
than 18 inches into the side or rear yards.
+ Refer to the additional provisions of WCC 20.80.250, 20.80.260, 20.80.270
and 20.80.280, 20.80.400 and 20.80.700.
o Or as modified pursuant to Section 20.80.286(2).
** Minor access streets are those that are deadends or that are constrained
from ever developing further.
Intst.
General
Appl. to
or
Coll.
or
All Street
Prin.
Minor
or
Minor
Local
Minor**
Add.Prov.
Classifi-
Prim. -
&ee-
Major
Neigh.-
Access
Access
SIDE
REAR
may be
ZONE
cations
Art.
Art.
Coll.
Coll.
Street
Street
YARD
YARD
applicable
UR
45'
45'
35'
25'
25'
20'
51*
51*
YES+
URM
45'
45"
35'
25'
25'
20'
51*
51*
YES+
RR
45'
45'
35'
25'
25'
20'
51*
51*
YES+
RR -I
25'
25'
25'
51*
51*
YES+
R
45'
45'
35'
25'
25'
20'
51*
51*
YES+
AG
50'
20'
20'
YES+
F
45'
45'
35'
25'
25'
20'
100'
100'
YES+
ROS
100'
100'
100'
60'
50'
50'
YES+
NC
25'
of
10'
YES+
GC
45'
0'
10'
YES+
TC
45'
of
59*
YES+
RC
45'
45'
35'
25'
25'
20'
51*
51*
YES+
LII
45
10'
0'
YES+
GM
45'
10'
10'
YES +o
HII
150'
100'
100'
100'
100'
100'
60'
60'
YES+
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a),(h),(1) and (u))
* Roof overhangs or other architectural features shall not project further
than 18 inches into the side or rear yards.
+ Refer to the additional provisions of WCC 20.80.250, 20.80.260, 20.80.270
and 20.80.280, 20.80.400 and 20.80.700.
o Or as modified pursuant to Section 20.80.286(2).
** Minor access streets are those that are deadends or that are constrained
from ever developing further.
CHAPTER 20.80
20.80.220 PRANIF -YARDS MEASUREMENT OF SETBACKS
Front- yard -- setbacks - shall - -be- measured- from - the - edge -of- the - existing- road- right-
of- gray;- provided- that - the - Zoning- Admittiatrator- ahaii- aaeertain- -►�rhetherror- not -the
setback - should - -be- adjusted-- to- refieet�-- i } -a-- change -in- street- eiass�rfieatron;
2 }- the - potential- for - change- as- a- resnit -of- adopted -ien+s, ---or- street, -- neighborhood
or- comprehensive -pl ens -- or-3 }- scheduled - road - iden4ng-
.221 Front yard setbacks shall be measured from the edge of the existing road
right -of -way except as provided in 20.80.230, provided that where the exact
location of the right- of-way is not known, it shall be assumed that the
improved traveling surface is in the center of the right -of -way. If the
to
feet.
.222 For the purpose of this' Section, the Whatcom County Planning Department
shall establish a Right -of -Way Reference Document for road rights- of-way of
county, state, and federal roads and highways scheduled for widening or
which have a potential for being widened at some time in the future.
.223 For purposes of this Section, front yard setback standards shall apply to
the waterfront side of the lot,' and the rear yard setbacks shall apply to
the street side of the lot for lots within the jurisdiction of the Shoreline
Management Program; provided this requirement may be reduced by the Zoning
Officer on presentation by a licensed architect of a design review showing
the relation of the proposed building to its surroundings and demonstrating
that the decrease will not adversely affect surrounding property. A minimum
setback on the street side of Parcels abuttinst arterial roadways shall be
twenty (20) feet.
20.80.230 CORNER LOTS
Corner lots or parcels bounding two or more streets shall observe the minimum
front yard setbacks on all street sides consistent with the applicable street
classification.
20.80.240 ACCESSORY STRUCTURE SETBACKS'
Accessory structures shall observe the minimum front, side and rear yard setbacks
of WCC 20.80.210.
20.80.250 SETBACKS INCREASED DUE TO BUILDING HEIGHT
.-251 General- Oommercial- District. --Side -and -rear - yard - setbacks- shall -be- increased
by- one - -Fl }- foot for- each- footrof- bui�diag- height -w feh- exceeds- thirty -five
f35 } -feet-
.252 Light Impact Industrial District: All setbacks shall be increased by one
(1) foot for each foot of building height which exceeds thirty -five (35)
feet.
.253 General Manufacturing District: All setbacks shall be increased by one (1)
foot for each foot of building height which exceeds thirty -five (35) feet.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
CHAPTER 20.80
.254 Heavy Impact Industrial District: All setbacks shall be increased by one
(1) foot for each foot of building height, excluding tanks and similar
structures, which exceeds fifty (50) feet.
20.80.260 CERTAIN STRUCTURES EXEMPT FROM SETBACK REQUIREMENTS
.261 Light Impact Industrial District: The building setbacks of WCC 20.80.210
shall not apply to utility or security structures such as poles, meters,
fences, guard structures and the like. For nonindustrial buildings, the
provisions of Section 20.80.286(3) shall apply; provided that no traffic
hazards are created.
.262 General Manufacturing District: The building setbacks of WCC 20.80.210
shall not apply to utility or security structures such as poles, meters,
fences, guard structures and the like. For nonindustrial buildings, the
provisions of Section 20.80.286(3) shall apply; provided that no traffic
hazards are created. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.263 Heavy Impact Industrial District: The building setbacks of WCC 20.80.210
shall not apply to utility or security structures such as poles, meters,
fences, guard structures and the like, nor to structures relating to
shipment on railroad rights -of -way; provided that no traffic hazards are
created. Smelt ructm ain - t-- least - fifth► - {W
feet - from -a" p 14e--ot tailtood right of -way. For nonindustrial buildings,
the provisions of Section 20.80.286(3) shall apply.
20.80.270 SETBACKS INCREASED FOR PARCELS rADJOINING ANOTHER DISTRICT:
.271 Residential Districts:
(1) Urban Residential District: Setbacks shall be increased to one hundred
(100) feet for those parcels situated adjacent to Forestry zone
district, except that such parcels which are less than 20,000 square
feet in a subdivision approved prior to January 1, 1987, and whose
owners have filed an agreement with the county auditor as specified in
Section 20.20.651 shall be subject to the standard setback in
Section 20.80.210.
(2) Rural Residential District: Setbacks shall be increased to one hundred
(100) feet for those parcels situated adjacent to Forestry zone
district, except that such parcels whose owners have filed-an agreement
with the county auditor as specified in Section 20.20.651 shall be
subject to the standard setback in Section 20.80.210.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
.272 Rural District:
(1) Setbacks shall be increased to one hundred (100) feet for those parcels
situated adjacent to Forestry zone district, except that such parcels
whose owners have filed an agreement with the county auditor as
specified in Section 20.20.651 shall be subject to the standard setback
in Section 20.80.210. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
.273 Forestry District:
CHAPTER 20.80
(1) Setbacks -for Forest industry buildings, stationary equipment of storage
area excluding scaling stations and watchman's stations shall not be
located within one hundred (100.) feet of any other zone district.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
.274 Commercial Districts:
(1) Neighborhood Commercial District: Side and rear yard setbacks shall be
increased to twenty -five (25) feet for those parcels situated adjacent
to Urban Residential, Residential Rural and Rural zone districts:
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
(2) General Commercial District: Side and rear yard setbacks shall be
increased to twenty -five (25) feet for those parcels situated adjacent
to Urban Residential, Rural Cluster Development and Rural zone
districts.
(3) Tourist Commercial District: Side and rear yard setbacks shall be
increased to twenty -five (25) feet for those parcels situated adjacent
to Urban Residential, Urban Residential Medium Density, Residential
Rural and Rural zone districts. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
(4) Resort Commercial District: Side and rear yard setbacks shall be
increased to twenty -five (25) feet for those parcels situated adjacent
to.Urban Residential, Residential Rural and Rural zone districts.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
.275 Industrial Districts:
(1) Light Impact Industrial District: Setbacks for parcels adjoining a
nonindustrial districts) shall be administered pursuant to
WCC 20.66.550 (Buffer Area).
(2) General Manufacturing District: Setbacks for parcels adjoining a
nonindustrial district(s) shall be administered pursuant to
WCC 20.67.550 (Buffer Area). (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
(3) Heavy Impact Industrial District:
nonindustrial district(s) shall
WCC 20.68.550 (Buffer Area) and
Industrial designation of the Cherry
20.80.280 MISCELLANEOUS SETBACK PROVISIONS
.281 Residential Districts:
Setbacks for parcels adjoining a
be administered pursuant to
Policy 1.05 of the Heavy Impact
Point - Ferndale Subarea Plan.
(1) Urban Residential Medium Density District:
(a) Setback requirements for mobile home parks shall be twenty (20)
feet from the perimeter of the park for side and rear yards.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.282 Agriculture District:
CHAPTER 20.80
(1) The fifty (50) foot front yard setback requirement for new buildings or
�. additions may be waived if the Zoning Administrator finds: the new
building or addition is located along the same building line(s) of
existing structures and will result in no additional encroachment; the
public interest, safety and health are protected. Provided, that for a
new building the applicant shall also. demonstrate that the proposed
location is necessary for the economic viability and the continued
operation of the agricultural use.. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(y))
(2) The`separation between residences and certain uses not located on the
same property shall be 150 feet. Certain uses include barns, pens,
milking sheds, or areas used to contain, house or feed animals.
Pastures are excluded from this section's requirements. Buildings used
for housing of farm animals shall not be constructed within 300 feet of
any existing residence.not located on the same property.
(3) Parcels of less than five (5) nominal acres shall have following
minimum setbacks:
Front Yards:
Primary arterials and secondary arterials: forty -five (45) feet.
Collector arterials: thirty -five (35) feet.
Neighborhood collectors, local access streets: twenty -five (25) feet.
Minor access streets: twenty (20) feet.
Side Yards: Minimum side yard setbacks shall be five (5) feet.
Rear Yards: Minimum rear yard setbacks shall be five (5) feet.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.283 Forestry District:
(1) Parcels utilized solely for community centers shall observe the
following minimum setback requirements: front yard - fifty (50) feet,
side yard - twenty -five (25) feet, rear yard - twenty -five (25) feet.
(2) Where a parcel, created pursuant to the clustering provision
(WCC 20.42.300) or the Planned Unit Development provision (WCC 20.86)
or when a residence is conditionally permitted (WCC 20.42.156), adjoins
an existing parcel of twenty (20) acres or more in size that is being
cultivated for the production of food or fiber, a minimum building
setback of one hundred (100) feet shall be established from the common
property line.
(3) Unless the provisions of WCC 20.80.283(2) above are applicable, a
minimum five (5) foot side yard and a minimum five (5) foot rear yard
setback shall be observed for parcels created pursuant to the
clustering provision (WCC 20.42.300), the planned unit development
provision (WCC 20.85) or conditional use review (WCC 20.42.156).
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.284 Recreation and Open Space District:
(1) Parcels utilized solely for community centers shall observe the
CHAPTER 20.80
following minimum setback requirements: front yard, fifty (50) feet;
side yard, twenty -five (25) feet; rear yard, twenty -five (26) feet.
(2) Shoreline setbacks shall be administered consistent with the Shoreline
Management Program of Whatcom County; provided that a twenty -five (25)
foot setback is maintained from the ordinary high water mark of all
water bodies and a fifty (50) foot setback is maintained from the
ordinary high water mark of fish spawn streams.
.285 Commercial Districts:
(1) Tourist Commercial District:
(a) Setback requirements for recreational vehicle parks shall be ten
thirty fl* 30 feet.for side and rear yards.
(b) Front yard setback requirements for service islands-of service
stations shall be twenty -five (25) feet to the center line of the
driveway of the closest service island.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
(2) Resort Commercial District:
(a) Setback requirements for multi - family housing, including all
condominiums except time share condominiums and mobile home parks,
shall be twenty (20) feet for side and rear yards.
(b) Setback requirements for recreational vehicle parks, and resort -
oriented hotels and motels including time share condominiums shall
be forty -five (45) feet for front yard, and twenty (20) feet for
side and rear yards.
(c) Setback requirements for nonresort- oriented hotels and motels and
.nonhabitation commercial development shall be zero (0) feet for
side yards and ten (10) feet for rear yards.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
.286 Industrial Districts:
(1) Heavy Impact Industrial District: Setback requirements for hazardous
materials shall be administered pursuant to this Section, or consistent
with federal and state regulations, whichever is greater.
(2) General Manufacturing Districts: The Zoning Administrator may reduce
side and rear yard setbacks if all of the following provisions are met:
(a) Screening shall be provided to protect adjacent uses from unsight-
liness or visual distraction;
(b) All structures and improvements including roof overhangs do not
cross property boundaries, and runoff shall be diverted to on -site
drainage facilities;
(c) The reduced setbacks would not.-reduce solar access on adjacent
properties unless all parties having an ownership interest in the
property adjacent to th
-- late in writing, on forms
the reductions. The
report to establish t
property;
CHAPTER 20.80
e side or rear yards to be reduced stipu-
provided by the Zoning Administrator, to
Zoning Administrator may require a title
he ownership interests in the adjacent
(d) Light sources would be shielded;
(e) The use and storage of toxic or hazardous materials or processes
shall not be located within the setback unless adequate facilities
to contain accidental spills on -site consistent with state
regulations are provided; and
(f) The reduced setbacks would not interfere with existing sewer,
water and other easements.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(1))
(3) General Manufacturing and Heavy Impact Industrial Districts: The
Zoning Administrator may reduce setbacks for nonindustrial buildings to
those of Light Impact Industrial if the reduced setbacks would not
interfere with existing sewer, water and other easements.
.287 All Districts:
(1) No manure lagoon or other open pit storage shall be located closer than
one hundred and fifty (150) feet from any property line, or in a manner
which creates any likelihood of groundwater pollution or other health
hazard.
(2) All manure storage shall be protected from a twenty -five (25) year
flood; and shall be located fifty (50) feet from irrigation ditches and
waterways, fifty (50) feet from the ordinary high water line of any
lake or waterway, provided that best management practices as determined
by the Whatcom County Conservation District are in place. If the best
management practices are not in place. three hundred (300) feet shall
be substituted for fifty (50) feet.
20.80.300 WATERFRONT LOTS
Waterfront lots shall comply with the building setback requirements set forth in
the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program. (See 20.80.223)
20.80.320 REPLACEMENT DWELLING
In all districts where a single - family residence is a primary permitted use. a
building permit may be issued for the construction of a replacement dwelling on
the same lot provided that the owner agrees by filing a statement with the
Building Official that the old dwelling will be demolished, removed, or converted
to another permitted use upon completion of the new dwelling.
20.80.350 VARIANCES TO LOT AREA AND WIDTH REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW SUBDIVISIONS
Minimum building site area and width requirements may be varied in the approval
of new subdivisions and short subdivisions by. means of -the- v ariance- preeedme
established in the Whatcom County Subdivision Ordinance; provided that the gross
CHAPTER 20.80
density of the subdivision shall not exceed that of the applicable zone district,
and provided that no site shall be allowed to vary differ more than ten percent
(10 %) in area or in average width from the standard requirement. Such variation
in lot size shall not include land of twenty percent (20%) or greater slopes,
tidelands and water areas and thus shall not be included in calculating the gross
density of a site for purposes of determining the number of parcels eligible for
the 10% lot area or width reduction allowed by this section. Lands of 20% or
more, tidelands and water areas can be included in the gross density calculation
where specifically permitted in zone district regulations.
20.80.400 ALEAR-MMN PERMITTED USE OF SETBACK AREAS
7410 An - -a -- earner -- let - -in -- any -- residential- distri-ct — nothing- shall- be- ereeted-
plaeed -- pleated -or- a -Ilowed -to- grow - -in- each-- �eae�er- Qis - -to- materially - impede
vision - between --a- height -of- tiro -arid- one - half- ¢0-4f2 }- and - ten -¢l0} feet -above
the- eenter -line- grades --of- the-- iaterseeting- street-- in- a-- trier4War -area
bounded -by- the - street - lines- of -sneh- co. ner- lots - end -e- line- �joiniag- points -are
Quid - street- knee - fifty -¢58 }- feet- freun -thc- point- af- i�steraeets:o�s-
-429
.410 A clear vision area shall be maintained on the corners of all property at
the intersection of two streets, a street and an alley, or a street and a
railroad.
