HomeMy WebLinkAboutord2015-014WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL NO.20r4-t97
CLEARANCES Inítíøl Date Dste Received in Councíl Offrce Agendq Dqte Assísned to:
Originalor:
Mau Aamot
M.A.s/s/2014
MAY r 3 20r't
WHATCOM COUNTY
COUNCI L
REOEIVED
5202014 Introduclion
Division Head:
Mark Personius //,È 5-5-r/6/3/2014 P&D Comminee and
Council
DepL Head:
Sam Ryan .SK-r-?- t4 t/27 /20ts CouncÍl - Concurrent
Þarrl aw
Prosecutor:
Royce Buckingham Ø f- 8 .l¿/3/3/L5 Council - Concurrent
Powl aw
Purchasing/Budget:
^A
4/L4/20L5 Council - Concurrent
Review
Executive:
Jack ktuws /])
TrrLE On OocaUlff\r:
Repeal the South Fork Valley Subarea Plan and amend provisions in the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
relating to subarea plans.
ATTACHMENTS:
l. Staff Memo
2. Proposed Ordinance and Exhibits
3. Planning Commission Findings of Fact and Reasons for Action
4. Planning Commission minutes
Other background information is onJìle at the Council ffice.
Yes
Yes
SEPA revíew requíred?
SEPA revíew completed?
X
X
(
()
)
( )No( )No
ShouldClerkscheduleøheøríng? ( )Yes (* )NO
Requested DøieI The Counc¡l must hold a hearing if they wønt to change the Plønníng Commíssion's
recomme ndatio n fllCC 2, I 60. I 00(Ð).
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE: (If th¡s ìtem ß an ordínance or requìres ø publìc
hearíng, you must províde the lønguage for use ín the requìred publíc notíce. Be specíJìc and cìte RCI( or IYCC as øppropriate. Be
clear ìn explaining the íntent of the øctìon,)
Repeal the South Fork Valley Subarea Plan and amend provisions in the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
relating to subarea plans. The South Fork Valley Subarea Plan was adopted in 1991, prior to the first Whatcom
County Comprehensive Plan that was adopted under the GMA.
NOTE: Final approval of these amendments would occur as part of concurrent review of comprehensive plan amendments in early 20 I 5.
COMMITTEE ACTION:
6/3/2014z Corunittee recommended that the Council
forward for concurrent review
COUNCIL ACTION:
5/2O/2014: Introduced 6-0, IÍeiner absent
6/3/2014: Recomnendecl for concurrent review 7-O
I/27/2oL52 Helcl to a later date
3/3/2OI5z Helil in Council to be adopted at a later date
4/L4/2OI5z Aitoptect 7-0, Orct. 2015-014
Related Counfit Contract #:Related Fíle Numbers:Ordinance or Resolution Number:
Ord. 2015-014
Please Note: Once adopted and sígned, ord.inønces ønd resolutìons are øvaíløble for vìewing and príntìng on
the County's websíte at: Ww.co.whatcom.wa.us/councí1.
s-0s-20 l4
SPONSORED BY:
PROPOSED BY: pos
INTRODUCTION DATE: s / 20/ 2or4
ORDINANCE NO. 201s-014
REPEALING THE 1991 SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA PLAN
AND AMENDING PROVISIONS IN THE WHATCOM COUNTY
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RELATING TO SUBAREA PLANS
\ilHEREAS, The Whatcom County Council initiated the subject amendments for review in
2014; and
\ryHEREAS, The Whatcom County Planning Commission held a public hearing on Apnl24,
2014; and
WHEREAS, The Whatcom County Planning Commission recommended the comprehensive
plan amendments on Apnl24,2014; and
WHEREAS, The County Council hereby adopts the following findings of fact:
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. The subject proposal includes:
Amending'Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan provisions relating to subarea
plans.
b. Repealing the South Fork Valley Subarea Plan (1991).
A determination of non-significance (DNS) was issued under the State Environmental
Policy Act (SEPA) on March 25,2014.
4.
J Notice of the Planning Commission hearing was posted on the County website on April
8,2014.
Notice of the Planning Commission hearing and that the proposal had been posted on the
County website was sent to citizen, media and other groups on the County's e-mail list on
April 8, 2014.
Notice of the subject amendments was submitted to the Washington State Department of
Commerce on April 8,2014.
a.
2
5
1
8
Notice of the Planning Commission hearing for the subject amendments was published in
the Bellingham Herald on April 11,2014.
6
7 The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the subject amendments on April 24,
2014.
Pursuant to WCC 2.160.080, in order to approve the proposed comprehensive plan
amendments the County must find all of the following:
a. The amendment conforms to the requirements of the Growth Management Act, is
internally consistent with the county-wide planning policies and is consistent with
any interlocal planning agreements.
b. Further studies made or accepted by the Department of Planning and
Development Services indicate changed conditions that show need for the
amendment.
c. The public interest will be served by approving the amendment. In determining
whether the public interest will be served, factors including but not limited to the
following shall be considered:
i. The anticipated effect upon the rate or distribution of population growth,
employment growth, development, and conversion of land as envisioned
in the comprehensive plan.
ii. The anticipated effect on the ability of the county andlor other service
providers, such as cities, schools, water andlor sewer purveyors, fire
districts, and others as applicable, to provide adequate services and public
facilities including transportation facilities.
iii. Anticipated impact upon designated agricultural, forest and mineral
resource lands.
d. The amendment does not include or facilitate spot zoning.
e. Urban growth area amendments that propose the expansion of an urban growth
area boundary are required to acquire development rights from a designated TDR
sending area, with certain exceptions.
Growth Management Act
The Growth Management Act (GMA) allows, but does not require, a county to adopt
subarea plans under RCW 36.704.080 ("Comprehensive plans - Optional elements")
9
2
10.However, the GMA requires that subarea plans must be consistent with a county's
comprehensive plan. Specifically, RCW 36.70A.080(2) states: "A comprehensive plan
may include, where appropriate, subarea plans, each of which is consistent with the
comprehensive plan."
11.The South Fork Valley Subarea Plan was adopted in 1991. The Whatcom County
Comprehensive Plan was adoptedin 1997 and subsequently amended from time to time.
The Subarea Plan is inconsistent with the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan.
Specifically, the Subarea Plan contains different land use designations, is inconsistent
with the Comprehensive Plan's rural element, and has a different planning period.
County-Wide Planning Policies
12. The County-Wide Planning Policies do not require the County to retain old subarea plans.
Interlocal Agreements
13. There are no interlocal agreements relating to the South Fork Valley Subarea Plan.
Further Studies/Changed Conditions
14. The South Fork Valley Subarea Plan was adopted in 1991.
15.The GMA was amendedin 1997 to include criteria for limited areas of more intensive
rural development (LAMIRDs). The 1991 South Fork Valley Subarea Plan does not
address LAMIRDs.
16.The Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan was originally adopted in 1997, and
subsequently amended. The 1991 South Fork Valley Subarea Plan is not consistent with
the County Comprehensive Plan.
t7.The 1991 South Fork Valley Subarea Plan utilized a different planning period than the
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan.
18 Changed conditions, including adoption of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
and the passage of time, warrant repealing the 1991 South Fork Valley Subarea Plan.
Public Interest
t9 Repealing the 1991 South Fork Valley Subarea Plan will serve the public interest by
removing a plan that is inconsistent with the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan.
Spot Zoning
20. The subject proposal does not involve rezoning property.
J
CONCLUSION
The subject proposal is consistent with the approval criteria of WCC 2.160.080
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Whatcom County Council that:
Section 1. The Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 (Land Use) is hereby amended
as shown on Exhibit A.
Section 2. The South Fork Valley Subarea Plan (1991) is hereby repealed as shown on Exhibit
B.
Section 3. Adjudication of invalidity of any of the sections, clauses, or provisions of this
ordinance shall not affect or impair the validity of the ordinance as a whole or any part thereof
other than the part so declared to be invalid.
ADOPTED this 14th day of April 20t5.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Carl Weimer, Chairperson
o Denied
Date:G
,til t
APPROVED as to form:
(.
Civil Jack
4
Exh¡b¡t A
Amend Chapter 2 of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan as follows:
Policy 2L-2:
1
Retain and periodically review the adopted Subarea Plans
(Lummi Island, Cherry Point-Ferndale, Lake Whatcom, Urban
Fringe, Birch Bay Community Plan, Foothills, Point Roberts,
@and Eliza Island), Subarea Plans represent a
long history of plan development in Whatcom County and
províded the foundation for the county's first Growth
Management comprehensive plan adopted in 1997.
Utilize a process whÍch ensures consistency between the
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and subarea plans.
The subarea plan review process should include the
following steps:
a. Consistency Analysis. The County should review
subarea plans based on the priority order in subsectionìrb" for gaps, overlaps, or inconsistencies. Topics
include, but are not limited to, plan boundaries,
growth forecasts, land uses, capital facilities and
services, horizon year, and other appropriate íssues,
b. Regional and Local Government Coordination. The
County should consult and coordinate with cities where
city-associated UGAs are included in subarea plan
boundaries,
c. Public Pafticipation. Each subarea plan update process
will be based on a public participation program that
addresses citizen input on the key issues associated
, with the subarea plan update.
d, Subarea Plan Amendment. Only those portions of
existing subarea plans in conflict with the
Comprehensive Plan are required to be amended.
Local issues of concern or changed conditions may be
addressed.
e. Comprehensive Plan Revisions. Where the subarea
plan process recommends growth levels, growth
boundaries, or other essential features,
Comprehensive Plan amendments will be considered in
conjunction with the subarea plan update process.
Land capacity analysis may also be updated if
appropriate,
Prioritize review of subarea plans. Subarea plans should
be reviewed in the following order.
a. Post-GMA Subarea Plans addressing UGAs, These
subarea plans should be reviewed and amended, if
necessary, during Whatcom County's periodic review
of the comprehensive plan, Subarea plans addressing
UGAs associated with a city should be coordinated
with the city's comprehensive plan update process,
b. Post-GMA Subarea Plans addressing Rural Areas,
These subarea plans should subject to a consistency
review, If significant inconsistencies are found, these
should be considered for potential update during
Whatcom County's periodic review of the
comprehensive plan, Minor updates may be considered
through the County's docket process in subsequent
years.
c. Pre-GMA Subarea Plans. These should be repealed or
updated in accordance with County department work
programs or the docketing process. Priority criteria
may be used to determine the order of update.
Example criteria include:
i. whether update is needed for health, safety, or
welfare concerns;
¡i. whether there is a city-associated UGA included in
the subarea plan boundaries - in which case, the
subarea plan update could be timed to be
developed in association with or following city
comprehensive plan update process;
iii. whether the subarea plan would benefit from
broader policy concepts to be completed in
advance or in tandem, such as agricultural land
protection measures;
iv, whether a significant policy objective would be
met by amending the plan.
In the event there is an inconsistency between a Subarea Plan and the
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan, the Whatcom County
Comprehensive Plan shall prevail.
2
Amend the Land Use Action Plan in Chapter 2 of the Whatcom County
Comprehensive Plan as follows:
results along with the Newlralern Ðiablo area plans in the Foothills and Seuth
Fork Subarea flans.
NOTE: The text of Policy 2L-2 above is also being amended in association
with the proposed repeal of the Lake Whatcom Subarea Plan (file # 2074-
OOOO2) and the proposed repeal of the Eliza Island Plan (file # 2074-
OOOO4). The changes to Policy 2L-2 proposed in the subject amendment
are intended to be harmonious and compatible with the changes to Policy
2L-2 proposed in these other two amendments.