(1) A clear vision area shall consist of a triangular area, two sides of
which are lot lines measured from the corner intersection of the street
lot lines for a distance specified in *3 below (where the lot has
rounded corners, the distance shall be measured from the intersection
of those lot lines extended),;,and the third side of which is a line
across the corner of the lot joining the nonintersection ends of the
other two sides.
(2) A clear vision area shall contain no planting, fence, wall,
obstruction, or temporary or permanent obstruction exceeding two a one -
half (2 1/2) feet in height, measured from the top of the curb or,
where no curb exists, from the established street center line grade;
except that trees exceeding this height may be located in this area,
provided all branches and foliage are removed to a height of eight -¢8}
ten 10 feet above the grade.
(3) The following measurements shall establish clear vision areas:
(a) In a residential zone, the minimum distance shall be thirty (30)
feet or, at intersections including an alley, ten (10) feet;
(b) In all other zones where yard red, the minimum distance
shall be fifteen (15) feet, or at intersections including an
alley, ten (10) feet, except when the angle of intersection
between a street other than an alley is less than thirty (30)
degrees, the distance shall be twenty -five (25) feet;
(c) Where -no-- yards -arm- required, the _-rimWo distance - shall- be -ea-in
¢b}- ebave. Buildings may be constructed within the clear vision
area provided that any portion of the structure within the clear
CHAPTER 20.80
vision area is more than eight (8) feet above the top of the curb
or street center line grade and is supported by not more than two
columns nor more than eight (8) inches in diameter.
.420 The requisite front yard setback area must be open from side -to -side of the
lot, provided that uncovered patios, driveways, walkways, vegetation, pools,
recreation equipment, and fences and walls up to four (4) feet in height may
be placed in this front yard setback area, subject to the limitations of
WCC 20.80.410. All front yard setback measurements are minimum
requirements.
And further provided that fences, walls or vegetative hedges located within
this front yard setback area may exceed four (4) feet in height, to a
maximum of six (6) feet, only if:,
They do not obstruct or impair visual corridors of surrounding
properties and sight distances of vehicular traffic,
They are adjudged to be necessary in order to provide security and
privacy to the particular use activity by reason of:
(a) The property's immediate location next to public access areas; or
Its facilities and amenities which are both attractive to the
general public, and intended for the exclusive use of its
inhabitants and /or patrons; or
They are deemed necessary for the protection of the public health,
safety and general welfare.
.430 A rear yard must be open from side -to -side of the lot; provided that
uncovered patios, driveways, walkways, vegetation, pools, recreation
equipment, open parking space, fences and walls up to seven (7) feet in
height, and structures housing accessory uses in Urban Residential,
Residential Rural, Rural and Agricultural zone districts may be placed in
the rear yard; provided there is an open space of eight (8) feet between any
such structure and a building on that lot. All rear yard measurements are
minimum requirements.
.440 A side yard must be kept open; that uncovered patios, driveways,
walkways, vegetation, pools, parking areas, recreational equipment, and
fences and walls up to seven (7) feet in height may be placed in the side
yard. All side yard measurements are minimum requirements.
20.80.500 SIGN CONTROLS
Whenever reference is made in this Ordinance to sign controls, the following
provisions shall apply.
.510 General Provisions - Applicable to All Districts:
(1) No sigh or any portion of a sign shall be located on or over public
property, such as road rights- of-way and easements, transmission line
corridors or utility easements. Standard height.limits and building
setbacks shall apply to all signs unless otherwise provided herein.
CHAPTER 20.80
All freestanding signs advertising on premise operations may be located-
within required landscaping areas, except that no such sign shall be
closer than ten (10) feet to the road right -of -way. This distance
shall be increased if it can be shown to present a traffic hazard.
(2) On- premise Ssigns meeting the requirements of Section .520 to .560 of
the Chapter are permitted. Exe3-udrag -the- requirements -of -Other than
exempt signs under Section .570 of this Chapter, all other signs in the
Recreation and Open Space District are prohibited and all other signs
in other districts conditionally permitted subject to meeting the
requirements of WCC 20.84.200. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
Off- remise advertising signs are. prohibited in all districts except
adjacent to arterial roads in commercial or industrial districts where
they are conditionally permitted. Maximum sign size shall be
320 square feet and not more than 20 feet high. Minimum separation
between signs shall be 500 feet. In no case shall any portion of an
off-premise advertising sign be installed within fifteen (15) feet of
the edge of a road right -of -way.
.520 Neighborhood Commercial District Sign Regulations:
(1) Single -face signs placed on walls or eves of business establishments
shall not exceed thirty -two (32) square feet.
(2) One free - standing sign is permitted for each Neighborhood Commercial
zone district. Each sign shall not exceed sixty -four (64) square feet
with a maximum height of ten (10) feet.
(3) Lighted signs shall only be internally or indirectly illuminated.
(4) Reader board signs shall be allowed for tenant identification only, and
merchandise or price special advertising shall be prohibited.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
.530 General Commercial District Sign Regulations:
(1) Single -faced signs placed on walls or eaves of business establishments
shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area. Free- standing
signs shall not exceed sixty -four (64) square feet in area. Roof signs
shall not extend laterally beyond the roof it is located on. and shall
not exceed (100) square feet in area.
(2) Free - standing signs shall not exceed twenty -five (25) feet in height
and wall- mounted signs shall not exceed the maximumr- banding - height
{35- feet -or actual building height_ , whichevet i eon-. Roof signs
shall not extend more than five (5) feet above the peak of the roof.
(3) Lighted signs shall only be internally or indirectly illuminated.
.535 Tourist Commercial Sign Regulations:
(1) Signs shall be located on the premises with the use they are
identifying.
CHAPTER 20.80
(2) Single -faced signs placed on walls or eaves of business establishments
shall not exceed eight percent (8%) of the facade area where the sign
will be located plus eight (8) square feet. No more than one wall sign
shall be permitted per facade. The facade area includes any one side
of a building composed of walls, windows,and doors.
(3) Elevated signs shall not exceed two hundred fifty (250) square feet in
area on any one (1) face, nor exceed three -(8) or four (4) faces per
sign and shall be located no closer than two hundred (200) feet apart
regardless of ownership or number of businesses.
(4) Signs shall not exceed the height regulations found with
Section 20.63.400.
(5) Billboards are prohibited.
(6) Lighted signs shall only be internally or indirectly illuminated.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.540 Resort Commercial District:
(1) Single -face signs placed on walls or eves of business establishments
shall not exceed thirty -two (32) square feet.
(2) Free- standing signs shall not exceed sixty -four (64) square feet with a
maximum height of ten (10) feet.
(3) Lighted signs shall only be internally or indirectly illuminated.
(4) Reader board signs shall be allowed for tenant identification only, and
merchandise or price special advertising shall be prohibited.
(Adopted per Wcc 20.04.080(1)(a))
.550 General Manufacturing, and Light and Heavy
Impact Industrial Districts Sign Regulations:
(1) Unlighted temporary building signs not to exceed sixty -four (64) square
feet in area, with message limited to the name, address and phone
number of the project, contractor, architect, and financial source
shall be permitted.
(2) Real estate signs shall be limited to one sign per street frontage,
shall be unlighted and shall not exceed sixty -four (64) square feet in
area.
(3) The following regulations shall apply to permanent signs that pertain
to an operating industrial activity:
(a) All signs must be an integral and coordinated part of a site
design plan for the entire complex.
(b) Signs may be internally or indirectly illuminated.
CHAPTER 20.80
(c) Wall signs shall be flush against the building and shall not
exceed twenty -five percent (25 %) of the total wall area, less
windows and doors.
(d) One free - standing sign shall be permitted at the entrance to each
individual site within an industrial complex; provided that total
sign area for any one face does not exceed sixty -four (64) square
feet.
(e) One free - standing sign not higher than twenty -five (25) feet shall
be permitted at each main entrance to an industrial complex. The
message of said sign shall be limited to the name of the complex
and its occupant(s). Sign area of any one face shall not exceed
two hundred seventy -five (275) square feet.
(f) Roof signs not greater than five (5) feet above the peak of the
roof and not extending beyond the roof it is located on shall be
permitted.
.560 Recreation and Open Space District Sign Regulations:
(1) One free- standing sign for each road frontage shall be permitted;
provided the sign does not exceed six (6) feet in height and surface
area does not exceed twenty -four (24) square feet. Sign setbacks shall
be at least twenty (20) feet from the edge of a county or state road
right -of -way, or twenty -five (25). feet from adjacent nonpublic property
lines.
(2) One wall sign for each accessory or conditionally permitted structure
shall be permitted; provided total sign does not exceed twelve (12)
square feet.
(3) Signs demarcating public property boundaries shall be permitted;
provided total sign area for each individual sign does not exceed three
(3) square feet. Said signs may be located at property lines.
.570 Exemptions: The following types of signs shall be exempt from the
regulations of this Section and zoning districts, provided that such signs
shall conform to the general provisions of this Section.
(1) Addresses (internal lighting permitted), family names, cottage names,
entrance and exit signs, home occupation signs, up to two (2) square
feet, provided that they are on- premises.
(2) Temporary on- premise real estate sales signs, up to fourteen (14)
square feet for each road frontage; provided that for sites in excess
of five (5) acres, the area may be increased to sixty -four (64) square
feet per road frontage (single sign only permitted) on a one -year
permit basis. Signs announcing construction of a facility shall be
considered to be real estate sales signs.
(3) Small window signs up to three (3) square feet in business uses;
provided that such signs do not cover more than twenty -five percent
(25%k) of the area of any window.
CHAPTER 20.80
(4) Community identification signs of up to sixty -four (64) square feet on
entrance roads to community areas; provided that such signs shall not
be spaced at intervals of less than one mile along such a road.
(5) Private directional signs up to twelve (12) square feet in business,
commercial or industrial districts, and up to six (6) square feet in
other districts; provided that_ ne- etagl-e -t ae- nets► - -have- more —then -four
{4�- such- sYgns7
(a) no single use may have more than four such signs;
signs shall meet building setback requirements unless they are
four feet or less in height, in which case setback shall be five
feet;
(c) no sign shall violate the clear vision section (2.24.600.620);
no single use shall have signs occurring more frequently than one
per mile; and
(e) existing signs that do not comply with all provisions above may
continue to exist for one year from date of adoption of this
amendment, at which time all nonconforming signs shall be abated.
20.80.600 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
The following standards shall apply to development in every zoning district.
.610 Landscaping: Wherever reference is made in this Ordinance to a landscape
plan, the following provisions shall apply unless different provisions are
specified in regulations governing a particular zoning district:
(1) A landscape plan for all permitted and conditional uses except single -
family, two - family, and three - family dwellings shall be submitted to
the Zoning Administrator for his approval at time of application for
building permit. The plan shall, as a minimum, include the following:
(a) the location and approximate dimensions of areas to be landscaped.
(b) the identification of types of trees, shrubs, plants and other
materials to be used.
(c) the approximate height and thickness of (b) above at time of
planting and at maturity.
(d) the type and location of all proposed lighting.
(2) Shrubs, trees and similar planting materials shall be required at the
following locations:
(a) at vehicular entrances and exits to the property.
(b) parallel to all highways and roads.
CHAPTER 20.80
(c) around all parking areas, as provided in WCC 20.80.730.
(d) the visual impact of parking areas shall be minimized by
separating the area into modules that contain no more than twelve
(12) vehicles. Each module shall be separated from other areas by
a planting strip containing trees, shrubbery, or other ground
cover in such substantial density as to break up long sight lines
and overviews of parked cars.
(e) In addition, the Zoning Administrator may require sight - obscuring
landscaping or screening anywhere in the area between the property
line and the line determining the setback edge in order to prevent
conflicts between uses.
(3) Trees, shrubs and other planting materials shall be maintained in
healthy condition. Dead or dying vegetation shall be replaced and the
planting area shall be maintained free of litter after occupancy.
(4) Implementation of such landscape plan .within eight (8) months, and
maintenance for one year thereafter, shall be guaranteed by a
performance bond of one hundred and fifty percent (150X) of the
estimated cost, or by other means of positively guaranteeing
implementation as approved by the Zoning Administrator.
620 Noise: All developments, including traffic generated directly by them, must
conform as a minimum to federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
standards and, if available, standards of the State of Washington and
Whatcom County. More rigorous standards may be specified in regulations of
specific zoning districts.
.630 Drainage in Paved Areas- Breinege- 6ontro4- Permit: For any use covering.more
than 5,000 square feet with impervious surfacing, a drainage plan must be
submitted to the County Engineer. However, where applicable subarea
comprehensive plan policies identify the need for stormwater drainage
facilities, then a drainage plan shall be required for all nonsingle family
development with impervious surfacing of more than 1,000 square feet. The
County Engineer may require such modifications and improvements as he deems
necessary to ensure the protection of county drainage facilities and
neighboring property. No building permit .shall be issued until a drainage
control permit -hea- been- issued plan is approved by the County Engineer.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
.640 Driveways: A permit shall be obtained from the County Engineer or State
Department of Highways, as appropriate, prior to the construction.of any
driveways on a public right -of -way. The location of driveways adjacent to a
property line functioning as one point of ingress and egress to both
properties shall be encouraged and shall be considered as one driveway. The
location of driveways shall be in accordance with standards adopted by the
County or State Department of Highways as appropriate and approved by the
County Council. These standards shall regulate location, width and
alignment as they relate to safety and traffic congestion.
.650 Air Quality: No development, including traffic generated directly by it,
should generate air pollution exceeding the minimum permissible emission
CHAPTER 20.80
levels established by the Northwest Air Pollution Control Agency (NWAPA) or
the Environmental Protection Agency.
.660 All Weather Road Access: Parking area {s}- sh1.1- be- deaigtsed -to -have vehicles
enterin the-- public - rights -of way, - Such -an-abate -h ghhM�a s
�ys, county arterial
and G�ectot s, -except ninor access _ ads, - - �.L'iSle tz avel -ing 1n_ a forward
mot i o" -upon--ex -it . - --Tht ant-shall-apply-to park ing-areaOf"two-or
fess- - exrta- are- on- 6tate-� afs
mid -col-lee tot a a -leer-vision
spee=flcettona -aa alley street inbets on-in WO 20.80.4 Of*
In order to assure all- weather access, owners of property rezoned to LII, (iNl
or HII shall be required to attach a covenant to said property and file it
with the County Auditor stating that the owners of the property, their
heirs, assigns and successors in interest will not oppose participation in a
County Road Improvement District and Latecomers' Agreement as deemed
necessary by the Engineering Bureau and the County Council pursuant to the
provisions of RCW Chapter 35.72 and WCC Chapter 12.44. No development of
rezoned properties that requires all weather road standards shall be
permitted until an all weather road access is provided.
.670 Docks: All dock development shall conform to the following requirements:
(1) The dock development shall conform to all applicable local, state and
federal requirements including the Whatcom County Shoreline Management
Program. In particular, dock design and construction shall comply with
the requirements of Section 6.12.4 of the Shoreline Program.
(2) For all fresh water areas, all new posts or pilings shall be untreated
in order to avoid adverse impact on water quality.
(3) The dock shall be painted, marked with reflectors, or otherwise
identified so as to prevent unnecessary hazardous conditions for water
surface uses during day or night.
(4) Docks for noncommercial use or any watercraft moored thereto shall not
be used for a residence.
(5) Storage on a dock is prohibited. However, the requirement does not
apply where a specific design or structure has been approved by the
Zoning Administrator after demonstrating that adequate preventions are
utilized to maintain safety and water quality.
(6) Any exterior lighting shall be directed or shielded so as not to cause
annoying glare to neighboring properties, or to road or water traffic.
(7) Docks shall only be constructed within the property owned by the
applicant or where the applicant has obtained the appropriate lease
arrangements for the State of Washington or where appropriate.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
.675 Height Limitations: All structures located within any district shall be
limited in height consistent with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 77
for airport operations or the height limitations of the district, whichever
CHAPTER 20.80
is less. Nothing in this Ordinance shall restrict the height of a structure
to 15 1/2 feet or less. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.680 Unsuitable Land: Land which is unsuitable for the development of permitted,
accessory or conditional uses as defined by Section 20.97.443 shall not be
developed unless adequate safeguards are formulated by the developer and
approved by the Zoning Administrator. The safeguards shall be based on
technical data and /or professional review as deemed necessary by the
Administrator. If no adequate safeguards are available, the unsuitable land
area shall be retained for agricultural, forestry or open space purposes.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
20.80.700 OFF- STREET PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
20.80.705 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
(1) No building or structure shall be erected, substantially altered, or
its use changed unless permanently maintained off - street parking and
loading spaces have been provided in accordance with the provisions of
this Ordinance.
(2) The provisions of this Section, except where there is a change of use,
shall not apply to any existing building or structure. Where the new
use involves no additions or enlargements there shall be provided as
many of such spaces as may be required by this Ordinance.
(3) Whenever a building or structure constructed after the effective date
of this Ordinance is changed or enlarged in floor area, number of
employees, number of housing units, seating capacity or otherwise to
create a need for an increase in the number of existing parking spaces,
additional parking spaces shall be provided on the basis of the
enlargement or change, provided whenever a building or structure
existing prior to the effective date of this Ordinance is enlarged to
the extent of fifty percent (50 %) or more in floor area, number of
employees, number of housing units, seating capacity or otherwise, said
building or structure shall then and thereafter comply with the full
parking requirements set forth herein.
20.80.710 PARKING SPACE DIMENSIONS
A parking space shall have minimum rectangular dimensions of not less than ten
(10) feet in width and twenty (20) feet in length; provided, however, that for
any parking area of twelve (12) or more spaces, thirty -five percent (35X) of all
spaces may have minimum rectangular dimensions of not less than eight (8) feet in
width and fifteen (15) feet in length, provided that these spaces are marked for
use by sma -1-1 compact. automobiles. . All dimensions shall be exclusive of
driveways, aisles and other circulation areas. The number of required off - street
parking spaces is established in WCC 20.80.780.
20.80.715 LOADING SPACE REQUIREMENTS AND DIMENSIONS
A loading space shall have minimum dimensions of not less than fourteen (14) feet
in width, sixty (60) feet in length, exclusive of driveways, aisles, and other
CHAPTER 20.80
circulation areas, and a height of clearance of not less than fifteen (15) feet.
One off - street loading space shall be provided and maintained on the same lot for
every separate occupancy requiring delivery of goods and having a gross floor
area of at least five thousand (5,000) square feet in the case of manufacturing,
warehouse or terminal buildings, and ten. thousand (10,000) square feet for
commercial, hotel, institutional and public buildings. One loading space shall
be provided for each additional ten thousand (10,000) square feet for retail and
restaurant buildings; and one for each additional thirty thousand (30,000) square
feet for manufacturing, warehouse and service uses.
20.80.720 SURFACING
The required number of parking and loading spaces as set forth in WCC 20.80.715
and 20.80.780, together with driveways, aisles and other circulation areas, shall
be improved with a material acceptable material to- provide -a-- durable- Durfaee- to
the County EnAineer. In some instances. gravel rather than vavinQ may be
acceptable.
20.80.721 DRAINAGE
All parking and loading areas shall provide for proper drainage of surface water
to prevent the drainage of such water onto adjacent properties or walkways. Off -
site drainage improvements and maintenance easements shall be secured as
necessary to prevent damage to downstream property.
20.80.722 MAINTENANCE
The owner of property used for parking and /or loading shall maintain such area in
good condition without holes and free of all dust, trash and other debris.
20.80.723 LIGHTING
Any parking area which is intended to be used primarily during nondaylight hours
shall be properly illuminated to avoid accidents. Any lights used to illuminate
a parking lot shall be so arranged as to direct the light away from the adjoining
property and the public road.
20.80.725 LOCATION OF PARKING SPACES
The following regulations shall govern the location and off - street parking spaces
and areas:
(1) Parking spaces for all one and two - family dwellings shall be located on
the same lot as the dwelling which they are intended to serve with no
more than two (2) Rarking spaces included within the front yard
setback; unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator.
(2) Parking spaces for commercial, industrial or institutional uses shall
be located not more than seven hundred (700) feet from the principal
use. Parking lots further than seven hundred (700) feet from the
principal use may be approved by the Zoning Administrator.
(3) Parking space for apartments, dormitories or similar residential uses
shall be located not move than three hundred (300) feet from .the
principal use.
CHAPTER 20.80
(4) Parking spaces and locations established in new land subdivisions
approved by Whatcom County prior to the enactment of this resolution
shall be exempt from the requirement of approval by the Zoning
Administrator.
20.80.730 SCREENING AND /OR LANDSCAPING
Whenever a nonresidential parking lot containing more than ten (10) parking
spaces is located. in or adjacent to a residential district, it shall be
effectively screened on all sides which adjoin or face any property used for
residential purposes, by an acceptably designed wall, fence or planting screen.
Such fence, wall or planting screen shall be not less than four (4) feet nor more
than six (6) feet in height and shall be maintained in good condition. The space
between such fence, wall or planting screen, and the lot line of the adjoining
premises in any residential district shall be landscaped with grass, hardy shrubs
or evergreen ground cover, and maintained in good condition. In the event that
terrain or other natural features are such that the erection of such fence, wall
or planting screen will not serve the intended purpose, then no such fence, wall
or planting screen and landscaping shall be required.
20.80.735 REQUIRED TRASH AREAS
All commercial, industrial and multi- family residential uses comprising ten (10)
or more units that provide trash and /or garbage collection areas shall enclose
such areas on at least three (3). sides by a solid wall or fence of at least four
(4) feet in height if such area is not within an enclosed building or structure. -
Provisions for adequate vehicular access to and from such area or areas for
collection of trash and /or garbage as determined by the Zoning Administrator
shall be required.
20.80.740 B1rYABLBB- i%HMLBG NONPERMITTED STORAGE
The - parking -of -a- disabled - vehicle- Mrt hin- a- residentta+- or- eommere.&I disbriet -for
a- period - -of- tore -- than - two -f2B }weeks- shall -be- p2ohibited;- miless sack- vehicle -ia
stored - ire -an- enclosed- garage- or-other ing.
For the protection of the quality of residential and commercial areas, and to
maintain individual property values, the indiscriminate deposition of discarded
vehicles, used building materials, equipment, appliances and assorted gunk shall
be prohibited in all residential and commercial zone districts.
.741 Derelict or abandoned vehicles and trailers (or Parts thereof) shall be
removed at the Property owner's expense fourteen (14) days after official
notification. This shall include vehicles and trailers parked on private
property, public streets, roads or rights- of-way adjacent to the property
owner's property. It shall also be unlawful to retain inoperative abandoned
farm implements, mechanical or structural apparatus. Said farm implements,
logging equipment, industrial machinery and other apparatus shall be removed
at the property owner's expense (see exception in 20.80.742).
.742 Property owners, or owners of derelict or abandoned vehicles, trailers, farm
implements, logging equipment, industrial machinery or similar apparatus
shall have the right to retain the above which is visually screened from
CHAPTER 20.80
public roads or private roads open to public use or trails open to public
use or surrounding residential or commercial property. .
20.80.745 MINIMUM DISTANCE AND SETBACKS
No part of any parking area for more than ten (10) vehicles shall be closer than
twenty (20) feet to any dwelling unit, school, hospital, or other institution for
human care located on an adjoining lot, unless separated by an acceptably
designed screen. ff— on-`he some lot with Emily residence, the Pparking
areas for one and two family dwellings if shall not located within the
required front yard setback areas shall have a setback of at least ten (10) feet
from the road ri t -of -way. required - for -sneh— building.- In no case shall any
part of a parking area be closer than four (4) feet to any established street or
alley right -of -way.
20.80.750 JOINT USE
Two or more nonresidential uses may jointly provide and use parking spaces when
their hours of operation do not normally overlap, provided that a. written
agreement approved by the Zoning Administrator shall be filed with the
application of a building permit.
20.80.755 WHEEL BLOCKS
Whenever a parking lot extends to a property line, wheel blocks or other suitable
devices shall be installed to prevent any part of a parked vehicle from extending
beyond the property line.
20.80.760 WIDTH OF AISLES
One -way aisles serving individual parking spaces shall be not less than twenty -
five (25) feet wide for ninety (90) degree parking, twelve (12) feet wide for
parallel parking, eighteen (18) feet for sixty (60) degree parking, and thirteen
(13) feet for forty -five (45) degree parking.
20.80.765 ACCESS
Any parking area shall be designed in such a manner that any vehicle leaving or
entering the parking area from or into a public or private street shall be
traveling in a forward motion. Access of driveways for parking areas or loading
spaces shall be located in.such a way that any vehicle entering or leaving such
lot shall be clearly visible for a reasonable distance to any pedestrian or
motorist approaching the access or driveway from a public or private street.
This requirement shall apply to parking areas of two or.less required spaces only
when exits are on State Highways and major county arterials and collectors.
Clear vision areas shall be maintained at exits to the same specifications as
alley - street intersection in WCC 20.80.420(3). No building permit shall be
issued until an access plan is approved by the County Engineer.
20.80.770 SIGNS CIRCULATION
The entrances and exits to.the parking area shall be clearly marked. Interior
vehicular circulation by way of access roads shall maintain the following minimum
standards: For one -way traffic, the minimum width of fourteen (14) feet. Access
roads for two -way traffic shall have a minimum width of twenty -four (24) feet.
CHAPTER 20.80
Parking areas having more than one aisle or driveway shall have directional signs
or markings in each aisle or driveway.
20.80.775 STRIPING
All hard - surfaced parking areas with a capacity over twelve (12) vehicles should
be striped between stalls to facilitate the movement into and out of the parking
stalls.
20.80.780 PARKING SPACE REQUIREMENTS
For the purpose of this Ordinance, the following parking space requirements shall
apply (See also Section 20.97.140):
(1) Administration buildings (public or private): 1 for each 200 square
feet of floor area.
(2) Apartments: 3 for each 2 units.
(3) Apartment hotels: 3 for each 2 units.
(4) Art galleries: 1 for each 300 square feet of floor area..
(5) Auditoriums: 1 for each 4 seats.
(6) Automobile service stations (which also provide repair): 1 for each
gasoline pump and 2 for each service bay.
(7) Banks: 1 for each 200 square feet of floor area.
(8) Boarding houses: 1 for each bed.
(9) Bowling alley: 4 for each alley or lane plus one additional space for
each 100 square feet of the area used for restaurant, cocktail lounge
or similar use.
(10) Business and commercial (general): 1 for each 300 square feet of floor
area.
(11) Business schools: 1 for each 2 classroom seats.
(12) Cartage, express and parcel delivery: 1 for every employee (on the
largest shift for which the building is designed) and 1 for each motor
vehicle maintained on the premises.
(13) Child care centers: 2 for each classroom but not less than 6 for the
building.
(14) Children's homes: 1 for each 3 beds.
(15) Churches: 1 for each 4 seats.
(16) Colleges: 1 for each 3 students.
CHAPTER 20.80
Off- Street Parking Diagram and Dimensional Table
CHAPTER 20.80
(17) Dance floors: 1 for each 100 square feet of floor area used for the
activity.
(18) Dental clinics: 1 for every 200 square feet of floor area of
examination.
(19) Dining rooms: 1 for each 100 square feet of floor area.
(20) Dormitories: 1 for each bed.
(21) Duplex: 2 for each unit.
(22) Elementary school: 1 for each teacher and 1 for every 8 seats in
auditoriums or assembly halls.
(23) Financial institutions: 1 for each 200 square feet of floor area.
(24) Fraternities: 1 for each bed.
(25) Freight terminals: 1 for every employee (on the largest shift for
which the building is designed) and 1 for each motor vehicle maintained
on the premises.
(26) Funeral parlors: 1 for each 100 square feet of floor area in slumber
rooms, parlors or service rooms.
(27) Homes for the aged: 1 for each 3 beds.
(28) Hospitals: 1 1/2 for each bed.
(29) Hotels: 1 per each sleeping room plus 1 space for each 2 employees.
(30) Junior high schools: 1 for each teacher and 1 for every 8 seats in
auditoriums or assembly halls.
(31) Kindergartens: 2 for each classroom but not less than 6 for the
building.
(32) Libraries: 1 for each 300 square feet of floor area.
(33) Manufacturing uses: 1 for every employee (on the largest shift for
which the building is designed) and 1 for each motor vehicle maintained
on the premises.
(34) Medical clinic: 1 for every 200 square feet of floor area of
examination, treating room, office and waiting room.
(35) Mobile homes: 2 for each unit.
(36) Mortuaries: 1 for each 100 feet of floor area in slumber rooms,
parlors or service rooms.
(37) Motels: 1 per each sleeping room plus 1 space for each 2 employees.
CHAPTER 20.80
(38) Multi - family dwelling: 3 for each 2 units.
(39) Museums: 1 for each 300 square feet of floor area.
(40) Night club: 1 for each 100 square feet of floor area.
(41) Nursing homes: 1 for each 3 beds.
(42) Nursery schools: 2 for each classroom but not less than 6 for the
building.
(43) Offices: 1 for each 200 square feet of floor area.
(44) Parks, golf courses, cemeteries and other uses consisting primarily of
open space: 1 for each acre of land, provided that this requirement
may be increased or decreased by the Zoning Administrator or Hearing
Examiner, as appropriate, based on anticipated intensity of use of the
property.
(45) Retail stores: 1 for each 250 square feet of floor area.
(46) Restaurants: 1 for each 100 square feet of floor area.
(47) Rooming houses: 1 for each bed.
(48) Sanitariums: 1 for each.3 beds.
(49) Service building: 1 for each 200 square feet of floor area.
(50) Single - family dwelling: 2 for each unit.
(51) Skating rinks: 1 for each 100 square feet of floor area used for the
activity.
(52) Sports arenas: 1 for each 4 seats.
(53) Storage uses: 1 for every employee (on the largest shift for which the
building is designed) plus 1 for- each motor vehicle used in the
business.
(54) Swimming pools (outdoor - public, community or club): 1 for each 5
persons capacity plus.l for each 4 seats or 1 for each 30 square feet
of floor area used for seating purposes, whichever is greater. .
(55) Taverns: 1 for each 100 square feet of-floor area.
(56) Technical schools: 1 for each 2 classroom seats..
(57) Theaters: 1 for each 4 seats.
(58) Trade schools: 1 for each 2 classroom seats.
(59) Universities: 1 for each 3 students.
CHAPTER 20.80
(60) Wholesale uses: 1 for every employee (on the largest shift for which
the building is designed) plus 1 for each motor vehicle used in the
business.
20.80.785 HANDICAP PARKING
Handicap parking must be installed in accordance with state regulations. In
every parking lot and garage provided to serve buildings which require handicap
facilities, a minimum of one (1) parking space and not less than twelve (12) feet
six (6) inches wide.
The surface shall be firm, stable, smooth, slip resistant and shall slope not
more than one (1) in 60. A symbol of HANDICAP ACCESS shall be painted on the
stall.
20.80.790 GENERAL INTERPRETATIONS
In the interpretation of this Section, the following rules shall govern:
(1) Parking spaces for other permitted or. conditional uses not listed in
this Section shall be determined by the Hearing Examiner where a land
use permit is required and by the Zoning Administrator for other
permitted uses.
(2) Fractional numbers shall be increased to the next whole number.
(3) Where there is an adequate public transit system or where for any other
reason parking requirements are unusually low, the parking space
provisions cited above may be reduced proportionately by the Zoning
Administrator.
(4) In portions of a lot devoted exclusively to the smaller spaces marked
for use by small cars, aisle width may be reduced to twenty (20) feet
for ninety (90) degree parking; to fifteen (16) feet for sixty (60)
degree parking; and to twelve (12) feet for forty -five (45) degree
parking.
20.80.800 LIVESTOCK REGULATIONS
20.80.801 PURPOSE
The purpose of these livestock regulations is to establish standards for the
number of form animals units on relatively small acreage parcels where
compatibility may become an issue. Therefore, these regulations shall only apply
to parcels of less than five (6) ten 10 acres in size in the Urban Residential,
Residential Rural, Rural Residential - Island, Rural or Forestry Districts.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a) and (u))
20.80.806 LIVE T98K ANIMAL UNITS
The number of -livestoek animal units which are permissible in those zone
districts that refer to this Section shall be consistent with the following
standards:
CHAPTER 20.80
(1) One livestoek animal unit equals one pony, or one horse, or one cow, or
_ one burrow, or two sheep, or two goats, or two pigs. Ponies and horses
under one year, calves under six months, and sheep, goats and pigs
under three months shall not be included when computing -1tvestock
animal units.