Exh¡b¡t B
(Repealing the Subarea Plan)
SOUTH FORK
I/ALLEY
SUBAREA
a component of the
Whatcom CountY
Ço*prehenslve Land Use Plan
o Cherry IPt" - [F@r¡¡dJa[e Sn¡har@a
o ltake Whatc@mo Snnbar@a
o (Jrbann lFrflmg@ Snnbar@a
o ltumnmnfl [s[as¡dl Sqrbar@a
o ehnnalkamnst - Itake Samnflsh Snnbar@a
o ltyradl@Eù -NÍoolksaak VaffieV Snnbar@a
o tsûrah ItsaV:lBllafime Subar@a
o lFoothf,l[s Subar@a
o South Fork Valley Subarea
o Ft" IRohents Sunbar@a
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
GoMPREIIENSIVE PI-AN
APRIL 1991
WHATCOM COUNTY IS A NUCLEAR FREE ZONE
As approvd by the voters of Wharcom CouW County
lnltlatlve lleasure #1-A, November 6, l9M; Adqted fr
Whatcom County Reælutlon #8í29, June 20, 1985.
utHATCOtrl C9UNTY EXECUTIVE
Shldey Van Zanten
TYHATCOM COUNnl COUNCIL
Donald G. Hansey
Roben A. lmhoff
Emlly Jackson
Margaret M. l¡ldlaw
EmllBaljot
Lyle Balcom*
Fred Biedlnk
Davld Emst
Robert Funkhouser*
Lols Gadlck
WHATCOM COUNTY PI.ANNING COMMISSIOiI
Maruln G. Vanderpol
Dennls Vander Yacl¡Î
Den¡d M. Wamer
Larry Hanls
Jim Heerlhga
Gerry Lardcastle
Elalne Mcfiory
John Shlntaffer*
Davld Slmpeon
rFormer Plannlng Commisslon Memberc
WHATCOM COUNTY PI.ANNING DEPAF-IûEtrLSIÁEE
DanlelW. Taylor, Dlrector of Låltd Use and Economlc Phnnlng
Dhne E. Harper, Asskfiant Dhector
Cail F. Batchelor, Planner lll
Terry Galvln, Planner lll
Craig Mapel, Planner lll
Sanah Bussald Watls, Planner I
Jefi Grlffln, Planner I
Godon Scott, Planner I
Jennifer Oson, Adminlstratfue Secretary
EÞab€th K. Osen, Chlef Cartographer
Chrls Behee, Gartographer
Carole Magrær, Oeil lll/Word Processor
Hddl lGrl, Recaptionlst/Secretary I
Whatcom County Plannlng Departm€nt
¿Ol Grand Ave.
Belllngham, WA 98225
(206) 67ffi75
SOUÛH FORK VALLEr SUBARil
COMPREHENSAIE PI-AAI
TABLE OF CONIENTS
t.COIIPREHENSIVE I-AI{D USE PI¡I{NING
Statl¡tory AfihorltY
Deflnition and Appllcatlon'''''''
Subarea Plannlng GoncePt
Whatcom Cor¡n$ Plannlng
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Process
I
I
I
2
2
Plan Format . .
II. GOALSTATETiENTS . ..' ..
POPULANON FORECASTS
SUBAREADESCBImoN,FINDINGS,IgsuEs,ANDRECOrMENDAnoNS
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
lntrodualon
UÈan Reserve
Rural
Forestry
Agriculture
Commerclal
vt.I¡ND USE POUCY
Urban Reserue
Rural ....
Foreslry ..
Agrlculture
Gornmercbl
v¡t.
v¡¡1.
D(.
x.
xt.
COrtlllUNlW FACIUTES AND UTIUTIÉS POLICY
4
6
10
¡t t.
rv.
v.26
27
2E
33
34
35
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY
E}lvlRoNiIENTALRÉsouRcEsAt{DcoilsTRA¡NTsPoLlcY
LAND DEì'ELOPMENT OPNOilS AND GU¡DEUNES
COü'PREHENSIVE PI¡N ATIENDIIEiITS . . .
55
57
æ
39
40
414
47
¡18
et
SOUTH FORK UALLE{ SUBARF/-
CþMPREHENSAIE PL/.TI COMPREHENSÏW ¿ÁATD USE PII,ú'INING
COMPREHENSIVE I.AND USE PIáNNING
STATUTORY AI|THORIW
Statutory_aut!9rity tor county comprehenslve lar¡d use planntng ls establlshed ln the washlngton State
Planning EraHlng Act, ln whicfr h is siated that'each flaruring agency shall prepare a comprehenslve plan
9t ltg odely ptryslcal derælopment of the county or any portion thoreof...i (RO/v 96.z0.g20). The SöuhFoû Vdley Subarea Gompretrenslve Plan has been dweloped ln response to statutory aühdfty as wdl as
ln recognfüon of thE wldely accepted prlnciple ttut fuûwe whatcom Courny hnd use decidod shd¡ld be
made ln a coodlnated and responsible manner by both the Htbllc and p¡hrate sectors.
pFFrNrTfon Ailg âpPucATtQN
Ths Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan ls ddned as an ofilchl publlc documsnt to bê used by both the
Publlg and prtuate sectors as a pollcy grulddlne for rnaking odedy decislons concemlng ttre fr¡ture use d
land ln tlÞ colnty. The plan has been formulated uslng a puHlc rwlew processthat lndl¡des amlysls and
rycommendadons by Planning staff. communlty response pdby fomulatlon by.the Whatcom County
Plannlng Commlsslon, and final revlew and pascage by the whatcom Coumy council.
ard lørg-nangE ln ndu¡e. The,plan
rår h rhat r,,u**"#ryoåËHti:i5Ëfi"Ëi:
and ls not by st¡n¡le, a detailed regulatlon. Th'e plan ls long*ange ln applir:*ion because t à¿¿iesses
current ¡s$¡es, as well as anticipated problenæ and posslblliües of the ft¡ture.
The prpose of thb documer¡l ls to foster a ræponslble pþoess of hnd use dadslon-rnaking. lt serv€o to
amend thê fur üe geographb aræ defined-as the Sor¡th
Fork Valley n for the past 20 yeare, but as times change.people's attltudeo, techrclogies and economies also chanç. Consequenüy, the prlmary declslon-rnakl-ng
document of local govemment must be rwis€d to addrBs cunent anO antÍtitpatø ¡esuãs of the fr¡ture.
lzes that the pollcles comained heletn wlll be subiect
dlscussed h the blowlng section, this subarea plan
SUBAREA PI¡NNING COTTCEPT
Because of the countfs dlverse physlcal and cuhural compoeltlon, the plannhg Comrdsslon elected torwlse the plan on an hdivldual geographlc arca basis. Thucthe Gommis$on ¿Vúe¿ ttre wesnem onçthild
of the courty hto l€n loglcal geographlc areas wherc the plannlng procees cq¡ld be applled ln a unûfum
and conslsterìt manlrer. Denoþd as 'subäreas', tùese gieog¡aptric ãreas rrere dellneated'to address rrarlous
larÉ use related lssues that appeared to be unique to partcrlar areas of the courty.
Tte crlterla used bythe Commþslon to del¡neato subarea bor¡ndarþs ¡nclude natural ard physlcal Þatwes;pdillcal e¡¡bdMsions such as sewer, water, lFe ar¡d schod dlstrlcts; orlstlng land use þamems; and theprssenoe of a dty ortot n to act as a nuclex¡s br the aræ. Thrs, subareas are plannlng'unfrs d€tenn¡nsdthro4h the appllcatbn of crlteria and are constjered as a p¡ac{cal m*¡ns of refubfrg tñe comprehEnslve
plan ln a oorsistent and orderly fastfon.
1
SOIMí FONK UALLE( SUFAFTA
COMPREHENSNE PI-AT,I CÚrMPREHENSTVE liqruD USE PI/¡NNING
wtrATcoM c.(xrryrY PIÁNN|NG PROCESS
The Whatcom County comprehenslve planning process ls def¡ned as a continual process of evaluallng gpals,
oonductllq vadous land-related sÊr¡dies, and ttren using the goals and etudlesto fashion a ¡alancø and
osals br û¡twe land uses ¡n the county. stated dlfrerently, the
the loglcal development of the comprehenslve flan, as wellas
tools.
The process describes, through a loghal sequênce, the various lald use rdated factore that must bec¡nsHercd to e'trect the formulatlon of responslble and meanlngful land use @icies arrd proposals. These
land ræe, communfi
rlsdcs; the brecasflrrg
techn¡cal and citlzan
ress the relevant ls$¡es; and the transfonmtlon ofpdlcles lnto the plan map ar¡d a[endant lmplemenüttlon tools.
ry amendmems.
PLAN FORMAT
r the South r the
nd usedecf unty.hdlde the
1. ComPrehen¡tvp l¡n4 Uee Planninç; To assht both the publlc and prir¡ate s€ctors h' ulìderatandlnþ lhe development, adoption, and amendment ofthe äompretrensive flan pollcles andtmp.
2. Goal Sl¡teme¡rts: To prorlde the overalldlrectlon for land use plannlng ln Whatcom County.
3- Popuþtlon Forec¡stt: To conelate antlclpated'de¡naird for land uses wlth th€ supply of hnd.
4, Subarca De¡crlplion: To genera[y ddne subarea characterisüca and establlsh lssue toplcs asdaermlned by area resldents, the Plannlng Conunlsslon, and the plarurlng úaff.
5. R¡ttpnale and Locellonal Crlteria: To establlsh the necessity of hnd use ffignatlons and the
spathldetermlnants to bs ßed ln applyhg land use desþnatlons
6. Pollciee: To provlde ttre primary decision-maklng tools required to address füe land use,
' cummunfryfac{ltyand utlllty, transportatlon/clrcuhtion; parksand rccrælbn, and theerMronrental
resouroe and economlc bsues d the subarea
7. Amendment Crltsrle: To assls both tho puHic and pdvate sectors ur[h r€spoct to lwlsions of the' comprelreæfue plan pdlcles and map. :
8- To refrsct the spalÍal d¡ldbut¡oo of tlre policy stat€rnents
mod widely used conponent of the comprehensive plan.
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1
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANNING
COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANNING
STATUTORY AUTHORITY
Statutory authority for county comprehensive land use planning is established in the Washington State
Planning Enabling Act, in which it is stated that "each planning agency shall prepare a comprehensive plan
for the orderly physical development of the county or any portion thereof..." (RCW 36.70.320). The South
Fork Valley Subarea Comprehensive Plan has been developed in response to statutory authority as well as
in recognition of the widely accepted principle that future Whatcom County land use decisions should be
made in a coordinated and responsible manner by both the public and private sectors.
DEFINITION AND APPLICATION
The Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan is defined as an official public document to be used by both the
public and private sectors as a policy guideline for making orderly decisions conceming the future use of
land in the county. The plan has been formulated using a public review process that includes analysis and
recommendations by Planning staff, community response, policy formulation by the Whatcom County
Planning Commission, and final review and passage by the Whatcom County Council.
The South Fork Valley Comprehensive Plan is comprehensive, general and long-range in nature. The plan
is comprehensive in that it encompasses major geographic areas of the county and the functional elements
that bear on physical development. The plan is general in that it summarizes major policies and proposals
and is not, by statute, a detailed regulation. The plan is long-range in application because it addresses
current issues, as well as anticipated problems and possibilities of the future.
The purpose of this document is to foster a responsible process of land use decision-making. lt serves to
amend the 1970 Whatcom Gountv Gomorehensive Plan for the geographic area defined as the South
Fork Valley Subarea. The 1970 plan served as a basic plan forthe past 20 years, but as times change,
people's attitudes, technologies and economies also change. Consequently, the primary decision-making
document of local government must be revised to address current and anticipated issues of the future.
The County is aware that changes will continue and realizes that the policies contained herein will be subject
to modification and revision over a period of time. As is discussed in the following section, this subarea plan
will be reviewed on a seven to ten year basis.
SUBAREA PLANNING CONCEPT
Because of the county's diverse physical and cultural composition, the Planning Commission elected to
revise the plan on an individual geographic area basis. Thus, the Commission divided the western one-third
of the county into ten logical geographic areas where the planning process could be applied in a uniform and
consistent manner. Denoted as "subareas", these geographic areas were delineated to address various
land use related issues that appeared to be unique to particular areas of the county.
The criteria used by the Commission to delineate subarea boundaries include natural and physical features;
political subdivisions such as sewer, water, fire and school districts; existing land use pattems; and the
presence of a city or town to act as a nucleus for the area. Thus, subareas are planning units determined
through the application of criteria and are considered as a practical means of revising the comprehensive
plan in a consistent and orderly fashion.
1
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANNING
WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING PROCESS
The Whatcom County comprehensive planning process is deflned as a continual process of evaluating
goals, conducting various land-related studies, and then using the goals and studies to fashion a balanced
and practical set of land use policies and proposals for future land uses in the county. Stated differently, the
planning process serves as a blueprint for the logical development of the comprehensive plan, as well as the
formulation of effective implementation tools.
The process describes, through a logical sequence, the various land use related factors that must be
considered to effect the formulation of responsible and meaningful land use policies and proposals. These
factors include the definition of county-wide goals; the inventory and analysis of land use, community
facilities and utilities, transportation, economic, and environmental resource characteristics; the forecasting
of population levels and the county's economic vitality; the analysis of issues both technical and citizen
related; the development of policies to resolve or address the relevant issues; and the transformation of
policies into the plan map and attendant implementation tools.
The planning process is continual. The implementation of the comprehensive plan, through the application
and use of various regulatory tools, must be continually monitored. The effectiveness of the planning
process in Whatcom County relies on the County's ability to keep the major components of the plan cunent
through periodic review and adoption of any necessary amendments.
PLAN FORMAT
The Comprehensive Plan for the South Fork Valley Subarea includes the necessary information for the
appropriate formulation of land use decisions by both the public and private sectors of Whatcom County.
The components of the plan include the following:
l.Gomprehensive Land Use Planninq: To assist both the public and private sectors in understanding the
development, adoption, and amendment of the comprehensive plan policies and map.
2.Goal Statements: To provide the overall direction for land use planning in Whatcom County
3.Population Forecasts: To correlate anticipated demand for land uses with the supply of land
4.Subarea Descriotion: To generally define subarea characteristics and establish issue topics as deter-
mined by area residents, the Planning Commission, and the planning staff.
5.Rationale and Locational Crite¡þ: To establish the necessity of land use designations and the spatial
determinants to be used in applying land use designations.
6.Policies: To provide the primary decision-making tools required to address the land use, community
facility and utility, transportation/circulation, parks and recreation, and the environmental resource
and economic issues of the subarea.
T.Amendment Criteria: To assist both the public and private sectors with respect to revisions of the
comprehensive plan policies and map.
S.Comprehensive Land Use Plan Mao: To reflect the spatial distribution of the policy statements together
with the policies; perhaps, the most widely used component of the comprehensive plan.
2
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANNING
Figure I
Whatcom County Planning Process Diagram
3
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GOATS
GOAL STATEMENTS
The following goals provide the general direction for making land use decisions in the subarea and
Whatcom County as a whole. They were developed and adopted by the Planning Commission and County
Council in July 1979.
REGIONAL DESIGN GOALS
LFuture urban development should occur within or immediately adjacent to existing urban areas in order to
eliminate sprawl and strip development, assure the provision of an adequate range of urban services,
conserve agricultural and forestry lands, optimize investments in public services and conserve energy
resources.
2.Future development in rural areas should be low density, complement existing rural character, contribute
to the conservation of agricultural and forestry land and not result in demands for urban-level services.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT GOALS
1.To promote a conscientious program designed to plan, guide, and influence the appropriate location,
timing, intensity, type, and servicing of diverse land use patterns.
2.To determine the required amounts of land anticipated to be utilized within the planning period (15 years)
while retaining options for future land use decisions beyond the planning period.
3.To encourage a predictable pattem of urban and rural development which utilizes previously committed
land areas and existing facility investments before committing new areas for development.
4.To ensure that a beneficial balance exists between the supply and demand for public services. To
encourage the cooperation among municipalities, special districts, and associations in the planning and
provision of public services. To discourage the proliferation of unnecessary special purpose districts.
5.To develop a concise, equitable, and practical set of land use regulations intended to implement the goals,
policies, and proposals of the County Comprehensive Plan in a timely and orderly fashion.
LAND USE GOALS
1.To conserve the agricultural and forestry lands of Whatcom County for the continued production of food,
forage, and timber crops while promoting the expansion and stability of the County's agricultural and
forestry economies.
2.To plan urban residential development in areas that can be economically and efficiently served with
existing or planned services, optimize energy use, function as integral neighborhood units, and can
environmentally support intensive land uses.
3.To encourage adequate community and neighborhood commercialfacilities in appropriate locations while
avoiding incompatible land uses and the proliferation of unnecessary new commercial areas.
4.To encourage a balanced and diversified economy in order to assure desirable local employment opportu-
nities and to strengthen and stabilize the tax base. To accommodate anticipated economic
4
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GOATS
development in an environmentally responsible manner with due consideration for public cost, energy
availabi lity, land use com pati bi lity, and transportation accessibility.
5.To promote the availability of economical and attractive housing for all income, age, and ethnic groups,
while also enhancing the integrity and identity of existing communities.
6.To promote a functional, coordinated, and multi-mode transportation system which provides for the safe
and efficient movement of people and goods, avoids undesirable environmental impacts, and optimizes
public investments and the conservation of energy resources.
7.To encourage adequate facilities and services which provide diverse education, recreation, cultural, and
social opportunities.
CULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES
1.To identify and manage environmentally sensitive areas in such a manner as to prevent destruction of the
resource base and reduce potential losses to property and human life.
2.To continue the identification of cultural and natural resources and formulate viable methods to preserve
and conserve such resources in recognition of their irreplaceable character.
3.To promote a park and recreation system which is integrated with existing and planned land use pattems
and is diverse, abundant, and assures maximum public access and usage.
CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION
1.To assure opportunity for citizens to be involved in the formulation of land use goals, policies and
proposals and to provide a structure for citizen participation in the planning program of federal, state,
regional, and local agencies.
2.To participate in intergovernmental coordination with federal, state, provincial, regional, and local
agencies, to develop a coordinated approach to problems which transcends local government bodies
and to create an environment for the exchange of information and technical assistance.
SOUTH FORK SUBAREA PLAN GOALS
1.To identify and manage those environmentally sensitive areas in the South Fork planning area, including
wetlands, steep slopes and other geologically hazardous areas, unstable drainage basins, critical
wildlife habitat, frequently flooded areas, and shorelines.
5
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN POPULA T/ON FORECASIS
POPULATION FORECASTS
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of population forecasting, as it relates to land use planning, is to accommodate the long{erm
spatial requirements of various land uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, and public
facilities. Population forecasting is also of assistance in decision-making for land use related matters, such
as determining the appropriate scale and location of public works facilities and land development activities.
Population forecasts are subject to revision which may be accomplished in the comprehensive plan update
process.
The population information contained in this section is a summary of the forecasts prepared by several
agencies. Due to the large area in the East Whatcom census tract (census tract 101), much of the
information available covers both the Foothills Subarea and the South Fork Subarea. Conclusions regarding
the South Fork Subarea involve assumptions about the similarities and differences between the two
subareas. Therefore, this information has been used in a qualitative manner or as a general guideline,
rather than as a specific numerical forecast.
Table 1 indicates the historic and projected population changes of Whatcom County. The graphs in Figure 2
represents total Whatcom County and unincorporated Whatcom County population trends. Conclusions
about population growth derived from Table 1 include:
-Unincorporated Whatcom County grew 43o/o between 1970 and 1980.
-Unincorporated Whatcom County grew 28o/o between 1980 and 1990.
-Total growth for the County (including incorporated cities) decade was 18%. This was slightly higher than
the 1985 state Office of Financial Management projection of 16.68%
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA APPLICATION
To relate this information to the South Fork Valley Subarea Comprehensive Plan, the following assumptions
have been made based upon the data provided in the graphs, Table 1, and Background Document.
l.Location of pooulation qrowth: The majority of population growth will occur in the unincorporated town
of Acme with scattered growth on the valley edge between the agriculture and commercial timber
lands.
2.Reasonable population qrowth: The rate of population growth in the South Fork Valley Subarea should
be at unincorporated Whatcom County rates. However because this subarea is located 20 to 30
minutes from the city of Bellingham and is not located between any major economic centers it may
grow somewhat slower than other subareas. This slower growth may be compounded by the many
environmental constraints that exist here. The state predicts a 39o/o growth from 1980 to 2000 for
Whatcom County as a whole; however, unincorporated areas have been growing much faster than
the cities. (Table 1). A realistic growth rate projection for the subarea should be from 1.0 to 2.0
percent annually during the next 10 years. That means that the subarea may grow as much as 20 to
40 percent over the next 1 5 to 20 years.
3.Zoninq limitations on population qrowth: The zoning adopted in the 1970s would allow a growth in
dwelling units, and presumably population, of over 2,1OOo/o. That means the population would
increase to 26,664 assuming 3 persons per household (based on a maximum possible density of
6
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN POPULATION FORECASIS
one dwelling per acre in the General Protection zone district, excluding county, state, and tribal
lands). The zoning implementing this comprehensive plan allows approximately a 2OOo/o increase
over the existing number of houses for the length of the cunent planning period (10 to 20 years)
plus any bonuses obtained through the PUD process. Assuming a 20 year planning period, the
proposed zoning allows a growth rate of approximately 1Oo/o per year, well above the projected
growth rate of 1.0 to 2.0 percent annually.
ASSUMPTIONS AND VARIABLES RELATING GENERALLY TO POPULATION FORECASTS
All population forecasts are based on assumptions which affect the numerical results and different
population forecasting agencies do not make the same assumptions. The following items are intended to
present an overview of assumptions as they relate to Whatcom County populations:
1.ln-migrations will continue to contribute substantially to population increases at the Washington State and
Whatcom County levels.
2.The trend of decreasing family size and population per household will continue.
3.Labor market potential and location will affect population distribution, gross natural increase and in-
migration levels.
4.The purpose of the population forecast affects assumption utilization, which in tum affects the results.
Agencies which prepare population forecasts often make revisions due to changes in the variables affecting
their assumptions. The following variables are intended as an overview for potential Whatcom County
population forecast revisions, and may not affect all the agencies whose forecasts are contained herein:
l.Changes in Whatcom County birth, death, and in-migration rates.
2.Changes in the level of industrial development and the related labor market potential of Whatcom County
3.Changes in the Canadian economy and the related level of Canadian spending6 in Whatcom County
4.Changes in the demand for the products of local resources such as agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining
by local, state, national, and intemationalmarkets.
7
æUTI| FONK UALLE{ SUBAßEA
COûíPNEHENSTVE PUN POPUIJAÍION FOßECÁS7S
FIGURE 2
POPUI-ATTON TRENDS AND FOBECASTS, 197G2000
WHATCOII COUNTY
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SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN POPULATION FORECASTS
Footnotes for Text and Graphs
tWhatcom County Council of Governments, Pooulg!!.onEorecaslg, June, 1980.
2Parametrix, lnc., gtj¡!, Environmental lmpact Statement for Chicaqo Bridqe & lron Co. and Snelson Anvil,
lnc., Cherrv Point Marine Construction Facilitv, page 198.toffice of Financial Management, 'April 1, 1986 Population," June, 1986.
aBonneville Power Administration, Pooulation. Emolovment and Households Proiected to 2000, July, 1979.
sln-migration is equal to total population less natural increase, in which natural increase is equal to total
births less total deaths.uThe Whatcom County Council of Govemment's population forecast exhibits a high correlation with the
Canadian lmpact Study and is thus presumed to accommodate Canadian spending.
TABLE 1
POPULATION CHANGES
Actual
Year
Unincorp.
What. Gounty
% Ghange
Over Decade
Allof
What. Countv
% Ghange
Over Decade
1910
1920
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
20,183
19,621
23,112
25,860
26,462
25,990
34,004
48,628
68,593
49,511
50,600
59,128
60,355
66,733
70,317
81,983
106,701
127,780
30.2
18.5
-2.8
17.8
11.9
2.3
-1.8
30.8
43.0
28.2
2.2
16.9
2.1
10.6
5.4
16.6
Projected
2000 64.451 3.0 148.200 17.2
Source: Office of Financial ManagemenUPAF, February 1987 , 1985 and 1979,
Pooulation Trends for Washinoton State.
9
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN S U BARE A F/ND/NGS. /SSUES, AN D RECOMM ENDA T/ONS
SUBAREA FINDINGS, ISSUES, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
INTRODUCTION
ln 1979 prior to beginning the Comprehensive Plan update process, 10 Subarea boundaries were
established by the Whatcom County Planning Commission. The criteria used by the commission to
delineate subarea boundaries include natural and physical features; political boundaries such as sewer,
water, fire and school districts; existing land use pattems; and the presence of a city or town to act as a
nucleus for the area. The boundaries for the South Fork Valley and adjacent Foothills Subareas were
revised by the Planning Commission in 1987.
ln November 1990, the Whatcom County Planning Department published the Draft Background Document
for the South Fork Valley Subarea. The document contains descriptions of existing conditions related to
land use, the physical environment, transportation, and community facilities and utilities. ln addition, the
document identifies specific issues for the subarea. For additional detail concerning analysis, findings and
issues, the South Fork Vallev Subarea Backqround Document can be consulted.