(2) Lots which have an area of less than one -half (1/2) acre may not keep
an +ivestoek animal unit.
(3) Lots with an area of one -half (1 /2)-acre or more and less than or equal
to one (1) acre may keep one (1) animal unit.
(34) Lots exceeding one (1) acre in size may increase the number of animals
at the rate of one (1) livestock animal unit per 1/2 acre of land area
in excess of one (1) acre.
(45) Bulls and stallions over six months of age shall be prohibited, and the
keeping of mink, foxes or other nondomestic fur - bearing animals shall
be .prohibited.
(56) All -Iivestoek animal units shall be confined to the building lot or
parcel unless otherwise provided.
CHAPTER 20.82
PUBLIC UTILITIES
20.82.010 Permitted Uses
The provision of this Ordinance shall not be construed to limit or interfere with
the installation, maintenance and operation of public utility lines, pipelines
for oil and gas, railroads (but not including switching yards or round houses);
or maintenance facilities. acid necessary office spece.
20.82.020 Conditional Uses
Trunk utility lines, electronic communications and associated minimal maintenance
and operation their administrative structures, water storage reservoirs, pumping
stations, treatment plants, outfalls and substations.,, and electrical substations
shall require a conditional use permit and shall be subject to a threshold
determination in accordance with the Whatcom County SEPA Ordinance. Solid waste
facilities and large -scale electrical stenerating plants are not conditional uses
under the name "public utilities" but are restricted to where they are separately
named as uses.
20.82.030
Lands that are currently zoned Urban Residential, Residential Rural or Rural, are
situated adjacent to the Bonneville Power Administration power line
easement /right -of -way, and comply with all of the criteria listed below may make
application to the Bureau of Buildings and Code Administration for Conditional
Use Permits for nonresidential uses which would otherwise be prohibited on such
properties. This provision is applicable to zone districts that permit
residential uses and where it is apparent that the future location of residences
may not be in the best interest of public health and safety. In order to qualify
for a conditional use permit application, the applicant must comply with the
following locational criteria:
(a) Properties shall be situated adjacent to the Bonneville Power
Administration power line easement /right- of-way and within 400 feet of
an existing commercial or industrial zone district;
(b) properties shall be accessible by existing roads classified as major
collectors or higher;
(c) parcel sizes shall conform with the residential parcel size.
requirements of the underlying zone district;
(d) proposed nonresidential uses shall be situated at a distance no greater
than 600 feet from the neighboring commercial or industrial zone
district in order to prevent the proliferation of such uses in
residential zones; and
(e) proposed nonresidential uses shall be compatible with those allowed in
the neighboring commercial and industrial zone districts.
(f) provided that properties which are adjacent to or crossed by the
Bonneville Power Administration power line right -of- way /easement and
adjacent to existing commercial uses and have sufficient frontage on a
road classified by Whatcom County as a major collector or higher to
provide vehicular access, and meet criteria (c) above, shall also be
CHAPTER 20.82
eligible to apply for conditional use approval for commercial uses on
that property, provided further that this section shall no longer be in
effect after Title 20 of the Whatcom County Code becomes effective in
the Lynden - Nooksack Valley Subarea as defined by the Lynden- Nooksack
Valley Comprehensive Plan. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(y))
The Hearing Examiner shall evaluate said applications pursuant to the provisions
of Chapter 20.84.200.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(v) & (z))
CHAPTER 20.83
NONCONFORMING USES AND PARCELS
.01.0 F-:c•cpt as otherwise, provided in this Chapter, the lawful use of any
building, iand or premises, existing on the effective date of adoption or
amendment of this Ordinance, may be continued although such use does not
conform to the provisions hereof. If such nonconforming use is discontinued
1 *()r a period of twelve (12) months or more, any future use of said building,
land or premises shall be consistent with the provisions of this Ordinance.
.020 Nonconforming uses may be extended throughout any building partially
occupiod by such use at the time of passage of this Ordinance. The
c-xpansi.on of a nonconforming use by addition or enlargement on any tract or
pax-eel of land of record on July 6, 1972, shall be conditionally permitted.
The expansion shall be approved if it is consistent with the applicable
zoning regulations except the use restrictions and complies with
WCC 20.84.220(2) to (R).
.030 When a zone distrirt is changed, existing nonconforming uses may be contin-
-i with the Provisions of WCC. 20.83.010 and WCC. 20.83.020.
040 Thy• r•h ngre of a nonconforming use to another type' of a nonconforming use
shall be condit.i.onall., permitted. The change of nonconforming use shall be
cii +prove >ci if it is consistent with the applicable zoning regulations, except
the use restrictions, and complies with WCC 20.84.220(2) to (8), providing
such change does not require the provision of water and sewer utility
s01-Vi.c'es at a level greater than that currently available to the subject
pt-uport:,y, and that the new nonconforming use does not result in greater
impacts upon surrounding properties than did the original nonconforming use.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(w))
.050 If a nonconforming use - composed or physical feature of a building or group
Of buildings on one site; is damaged or destroyed by any means, that use
shall be permitted to be rebuildt equal to the square footage of damaged or
destroyed building(s), and for the same use of and location on the site.
.060 Lots of rPrord existing on the effective date of adoption rn- urteneiment of
this Ardj:nnner.- regulation for a subarea or parcels created pursuant to
WCC 20.83.070, whreh that do not meet the minimum area and or width
requiremPnt.s of the zone district,- may be developed with permitted,
accessory and conditional uses; provided:
(1) That all other district standards are met.; and
(2) That: -,.. for. - pare :els - created- parsnsi9t- to- WEE' - 29.-89:919- wttett- aabsegarnt}s
do- rlc�t- evslpiy- with- the - minimum- - area- and�or - -- width- regairr..merlts -- - of- -t.ttr
MPPIicab1e.- Y,orle- - districts l.ot -- boundaries -- not- - forming -the
vvrrsll- l�arrrl bhurldai4q- shs }1 -be -rsest rd - parsuarlt to RCWTitle- 58- - €or
platted- -4vtsi- ov- by.. -deed -rest rieiivns- approved- br- the-- Piannint -N rector
i�r• -his -- designee - #'or•-aflpiatted---lvta-
(Amended Per WCC 20.01.080 (1) (b) )
The lots or parcels were created pursuant to applicable state and local
subdivision regulations at the time of lot segregation or consolidation
under Section 20.83.071.
CHAPTER 20.83
.070 Two or more lots of record; - which - exist -on- the - effective- date -ef- adoption -or
amendment -of -- this- Ardtnanee; shall be considered to- be- used - and /or sold as
one undivided parcel for the purpose of use or sale consistent -with- the -area
requirements-- -of - -- the - -- applicable - -- district if all of the following
circumstances pertain on or after the date of adoption of this Ordinance for
a subarea, except as modified by subsection .071 or ..072 below:
(1) the lots are in one ownership;
(2) one or more of the lots in question do not meet the minimum area and/or
width requirements of the applicable zone district;
(3) the lots are not separated by intervening parcels of different owner-
ships or by public rights -of -way;
(4) no more than one lot is developed with a legally established building
primary permitted or conditionally permitted use at the time this
Ordinance is adopted or amended making the parcel(s) in question
nonconforming; and
(5) thC-lOtS- in-QtlCStien- are- OtherroiaC- in- COmplianeC -iVith-thC- pretlisiens-O€
thrs- Ard�nance; -and
(65) at least five (5) years have passed since the date of final approval of
the plat pursuant-to by which the lots were created if platted lots are
involved.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(b))
.071 The following formula shall be used to determine the maximum number of lots
which shall be permitted by the consolidation hereunder of substandard lots.
This formula is not applicable to satisfying the requirements of
Chapter 20.89.
The- tet�►l- area -o €- ail -thc- lets -in -- questions - shall - -be- computed -- and - the -sum
there- n €- ditlided -by- the - legal- minimum- neneluster -let- size - established - €or -the
zoning- district, - provided- that - -r € -. the -- result-- rs - -a -- whole -- number -- plus -a
remainder, - -the -- maximum - number - -e €- leis -- permitted- shall -be-- increased -by -one
lot- r €- ther- re- mainder- equals -or- exceeds- 5A3� -ef -the -- minimum - lot - =sine- set - €or
the -- district,- -- and -- provided -- further -- that -- the -- number - -ef- lets - permitted
hereunder- shall- not - exceed - the - original -- total -- number - -ef -- lots -- subject -to
eonsolida� ion- under - subsection -- AAA- abetle-
The total area of all lots subject to consolidation under subsection .070,
above, shall be added together and the sum divided by the minimum noncluster
loi size for the zoning district. The whole number quotient shall be the
maximum number of lots; provided, that an additional lot shall be allowed if
the quotient contains a fraction of .5 or more, an d provided further that
the number of lots shall not exceed the original number of lots.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(b))
.072 Any owner of lots subject to consolidation hereunder may apply to the
Hearing Examiner for relief from the provisions of WCC 20.83.070 on the
grounds that such requirements place an unreasonable burden upon the
CHAPTER 20.83
property affected. In evaluating such a claim, the Hearing Examiner shall
consider tILC: fcslloa!Llg factors:
(1; the pattern of existing development in the immediate vicinity of the
subject lots and the compatibility of the lot sizes requested with
established and prospective uses;
(2) they suitahil.it3r of the lots for construction of a type appropriate to
the district;
13) the nature and extent. of improvements previously made by the owner in
rel.i.311ce upon the original lot sizes; and
('l' any - :peoial features of the lots which distinguish them from other
properties characteristic of the zoning district.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(b))
.080 The -- requirements - - -o €
- Wee - 28-$ 3: 0�8-- si�a }1- rrot-- preverr € - }ets - e €- reeerd -to -be
eumbined- - i tit o.-- more - than- -one. -paree y- provided- that -eaeh- paree }- -beiflg -erect rd
by - -WCC 20. $3: 0 r0 - slra } }- comp }y-- aritlq- hire - }at- area - arrd,ror- width - requirements -o€
thr. - ai�p }tr. -ab }e- district;- wit} r-- eti�er- provtstons - -e� -- this-- Ardinarree-- errd -lras
.�eeFSS -te- arr- existing- pub }te - road -
No }parcel shall be created and treated as an independent usable lot (through
Consolidation of lots of record under .070 and .071) that does not have
access to an existing public road.
.090 A- sang} c - -- paree }- errated-- nttrsttant- th- WeE -28 .-83.-818- wlrieh- subsequent }q -meets
t= lrr.- mrnrmum- aces -anclf car- width- rrgtrrrrments - -o€ -the -- app }reib }e -- aenc- dtst -�°tct
g}ra }1- - -bN -- considered-- as-- i-- eert €ermtng -- paree } -- and-- sha } € -be- a }igib }c - €er
prrn�it# rd-- arer_ ssor�- rrnd- cendttYena } }p-- permtt�bed- -uses; -- pravtded-- t�rat -a }}
prrvteas- }at-- betrnd. .antes- whreh - -do- net- - €orm- the- evcra € }- paree }- baundarp -ire
vaerLtect- �arstrant- te- RBW- �' tt} e- v8-- fer- p }atted-- }ets- er - -by- deed- restrt•etiens
Reproved- bv- thc- P} arrrrrng- Bireetor- €or- unp }atted - }ots-
Parcels of land created by consolidation pursuant to WCC 20.83.070, .071 or-
.072 shall be considered as conforming parcels and shall be eligible for
Permitted, accessory and conditionally permitted uses; provided that prior
to issuance of a building permit, platted lots that are consolidated shall
dither be bound together by a covenant filed with the County Auditor OR by
the vacation of interior lot lines, and unplatted lots that are consolidated
:hall be _bound together by a covenant filed with the County Auditor. A
binding covenant shall include the county as a signat.or to prevent removal
of the covenant. without the knowledge of the county..
100 To mitigate hardship to the applicant /property owner, lots being created
pursuant, to a currently valid application for a short plat or long
subdivision, at the effeetive date of adoption or amendment of this
Ordinance, shall he recognized as conforming lots for the purpose of this
Or-dinitnce; provided that other applicable requirements of the zone district
and Subdj v is icon Ordinance are met.
CHAPTER 20.83
.110 Lc-.,t area, yards, other open space, off - street parking or loading areas which
exisL on or after the effective date of this Ordinance shall. not be reduced
below thr! m.inimwn rr- quired by the Ordinance.
120 The provisions of this Ordinance shall be applicable to the use or sale of
any parcel subject to this Ordinance, and shall preclude any action in any
m1,un11r 146ch may diminish compliance herewith.
.1.30 When a nonconforming use of a property is challenged through a complaint
from the public or by initiative of the Zoning Administrator, the burden of
proof of applicability of subsection .010, above, shall rest with the
Lrc x_rty owner. lt- shall -ba- the- respensibility- o € -thr.- record- ewner -to -prove
th;tt --the- aetrvity- -in--- question - rs - -R- pre- ex�strttg,--- nbneoriforming -use.- The
owner may make public record of his right of nonconforming land use status
by filer an affidavit of nonconforming use with the Zoning Administrator
or- - designee . - within -- r►raetp - -f 98 } -- daps - -a €tar -- the-- es�ab�rs#�menr = -e €- -use
rh�.tric-tiorrs -can- the- properry-eovr►ed -by- him -er- her.- -- This - of €idavtt -sha�� that.
contains the legal description of the affected property, the purpose for
which the property is used and any other facts deemed necessary as evidence
to establish verify the legitimacy of the nonconformity. The affidavit shall
be accompanied by a filin fee of fifty dollars ($50.00)_ which- is--paid -to
Builtlings- - and- -- £ode-- €or- -- Current- - Expense.; The Zoning Administrator or
designee shall make a site an examination to verifying - the-= existen"... -of the
nonc:onformitpng use and which- ahaii -be endorsed upon the veri fied affidavit
if found to be as represented by the applicant. by -- the -- Administrator -or
dPSignee; -- and - -€ lied -- nth-- thr= Eotinty- �4�ditor --- the- ac:tuni- �taditor-�s - €rr.
required=- €or - €icing= the= a € €idavit o€= nonemforming =aae- shah- be==paid- by -thP
applicant -.
The-- veri €ied -- affidavit -- shall -- constitute -- presumptive- evidence - which -wilI
permit - the - continuance -of -- the-- aoneonformitp: - -- -The -- nonconformity -- map -be
abolished-- or-=- ci#her - -bp -- presentation - =o € -- competent =- evidence -- regarding
controversy - surrounding- the - noncom €ormi7ng - use -of -the- property -to- the - clearing
examiner- for -- determination ;- or -bp- filing- a- �+arver -e €- right - conferred -bp -the
reeorel- owner- of -bhe- property- described -in- the - affidavit- The administrative
determination to endorse or not to endorse a nonconforming use may be
appealed under Chapter 20.92.210(2) of this Ordinance.
.140 Residential or Recreational subdivisions'substant.ially developed and located
within Forestry zones shall be subject to standards as shown below:
(a) Lummi Island Scenic Estates shall" be-administered under the RR- I,zone
district regulations.
VARIANCES, CONDITIONAL USES AND APPEALS
20.84.100 VARIANCES
CHAPTER 20.84
.110 The Hearing Examiner shall have authority to grant a variance from the
provisions of this Ordinance and of Title 22, the Guide Meridian Improvement
Plan, when, in the opinion of the Hearing Examiner, the conditions set forth
in WCC 20.84.120 herein have been found to exist. In such cases, a variance
may be granted which is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of
this Ordinance so that the spirit of this Ordinance shall be observed,
public safety and welfare secured, and substantial justice done, provided
that no variance shall be granted which authorizes a use which is not
permitted by the underlying zoning.
.120 Before any variance.may be granted, it shall be shown that the following
. circumstances are found to apply:
(1) That any variance granted shall not constitute a grant of special
privilege, be based upon reasons of hardship caused by previous actions
of the property owner, nor be granted for pecuniary reasons alone;
(2) Because of special circumstances applicable to the subject property,
including size, shape, topography, location or surrounding, the strict
application of the zoning ordinance is found to. cause a hardship and
deprive the subject property of rights- and -priv4 -loges- enjoyed -by -other
properties -in -- the- vicini -ty --and- corder a use or improvement otherwise
allowed in the identical zone classification. Aesthetic considerations
or design preferences without reference to restrictions based upon the
physical charateristics of the property do not constitute sufficient
hardship under this section;
(3) The granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the
public welfare, or injurious to the property or improvements in the
vicinity and .zone in which the subject is:situated.