The following section addresses the issues identified in the background document, and develops
recommendations that help formulate specific comprehensive plan policy statements found in the policy
section of this document. After a general description of the South Fork Valley Subarea, a summary of
Findings is presented relating to each element analyzed in the background document. Following the
findings, there is a review of critical lssues relevant to the subarea with Recommendations to address
these issues in a timely manner.
SUBAREA DESCRIPTION
Findings: The South Fork Valley Subarea is comprised of the South Fork Nooksack River watershed and
the portion of the Samish River watershed within Whatcom County. lt is located in the southeast corner of
the western one third of Whatcom County and includes approximately 61,204 acres or 95 square miles of
valley and mountains. The subarea is bounded on the north by the main stem of the Nooksack River, on the
east by the Van Zandt Dike and the Mount Baker National Forest, on the south by Skagit County and on the
west by the ridge of Stewart Mountain. Access is via Mount Baker Highway (SR5a2) to Highway 9 from
Bellingham; via Highway 9 from the south and Mosquito Lake Road from the east; and via Park Road from
the west.
The South Fork of the Nooksack River is the dominant environmental feature in the valley of the Subarea. lt
provides scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, water for human consumption, and
hydroelectric power to the nearby community. The river is pastoral and meandering in the valley with gravel
islands, channel bars, and minor braiding across point bars. Further upstream above the Saxon Bridge the
river takes on the characteristics of a mountain stream with occasional presence of rocky narrow gorges and
steep banks.
The river and its tributary streams contain large populations of anadromous and resident fish. These include
a number of species of salmon, dolly varden, steelhead, and trout. There is one major fìsh production facility
operating in the South Fork Valley Subarea. The Skookum Creek Fish Hatchery is located adjacent to and
receives its water from Skookum Creek. The hatchery is owned and operated by the Lummi lndian Nation.
The population of this Subarea is approximately 1200 people. Most of the 404 houses are scattered along
the valley floor or along the foothills of the mountains to the east or west. Much of the valley is flood prone
and is used for agricultural purposes. Dairy farming and hay production are the predominate agricultural
10
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN S U BAREA F//VD/NGS, /SSUES, AN D RECO M M EN DATIONS
activities. Unincorporated communities include Acme, Van Zandt and Wickersham. Acme is the only town
with potential for growth. Environmental constraints which are prevalent in the subarea, hamper expansíon
of Van Zandt and Wickersham. The Nooksack lndian Tribe collectively own close to 500 acres in the
subarea.
I.ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES
Air and Glimate
Findings: Air quality is generally quite good except for brief periods of pollution in late fall and winter under
conditions of clear skies, light wind, and a sharp temperature inversion. The average rainfall in the valley is
between 50 and 60 inches per year with amounts as high as 84 inches recorded east of Van Zandt. The
subarea experiences approximately 25 inches more of precipitation than is experienced in the lowland areas
of the County. ln the more mountainous regions east of the subarea, precipitation totals have reached 120
inches per year.
lssue: The mountains on each side of the valley tend to trap pollution. Air quality degradation is a problem
during slash burning or during periods of climatic inversions in conjunction with wood stove smoke and
smog from regional urban areas.
Recommendation: Commercial and industrial uses that emit measurable air pollutants should be
discouraged.
Topoqraphv
Findings: The South Fork Valley Subarea features a landscape of rugged forested slopes and cleared
valleys. Elevations in the valley range from 240 to 400 feet above sea level. The highest point in the
subarea is 4,574 feet above sea level on Bald Mountain in the extreme southeast corner of the subarea.
Slopes of 15% or greater cover approximately 6O% of the subarea. Slopes of 40% or greater account for
1 5% of the subarea.
lssue: Steep slopes on each side of this valley, many of which are over 4Oo/o in grade, pose a risk to the
health, safety, and welfare of the citizens when incompatible development is located in areas of significant
hazard.
Recommendation: Slopes greater than 15o/o in grade should be identifled and the risk to development
below should be assessed. Where it has been determined that an unacceptable risk to the public is present,
development should be curtailed.
Geofry
Findings: The upper Nooksack River area consists of ancient, uplifted, and deeply dissected erosion
surfaces cut into a complex series of metamorphic rocks. These are overlain by early tertiary sandstones,
shales, and coal beds which occupy the central portion of the Nooksack River Basin. All three forks of the
Nooksack River flow through valleys which were initially stream-cut and later modified by glaciation.
Generally the valley floors are underlain by a fill several hundred feet thick of glacial and stream sediments.
There are thirteen separate geologic units identified in the South Fork Valley Subarea: alluvial deposits,
Sumas Outwash, undifferentiated glacial deposits, landslide deposits, Chuckanut Formation, Huntington
Formation, Chilliwack Formation, Turtleback Complex, phyllite, pre-Tertiary Serpentinite, Twin Sisters
Dunite, Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, and Jurassic sediments.
11
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SUBAREA F/ND/NGS. /SSUES. AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The mountain regions of the subarea have a history of slope failure on each side of the South Fork Valley.
This is particularly true on the Stewart Mountain. Analysis of geology, soils and drainage pattems indicate
that these slopes are inherently unstable in their natural state. Further instability results when these slope
are altered by human activity.
ln the past year there has been an increase in the number of seismic events in the South Fork area.
Reaction can be amplified on the greater slope angles that exist on over 50% of the Subarea, and on slopes
with fractured bedrock. The alluvial deposits that comprise the valley floor can also amplify the seismic
event.
lssue: The combination of steep slopes and unstable geologic units of Chuckanut and phyllite in
conjunction with the large amounts of rainfall have resulted in conditions conducive to slides, mass wasting,
debris flows, and other forms of erosion. These conditions pose a risk to the health, safety, and welfare of
the citizens when incompatible development is located in areas of significant hazard.
Recommendation: Slopes of 4Oo/o or greater and other areas susceptible to erosion hazards should be
altered as little as possible. This is particularly important in the Stewart Mountain and Van Zandt Dike areas
which are relatively unstable in conjunction with existing development at the base of these ranges.
Recommendation: Geologically hazardous areas should be identified and the risk determined to
development below these areas. Where it has been determined that an unacceptable risk to the public is
present, development should be appropriately curtailed.
lssue: The Deming area has been seismically active in recent years producing numerous measurable
events. lf they continue, these events could produce some damage to new and existing structures in the
subarea.
Recommendation: New development and construction should be located away from steep slopes and
meet current UBC standards.
lssue: Mineral extraction can have long term negative effects upon the natural environment. Coal reserves
are recorded in the Fall Creek headwaters above Hillside Road. Future mining of this resource could lead to
erosion, mine runoff, and leachate contamination in the Nooksack River and local groundwater.
Recommendation: Careful consideration of all costs and benefits should be given before any extensive
mining projects take place in the subarea.
Soils
Findings: There are 100 different soils identified in the subarea. These can be grouped according to
landscape into five broad categories: soils on alluvium and floodplains, soils on outwash terraces, soils on
glaciomarine drift plains, soils on foothills, and soils on mountains. Alluvial and flood plain soils have severe
limitations for development due to their rapid permeability, unstable base and/or their susceptibility to
flooding. Mountain soils are severely limited because of steep unstable slopes and unreliable groundwater
supplies. The least restricted soils in this subarea are the outwash soils which are concentrated along the
edges of the South Fork Valley and in the valley region along Mosquito Lake Road.
Approximately 6% of the soils in the subarea are found in the valley of the South Fork. The U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, has determined that most of the valley soils are prime agricultural
soils when either drained or inigated. Over 85% of the Subarea is comprised of soils in the mountains.
Soils in these mountains are well suited for commercial timber production.
12
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN S U BAREA F/ND/NGS. /SSUES. AN D RECOMM EN D AIIONS
lssue: Limited suitability of soils for development (very rapid permeability rates and/or high seasonal water
tables in lowland valleys; and steep slopes, poor permeability, and shallow depths to impermeable layer in
mountains) may limit population growth and minimum parcel sizes in the subarea. Many of the soils are
poorly suited for septic tank systems. The most suitable soils also have extremely rapid permeability with a
potential for contaminating surface waters and ground water. The cost of developing sewer systems is
generally not considered to be feasible at this time, gíven the low population base and dispersed settlement
pattems.
Recommendation: Residential densities should be kept to a maximum of one dwelling unit per five acres
throughout the subarea, with the exception of areas where public sewer and water services are available or
where prior development at higher densities has already taken place. Lower residential densities (one
dwelling per ten or twenty acres) should be maintained where soils are severely limited and steep and
unstable slopes exist.
lssue: Whatcom County is experiencing a signifìcant loss of prime farmland soils due to increased
development pressure and changes in the agriculture industry.
Recommendation: Whatcom County should seek every means available to preserve prime agricultural
soils for future agricultural use.
lssue: Soils on forested mountain regions are thin and can be susceptible to sliding and other forms of
erosion. Disturbance of these soils through road development or over harvesting of timber resources can
lead to slope destabilization and increased erosion, thus reducing future production and creating potential
hazards in the valley below.
Recommendation: Whatcom County should seek to identifo erodible soils and preserve their stability
Recommendation: Whatcom County should encourage sustainable forestry practices. A coordinated
harvesting schedule and road construction program should be developed and maintained by the members
of the timber industry. Both the schedule and program should be subject to review by the community.
Surface Water Resources
Findings: There are two major watershed basins in the South Fork Valley Subarea: 1)the South Fork
Nooksack River Basin and; 2) the Samish River Basin. The most significant surface water features in the
South Fork Valley Subarea are the Nooksack River and its tributaries. The South Fork Nooksack River
system provides scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, water for human consumption,
and hydroelectric power. Recreational uses of the river includes floating, fishing, wildlife observation, and
scenery viewing. The South Fork river also provides habitat and spawning grounds for a number of wildlife
species. The salmon is highly valued among these for their commercial value.
Water quality in the South Fork River and its tributaries is good but declining. This is in part due to increased
forest practices in the watershed. The increased volumes of surface water runoff during periods of heavy
rainfall are contributing to stream bank and surface soil erosion, earth slides, stream sedimentation, channel
siltation and debris loading.
The South Fork Nooksack River is prone to flooding as is many of it's tributaries. Tributary flooding has
taken place on almost every creek draining Steward Mountain in recent years. Notable among these are
Jones Creek and Sygitowicz Creek, where major flooding and debris deposits took place in 1983. Jones
drains immediately north of the unincorporated town of Acme.
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SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENS/VE PLAN S U BAREA F/ND/NGS, /SSUES, AN D RECO M M EN DAIIONS
Floods generally occur during the late fall when heavy rains fall (sometimes on snowpack), and in the spring
when melting snow is supplemented by rainfall. Severe flooding occurs when there is a combination of
above average temperatures causing rapid snow melt and above normal precipitation.
The United States Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.) has determined that a flow rate in excess of 19,000 cubic
feet per second (cfs) at Deming will result in some flood damage from the Nooksack River. Geographically
lhe 1977 Flood lnsurance Study, conducted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, has
identified approximately 7Oo/o of valley region within the boundaries of the 100 year floodplain. The U.S.G.S.
cunently has one active gaging station on the South Fork at river mile 14.8 which has kept annual records
from 1935 to 1977.
Wetlands in the South Fork Subarea are found near the channels of the South Fork of the Nooksack River
and the Samish River and comprise roughly 20% of the valley. They provide excellent hydrological utility,
offering natural flood control, flood desynchronization, and flow stabilization of the South Fork of the
Nooksack River during periods of high water. They also aid in ground water recharge and maintenance of
stream flows.
lssue: Flooding occurs frequently in the South Fork Valley Subarea. Floods have been increasing both in
occurrence and area in recent years causing damage to both the natural and built environments. Should a
100 year event take place, wide spread damage would occur to the community.
Recommendation: Whatcom County should encourage the use of land in the 100 year floodplain for low
density agricultural purposes and low density recreational use.
lssue: Site analysis of the 1977 Floods lnsurance Maps (FIRM), produced by the Department of Housing
and Urban Development, indicates that some of the floodplain boundaries appear to be in enor.
Recommendation: Whatcom County is currently updating their informational base. Changes to the FIRM
floodplain maps should be made to conect enors that exist in the subarea.
lssue: Forest cover can enhance water quality by reducing the impact of precipitation on the ground
surface and by holding the soil with tree roots. Soil erosion and sediment flow to surface waters are thereby
reduced. Also, through the reduction of erosion, the quality and quantity of both surface water and
groundwater are enhanced.
Recommendation: Whatcom County should continue to play an active role in monitoring Forest Practices
Applications. The County should also continue to cooperate with federal, state, and local agencies, and
tribes as appropriate, in monitoring and protecting water quality in the Nooksack drainage. Existing and
future development that may have negative impacts on the water quality of the Nooksack should be closely
controlled. With 86% of the subarea forested, it is important that relationships between forest practices,
environmental quality, and the role that public agencies play in mitigating adverse impacts on these systems
be clearly understood.
lssue: Preservation of a high level of water quality is extremely important to the successful maintenance of
native and hatchery fish populations.
lssue: The U.S.G.S. currently has one active gauging station on the South Fork river located near
Wickersham. Data from this station does not provide the information necessary to meet the minimum flow
requirements necessary to meet the standards set forth in WAC 173-501-030 and, subsequently, to address
many issues associated with river flows.
Recommendation: Whatcom County should work with the U.S.G.S. to immediately install one additional
gaging station immediately upstream from the confluence of the South Fork and the main stem of the
14
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSVE PLAN S U BAREA F/ND/NGS, /SSUES, AN D RECOMM EN DAIIONS
Nooksack River. Gaging stations should be installed as soon as possible in those tributary creeks of the
South Fork drainage that are under the jurisdiction of WAC 173-501-030.
Recommendation: Whatcom County should develop a Nooksack basin water resource plan with the
cooperation of the Nooksack lndian Tribe, the Lummi lndian Nation, and small cities. This planning process
was endorsed by the Whatcom County Council, the Lummi Tribal Business Council and the Nooksack Tribal
Council in 1989. An overall Nooksack Basin Plan would investigate all three forks as well as the mainstem
of the Nooksack River for water quality and quantity concerns. This should include both study and
evaluation of low flow and high flow readings and standards.
lssue: Wetlands and reoccuning flooding offer considerable development constraints in the valley region of
the subarea if preserved. By contrast, unrestricted dredging, filling, and draining of these wetlands would
destroy valuable habitat for fish and wildlife and reduce the ability of the wetlands to store flood water and
filter sediment and pollutants.
Recommendation: Many of the wetlands are a valuable natural resource and need to be protected.
However, there is cunently no information available that have sorted out those wetlands with high value/high
function attributes from the small isolated low value/low function wetlands. A study of this kind is necessary
in order to determine to what extent the wetlands in the South Fork Valley should be drained and filled. Until
this is done, Whatcom County should discourage fill, drainage or alteration of wetlands.
lssue: Jones Creek, McCarty Creek, Standard Creek, Hardscrabble Creek, Sygitowicz Creek and Fall
Creek, all located on the east side of Stewart Mountain and draining into the South Fork of the Nooksack
River, have a hisfory of instability and deposit large amounts of sediment and debris into the valley below
during heavy rain periods. Jones and Sygitowicz Creeks in particular, pose a hazard to the Community.
Debris torrents and flooding were recorded in 1979, 1983, 1985, and 1989. The effects of these debris
tonents resulted in damage to homes, transportation routes, and loss of fish habitat.
Recommendation: The headwaters and mountainous upstream reaches of these creeks should be altered
as little as possible. The areas affected by potential flooding from these streams should be identified and
with development appropriately restricted. Whatcom County should encourage minimal use of these stream
corridors, drainage swales and alluvial areas for building sites.
lssue: Jones Creek erodes the existing gravel berm located on the southeast bank of the creek and uphill
from the Turkington Road bridge. During periods of extremely high precipitation, the stream can penetrate
the berm and flow down Turkington Road and can cause damage to structures downstream.
Recommendation: A retention berm sufficient to contain drainage during peak flow periods should be
constructed from the Turkington Road bridge and extending upstream to the private bridge located at the
end of Galbraith Road. Specifications should be determined by the Whatcom County Division of
Engineering.
Ground Water Resources
Findings: Ground water supplies in the subarea are generally abundant and of high quality where wells
have been drilled. Since ground water tends to conform to topography, the most abundant sources are the
wells that are closest to the river valleys. Supplies diminish moving uphill away from the streams and toward
the areas where the bedrock is closest to the ground surface. ln theory, the areas having the least potential
for ground water are the mountain areas where soils are thin and glacial deposits are nonexistent. Since
these areas are almost exclusively used for timber production, very few wells have been drilled and
information about groundwater quantity and quality is virtually nonexistent.
15
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN S U BAREA F/ND/NGS, /SSUES, AN D RECOMM EN DAIIONS
lssue: Although groundwater seem to be abundant in the South Fork Valley, good groundwater information
is scarce and well logs are spotty. There are no current groundwater studies for the South Fork Subarea.
Detailed hydrologic studies have never been done.
Recommendation: Whatcom County should embark on a detailed study of hydrologic features in the South
Fork Basin.
lssue: Areas where the water table is five feet or less from the surface, particularly along the 100 year
floodplain, deserve particular consideration with respect to septic system use because of the potential for
groundwater contami nation.
Recommendation: Residential densities should be as discussed in the section on soils issues. Detailed
studies of the ground water resources of the South Fork Subarea are needed.
Plants and Animals
Findings: The South Fork Valley Subarea, with its mountains and streams, provides habitat for a wide
diversity of plant and animal species. Foremost in importance among the plant species are the forests of
Douglas fir, Cedar, and Hemlock upon which the region has been economically dependent for many years.
The most significant aquatic animal species are the salmon and steelhead which inhabit the rivers and
streams of the area. Equally significant is the presence of an elk herd which roams the east and southern
portions of this subarea.
The South Fork Valley Subarea is valuable in a number of ways relating to plants and animals. lt is the
southeastern terminus of low elevation wildlife habitat, with a wide riparian zone, general food and prey
base, and bio-diversity.
lssue: The fish of the Nooksack River and its tributaries are an important economic and recreational
resource. The viability of fish habitat in the South Fork Nooksack River is dependent upon preservation of
water quality and unobstructed access to spawning areas.
Recommendation: Whatcom County should make every effort to preserve the high level of water quality in
the Nooksack system and should assure the preservation of habitat for fish.
lssue: Property damage can occur when the elk herd travels from the foothills into the valley
lssue: Travel corridors necessary for elk habitat are severely constrained by Highway 9 and other roads,
cleared and extensively managed areas, and clearcutting. lncreased hunting and fishing in conjunction with
decreased habitat due to overcutting, development and increased recreation activity are putting both the elk
herd and salmon runs at risk. There is a need to protect sensitive salmon spawning areas and elk roaming
areas from encroachment while preserving opportunities for recreational and scíentiflc observation.
Recommendation: The County should work with the Washington State Departments of Wildlife and
Fisheries and the local lndian tribes to educate residents on the importance of protecting the wildlife
environment and encourage enhancement of the resource.
2.LAND USE
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SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SUBAREA F/ND/NGS. /SSUES. AN D RECOMM EN DAIIONS
Findings: There are approximately 61,204 acres in the South Fork Valley Subarea. The region is largely
can be described as rural with dispersed development in the valley. There are a number of environmental
constraints many of which are derived from large amounts of rainfall in the region. Most notable among them
are floodplain, steep and unstable slopes and wetlands. The subarea is largely a resource area with an
economy based on fisheries, agriculture, and forestry.
Of the 61,204 acres in the subarea, a large portion of it is not suitable for various land uses. Soil conditions
influenced by recent glaciation, limit the amount of land suitable for development. Much of the land is too
steep to be built upon safely. Most of the valley region is flood prone, and is better suited for agricultural.
Within the South Fork Subarea's 95 square miles, there are approximately 1,269 parcels.
There is 52,887 acres of forest land comprising 86/% of the subarea. Approved forest practice applications
in the last three and one half years amount to 6,384.50 acres or approximately 12 percent of the forest land.
This means that between three and four percent (1,800 av.) is being harvested annually assuming a 50 year
rotation. At a 3.5% harvest rate, to would take approximately 18 years to harvest the 32,000 acres cunently
in an age class over 40 years.
Agriculture is the second largest land use in the study area with 5,355 acres or 8.7o/o of the study area.
Close to 60% of the parcels are over 40 acres in size. Another 30% average between 20 and 40 acres.
There are several dairy farms in the valley. Other agricultural practices include meat production, hay, and
some grain and com growing.
Residential uses amount to 509 acres or 8% of the subarea and is largely scattered on five acre, ten acre
and larger tracts of land. Commercial and industrial property add up to fìve acres each. Developed
recreational property other than paks is nonexistent.
The Skookum Creek Fish Hatchery is the major hatchery operating in the South Fork Valley Subarea. lt is
located adjacent to and receives its water from Skookum Creek and is operated by the Lummi lndian Nation.
lssue: Although information is scarce or lacking in many cases, actual documentation and visual evidence
suggest a general decline in fìsh stocks in the South Fork Valley.
lssue: Preservation of a high level of water quality is extremely important to the successful maintenance of
native and hatchery fish populations.
lssue: Agriculture, forest practices, and settlement can play significant roles in the degradation of fish
stocks. Altering of aquatic habitats through diking, river channelization, filling, and erosion can be a result of
these practices.
Recommendation: Whatcom County should continue to work with both the Lummi lndian Nation and the
Nooksack lndian Tribe to protect both the fish populations and their habitat.
lssue: Recreational uses of the river are increasing and many are extremely hard on the fisheries habitat.
This is especially true with extensive tubing during the summer months.
Recommendation: The Whatcom County Parks Department has made several attempts to monitor tubing
activity during the summer months. Plans are ongoing and may include limited access to only certain parts
of the river, as well as timing and capacity limitations.
lssue: Forestry continues to be a major land use in the South Fork Valley Subarea, and with timber
reaching harvestable age and continued population growth in Whatcom County, it will continue.
17
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN S U BAREA F/ND/NGS, /SSUES, AN D RECOMM EN D AIIONS
lssue: Commercial forests cover most of the uplands above the settled valley of the South Fork. The edge
of these commercially forested lands can be a source of conflict where development exists.
Recommendation: Whatcom County is proposing a text amendment to Title 20 (zoning ordinance) which
will split the existing forestry zone into two forestry zones; a "Commercial Forestry zone" and a "Rural
Forestry zone". A Commercial Forestry zone will allow only forest practices and related activity to take place
within the zone thereby precluding the presence of conflicting uses like residential development. The
creation of a Rural Forestry zone will allow low density development within in it's boundaries to facilitate the
stewardship of land dedicated to timber production. lts location, typically at the foothills of mountain regions,
should help to buffer commercially forested land from rural and residential development.
lssue: Forest practices in the South Fork Subarea are not currently being practiced at a sustained yield
level. Market conditions fluxuate dramatically in the timber business making it difficult for the industry to plan
cutting schedules over a long period of time. Prices in the last three years have been relatively high,
resulting in large amounts of timber being cut.
Recommendation: The State Department of Natural Resources along with many other state, federal and
local agencies have made significant progress working with the industry, environmental interests and other
interested parties to both encourage sustainable and environmentally sound forest practices in Washington
State and Whatcom County. Whatcom CounÇ should continue to work with the forest industry to insure that
future cuts are smaller in size, not adjacent to one another, adequately buffered from streams and other
water courses, buffered from steep slopes subject to slope failure, and executed using best forest practice
techniques available. The South Fork watershed should be logged on a sustainable yield rotation.
Recommendation: Economic viability of existing agricultural practices varies yearly. The introduction of
new agricultural commodities, such as commercial deer stock and orchard crops, may help to provide for
agricultural viability of appropriate areas of the valley.
lssue: Whatcom County is experiencing a significant loss of prime farmland soils due to increased
development pressure, and changes in the agriculture industry. Although this has not yet taken place in the
South Fork Valley Subarea, population trends indicate that development pressure will be there in the near
future.