20.84.200 CONDITIONAL USES
.210 Upon application, the Hearing Examiner may grant conditional use permits for
such uses as set forth in this Ordinance. Conditional use permits shall be
nontransferable unless said transfer is further approved by the Hearing
Examiner.
.220 Before approving an application for a conditional use permit, the Hearing
Examiner shall ensure that any specific standards of the use district
defining the conditional use are fulfilled, and shall find adequate evidence
showing that the proposed conditional use at the proposed location:
(1) Will be harmonious and in accordance with the general and specific
objectives of Whatcom County's Comprehensive Plan and zoning
regulations.
(2) Will be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained so as to be
harmonious and appropriate in appearance with the existing or intended
character of the general vicinity, and that such use will not change
the essential character of the same area.
CHAPTER 20.84
(3) Will not be hazardous or disturbing to existing or future neighboring
uses.
(4) Will be serviced adequately by essential public facilities such as
highways, streets, police and fire protection, drainage structures,
refuse disposal, water and sewers, and schools; or that the persons or
agencies responsible for the establishment of the proposed use shall be
able to provide adequately any such services.
(5) Will not create excessive additional requirements at public cost for
public facilities and services, and will not be detrimental.to the
economic welfare of the community.
(6) Will not involve uses, activities, processes, materials, equipment and
conditions of operation that will be detrimental to any persons,
property, or the general welfare by reasons of excessive production of
traffic, noise, smoke, fumes, glare or odors.
(7) Will have vehicular approaches to the property which shall be so
designed as not to create an interference with traffic on surrounding
public streets.
(8) Will not result in the destruction, loss or damage of any natural,
scenic or historic feature of major importance.
.225 Revisions to Conditional Use Permits
The Hearing Examiner may approve revisions to conditional use permits
provided that the proposed changes are within the scope and intent of the
original permit. "Within the scope and intent of the original permit" shall
mean the following:
(a) Lot coverage and height may be increased a maximum of ten percent from
the provisions of the original permit: Provided that revisions
involving new structures not shown on the original site plan shall
require a new permit, and: provided further that any revisions
authorized under this subsection shall not exceed height, lot coverage,
setback or anv other requirements of -.the regulations for the area in
which the project is located;
Landscaping may be added to a project without necessitating an
located;
(c) The use authorized pursuant to the original permit is not changed;
No additional over water construction will be involved for shoreline
conditional use permits;
(e) No substantial increase in adverse environmental impact will be caused
by the Project revision.
CHAPTER 20.84
.230 Public Hearing Notice
Upon the filing of an application for a variance or a conditional use permit
by a property owner, or by a lessee, the Hearing Examiner shall set a time
and place for a public hearing to consider the application as provided in
his or her business rules. A written notice thereof shall be mailed to all
property owners of record within a three hundred (300) foot radius of the
external boundaries of subject property not less than twelve (12) days prior
to the hearing. Further, signs meeting the approval of the Zoning
Administrator shall be erected on each.frontage of the project site by the
applicant not less than twelve (12) days prior to the. hearing for
conditional uses.and variances. The application shall set forth the grounds
and facts deemed :necessary to justify the granting of the variance or
conditional use permit.
.240 Appeals
The Hearing Examiner shall have the authority to hear and decide, in
conformity with this Ordinance, appeals from any order, requirement, permit
decision or determination made by an administrative official in the
administration or enforcement of. this Ordinance where more than one
interpretation is possible, provided that such appeal shall be filed in
writing within twenty (20) days of the action being appealed.
.250 Fees
(1) Each application for a variance shall be accompanied by a fee of.one
hundre& dollars ($100.00) (plus : actual costs. of mailing and, when
applicable, publishing notices of the hearing on the application).
(2) Each application for a conditional use, or expansion of a nonconforming
use, shall be accompanied by a fee of one hundred twenty -five dollars
($125.00) (plus actual costs of mailing and, when applicable,
publishing notices of the hearing on the application).
(3) Each simultaneous application for a variance and a conditional use (or
expansion of a nonconforming use) for the same property shall be
accompanied by a fee of one hundred twenty -five dollars ($125.00) (plus
actual costs of mailing and, when applicable, .publishing notices of the
hearing on the application).
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(m))
(4) Each application for an appeal of an administrative decision to the
Hearing Examiner shall be accompanied by a fee of thirty -five dollars
($35.00).
(5) Each application for a home occupation permit shall be accompanied by a
fee of thirty -five dollars ($35.00), except if a conditional use permit
is needed only the conditional use fee shall be necessary.
(6) Each application for surface mining of soils, sand, gravel and peat
shall be accompanied by a fee of one hundred twenty -five dollars
($125.00).
CHAPTER 20.84
.260 Date of Expiration
The Hearing Examiner shall have the authority to fix a date of expiration of
any or all approval, or conditions attached thereto, of conditional use
permits, variances or expansions of nonconforming uses.
PROCEDURES- EAR - GENERAL- MANUFAC- IFURIN6; -AND
tIGHT- AND - HEAVY-- IMPAGIF- INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
APPLI6ATIONS
297867616 PURPOSE
CHAPTER 20.86
The - purpose - -ef- this -- Chapter- is -bo- provide- a- prece�nra�- gttrde�rne- der- app�reants
prepestng- uses - within -the -0 enera -l- Manufacturing,- - Light- er- Heavp- impact- indsstrra-I
drstr� -cis- of-- Whstcem- Geuntp.- - - -in- addition, -- this- 8hapter -ts- intended -te- expedite
pub�ie- review -of- industrial- appi rcatrens.--- kAmended- bp- WC- G- 29.-94.-989fl }Fh }}
29.86.lOO PREAPPLtOATION- GONPER£NOR
Applicants- proposing - industrial- uses - within- the- -0enerat- Manufacturing; -- Light -er
heavy- impact - Industrial- districts - shalt -be- encouraged -to- arrange- m- preappliention
conferenee -with- the -- Zoning -- Administrator- -and -- representatives - -of -- the- Whatcom
Oounty- Public -- Works, -- Engineering, - -- Planning -and- Health - departments,-- and - the -Fire
Marshal }; -as- determined -by -- the - Administrator.-- - -In -- addition; - representatives -of
state-- and-- federal -- agencies -- map - -be -- requested - -te -- attend -- the - preappiicatren
conference -when- the - Environmental- .- Geerdinatien- Procedures- -Act;- and --other -state
and - federal- - procedures- are - applicable.--- kAmended- by -WGG- 29.94.-989{1 }fh }}
20:867288 INITIAL- RHYIEW- REQUIREMENTS
Te- -determine -- the - proposal zs -- coil{ ermance- i+ith-- 6M,-- LII- er -Hll- district- permitteel
andfer- aeeessorp-- ases -- and -- requirements, - -- and - -te— determine -- whether -- the -SbPA
process , --- Mtt�er -- Development -- Permit -- process; -- Shoreline -- Management - Program -and --
Subdtvisten- Regulations -- are - applicable, - -- the- izeniag -- Administrator- sha�i- request
the - following- information -for -- initial- review -ef- each- applieatien� --
{1} Development- plans- for - the - proposed - industrial - use - including --
Fa} a- deseriptien -ef- the - proposed - useful;
{b} .the - bulk -- and - dimensional -- specifications -ef -- all - buildings- andfer
enclosed- storage - structures;
{e} the - estimated- capital -pl ant- develepmentteenstructien- costs;
{d} the- siters- propertp- cost -at- the -- current- assessed — value- according
te- the - records -of- the- 8euntp- �4ssesser - --
{e} plans -in -- appropriate- detail -for- purposes -ef- initial - review -by -the
Zoning-Admtnistrat-or--concerni:ng-the--fol-l-owi;ngt --- sewer-and-water
for -- industrial: -- and -- domestic -- use; =- pollee -- and - fire- proteetron;
drainage; -en- and -off- sate- eireulatien;- the -- number - and - arrangement
of -- parking -- spaces;-- buil:ding,- -- structural- and- aecesserp- faeilitp
placement -en -the -site; - and - landscaping; -and-
{ €} a -- statement - -of -- whether -- the -- site-- is-- eurrentlp -- available -for
purchase -nr -- lease, --i+ ill - -be- required - to -be- subdivided,- -er- will -be
developed -in- concurrence - frith- a- brndiag- site - plan.- --
CHAPTER 20.86
{2) written- reeemmendatien -on- -the -- proposed -- industrial-- pre�eet -- from -the
Te�hni�al- 8emmittee - -tf- deemed- aeeessar�► -by -the- zoning- Admrarstrater.- --
f-!4mended-by- WEE- 3A- A4- A8Af� }fh }}
20:86 7300 ST ATE- RNVIRANMENTAL- PAhIEY -AOT
Pursuant -tie -- the - State -- Environmental- Peliey -Act- {KEEN- 43 -21G- and- w�4E- 19� -10 },- -the
project - appbean{- will -be- required -fe- submit- en- Enerrormental--Gheeklisf .- - - -If -the
proposed - industrial- ctse- is- determreed- to- be- sub�eet- tee- tlie- SEP�4- proeess,-- t� -sha }}
be-- adman ,istered - consistent- wi7th- the - State =SHPA- guidelines- and - the-- Whateem- Eeuntp
SEPA- Ordinance - --
20 786-. -400 SHOREhlNE- MANAGEMENT- PR68RAM
Shen }d -- the - -- proposed -- industrial - -- rise-- be--- sttb�eet - -te -- Shoreline -- Management
jurisdietten - -it- shall - -be -- administered -- pursuant - -te -- the -- Shoreline- Management
Program-ef-Whateem-Eeunty---
20 -86. -500 MAJOR- DEVELOPMENT- PERMIT
'Should- the --- proposed - industrial, -- use -be -- subject -te -- the - Major- Development - Permit
proeess, - -it- shall -be -- administered-- pttrauant-= to-- fltapter- ?Ar88 - -ef -- the- Affieia}
Whateem- Eounty- �er�ing- Ardinanee: -=
207867600 SUBDIVISION- REGULATIONS
Should-- parcel -- subdivision - -be-- required, - - -it -- shall -be- administered- pursuant -te
Title2lof the- WhateomEountyfioe�efSubdivrston- Regulations }. --
20.-86 700 BINDING - SITE -PLAN
Should- the - proposed - industrial- use -be- developed -as -a- path -ef -a- binding- site -plan-
it -- shall - -be -- administered -- pursuant - -te -- Title- 2l - -of -- the-- Whateem- 6eunty -Eerie
{Subdivision - Regulations } - and- additrona�- requirements; as- applicable: --
MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
20.88.010 PURPOSE
CHAPTER 20.88
To establish standards and procedures that will provide for special review of
those projects or developments that because of their magnitude and impact will
lend to affect the public at large.
20.88.100 MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
110 All major developments shall, prior to any construction, obtain a major
development permit.
.120 A major development is defined as any development or project for which an
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is prepared, as prescribed by County
Ordinance implementing the State Environmental Policy Act, . and which has a
development /construction cost approved by the Building Official, including
the property cost at current assessed value according to the records of the
County Assessor, exceeding two million dollars, established as of the date
of earliest application.
.130 The major development permit shall be issued by the County Council when the
applicant has established that the proposed major development:
(1) Will comply with'the development standards and performance standards of
the zone in which the proposed major development will be located, and
WCC 20.86.800 for uses within the LIID or HIID zone district; provided
where a proposed major development.has obtained a variance from the --
development and performance standards, standards as varied shall be
applied to that project for the purposes of this act.
(2) Where the project is conditionally permitted in the zone in which it is
located, the project must satisfy the standards for the issuance of a
conditional use permit for the zone in which the project.is located.
(3) Will be consistent with applicable laws and regulations.
(4) Will not substantially interfere with the operation of existing uses.
(5) Will be served by,. or . will be provided with essential utilities,
facilities and services necessary to its operation, such as roads,
drainage facilities, electricity, water supply, sewage disposal
facilities, and police and fire protection. Standards for such
utilities, facilities and services shall be those currently accepted by
the State of Washington, What.com County, or the appropriate agency or
division thereof.
(6) Will not impose uncompensated requirements for public expenditures for
additional utilities, facilities and services, and will not impose
incompensated costs on other property owned.
(7) Will be appropriately responsive to the EIS prepared for the project.
.140 In addition, the County Council may impose any reasonable conditions
precedent to the establishment of the major development as may be required
CHAPTER 20.88
to mitigate impacts of the proposal on the natural environment of the
county, and to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the people
of the county consistent with the policies for environmental protection set
forth in the Comprehensive Plan.
20.88.200 PROCEDURE
.205 The Responsible Official for any development, as defined by the Whatcom
County'Ordinance implementing the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA),
shall determine whether or not a major development permit is required for a
proposed project.
.210 If a major development permit is required, the applicant shall obtain from
the Department Bureau of Buildings and Code Administration a standard
application form.
.21.5 The application shall be completed and filed with the Planning- Department
Bureau of Buildings and Code Administration... After the application has been
accepted, the Planning Department shall proceed with the preparation of an
EIS consistent with the County Ordinance implementing SEPA. After the
issuance of the draft EIS, the SEPA Responsible Official shall forward the
EIS and application to the Hearing Examiner.
.220 The Hearing Examiner shall, within sixty (60) working days after receipt of
the application and EIS, hold a public hearing on the project. The Hearing
Examiner may continue public hearings at his or her discretion, and notice
is not required for the subsequent continued public hearings.
.225 A written notice of the scheduled public hearing shall be mailed to all
property owners of record within a three hundred (300) foot radius of the
external boundaries of the subject property, not less .than twelve (12) days
prior to the hearing. Also notice of the hearing shall be published in a
newspaper of general circulation in the area of the proposed project at
least ten (10) days prior to the public hearing. Notice shall consist of
time and date of hearing, and brief description of the property and the
_ :•i•....�u pruject. Further, signs meeting the approval of the Zoning
shall be erected on each frontage of the project site by the
applicant not less than twelve (12) days prior to the hearing.
230 The recommendation of the Hearing Examiner shall. be based upon the criteria
set forth in Section 20.88.130(1) through (7).
.235 Within ten (10) working days, after the Hearing Examiner's recommended
decision has been filed, the County Council shall do one of the following:
(1) Refer the project to the Planning Commission for additional public
hearings and a recommendation.
(2) Make a final decision on the application based on the recommended
decision of the Hearing Examiner with such modifications as the Council
deems appropriate.
(3) Set the project. application for their own public hearing.
CHAPTER 20.88
.240 If the project is referred to the Planning Commission, that body shall
within thirty (30) days hold all necessary public hearings and file with the
County Council a written recommendation for approval or denial and may
include conditions of approval, together with the findings upon which the
recommendation is based. The.applicant may waive the thirty (30) day time
limitation..
.245 A written notice of the public hearing before the Planning Commission or the
County Council shall be mailed to all parties of record, on file with the
Clerk of the County Council not less than seven (7) days prior to the
hearing.
.250 The recommendation of the Planning Commission shall be based upon the
criteria set forth in Section 20.88.130(1) through (7).
.255 Upon re.ce:ipt of the Planning Commission recommendation, the County Council
shall within thirty -five (35) working days make a final decision on the
application based on the recommended decisions of the Hearing Examiner and
Planning Commission, or shall within fifteen (15) days set their own public
hearing on the application, or shall within ten (10) days set their own
public hearing on the application.
.260 Any public hearing before the County Council shall be held within twenty
(20) working days of filing of the recommendation from the Planning
Commission or the recommended decision from the Hearing. Examiner, whichever
is filed last.
.265 Within thirty -five (35) working days after the last public: hearing, the
County Council shall issue a final written decision including conditions
when the project is approved and stating the findings of fact upon which the
decision is based.
.270 Any public hearing before the County Council or Planning Commission may be
limited in scope to particular issues or problems at the discretion of
neither body.
.275 In making their decision, the County Council shall apply the criteria set
forth in Section 20.88.130(1) through (7).
.280 Where a project requires a Major Development Permit, that project shall be
exempt from the requirement of obtaining a Conditional Use Permit.
.285 Major Development Permits - Where an applicant has applied for a Planned
Unit Development, that project shall be exempt from the requirement to
obtain a Major Development Permit. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(x))
HEARING EXAMINER
20.92.010 PURPOSE
CHAPTER 20.92
The purpose of this Chapter is to provide a system of considering and applying
regulatory devices which will best satisfy these three (3) basic needs:
(1) Need to separate the application of regulatory controls to the land
from planning.