Recommendation: Whatcom County should pursue farmland preservation through the implementation of
the Agricultural zoning district where feasible, and through the use of incentive programs to encourage the
active agricultural use of arable land.
lssue: Although the majority of the lands in the valley are classified as prime for agricultural use, many are
prone to flooding and standing water. Without adequate drainage, these areas cannot support agricultural
practices.
Recommendation: Whatcom County should adopt and implement a comprehensive farm preservation
program that seeks to preserve to the fullest extent possible, arable lands and to facilitate the best utility of
these lands.
Lands in Gurrent Use Tax Status
Findings: Current use taxation includes lands that qualiñ7 for property tax deferments for forestry,
agriculture, environmentally sensitive areas or other open spaces. Since there is a liability for back taxes
plus interest when withdrawn from this status, it is anticipated that these lands will remain undeveloped
during the planning period. These lands comprise a total of 37,692 acres or 62% of the subarea, of which
18
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENS/VE PLAN SUBAREA F/NDINGg /SSUES, AND RECOMMENDAIIONS
33,034 acres, or 54% of the subarea, are designated or classified forest lands. The remainder is in Open
Space Agriculture, Open Space Timber, or Open Space/Open Space.
lssue: Current use taxation provides an incentive for land owners to keep their land undeveloped or
developed at a very low density.
Recommendation: Whatcom Coun$ should encourage property owners to use the current use tax
assessment provisions of RCW 84.34 to retain agriculture, forested, environmentally sensitive lands,
shorelines, and unique or important wildlife.
Public and Tribal Lands
Findings: The State of Washington owns and manages 18,885 acres or 30.9% of the subarea. Whatcom
County owns 16.9 acres and the Nooksack lndian Tribe owns 522.5 acres, bringing the total for public and
tribal lands to 19,424 or 31o/o of the area.
lssue: The Nooksack lndian Tribe owns 522.5 acres of "Trust" land in the South Fork Valley Subarea. This
land does not fall under the jurisdiction of Whatcom County. Development of this land without the
coordination of a comprehensive plan nor implemented by zoning regulations could create potential use
conflicts in the region.
Recommendation: Whatcom County should work with the Nooksack lndian Tribe to insure that
compatibility is achieved.
3.HISTORY, POPULATION, AND ECONOMICS
Population and Gharacteristics
Findings: The South Fork Valley Subarea has 404 dwelling units. lf one were to assume an average
household of three persons, that would mean a population of 1,212. Analysis of population growth resulted
in three types of population forecasts:
1.@:Themajorityofpopulationgrowthwilloccurintheunincorporatedtown
of Acme with scattered growth on the valley edge between the agriculture and commercial timber
lands.
2.@:Barringanymajoreconomicchanges,therateofpopulationgrowthwill
be at unincorporated Whatcom County rates. The state predicts a 39% growth from 1980 to 2000
for Whatcom County as a whole; however, unincorporated areas have been growing much faster
than the cities (Table 1). A realistic growth rate projection for the subarea should be from 1.5 to 2.5
percent annually during the next 10 years. That means that the unincorporated county is projected
grow 40 to 50 percent over the next 15 to 20 years.
3.Zoninq limitations on population qrowth: The zoning adopted in the 1970's would allow a growth in
dwelling units, and presumably population, of over 2,100o/o. That would mean the population would
increase to 26,664 assuming 3 persons per household( based on a maximum possible density of
one dwelling per acre in the General Protection zone district, excluding county, state, and tribal
lands). The zoning implementing this comprehensive plan allows approximately 200% increase
over the existing number of houses for the length of the cunent planning period (10 to 20 years)
plus any bonuses obtained through the PUD process. Assuming a 20 year planning period, that
l9
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN S U BAREA F/ND/NGS, /SSUES, AN D RECOM M EN D AIIONS
allows a growth rate of approximately 10o/o per year, well above the projected growth rate of 1.5 to
2.5 pèrcent annually.
lssue: Population growth brings increased opportunity for business and for development of services. lt can
bring new life into the community but can place increasing demand upon public facilities and natural
resources areas. lt can help a community's tax base, thereby making feasible certain needed local
improvements. The population base of the South Fork Valley Subarea has remained stable but future
growth will require increased services and amenities for residents.
Recommendation: The proposed zoning districts should provide for adequate growth in the South Fork
Valley Subarea while preserving the character of the area and quality of life that most people in the valley
seem to desire. Urban growth should take place in the unincorporated town of Acme where a full set of
urban service should be provided.
Economic Activitv
Findings: The subarea's economy has traditionally been based on natural resources. The quest for gold
brought many of the first settlers to the area and the promise of jobs in the timber industry kept them there.
This has not changed much in the ensuing years. The concem for fisheries industry is increasingly
becoming a factor that impacts the economics of mineral and timber resources. Recreation and tourism
unlike other parts of the county, have not taken on a large role in the subarea. The area also supports a
small number of service businesses, home occupations and cottage industries.
lssue: Cottage industries make up a substantial portion of the businesses in the subarea and tend to be
scattered throughout the Valley. Their presence is important to the economy of the subarea.
lssue: The economy of the valley has been primarily resource based and tied to agriculture and forestry
This may begin to shift as these industries change.
lssue: Although much of the valley land in the South Fork Valley is conducive to farming, many of the
dairies are doing poorly and other farmers have complained that markets are to far away, the growing
season to short, soils to thin and wet.
Recommendation: Whatcom County should seek to provide every opportunity for the farmer to utilize
arable land in the most efficient manner possible and to facilitate a viable agricultural industry
in the South Fork Valley.
4. COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND UTILITIES
Community services in the subarea include education, public safety, fire protection, energy, solid waste,
water and wastewater systems, transportation systems, and parks and recreation facilities.
Sewaqe Disoosal
Findings: Sewage disposal is provided solely by individual private septic systems. During the lañd use
inventory of the subarea during the summer of 1990, 404 dwelling units were identifìed as possible year
around residences.
The Federal Environmental Protection Agency recommends that a residential density of over 40 dwelling
unit equivalents (three bedroom home) per square mile in areas where soils are highly permeable is a
potential source of ground water contamination. This is the equivalent of one dwelling per 16 acres.
20
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN S U BAREA F/ND/NGS, /SSUES, AN D RECOM M EN DATIONS
lssue: There are some unreliable sources for potable water in the subarea. Areas of obtainable ground
water are sporadic.
lssue: Contamination of ground water due to inadequate soils supporting individual septic systems is
possible in certain areas of the subarea.
lssue: Costs involved in installing a sewer system in Acme could be prohibitive.
Recommendation: Development in the Urban Reserve area (Acme) should be limited until public sewer is
provided in order to prevent health and economic impacts from contaminated surface and ground water.
Water
Findings: There are no public water purveyors in the subarea. There are two private water systems in the
subarea: Wickersham Water Association is a Class 2 systems with approximately 31 connections and no
room for expansion and the Van Zandt Community Club is a Class 3 system with one connection and no
additional capacity. The Van Zandt System has an unreliable spring source.
The most prevalent form of water service are the individual wells serving one to two households. lt is difficult
to pin down the exact number of individual groundwater withdrawals but it is estimated to be approximately
500 based on 1980 U.S. Census data and the Health Department . Surface withdrawals also serve as a
water source but they are hard to account for since they are not monitored.
Solid Waste
Findings: Solid waste disposal is accomplished by residents or private haulers taking refuse to a transfer
station, a sanitary land fill, or to an incineration plant. County-wide mandatory garbage collection is cunently
being proposed to the CounÇ Council and presently Sanitary Service Corporation is the company
contracted to collect waste in the South Fork Valley. The company is certifìed by the Washington State
Utilities and Transportation Commission and has the exclusive right to collect commercial and residential
garbage in the subarea.
lssue: There is a lack of recycling facilities in the subarea. Drop-off centers located in Van Zandt and Acme
have been closed.
Recommendation: Recent zoning amendments have made neighborhood recycling collection centers
conditionally permitted in the Rural and Forestry zones. The South Fork Valley community should work with
the County Division of Solid Waste to establish such centers as a part of the county wide curbside recycling
program.
Fire Protection
Findings: The South Fork Subarea is served by Whatcom County Fire Protection District #16, with the
primary Fire station located at Acme and a second station in Van Zandt. The Washington Department of
Natural Resources is responsible for fire protection on state managed forest lands. The Uniform Fire Code
specifies minimum flow standards for fire protection of all but single family residential structures and
accessory structures under 2,500 square feet.
21
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN S U BAR E A F/ND/NGS, /SSUES, AN D RECO M M EN D AT I O N S
lssue: Some residents living along Mosquito Lake Road and upper reaches of Saxon Road are not within
Fire District #16 boundaries and therefore not protected in case of fire. The Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) does not have the ability to fight structure fires nor are they an emergency response
agency. The DNR is responsible for all undeveloped state and private lands that are not cultivated or
developed outside of fire district boundaries.
Recommendation: Development outside of Fire District boundaries should be discouraged
Law Enforcement:
Findings: Law Enforcement in the subarea is provided by the Whatcom County Sheriffs Department. ln
1988 and 1989, the type and severity of calls varied greatly. They ranged from loud parties, littering, and hot
rodding to child abuse, search and rescue, and kidnapping. The most common type seem to be that of
malicious mischief and burglary or suspicion of burglary. ln 1988, 48 citations were issued lor 342 calls for
service while in 1989, 42 citations were issued for 396 calls. Calls for service in the South Fork Valley area
increased by 15o/o from 1988 to 1989.
lssue: Response time in the Valley is perceived as being slow, especially in the summer months when use
of the river is high. This is partly due to the subarea's distance from the central part of the county which can
dow down response time. General rowdiness and use of alcohol associated with use of the river causes
problems for residents along the river and creates driving hazards.
Recommendation: High usage of the river during the summer creates the highest need for law
enforcement and magnifies the slower response time. Monitoring of river use could help alleviate this
problem.
Energv
Findings: Puget Sound Power and Light Company provides energy to the South Fork Valley Subarea and
has the capacity to serve additional customers. They do not, however, have any substations in the subarea
nor do they own any land for use as substations. The nearest substation is located in Deming. The present
peak demand in the subarea is approximately 1.5 MW (megawatts). Puget Power has no immediate plans
for expansion in the area since growth has typically been slow and also because of the lack of an improved
infrastructure
Cascade Natural Gas serves the Acme area via Northwest Pipeline which runs the entire length of the
subarea just east of Highway 9. Those living on Rothenbuhler, Galbraith and Hudson Roads and those
along Turkington Road 3/4 mile west of Highway 9 and from Rothenbuhler Rd. to Turkington Rd. along
Highway 9 are cunently being served. At present there are 43 active accounts with an average use of 778
therms per year per customer.
Education
Findings: Education is provided by the Mount Baker School District which has its administrative offices at
Mount Baker Junior/Senior High School in Deming. The attendance area for the South Fork Subarea
utilizes Acme Elementary on Turkington Rd. and the Mount Baker Junior and Senior High School in Deming.
The 1989-1990 total expenditure per student for the Mount Baker School District was $3,313.25, compared
to$3,661.12perstudentin1987. TheStudenUTeacherratioforthel9S9-90schoolyearwasslightlyless
than the previous year.
lssue: Schools serving the subarea are at capacity. Expansion of Mt. Baker Junior/Senior will alleviate
some of the pressure.
22
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN S U BAREA F/NDINGS, /SSUES, AN D RECO M M EN D AIIOA/S
Recommendation: Recent additional funding may help alleviate this problem.
Transportation
Findings: The major circulation route in the South Fork Subarea is Highway 9 also known as the Valley
Highway. lt begins in Woodinville, enters Whatcom County south of Wickersham, and continues to it's end in
at the Canadian Border at Sumas. ln the South Fork Subarea, it covers the 11 mile length of the subarea.
Traffic entering Highway 9 from the Mount Baker Highway averages 2600 daily. Traffic counts at Park Rd.,
one mile north of the Whatcom/Skagit boundary, average 1700 vehicles daily.
The only other access points into the Subarea are via Mosquito Lake Road which feeds into Acme from the
Mount Baker Highway and via Park Road which directs traffic from southem shore of Lake Whatcom to just
north of Wickersham. Both of these roads are classified as Minor Collector Roads. All of the other roads in
the subarea are classified as local access since they are primarily dead end roads feeding onto Highway 9
that serve local residents only.
lssue: Creating a four lane highway through the South Fork Valley to Sumas could devastate the Valley
environmentally, economically, and culturally. However, Highway 9 is an existing north/south conidor that
could be examined as an alternative to alleviate transportation pressures from Seattle to Vancouver.