(2) The need to better protect and promote the interest of the public and
private elements of the community.
(3) The need to expand the principles of fairness and due process in public
hearings.
20.92.100 HEARING EXAMINER OFFICE
.110 Creation and Purpose
The office of Hearing Examiner is hereby created. The Hearing. Examiner
shall act on behalf of the County Council in considering the application of
regulatory enactments to particular situations as provided herein.
.120 Deputy Hearing Examiner
The Deputy Hearing Examiner shall assist the Hearing Examiner in the
performance of the duties conferred upon them by this Ordinance, and shall
have all of the duties and powers of the Hearing Examiner.
.130 No Interference With The Hearing Examiner
No county official or any other person shall interfere with the Hearing
Examiner or Deputy Hearing Examiner in the performance of his or her
designated duties.
.140 Qualifications
The Hearing Examiner and his deputy shall be appointed solely with regard to
their qualifications for the duties of their office, and shall have such
training or experience as will qualify them to conduct administration of
quasi- judicial hearings on the application of regulatory enactments and to
discharge other functions conferred upon them, and shall hold'no other
appointed or elected public office or position in the county government,
except as provided in this Ordinance.
CHAPTER 20.92
.150 Appointment and Removal
The Hearing Examiner shall be appointed by a majority vote of the County
Council. The Hearing Examiner may be removed from office at any time by an
affirmative vote of not less than two - thirds (2/3) of the members of the
County Council. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(g))
20.92.200 HEARING EXAMINER - DUTIES AND POWERS
.205 Recommended Decisions
The Hearing Examiner shall conduct public hearings and prepare a record
thereof, and make recommendations to the County Council for approval or
disapproval of:
(1) Major development permits.
(2) Such other permits as may be required from the county along with (1) or
(2) for a given project. Applications where a major development permit
is required shall be processed in the same manner as a major
development permit, and all other permits shall be processed in the
same manner as subdivisions.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(q))
.210 Final Decisions
The Hearing Examiner shall conduct public hearings and prepare a record
thereof, and make a final decision upon the following matters:
(1) Appeals from the decision of the planner or Technical Committee as set
forth in Whatcom County Code 21.28 for short plats.
(2) Appeals from any orders, requirements, permit, decision or
determination made by an administrative official in the administration
of this Ordinance or the Subdivision Ordinance, exclusive of long plat
design and processing requirements.
(3) Appeals from a decision of the administrator of the Shoreline Master
Program.
(4) Applications for Zoning Ordinance conditional use permits.
(5) Applications for variances.from the terms of the Zoning Ordinance.
(6) Applications for planned unit developments.
(7) Applications for shoreline management substantial development permits.
(8) Applications for variances from the terms of the Whatcom County
Shoreline Management Program.
CHAPTER 20.92
(9) Applications for Shoreline Management Program conditional use permits.
(10) Applications for flood damage prevention variances.
(11) Appeals from declarations of significance and final declarations of
nonsignificance.
(12) Preliminary plats of proposed subdivisions including subdivision
variances for subdivisions of five (5) or more lots. (Adopted per
WCC 20.04.080(1)(q))
13 Application for variances from the provisions of Title 22.
.215 Public Hearing Notice
Notice of the time and place of the public. hearing shall be given as
provided in the ordinance governing the application.
.220 Public Hearing - SEPA
The Hearing Examiner shall hold a public hearing and prepare a record
thereof for any public hearing held pursuant to WAC.197--8 -480 11 -535 and
Section 16.08.170 of the Whatcom County SEPA Ordinance. The record of the
hearing shall be forwarded to the Responsible Official together with a
summary of the environmental concerns raised in the hearing.
.225 Rules and Regulations
The Hearing Examiner shall have the power to prescribe rules and regulations
for the conduct of hearings before him, subject to approval by the County
Council; and also to issue summons for and compel the appearance of
witnesses, to administer oath.and preserve order. The opportunity of cross -
examination of witnesses shall be afforded all interested parties or their
council in accordance with the rules of the Hearing Examiner.
.230 Department Reports
Upon request of the Hearing Examiner, county departments shall submit
reports and recommendations concerning any matter before him. County
departments may at their discretion submit a report and recommendation on
any other application or appeal. At least seven (7) days prior to the
scheduled hearing, the report and recommendation should be filed with the
Hearing Examiner and shall be made available to any person.
.235.Changes in Legislation
The Hearing Examiner may recommend changes in legislation to the Planning
Department or County Council.
CHAPTER 20.92
.240 Additional Powers
The Hearing Examiner may also exercise administrative powers and such other
quasi - judicial powers as may be granted by the County Ordinance.
.245 Limited Jurisdiction
The Hearing Examiner shall have no jurisdiction over any project that
requires a legislative action, such as but not limited to a rezone, a
comprehensive plan map change or a Shoreline Management Act Master Program
Amendment. All such projects shall be considered and processed concurrent
with and in the same manner as applications for legislative action. The
approval or denial of such projects shall be solely within the discretion of
the County Council.
20.92.300 RECOMMENDED DECISIONS TO COUNTY COUNCIL
.310 Recommended Conditions - Subdivision Applications
The Hearing Examiner's recommendations may be to grant or deny any
subdivision application, or the Hearing Examiner may recommend that the
County Council approve the application with such conditions, modifications
or restrictions as the Hearing Examiner finds necessary to make the
application compatible with its environment; and carry out the objectives
and goals of the Comprehensive Plan, the Zoning Code, the Subdivision Code;
or any other official policies and objectives of Whatcom County.
.320 Recommended Decision - Findings and Conclusions
Each recommended decision of the Hearing Examiner, for major developments
and subdivisions, shall be in writing and shall include findings and
conclusions, based upon the record, to support the decision. Such findings
and conclusions shall also set forth the manner in which the decision
carries out and conforms to the county's Comprehensive Plan and complies
with the applicable statutes, ordinances or regulations.
.330 Filing Recommended Decision
Each recommended decision of the Hearing Examiner, for major developments
and subdivisions, .shall be filed with the Clerk of the County Council. For
major development permits, a list of the parties of record as determined by
the Hearing Examiner should be filed with the recommended decision.
20.92.400 FINAL DECISIONS
.410 Final Decision Conditions - Applications and Appeals
The Hearing Examiner's final decision on all applications or appeals shall
either grant or deny the application or appeal.. The Hearing Examiner may
grant the application or appeal subject to conditions, modifications or
restrictions that the Hearing Examiner finds necessary to make the
CHAPTER 20.92
application compatible with its environment, and carry out the objectives
and goals of the Comprehensive Plan, the Zoning Code, the Subdivision Code,
or other official policies and objectives of Whatcom County. Performance
Bonds or other security, acceptable to the Prosecuting Attorney, may be
required to ensure compliance with the conditions, modifications and
restrictions.
.420 Final Decision - Findings and Conclusions
Each final decision of the Hearing Examiner shall be in writing and shall
include findings and conclusions, based on the record, to support the
decision.
.430 Time Limitation on Decision
Each final decision and recommended decision of the Hearing Examiner, unless
a longer period is mutually agreed to in writing by the applicant and the
Hearing Examiner, shall be rendered within ten (10) working days following
conclusion of all testimony and hearings.
.440 Review Limited
No final decision of the Hearing Examiner shall be subject to administrative
or quasi - judicial review, except as provided herein.
20.92.500 PROCESS FOR SUBDIVISION APPLICATION AND MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
.510 Subdivisions
The County Council shall process each recommended decision for subdivisions,
consistent with the procedure set forth in WCC 21.20.100.
.520 Major Development Permits
The County Council shall, upon receipt of the recommended decision on a
major development permit, process that recommendation in the manner set
forth in the major development permit.chapter of this Ordinance (WCC 20.88).
20.92.600 APPEAL TO COUNTY COUNCIL
.610 The applicant, any party of record or any county department may appeal any
final decision of the Hearing Examiner to the County Council.
.620 The appellant shall file a written notice of appeal within ten (10) days of
the final decision and shall serve notice of appeal upon all opponents of
record, or applicants, as the case may be. A fee of one hundred dollars
($100.00) shall be paid to the Bureau of Buildings and Code Administration
upon filing of any appeal; provided the appellant shall also pay a tran-
script deposit fee and, upon completion of the transcript, an additional fee
equal to the cost of the transcription. These fees shall not apply to
appeals initiated by a county department.
CHAPTER 20.92
.630 Transcript
(1) Upon receipt of the notice of appeal and seventy -five dollar ($75.00)
transcript deposit fee, the Office of the Hearing Examiner shall
forward immediately the notice of appeal to the Clerk of the Council;
and shall upon receipt of the transcription fee, file a written
transcription of the public hearing as soon as possible, together with
the entire record of the case, with the County Council; provided that,
all parties of record and the County Council agree, a summary of the
facts or an abridged transcript may be substituted. A request for a
summary of the facts or abridged transcription shall be in the form of
a petition to the County Council.
(2) A copy of the record of appeal shall be sent to the appellant and
copies shall be made available to all parties at a cost to be fixed by
the Hearing Examiner in the business rules.
.640 Written Argument
(1) The appellant shall file a statement containing the appellant's basis
for appeal and argument. The statement and argument must be filed in
writing within fifteen (15) days of the filing of the record with the
Clerk of the County Council.
(2) Any argument or response by any person or entity opposing the appeal
must be filed in writing within ten (10) days of filing of the
appellant's written argument.
.650 Time Limitation on County Council
Within thirty -five (35) days after the filing of the respondent's written
argument, the County Council shall issue a written decision together with
findings of fact and conclusions of law. This time limitation shall not
apply when a remand procedure is initiated.
.660 Appeal on Record
The decision of the County Council shall be based solely upon the record and
the written argument that has been submitted by the parties. Oral argument
may be scheduled at the discretion of the County Council.
20.92.700 REMAND TO HEARING EXAMINER .
.710 The County Council may within its discretion remand the case back to the
Hearing Examiner, if the Council finds:
(1) That new evidence is available that could affect the outcome of the
case and was not available at the first hearing.
(2) That the record, in whole or in part, is not sufficient for the Council
to make a reasoned decision on the appeal.
CHAPTER 20.92
(3) That the decision of the Hearing Examiner should be reversed and that
�. additional information is necessary before a final decision can be
made.
.720 Remand Order
The remand shall be in the form of a written order and shall state the
specific areas to be considered by the Hearing Examiner at the remand
hearing. The remand hearing shall be limited to the specific areas of
concern stated in the remand order from the County Council.
.730 Public Hearing Notice
Upon receipt of the remand order, the Hearing Examiner shall set the matter
for public hearing. Such hearing shall be expedited to the extent that is
practical, not to exceed twenty (20) working days from receipt of the remand
order. Notice of the hearing shall be given to the applicant and all
parties of record by mail at their last known address. No other notice is
required.
.740 Filing of Information
The Hearing Examiner shall file the information requested in the remand
order with the Clerk of the County Council as soon as possible but not to
exceed fifteen (15) working days from the date of the hearing.
.750 Final Decision of County Council
The County Council shall, within twenty -one (21) working days of filing of
the information from the remand hearing, issue their final written decision
together with findings of fact and conclusions of :law.
20.92.800 COUNTY COUNCIL FUNCTION IN HEARING EXAMINER PROCESS
.810 Reversal or Hearing Examiner Decisions
The County Council shall affirm the decision of the Hearing Examiner unless
a majority of the entire County Council finds that the decision of the
Hearing Examiner is:
(1) Based upon an error of law, or
(2) Clearly erroneous on the entire record.
.820 Conditions
The County Council may, where their decision results in project approval,
impose, modify or delete conditions upon the license, permit approval,
variances or appeal, consistent with WCC 20.92.310, and may exercise the
powers granted therein. The decision of the County Council shall be final
unless appealed in the same manner as appeals from the Board of Adjustment
to Superior Court, pursuant to RCW 36.70.890.
.830 No Interference With The County Council
No individual or county official shall interfere with
interfere with the individual Council members of the Count y
execution of the quasi- judicial duties they have assumed,
Ordinance.
(Section 20.92 amended 8/27/84 per WCC 20.04.080(1)(i))
CHAPTER 20.92
or attempt to
Council in the
pursuant to this
CHAPTER 20.95
SEVERABILITY
Should any chapter, section, clause or provision of this Title be declared by a
court of competent jurisdiction to be. invalid, such decision shall not affect the
validity of this Title as a whole.or any part thereof., other than.the part so
declared to be.invalid.
CHAPTER 20.97
DEFINITIONS
.001 Certain terms and words used -in this Ordinance are defined as follows:
Words used in the present tense include the future; words in the singular
number include the plural number, and words in the plural number include the
singular number; the word "building" includes the word "structure" and the
word "shall" is mandatory and not directory.
.003,ACCESSORY APARTMENT. An accessory apartment is a separate complete
residential unit designed for occupancy by a family with one or two members
that is substantially contained within the structure of a single- family unit
and with internal access between units.
.005 ACCESSORY USE. A use customarily incidental to a permitted use, provided
that such use shall be located on the same lot as the permitted use except
where specifically permitted elsewhere in zoning district regulations.
.010 AGRICULTURE. The use of land for farming, horticulture, floriculture,
viticulture, and the necessary accessory uses for packing, treating or
storing the produce; provided, however, that the operation of any such
accessory uses shall be secondary to that of normal agricultural activities.
The keeping of stock animals, rabbits and domestic fowls shall conform to
the additional lot area requirements of the respective zoning district
classification.
.015 ANIMAL UNITS. In terms of wastes produced, 10 animal units are equal to
10 head of beef cattle, 7.dairy cattle, 2,900 broiler chickens, 15 horses,
1,800 laying hens, 550 turkeys or 120 sheep.
758 - anima- units; -in- terms -of --d scharges --of PC -14ttt ts- is equival -to
750- beef -- animas; -- 525 - mature -- dairy — cattle- {whether - milkers -or- dry -eoma
7;500- sheep;- 75;80A- laying- heria —or broilers—when --fee iiity -- has- un- 1imited
cantimtoua-- fief+-- Matertng —a , , -- �- v=oiiere; -when
raze --3T5- horses;-- or- �$'F5- swine
weighing- over- 55- pofands-
Animal units shall be calculated by adding the following numbers: the number
of slaughter and feeder cattle multiplied by 1.0, plus the number of mature
dairy cattle multiplied by 1.4, plus the number of swine weighing greater
than 55 pounds multiplied by 0.4, plus the number of sheep or lamb
multiplied by 0.1, plus the number of horses multiplied by 2.0, plus the
number of ducks multiplied by 0.2, plus the number of hens or broilers (if
the facility has continuous overflow watering) multiplied by 0.01, plus the
number of hens or broilers (if the facility has a liquid manure handling
system) multiplied by 0.33.
.020 AVERAGE GRADE LEVEL. The average of the natural or existing grade on that
part of the lot to be occupied by the building or structure measured by
averaging the grade levels at the extreme points or corners of the building
or structure.
.025 BARN. A barn shall be any housing for horses, cows, steers, sheep, goats or
similar large animals. Any housing for rabbits, domestic fowl or similar
animals in excess of those permitted outright will also constitute a barn.
CHAPTER 20.97
.027 BED AND BREAKFAST ESTABLISHMENT. Any privately -owned dwelling in which, for
compensation, one or more persons, either individually or as families, are
housed or lodged for periods of less than one month as transients with
limited food service.
.028 BED AND BREAKFAST INN. A bed and breakfast establishment offering three (3)
or more sleeping units.
.030 BILLBOARD. Any off -site sign owned by a third party used as an outdoor
display for the purpose of making anything known, for the use of which a
charge is made for advertising thereon.
.035 BUILDING. Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any
use or occupancy as defined in the.Uniform Building Code. Mobile homes as
defined in this chapter are excluded from this definition.
.040 BUILDING HEIGHT. The.vertical distance above a reference datum measured to
the highest point of the coping of a flat roof or to the deck line of a
mansard roof or to the average height of the highest gable of a pitched or
hipped roof. The reference datum shall be selected by either of the
following, whichever yields a greater height of building:
1. The elevation of the highest adjoining sidewalk or ground surface
within a five (5) foot horizontal distance of the exterior wall of the
building . when such a sidewalk or ground surface is not more than ten
(10) feet above lowest grade.
2. An elevation ten (10) feet higher than the lowest grade when the
sidewalk or ground surface described in Item 1, above, is more than ten
(10) feet above lowest grade.