Recommendation: lf there is one thing the community in the South Fork Valley can agree on, it is that the
creation of a major four lane arterial will devastate the quality of life there.
lssue: By using Highway 9, truckers travelling to Canada have been able to bypass the weigh station on
lnterstate 5.
lssue: Collector roads and particularly local access roads are inadequate to support increasing traffic
volumes. Road widths and shoulders are narrow and their general condition is poor. The lack of adequate
shoulders forces bicycle and pedestrian traffic onto the roads thus creating potential conflict and hazards
lssue: Seasonal flooding at both ends of the Valley can restrict access on Highway 9 and isolate the Valley.
This is particularly true on the north end where a dip in highway 9 approximately one half of a mile north of
the intersection of Potter Road and Highway 9 is frequently inundated with one to two feet of water making
the road impassable. This condition hinders emergency traffic at a time when it may be needed most.
Recommendation: The Washington State Department of Transportation should embark on a road
improvement plan that would elevate that section of Highway 9 which is frequently inundated by flooding so
that the road base is elevated by approximately three feet.
Parks and Recreation
Findings: The subarea's location between federal recreation lands and the population centers of Northem
Puget Sound and the lower British Columbia mainland contribute to its popularity as a recreational site. The
Mt. Baker District in Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties, includes 545,246 acres. As part of these
federal lands, the Mt. Baker District offers year round recreation, including hiking, climbing, camping, scenic
driving, berry-picking, cross country skiing and downhill skiing. There is no formal recreationalfacilities in the
South Fork Valley Subarea.
Within the Subarea recreational activity focuses on the South Fork of the Nooksack River. River usage,
especially by "tubers" has markedly increased over the years and has created a strain on the existing
23
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN S U BAREA F/ND/NGS, /SSUES, AN D RECO M M EN DAIIONS
facilities as and threatens habitat and water quality. Access to the river is limited by private ownership and
the rivers own geographical isolation.
lssue: ln recent years the presence of inner tubers on the South Fork of the Nooksack during the summer
months has greatly affected the natural environment and quality of life along the South Fork. Problems have
included: destruction of property and farm equipment; trespassing; threatening of wildlife habitat, especially
in terms of fisheries; rowdiness and drunkenness; illegal and dangerous parking; short and long term
camping along Saxon Road; and lack of sanitation.
Recommendation: The Whatcom County Parks Department has made several attempts to monitor tubing
activity during the summer months. Plans are ongoing and may include limited access to only certain parts
of the river, as well as timing and capacity limitations.
lssue: There is a lack of public access points to the river which contributes to the tubing problems.
Recommendation: The Whatcom County Parks Department is cunently looking for locations along the
South Fork of the Nooksack River that the County can either buy or lease over a long period of time. ln
doing so the Parks Department hopes to better control access to the river.
lssue: Unsupervised motorcycle use of a Whatcom County right-of-way immediately east of Skookum
Creek has resulted in damage to the natural environment (wetlands, flora, fauna). The timing and frequency
of this type of activity threatens salmon spawning areas, some of which are located in the immediate area
and are directly impacted by this activity.
Recommendation: Whatcom County should work with the Department of Natural Resources, the tribes
and private land owners to restrict access to this environmentally sensitive area. A gate located at the
Skookum Creek Bridge would provide the most effective access deterrent. Pedestrian access should
continue to be granted to this section of the Nooksack Valley.
s.EXISTING PI.ANS AND LAND USE REGULATIONS
1970 Whatcom Countv Gomprehensive Plan Desiqnations
Findings: Approximately 45,000 acres of the South Fork Valley are designated Forestry under the 1970
Plan. This designation promotes preservation of forest lands for their timber and mineral resources, open
space, wildlife habitat, and watershed values. The Rural designation applies to 7,700 acres and includes
areas where there is a mixture of part time farming, forests, and rural residences. Another 8,500 acres has
been designated as floodplain acknowledging the large area of the South Fork Valley that is periodically
inundated by high river flows.
1972 General Protection Zoninq District
Findings: ln 1972, the entire subarea was zoned General Protection (GP) under the Whatcom County
lnterim Zoning Ordinance. lnterim zoning is intended as a stopgap measure to preserve the status quo
while permanent regulations are being developed. The GP district is intended as a multiple-use zone in
which expansion of business, industry and concentrated residential development is restricted to the
minimum extent necessary to prevent disruption of the use and value of sunounding properties and of areas
which may later prove best suited for other uses; to prevent untimely or uncompensated requirements for
roads, utilities or other services requiring public finance; to avoid conflicts with the policies in the
Comprehensive Plan and its amendments or supplements; and to avoid detrimental effects on public health,
safety and general welfare. For anything other than low intensity uses, such as single family homes,
24
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SUBAREA F/ND/NGS- /SSUES. AND RECOMMENDAIIONS
conditional use permits are required so that a citizen review process will occur. Little guidance is given as to
what types of uses are acceptable. The General Protection zone places no restrictions on building lot sizes
beyond the minimums specified by the Whatcom County Department of Health.
lssue: The General Protection zone creates public and administrative uncertainty regarding permitted,
conditional, and prohibited uses. The zone provides little or no assurance to residents as to future uses and
character of their surrounding area. The zone does not establish parcel size for forestry or non-forestry
uses, thereby providing no mechanism for conservation of forest resources. ln addition, the zone
classification is deficient in guidelines for critically evaluating conditional uses which might occur in areas
designated for forestry. Finally, the General Protection zone does not establish buffer provisions which are
intended to minimize impacts between forestry and non-forestry uses.
Recommendation: Whatcom County is currently updating the Comprehensive Plan for the South Fork
Valley Subarea and implementing Comprehensive Plan Policies by bringing the subarea into conformance
with the OfficialWhatcom GountvZoninq Ordinance Title 20.
Shoreline Management Program Designations
Findings: The Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program was adopted in 1976 pursuant to the
Washington Shoreline Management Act. The Program applies to areas generally within 200 feet of the
ordinary high water mark of streams and rivers with greater than 20 cubic feet per second mean annual flow,
lakes larger than 20 acres in size, and Puget Sound.
25
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DES/GNAIIONS
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
Land use designations are overlay districts that when applied to a geographic area, indicate where and how
the goals and policies of a Comprehensive Plan will assure the orderly and effìcient development that
addresses or resolves land use needs in that geographic area. The Comprehensive Land Use Plan Map
illustrates the location of these designations (Figure 3)
The land use designations together with the policies, represent the most appropriate uses of land in the
subarea for the planning period. These land use designations have been developed as a means of
addressing land use needs, resolving particular land use problems, or preserving existing land use patterns.
Whatcom County has developed sixteen land use designations to allow for the necessary flexibility and
specificity in applying land use standards. Five of the land use designations are applied in this subarea, they
include URBAN RESERVE, RURAL, AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, and GENERAL COMMERCIAL.
Land use designations establish the boundaries of those zoning districts that implement the Comprehensive
Plan. The following is a descriptive summary of each designation.
1. URBAN RESERVE DESIGNATION: Residential land use designations were determined according to
existing ownership and densiÇ pattems, suitability for residential uses, and availability of services as
described in the URBAN RESERVE, locational criteria. Before full development of the residential zone
occurs, improvements should be made to water, waste water, and transportation systems. The residential
land use designation are applied by balancing the densities of the prior Comprehensive Plan and the
potential carrying capacity of water sources, waste water service options and feasible transportation system
service levels.
2. RURAL DESIGNATION: ln the South Fork Valley Subarea, the RURAL Comprehensive Plan
designation overlays those rural areas that have some environmental constraints; serve as a buffer between
denser residential pattems and typical commercial forestry practices; have a multiple use capability; are
predominantly parcels under current use tax status; and lack public water and sewer.
3. FORESTRY DESIGNATION: The FORESTRY designation has been applied to almost all of the forested
uplands of the subarea. The designation recognizes existing land use, ownership, and parcel size pattems;
environmental constraints such as steep slopes, soils unsuitable for development, 100 year floodplains, and
sensitive and critical resource areas; and predominance of forestry current use taxation status.
4. AGRICULTURE DESIGNATION: The AGRICULTURE designation has been applied to the valley region
where soils and topography and parcel size facilitate viable farming practices.
5. COMMERC¡AL DESIGNATION: The GOMMERCIAL designations were applied in recognition of the
character of existing commercial centers and projected future commercial needs. The COMMERCIAL
designation at Van Zandt is intended to accommodate the convenience buying needs of local residents as
well as transient buying pattems. The Acme commercial area, though larger in area, serves that same
consumer demands. Although the potential market area for each location occasionally may be county-wide,
it is anticipated that the primary market area will be a smaller, more localized area.
To be consistent in the application of the designations, the following methodology has been used for each of
the designations:
Rationale
Objectives
Locational Criteria
lmplementing Zoning District
26
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DES/GNAIIONS
South Fork Valley Subarea Location
URBAN RESERVE DESIGNATION
Rationa,le
It is a well established trend in the western United States for urban areas to respond to growth pressures by
outward expansion of their boundaries. With this trend comes a continuing demand for land, the most
fundamental of all urban resources. Although outward expansion is an accepted city planning practice,
problems have typically arisen when potential urban lands have been committed to long-term "non-urban"
uses. Primarily caused by the lack of coordinated public policy among governmental jurisdictions, this
situation has resulted in uncoordinated and costly service systems, inefficient transportation networks and
unmanageable land use patterns.
As a means of alleviating the problems associated with outward expansion, the Comprehensive Plan
establishes the URBAN RESERVE land use designation. The designation is applied to urban fringe and
outlying satellite areas where previous commitments to urban densities and attendant services (sewer,
stormwater drainage, schools, parks, water, fire and sheriff protection) can be efficiently provided. lt is also
applied to outlying satellite areas where urban densities and services have been previously planned and the
available level of water and sewer service and existing land use character wanant it.
Prior to the provision of public services, the URBAN RESERVE designation is intended to maintain a low
density character that discourages the establishment of interim uses and subdivision pattems that may
foreclose significant future alternatives pertaining to urban densities and the efficient provision of services. lt
does however allow reasonable uses of property by permitting compatible residential, recreational,
commercial, forestry, and agricultural land uses.
When services are available, development should occur in neighborhood units with appropriate levels of
densities, uses, and circulation networks that result in an orderly, economic and expeditious transition from
rural to urban land use pattems.
Objectivæ
The application of the URBAN RESERVE designation is intended to accomplish the following objectives:
1.To reduce urbanization and encroachment pressures on lands that are most suitable for other uses; 2.To
stabilize land speculation and the artificial inflation of land values in the urlcan fringe and
outlying satellite areas by designating an adequate amount of land for urban growth and
uses during the planning period;
3.To provide land owners with a reasonable expectation of future municipal and county land use policies;
4.To reduce inequitable taxing structures on non-urban land located near urbanizing areas;
5.To conserve energy resources by reducing unnecessary travel between living, shopping, and work places;
and
6.To encourage the conservation of natural resources and environmentally sensitive areas, both within and
outside of the area designated as URBAN RESERVE;
Looationa,l Chitoria
The criteria to be utilized for the application of the URBAN RESERVE designation include the following;
l.Satellite areas that are of sufficient size to adequately accommodate the projected demands for
residential, commercial, transportation and public uses for a ten to fifteen year period;
2.Land areas where a range of urban services such as sewer, water, storm drainage, transportation
improvements, fire and sheriff protection, and parks and recreation presently exist or can be
economically and efficiently provided in the near future;
27
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DES/GNAIIONS
3.Areas that contain an adequate supply of vacant urban type land to avoid the artificial inflation of land
values;
4.The boundaries of the URBAN RESERVE designation should;
a.be well defined, logical, provide a physical "sense of community," and be capable of expanding to
accommodate additional urban growth as the need arises; and
b.acknowledge the existing character of land use densities and the existing or potential level of utility
servicing.
lmplementinq Zoninq District
URBAN RESIDENTIAL (UR) Zoning District: The URBAN RESERVE Comprehensive Plan Designation
should be implemented by the URBAN RESIDENTIAL Zoning District.