The height of a stepped or. terraced building is the maximum height of any
segment of the building. Mobile homes shall also meet these building height
standards.
EXCEPTIONS: Towers, 'spires, steeples and cupolas erected as part of a
building and not used for habitation" or storage may exceed the maximum
building height in any zoning district by twenty (20) feet; additional
height may be approved by conditional use permit.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(s))
.045 BUILDING LINE. A straight line which touches that portion of a building
closest to the road upon which the lot fronts, and which intersects the two
side lot lines at angles as close as possible to 90 degrees.
.050 CAMPGROUND. Any parcel or adjacent parcels of land in the same ownership,
either public or private, which provides sanitary facilities and spaces for
pitching tents for short -term occupancy of a transient, recreational nature.
A private camping club is included within this definition. Those campground
facilities which also provide parking for three or more recreational
vehicles are considered recreational vehicle parks. (Amended per
WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.055 CLUSTER HOUSING. A group of.dwelling units on a suitable site, designed in
such a manner that the amount of usable open space per unit is equal to or
CHAPTER 20.97
exceeds the open space requirements for conventional development under the
pertinent zoning district standards. Cluster housing may include either
attached or detached housing or both.
7060 OOELEC3TOR- ARTERI- AL- - -lleo-l-lector- arteria&u- mean -a- road -- connecting- neighbor-
hoods-or- rural- areas - with- community - centers- and - facilities; -or- connecting -to
another - public- road -of -- equal --or -- greater -- classification. - - -- -The- collector
arterial - also -may - provide - direct - access- to- ad�aeent- properties-
.065 COMMISSION. Means the Planning Commission of-Whatcom County.
.070 COMMUNITY CENTER. Land and /or building(s) owned by a public agency or
private nonprofit entity used for social, civic, educational or recreational
purposes, which serves mainly the community where located; including but not
limited to community halls and clubs centers, grange halls, senior citizen
centers, teen centers, youth clubs, field houses and churches. The facili-
ties are available for occasional public meetings. They may also have the
minimal kitchen facilities required for occasional banquets. Private clubs
as defined in this Ordinance are not included.
.075 CONDITIONAL USE. A use permitted only after "public" review and approved by
the Hearing Examiner, and to which "special" conditions may be attached by
the Hearing Examiner.
080 CONFINEMENT FEEDING OPERATION. Any livestock or poultry operation whose
population exceeds two animal units per acre, considering the entire acreage
of the farm unit other than the homesite.
.085,CONVENIENCE RETAIL SHOP. A food store designed and intended to serve the
daily or frequent needs of the residential population living primarily
within one mile of the shop. The food store may sell nonfood items such as
household supplies, drugs and items for personal hygiene, but may not
dispense gasoline or provide other service for automobiles.
.090 COUNTY COUNCIL. The County Council of Whatcom County.
.095 DEPARTMENT. The Planning Department of Whatcom County.
.100 DOCK. A platform structure or anchored device in or floating upon water
bodies to provide moorage for pleasure craft or landing for water - dependent
recreation including but not limited to floats, mooring buoys, swim floats,
.float plan moorages, covered moorages and water ski jumps. Launching ramps
are excluded.
.105 DWELLING UNIT. A building or-- portion- thereof -- providing - separate- eookiag-
eating- -aleeping, - -- sanitation, -- and-- litliag- facilities - for -one- family -and -its
resident - domestic- employees -if -any.- , or portion of a building or modular
manufactured housing unit that is constructed or installed on a permanent
foundation and designed for long-term human habitation, which has facilities
for cooking, eating, sleeping, . toilet and bathing for use by one family
(including resident domestic employees); the term does not include tents,
campers, recreational vehicles or travel trailers.
.110 DWELLING, SINGLE - FAMILY. A detached building—constructed -on -a- permanent
foundation, - designed — For long habitation— exclusively - by-one
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family; -- having-- eomg }ete-- �tviag— faei�Ytes— and- eonatntYag- oard�Yng
unit.- residential unit permanently installed and served with utilities.
.115 DWELLING, TWO- FAMILY (DUPLEX).A-- deaehed-- bsr�drng-- deargnee� - -- for - -emd
OCCUpied-CXC�t2�iVC�p- by-�il0- -�ffiIY�tC�- �ll�- -COl tit• t' tl it•Y12g - kilo- dge��Ylig- TlltY�J-
Two residential units attached by a common wall, usually with outside
entrances for each unit; the single building designed for occupancy by two
families.
.120 DWELLING, MULTIPLE- FAMILY. A sin le building designed-for--and-occupied-by
three - -ar-- more- -famil es 9 - with --the --rimer of-- zap =tes -tn -. idence -not
exceeding- the - number- of- dweil:ing- an its - provided: -A muitip4e- fami itng
may- -be; -- bat - -i9 -- not -- limited- , es,,-- apartmenta;— condominiums;
townhouses -or- cooperative -- residences.- containing three or more attached
residential units.
.122 EXTRACTION, COMMERCIAL., Extraction of sand or gravel or both from a site
when the primary purpose of extraction is to obtain the minerals for road
construction, building construction, ready -mix, re -sale or other uses in
which the minerals will be processed. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(bb))
.123 EXTRACTION, NONCOMMERCIAL. Extraction of sand or gravel or both from a site
when it is incidental to a• primary use, when it is intended to enhance
agricultural productivity and when it will facilitate more uniform
management of agricultural land. (Adopted per WCC 20.04..080(1)(bb))
.124 FABRICATION. Fabrication shall mean the manufacturing from standardized
parts of a distinct object differing from the individual components.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.125 FAMILY. One or more persons occupying a single dwelling unit provided that
unless all members are related by blood or marriage, such family shall not
contain over five (5) persons, but further provided that domestic servants
employed on the premises may be housed on the premises without being counted
as a.family or families.
.130 FAMILY DWELLING. Any building designed for and occupied by any person or
family established or tending to establish a legal residence or acquiring a
legal settlement for any purpose upon the premises so occupied.
.135 FEEDLOT. A concentrated, confined animal or poultry operation for
production of meat, milk or eggs; or stabling in yards, barns, pens or
houses; wherein animals or poultry are fed at the place of confinement, and
crop or forage growth or production is not sustained within the place of
confinement..
.140 FLOOR AREA OF A NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDING (to be used in calculating parking
requirements). The floor areas of the specified use excluding stairs,
washrooms, elevator shafts, maintenance shafts and rooms, storage spaces,
display windows, and similar areas.
.145 FLOOR AREA. The sum expressed in square footage of the gross horizontal
area of the floor or floors of the building, measured from the exterior
faces of the exterior walls, including elevator shafts and stairwells on
each floor and areas having a ceiling height of seven (7) feet or more, but
CHAPTER 20.97
excluding roofed areas open on two (2) or more sides, areas having a ceiling
height of less than seven (7) feet and areas used exclusively for storage or -
housing of mechanical or central heating equipment. (Adopted per
WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
.150 FLOOR AREA RATION (FAR). Floor area ratio is the square footage of the
building divided by the square.footage of the area of the site the building
is to be located on. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
.155 FOREST INDUSTRIES. The growth, harvest and management of timber, associated
forest practices and the manufacture of wood products.
.160 FOREST PRODUCTS. Products obtained from stands of forest trees which have
been either naturally or artificially established.
.162 GRADE (Adjacent Ground Elevation). The lowest point of elevation of the
finished surface of the ground, paving or sidewalk within the area between
the building and the property line, or when the property line is more than
five (5) feet from the building, between the building and a.line five (5)
feet from the building. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(s))
.165 GROCERY STORE. A place of business engaged in selling to the public items
generally used in and .around homes including foods, drinks, medical aids,
school supplies, papers, magazines and other household items.
.170 GROSS DENSITY. The. number of dwelling units per unit of area. Gross
density shall be computed based on the total area.of -the parcel of record
and shall include the area of adjoining road rights - of-way if the parent
parcel is five (5) acres or greater; however, adjoining road rights - of-way
shall be excluded for parent parcels of less than five (5) acres.
.175 HEARING EXAMINER. The Hearing .Examiner of Whatcom County (refer to
Chapter 20.92 of the Whatcom County Code).
.177 HIGH TRAFFIC GENERATOR. High traffic generator shall mean those land use
activities allowed in a district which is anticipated, to generate either
more traffic or heavier vehicle types than by the use described in the title
of the zone district. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.180 HOME OCCUPATION. An occupation conducted in a dwelling unit, provided that:
(1) No person, other than family, residing on the premises shall be engaged
in such occupation.
(2) The use of the dwelling unit for the home occupation shall be clearly
incidental and subordinate to its use for residential purposes by its
occupants and not more than twenty -five percent (25 %) of the usable
floor area of the dwelling unit shall be used in the conduct of the
home occupation.
(3) There shall be no change in the outside appearance of the building or
premises, or other visible evidence of the conduct of such home
occupation, other than one sign, not exceeding four (4) square feet in -
area, nonilluminated and mounted on the property.
CHAPTER 20.97
(4) No traffic shall be generated by such home occupations in greater
volume than would normally be expected in a residential neighborhood,
and any need for parking generated by the conduct of such home
occupation shall meet the off - street parking requirements as specified
in this Ordinance and shall not be located in a required front yard.
(5) No equipment or process shall be used in such home occupation which
creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors or electrical
interference detectable to the normal senses off the lots, if the
occupation is conducted in a single - family residence or outside the
dwelling unit if conducted in other than a single - family residence. In
the case of electrical interference, no equipment or process shall be
used which creates visual or audible interference in any radio or
television receivers off the premises, or causes fluctuation in line
voltage off the premises.
.185 HOTELS. Any building containing six (6) or more rooms intended or designed
to be used, rented or hired out, or to be occupied for sleeping purposes
only by transients.
.187 INDUSTRIAL PARK. A tract of land that has been planned, developed and
operated as an integrated facility for a number of individual industrial
uses with special attention to circulation, parking, utility needs,
aesthetics and compatibility. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.190 INSTITUTIONAL USES. Schools, colleges, libraries, fire stations, buildings
necessary for government, community centers, nursery or day -care facilities,
hospitals and clinics, retirement homes, convalescent centers,
rehabilitation homes, post offices, public museums and art galleries.
Private clubs are excluded from this definition.
.195 LAUNCH RAMP. An inclined slab, set of pads, or planks; or graded slope used
for launching boats with trailers, or occasionally by hand; extensive
parking and turn - around areas are usually required.
.200 LEWD MATTER OR LEWD.. Is synonymous with "obscene matter" and means any
matter: (1) which the average. person, applying contemporary community
standards, would find, when considered as a whole, appeals to the prurient
interest; and (2) which depicts or describes patently offensive
representations or descriptions of:
(a) Ultimate sexual acts, normal or perverted, acted or simulated; or
(b) Masturbation, excretory functions, or lewd exhibition of the genital or
genital area. Nothing herein contained is intended to include or
proscribe any matter which, when considered as a whole and in the
context in which it is used, possesses serious literary, artistic,
political or scientific value.
?05 LOADING SPACE, OFF - STREET. Space logically and conveniently located for
bulk pickups and deliveries, scaled to delivery trucks expected to be used
and accessible to such vehicles when required off - street parking spaces are
filled. Required off - street loading spaces are not to be included as off -
street parking space in computation of required off - street parking space.
All off - street loading spaces shall be located totally outside of any street
or alley right -of -way.
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. 210, L�WAL-A WE66-- 6TREBT--- A- nei-ghberheed -- street - wily low- traffic- wh*we -pri -eery
functren-is-to- provide - direct - access -to- adjoining- preperties7
.215 LOT CLUSTERING. A method of aggregating permitted densities on smaller
tracts or areas within a-larger defined area for the purpose of creating
economical building lots with spatially efficient sizes, reducing
development cost, increasing energy efficiency and reserving areas of land
that.are..suitable for .:agricultural.,.,forestry, open space or other future -
approved development purposes.
.217 LOT COVERAGE. The percent of a lot or parcel which is, or will be, covered
by all structures located thereon. Coverage is determined by measuring
areas covered by .a weather tight roof.
.220 LOT OF RECORD. A lot which is described by final plat, short plat, or metes
and bounds, and is established pursuant to applicable local and state
regulations.at the date a legal instrument creating the lot is recorded at
the Whatcom County Auditor's Office.
.223 MANUFACTURING. Manufacturing shall mean establishments engaged in the
mechanical or chemical .transformation of materials or substances into new
products including the assembling of component parts, the manufacturing of
products, and the blending of materials such as lubricating oils, plastics,
resins or liquors. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.225 MARINA. A wet moorage and /or dry storage facility for pleasure craft and /or
small to moderate sized commercial craft where goods or services related to
boating are sold commercially. Launching facilities and covered moorage may
also be provided. Marinas may be open to the general public or restricted
on the basis of property ownership or membership.
.240 MINIMUM LOT SIZE. That portion of total parcel area which is determined to
be usable for the purpose. of creating a building lot, pursuant to all
applicable Whatcom County regulations. Parcels of five (5) acres or.greater
may be regarded as nominal and may be measured to the center of proposed and
bounding roads; however, parcels of less than five (5) acres shall exclude
those portions of lot area devoted for access, including all access
easements, and easements not usable to the present or future surface owner
of the parcel.
7245 Mi N0R -- X48@ ES9-- 6TREET7-- 11Miner-- aeeess-- streetn means -permanent- cul- de -secs-
loops-- streets -and- other- loeai- service- streets- serving-- a- ]imited -- number -of
dwelling- units.-
.250 MOBILE HOME. A dwelling designed for long -term human habitation by one
family and having complete living facilities; constructed and fabricated
into a complete unit at a factory and capable of being transported to a
location of use on its own chassis and wheels; identified by a model number
and serial number by its manufacturer and designed primarily for placement
on an impermanent footing. A unit which was originally built as a mobile
home but which has substantially lost its mobility through being placed on a
permanent footing, and which wholly meets state standards for such units,
shall not be considered to be a mobile home and shall be treated as a
single - family dwelling for the purpose of this Ordinance only when it is
fixed to a permanent footing and tongue and axle have been.removed and
.skirting installed.
CHAPTER 20.97
.255 MOBILE HOME PARK. Any parcel or adjacent parcels of land in the same
ownership which is utilized for occupancy by more than two mobile homes.
This term shall not be construed to mean campgrounds, recreational vehicle
parks or tourist facilities for camping.
.260 MOTEL. A group of attached or detached buildings containing individual
sleeping units, with or without cooking or kitchen facilities, with at least
one parking space for each unit located on the same premises, all for the
temporary use by tourists and transients. This term includes auto courts,
tourist courts, motor lodges and resort cabins.
.265 NEIGHBORHOOD COLLECTOR. "Neighborhood collector" means a road whose
function is to collect traffic from neighborhood streets which connect two
or more neighborhoods. A neighborhood collector may also provide direct
access to adjacent properties.
.270 NONCONFORMING USE. A building or premises occupied by a use that does not
conform with the regulations of the use district in which it is situated.
.271 NONINDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS. Those buildings allowed within an industrial
district that house those uses contained within the category of public uses,
or the category of restaurants, cafes and cafeterias.
273 NONRESORT- ORIENTED HOTEL OR MOTEL. Those hotels or motels which .only
provide for the primary activities associated with such facilities.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
.275 OPEN SPACE. Any parcel or area of land or water not covered by structures,
hardsurfacing, parking areas and other impervious surfaces except for
pedestrian or bicycle pathways, or where otherwise provided by this Title or
other county ordinance and set aside, dedicated, active or passive
recreation, visual enjoyment or developed limitations of unsuitable land
areas. For purposes of this Title, not more than a total of fifty percent
(50 %) of the required open space for a proposal may be provided in required
perimeter setback area, unbuildable land area or water surfaces. Tidelands
or shorelands shall not be considered open space unless specifically
authorized. (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.280 ORDINARY HIGH WATER MARK (OHWM). On all lakes, streams and tidal water is
that mark that will be found by examining the bed and banks and ascertaining
where the presence and action of waters are so common and usual, and so long
continued in all ordinary years, as to mark upon the soil a character
distinct from that of the abutting upland, in respect to vegetation as that
condition exists on June 1, 1971 or as it may naturally change thereafter;
provided that in any area where the ordinary high water mark adjoining salt
water shall be the line of mean higher high tide and the ordinary high water
mark adjoining fresh water shall be the line of mean high water.
.285 PARK. Private or public areas of land with or without buildings, designated
for active or passive recreational uses. This includes athletic fields with
unenclosed spectator seating facilities.
.290 PARKING SPACE, OFF- STREET. For the purpose of this Ordinance, an off -
street parking space shall consist of an area adequate for parking an
CHAPTER 20.97
automobile with room for opening doors on both sides, together with properly.
related access to a public street or alley and maneuvering room, but shall
be located totally outside of any street or alley right -of -way.
.295 PERMANENT FOUNDATION. Shall mean a foundation constructed of masonry,
concrete or treated wood in conformance to the requirements of the Uniform
Building Codes, and shall extend below the frost line or other method as
accepted by the Building Official.
.300 PERMITTED USE. A principal use of a site allowed as a matter of right in
conformance to applicable zoning, building and health codes, and not subject
to special review or conditions under this Ordinance beyond those
specifically set forth in zoning district regulations.
.305 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD). One or a group of specified uses, such as
residential, resort, commercial or industrial, to be planned and constructed
as a unit. Zoning or subdivision regulations with respect to lot size,
building bulk, etc., may be varied to allow design innovations and special
feature in exchange for additional and /or superior site amenities or
community benefits.
—10 PRIMARY- ARTFRIAL - - -A- road - connecting -- two --or- more- t-mms-- or- eomuni#ies, - -or
connecting-tovo-- highways- of-- egt�airor- greater- eapaeity- to- a- iarg�e- sand- area,-
aa- e�etermined -by- the- @or�nty- Engineer:- - -�4 -- mayor- arteriai -- may- aiso -- serve -a
Large- traffic -- generator- fe_g____�_rndt�atriai- area } - and - perform -a- secondary
fanetron- of- provie�rag- iocei- aeeeas-
.315 PRIVATE CLUB. Land and /or building that is privately owned and normally
restricted from use by the general public, and which is operated as an
assembly area by and for a nonprofit organization, society, lodge,
fraternity, yacht club or similar entity. The facility may or may not
feature eating,, drinking, dancing or similar activities.
318 PROFESSIONAL OFFICE. A room or group of rooms used to conduct the business
of a profession, business, service, government or other organization, but
excluding those uses which are primarily retail, wholesale or other than.
clerical in nature that have offices as part of their operation.
.320 PROHIBITED USE. A use not allowed to be constructed or developed; provided
that existing uses may be continued as provided in WCC 20.83.
.325 PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS, CAMPGROUNDS AND GOLF GROUNDS. Areas
of land with or without buildings designated for recreational uses.
.327 PUBLIC RECREATION. Public recreation shall mean those recreation facilities
developed and maintained by any department or branch of the Federal, State
or local government, or special purpose district created for the purpose of
providing recreation facilities, and such facilities shall be used for
public purposes. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
329 PUBLIC SEWER. For land use planning purposes, a system intended to dispose
of sewage meeting the definition of WAC 248 -96- 020(17): a sewerage system
which is owned or operated by a city, town, municipal corporation, county,
political subdivision of the state, or other ownership with appropriate
approvals consisting of a collection system and necessary trunks, pumping
facilities and a means of final treatment and disposal and approved or under
permit from the department of ecology. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(aa))
CHAPTER 20.97
.330 PUBLIC WATER. For land use planning purposes, a system or water supply
intended or used for human consumption or other domestic uses, including
source, treatment, storage, transmission and distribution facilities; where
water is furnished to any community, collection or number of individuals, or
is made available to the public for human consumption or domestic use; and
is managed by: a municipality or a special purpose district; or a Class I
water system as defined in WAC 248 -54- 560(1) in areas having existing
concentrations of parcels of one acre or less in size; or any class of water
system that is deemed appropriate by the Bellingham- Whatcom County Health
Department to serve the densities provided in the appropriate Subarea
Comprehensive Plan and attendant zoning regulations that has defined
boundaries within which all land has legal rights to water service from the
association, has a water system plan on file with the Bellingham- Whatcom
County Health Department that is in accordance with WAC 248 -54- 065(4,5,6),
and meets engineering requirements consistent with the class of system.
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(aa))
.335 RECREATIONAL VEHICLE. A motor vehicle, or portable structure capable of
being transported on the highways by a motor vehicle, designed and intended
for casual or short -term human occupancy for travel, recreational and
vacation uses; identified by a model number, serial number and vehicle
registration number; equipped with limited water storage and other self -
contained living facilities. Recreational vehicles and travel trailers
shall not be occupied in any zone district outside of approved recreational
vehicle parks. Except that no provision of this Title shall exclude the
private, noncommercial, recreational occupancy of recreational vehicles in
Rural and Forestry zones where such use shall be less than 120 days per
calendar year, complies with all health regulations and is not permanently
installed.
.340 RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK. A parcel of land in which three or more sites
are primarily for occupancy by recreational vehicles for travel, recreation
or vacation uses. For mobile home parks, only spaces that are designated
and /or are used for recreational vehicles shall constitute a recreational
vehicle park. Recreational vehicles and travel trailers set up for
occupancy shall be at least ten (10) feet from each other and any structures
on the property. Whether or not intended for occupancy, they shall be at
least ten (10) feet from all structures not on the same property. For the
purposes of these regulations, the term "recreational vehicle park" shall
include camping clubs as defined in RCW 19.105.010.
.345 RESERVE TRACT. When the lot clustering method of subdivision is used, the
reserve tract is that portion of a proposed subdivision or short subdivision
which is intended for agricultural, forestry, open space or other future -
approved development purposes.
.346 RESIDENTIAL UNIT. A family dwelling unit intended for long -term human
habitation and occupancy by a resident family.
347 RESIDENT. One who lives and usually works in the vicinity; not a visitor or
transient.
.348 RESORT- ORIENTED HOTEL OR MOTEL. Those hotels or motels that not only
provide for the primary activities associated with such establishments but
CHAPTER 20.97
also provide for those additional activities and amenities which attract
persons to use such hotel or motel facilities. Such activities would
include, but not be limited to golf courses, developed beach areas,
convention centers and hiking trails. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
.350 RESTAURANT. An establishment where food and beverages are prepared and
served for consumption either on or off premises. This term shall include
cafes, coffee houses, cabarets and dining rooms, but shall not include
taverns. Restaurants may include cocktail lounge and facilities for dancing
and live entertainment of patrons; provided that these activities are
clearly accessory to food service; and provided further that these
activities are not expressly prohibited in a specific zone.
.355 ROOMING HOUSE. Any dwelling in which, for compensation, three or more
persons, either individually or as families, are housed or lodged, with or
without meals. A boarding house, lodging house, tourist home or a furnished
room house shall be deemed rooming houses. A rooming house with six or more
sleeping units, occupied by transients, shall be deemed a hotel.
.360 SEAT. For purposes of determining the number of off - street parking spaces
for certain uses: the number of seats; or the number of seating units
installed or indicated; or each twenty -four (24) lineal inches of benches,
pews or space for loose chairs.
.-365 SEE3ANHARY-- ARTERIAL--- u6eeonanrp-- erterrn�u-- meerls - -e -road- connecting - too -or
mare - roans- of- egasi - -or- greater-- ciassifreation -- ar-- coenee�ing-trvo-- er�eare
eommunftres - - -- -CCCOrtaar�-- artCriQ�- may-- aia0-aCrve-a- tr8ffiC-gCrtCr0tor -Alfa
pravi ae- aireet- ncceaa -to- feria- fzaes- --
.370 "SIC" GROUP AND INDUSTRY NUMBERS. These refer to the group and industry
categories established in the Standard Industrial Classification Manual
(U.S. Bureau of the Budget, Washington, U.S. Government Printing Office,
1972).
.375 SIGN. Any placard, billboard, display, message, design, letters, symbol,
light figure, illustration, set of pennants, or other device intended to
identify, inform, advertise or attract attention to any private or public
premises, and placed mainly outdoors so as to be seen from any public or
quasi.- - public place. Excluded from this definition are official traffic,
directional or warning devices; other official public notices; signs
required by law; or flag of a government or other noncommercial institution.
.380 SIGN, FREE - STANDING. A self - supporting sign placed off and away from the
building to which it is related.
.385 SIGN, OFF- PREMISES. A sign situated on premises other than those premises
to which the sign's message is related.
.390 SIGN, ON- PREMISES. A sign situated on the premises to which the sign's
message is related.
.395 SIGN, PRIVATE DIRECTIONAL. An off - premises sign which indicates the
distance and direction to a private use.
r
CHAPTER 20.97
.400 SIGN, PROJECTING. A sign which is attached to a project at an angle from a
building's exterior wall.
.405 SIGN, ROOF. A sign erected upon, against, or directly above a roof or on
top of or above the parapet of a building; signs on and within the top
height of mansard roofs shall be considered wall signs.
.410 SIGN, SURFACE AREA. For a sign with a message or symbol on any type of
solid backing, surface area shall include the entire area of the backing and
frame for the backing. For a sign consisting of individual letters and /or
symbol(s) placed directly.on a building wall or supported independently,
surface area shall be the area within the least parallelogram, triangle,
circle, semi - circle, or other geometric figure which includes the total
message and /or symbol(s). Structural or support elements of the sign,
excluding the advertising or backing elements of said sign, shall not be
included in the measurement of surface area. The surface area of a free-
standing or projecting sign with messages on two sides, designed to be
viewed primarily from only one street or road, and with the two sides
approximately parallel and not separated by more than one foot, shall be the
area of one side only.
.415 SIGN, WALL. A sigh placed upon and parallel to the exterior wall of a
building which may not extend above the top of the wall or parapet.
.420 SIGNIFICANT WATER BODY: A lake or pond larger than 25,000 square feet, but
smaller than the minimum specified for regulation in the State Shoreline
Management Act; or a perennial stream with flow smaller than the volume
specified in the State Shoreline Management Act.
.423 SITE AREA. For purposes of calculating the floor area ratio, site area
shall mean the measured square footage of any lot, tract or parcel of land,
or contiguous lots, tracts or parcels of land to be utilized by a single
development and shall exclude all areas devoted to existing access and
easements not usable to the present or future surface owner of the parcel.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(a))
.425 SLEEPING UNIT. A separate room in which a .bed of any type, including
folding or convertible, is provided; such room may or may not have a private
bathroom and /or kitchen facilities as an adjunct. A sleeping unit is
primarily intended for temporary use by tourists and transients.
.430 STREET. The entire width between the right - of-way lines of every way for
vehicular and pedestrian traffic; includes the terms "road," "highway,"
"Land," "place," "avenue," "alley," "collector," "primary arterial,"
"secondary arterial," and other similar designations.
.433 STRUCTURE. Structure is that which is built or constructed, an edifice or
building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed
of parts joined together in some definite manner. (Adopted per
WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.435 THERMAL POWER PLANT. An electrical generating facility using any fuel,
including nuclear materials, for distribution of electricity by electric
utilities.
CHAPTER 20.97
.440 UNBUILDABLE LAND. See "Unsuitable Land." (Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.443 UNSUITABLE LAND. Land exposed to a condition that may cause a hazard on
structures or human activity if the land in question is developed. Such
lands include but are not limited to: areas with slopes exceeding twenty
percent (20%); unstable geologic formations, as indicated by soil survey
and /or past experience of movement or settling of the land; soils of low or
variable shear strength or load- bearing capacity; major groundwater recharge
areas; or areas designated formally by a Federal, State or County agency as
floodplain or coastal flood hazard areas. (Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
7445 HTiL�TY-- HFsi�FSL9PN<P.--- �neiudes -- but— ia- -nat -- limited-- to, - -- facilities -for
eo��eeting; -- distributing; -- processing, - -- treatment , --- storage,-- or- drsposa� -of
water, -- sewage, -- solid- waste -- electrical- energy, -- including - power- distribution,-
e -lectrenic- communications -and- their - administrative- structures; - and - pipe -lines
for -oil -and- gas. --- merge -seal a - electrical- generating - plants- are - excluded -from
this- definition-
.450 WAREHOUSING. Warehousing shall mean terminal facilities for handling
freight with or without maintenance facilities.
(Adopted per WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.455 WHOLESALE TRADE. Wholesale trade shall mean establishments or places of
business primarily engaged in selling merchandise to retailers; to
industrial, commercial, institutional, or professional business users, or to
other wholesalers; or acting as agents or brokers and buying merchandise
for, or selling merchandise to, such individuals or companies. (Adopted per
WCC 20.04.080(1)(h))
.460 YARD, FRONT. An open space on a lot, between the road right- of-way (front
property line) and the requisite minimum front yard setback line. 'The
requisite- front- yard - setback- area - moat -be - open - from - sfde- te- afde -o€- the -Yet;
provided- that-- uneae+cred -- patios ; = driverfays ; -- trai�cwaya; -- vegetaticn� ; -ps-
rec�reation- equipment;- and - fences- and - wales- up-te- four -f+� feet-fn -height -map
be- placed the- ifmffatf 0nS -0f
WGG- 28.887 Where a lot lies at the corner of two or more roads, it shall
have a front yard - setback area extending back from each road right -of --way.
If the exact location of the right - of-way is not known, it shall be assumed
that the improved traveling surface of the road is in the center of the road
right -of -way. If the width of the road right - of-way is not known, it shall
be assumed to be sixty (60) feet. Al+- front -- yard - setback -- measurements -are
minimum- requiremeeta.
�lnd- further -- provided - that - fences,-- �,raiis -or- vegetative - hedges - located- arithin
this - front- yard - setback -area- may -- exceed -- fear- -f4 } -- feet —in— height,- - -to -a
maximam -of- six -f6 }- feet,- - only -rft-
{}} Theq- -des -- not -- obstruct - -or -- impair -- visual -- corridors - -of -- surrounding
properties- and - sight- distaaeea- of- vehieu�er- traffic; --
{2} Theq- are - adjudged- to -be- necessary - -in -- ardor - -to -- provide-- seeuritq -and
privaeq -to- the - particular -use- activity -by- reason -efr --
{$} The- propertyLS- immediate - location- next -te- public- access - areas; -or
CHAPTER 20.97
{b� its -- facilities -- and-- amentres-- rahteh -- are- b ®th- araetrve- fo -t�se
'�-- general -- public, - -- and - -xn� ended- -fer -- the-- exe�tn3rve -- use -- of - -its
inhabitants- andfor- patrons; -or
{3� They -- are -- deemed -- necessary -- fer -- the - protection -of- the- publie- health;
safety- and - general- welfare-
(Amended per WCC 20.04.080(1)(c))
.465 YARD, REAR. An open space-on a lot, between the rear property line and the
building closest to the rear property line; provided that for this
definition all structures specified as accessory uses in Urban Residential,
Residential Rural, Rural and Agricultural zone districts, except home
workshops, shall not be considered as buildings. A- rear - yard - must - -be -open
from -- side -te- side - -ef-- the — let;- provtdzd- that-uncovered - pat -ios;- drlae"aya,
rraikasys;-- vegetation; -- pools; -- recr eat ion -- equipment; — epees -- parking- space;
fences- afld-- f+aiia- tip - -te- seven — {7- - feet - -tn- height; — and- struetare9- housing
aeeessory-- uses--- ia-- 8rbafl - -- Residential;-- �testdentta } - -- Rura1; -- Rural- -and
Agricultural- zone - districts- may -- be- piaeed -tn- the - rear -yard, provided -there
is- arr- eperr- space -of- eight -{8}- feet - between- any- sudrstructure- and- a- bvfidfng
on- that - -lot. In the case of a lot with more than one road frontage and
consequently two rear property lines, the rear yard shall be deemed to be
the yard abutting the shorter rear property line; the other yard shall be
treated as a side yard. In cases of doubt, the Zoning Administrator shall
make the determination. All -- rear -- yard -- measurements -- are — minimum
requirerrents-
.470 YARD, SIDE. One of two open spaces found on a typical lot, bounded by the
front yard, rear yard, the side lot line and the building closest to the
side lot line. A- side - yard -- must - -be -- kept -- open; -- provided -- that - uncovered
patios, -- driveways--- raalkovays -- vegetation -- peels, -- parking- areas;- reereatianal
equipment,-- and - fences- and - malls- np -te- seven - {�}- feet -tn- height- may -be -p }seed
in- the -side- yard - -- All -side- yard - measurements -are minimum- requirements:
475 ZONING ADMINISTRATOR. The Director of Buildings and Code Administration or
his designee.