URBAN RESIDENTIAL (UR4 ) Density: The URBAN RESIDENTIAL Zoning District in the South Fork
Valley should have a density of four dwelling units per acre. This density is based upon existing urban level
of services including public sewer, public water, storm drainage, transportation, fire and police protection.
Until such time that public sewer and water are provided, and stormwater drainage facilities are provided
where specified by the Comprehensive Plan policies, the density should be one dwelling unit per five acres.
South Fork Vallev Subarea Location
The URBAN RESIDENTIAL Zoning District for the South Fork Valley Subarea should be located within the
urban area of the town of Acme within sections 37-05-06 and 37-05-07, and totalling 106 acres as follows:
URBAN RESTDENTTAL-4 ACRE (UR-4)
1 37-05-06 41 Ac.N. Turkington Rd./Acme/long and short plats/public water
37-05-07 65 Ac.S. Turkington Rd./Acme/single family/1 multi/small lots
TOTAL 106 Ac.
See Figure 4 for detailed location and configuration
RURAL DESIGNATION
Rationale
The RURAL land use designation is intended to move toward attaining the Regional Design Goal of keeping
residential densities low and minimizing the demand for urban level services in rural areas. lt also
acknowledges physical factors such as soil percolation rates, depth to ground water, steep topography,
slope stability, flood plains, ground water aquifers, and sensitive wildlife habitats that are, and will continue to
be, limitations to higher densities. This type of landscape can be considered suitable for multiple uses
including agriculture, forestry, mining, low density residential, home occupations, and cottage industries.
Dispersed settlement pattems are a function of physical conditions such as soils, water, or topography that
impose constraints to higher densities of development. Dispersed settlement pattems also can be a function
of the lack of public commitment for the provision of sewer, water, and roadway improvements. Very low
density residential areas offer altemative residential living styles that allow preferences for increased privacy
28
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DES/GNATIONS
and aesthetic advantages of particular sites, or small scale agriculture and forestry, as compared to that of
the urban or moderately dense residential setting.
These areas may contain non-renewable natural resources, such as soils which contribute to agricultural or
forestry productivity; sand and gravel deposits suitable for extraction; environmentally sensitive areas such
as wetlands, steep slopes, or 1O0-year floodplains; or natural scenic resources that form the visual identity of
an area.
Existing parcel sizes generally are large and would be able to accommodate land uses such as agriculture,
forestry, or low to moderate density residential uses in future planning periods. The large parcels also
provide ample buffering for cottage industries that would not be appropriate in more densely developed
residential areas. Employment opportunities also exist that are associated with part to full-time agriculture,
forestry, home occupations, cottage industries, neighborhood grocery stores, and related activities. An
example of flexibility is the potential for future commercial development in areas where appropriate public
services, such as sewer and water utilities, are available and additional commercial land is needed. ln order
to facilitate potential future commercial development, large parcel RURAL zoning is appropriate as an
interim step in the development of an industry, while still allowing immediate rural uses such as mineral
resource extraction and agriculture.
Obiectives
The application of the RURAL designation is intended to accomplish the following objectives:
1.To provide flexibility concerning very low density residential, forestry and agricultural land uses while
retaining a range of private and public land use options for the future;
2.To retain future options for access to non-renewable natural resources (sand, gravel, coal and minerals,
and soils which contribute to agricultural and forestry productivity) and the renewable timber
resources;
3.To preserve options for future zone districts when economic development potential exists;
4.To retain the rural character of an area as an alternative to urban, suburban, and commercial land use
patterns elsewhere in the subarea; and
5.To provide the option of clustering in the design of new rural subdivisions in order to retain productive land
uses and future options for development.
Locational Criteria
ln order to define those locales where the RURAL designation would be most appropriate, the following
criteria are applied:
l.Those areas that possess a very low residential density and are compatible with existing land use plans;
2.Those areas where a buffer is needed between higher density population and land use practices
associated with commercial agriculture and forestry;
3.Those areas where features of the physical environment, such as 100 year flood plains, lack of adequate
groundwater, slow or very rapid soil permeability rates, the presence of aquifers or groundwater
recharge areas, seasonal ponding, unstable slopes, or steep topography require very low densities
in order to mitigate the impacts of these physical constraints;
4.Those areas where there exists the possibility of utilization of natural resources such as soils, sand/gravel,
coal or timber;
S.Those areas where there are no planned capital improvements to community facilities, utilities or
transportation systems; and
6.Those areas where large parcel sizes lack of residential development are desirable to assure the feasibility
of future commercial or recreational development.
29
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DES/GNATIONS
lmplementinq Zoninq District
RURAL (R) Zoning Districts: The RURAL Comprehensive Plan Designation is implemented by the
RURAL 2, 5, and l0 acre zoning designations.
RURAL (R) Zoning Districts Density: The RURAL Zoning District has three densities; one dwelling units
per two acres, one dwelling unit per five acres, and one dwelling unit per ten acres. The following criteria
define the application of each of these densities.
1.The should be applied where:
a.existing density is less than or equal to one dwelling unit per five acres and average parcel size is greater
than or equal to two acres;
b.physical limitations such as lack of adequate groundwater, slow or very rapid soil permeability rates, the
presence of aquifers or groundwater recharge areas, seasonal ponding, unstable
slopes, or steep topography prohibit increased densities;
c.existing public services do not justify greater densities and there are no planned capital improvements; and
d.maximum build-out at the prescribed density level will be compatible with the surrounding land use
character.
2.The densitv of one dwellinq unit oer f¡ve acres should be applied where:
a.existing density is less than or equal to one dwelling unit per ten acres and average parcel size is greater
than or equal to five acres; and
b.items "b," "c," and "d" of Section 1 above are applicable.
3.The should be applied where:
a.existing density is less than or equal to one dwelling unit per twenty acres and average parcel size is
greater than or equal to ten acres;
b.the possibility of the utilization of natural resources, such as sand and gravel, coal, or timber requires low
densities to facilitate their extraction;
c.agriculture and silviculture are, or possibly could be, viable economic enterprises; d.100-year floodplains
are located; and
e.items "b," "c," and "d" of Section 1 above are applicable.
South Fork Vallev Subarea Location
30
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DES/GNAIIOA/S
The RURAL 2, 5, and 10 acre Zoning Districts for the South Fork Valley Subarea should be located as
follows:
RURAL 2 ACRE (R-2A)
1 37-05-31 27 Ac.Town of Wickersham/platted--many lots consolid./wet
TOTAL 27 Ac.
RURAL s ACRE (R-54)
1 38-05-1 7 175 Ac.Nelson Rd./short plaUparcels-5-20 Ac.l17 d.u./24 lots
38-05-20 80 Ac.End Nelson Rd./short plaVparcels--4-20 Ac./8 lots
2 38-05-02 80 Ac.Mosquito Lake Rd./Avg parcel size-5 Ac./5 d.u./15 lots
37-05-35 42 Ac.Mosquito Lake Rd./Avg parcel size-S Ac./3 d.u./8 lots
3 37-05-06 132 Ac.Turkington Rd./2 short plats/parcel sizes-2-30 Ac.
37-05-07 28 Ac.S. Turkington Rd./Avg. parcel size-S-7 Ac.l2 d.u.
4 37-05-07 67 Ac.S. Acme-Galbraith Rd./parcels-6-20 Ac./
5 37-05-20 225 Ac.Doren-Bowman Rd./Avg. parcel size-S-7 Ac./bench area
TOTAL 829 Ac.
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SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DES/GNATIONS
RURAL 10 ACRE (R-10A)
1 37-05-32 57 Ac.lnnis Creek Rd./very wet/parcels-1-14 Ac.
37-05-29 19 Ac.
37-05-29 60 Ac.lnnis Creek Rd./two parcels/wet but some dry areas
2 37-05-20 140 Ac.Doren Rd./Hwy 9/Avg. parcel size-10 Ac.
37-04-29 20 Ac.1 parcel/Hwy 9
37-04-30 167 Ac.Hwy 9/parcels-140 Ac./9 d.u./short plat
37-05-31 121 Ac.Hwy 9Mickersham/wet areas/parcels-1 -1 5 Ac.
3 37-05-08 19 Ac.2 parcels/Hwy 9/adjacent AG
37-05-17 136 Ac.Hwy 9/Maleng Rd./parcels-l-25 Ac./S d.u.
37-05-20 50 Ac.Flanks Hwy 9/parcels-5-10 Ac.
4 37-05-05 35 Ac.Adjacent Mosquito Lake Rd./one parcel
5 37-05-06 35 Ac.East if Turkington Rd./two parcels
6 37-05-03 160 Ac.Single ownership/bisected by Mosq. Lake Rd./8 parcels/1-75 Ac.
7 38-05-25 100 Ac.Mosquito Lake Rd./avg. parcel size-10 Ac.
8 38-05-28 80 Ac.E. end Strand Rd./parcels-1-26 Ac.l2 d.u./cem.
38-05-29 78 Ac.E. end Strand Rd./All 9-10 Ac. parcels/2 d.u.
38-05-20 109 Ac.E. end Strand Rd./parcels-18-31 Ac./some D.F
9 38-04-24 120 Ac.W. side Hillside Rd./Avg. parcel size-2S Ac.
10 38-05-1 8 285 Ac.Hillside-Caron-Potter/parcels-1 -40 Ac./1 I d.u
38-05-07 80 Ac.Caron Rd./4 lots/Avg. parcel size-20-40 Ac.
11 38-05-08 193 Ac.E. Van Zandtlshort plaVparcels--4-9 Ac./weU19 d.u
38-05-09 94 Ac.Schombush Rd./3 short plats/parcels-4-9 Ac./10 d.u
38-05-16 35 Ac.Linnell Rd./5 lots/4 d.u./parcels-2-20 Ac.
38-05-17 96 Ac.S. Potter-W. Hwy 9-E. Linnell/parcels-2-19 Ac./wet
12 38-05-05 44 Ac.Hwy 9-Rutsatz Rd./short plaV9 lots/2 d.u./cemetery
38-05-08 36 Ac.Hwy 9/Nooksack/short plat/3 lots
TOTAL 2369 Ac.
32
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DES/GNAI/ONS
FORESTRY DESIGNATION
Rationale
Forestry and related industries historically have been significant factors in the local economy, a role that has
expanded to affect state, national and intemational economies. Not only is forestry economically important,
forest management provides a significant renewable resource base to Whatcom County. ln additíon,
forested areas often contain non-renewable mineral and non-mineral resources, serve as wildlife habitat,
and contribute to watershed management. Population increases may create pressure to irrevocably convert
forest land to other uses. lt is important that Whatcom County provide for the long term productivity of
forests and related resources by safeguarding prime forest areas from conversion to non-forest uses.
Obiectives
The application of the FORESTRY designation is intended to accomplish the following objectives:
1.To preserve the viability of Whatcom County's forest resources and industries;
2.To promote the conservation of forest lands and provide for the sustained yield management and
economic vitality;
3.To identify areas which are suitable for the long-term productivity and sustained use of forest resources;
4.To discourage residential and recreational residential uses in order to minimize conflict with and
encroachment by non-forest uses and to guard against conversion of forest lands to non-forest
USES;
5.To accommodate other compatible and related uses such as non-renewable resource extraction, wildlife
management, watershed management, and dispersed recreation; and
6.To promote uses that are conducted in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Locational Griteria
The criteria to be utilized for the application of the FORESTRY designation include the following:
l.Land use and ownership pattems indicate a predominance of large parcel sizes ranging from 20 to 640
acres;
2.Parcels are usually owned by major timber industries, logging companies, the State of Washington, or
private individuals engaged in woodlot operations for the purpose of growing and harvesting timber;
3.The majority of parcels are classified in Forestry Current Use tax status consistent with the provisions of
Washington State law;
4.There is a minimal amount of public roads and other services that generally precede and augment
residential development;
S.Certain physical constraints to residential development may also exist, such as slopes in excess of 15o/o,
soils that are not suitable for septic systems or conventional building foundations, unstable geologic
units, 100 year floodplains, or important wildlife habitats; and
6.Non-renewable natural resources such as minerals, coal, sand and gravel, or soils that are useful for
forest management may also be present.
lmplementinq Zoninq District
RURAL FORESTRY (RF) Zoning District: The FORESTRY Comprehensive Plan Designation should be
implemented by application of the RURAL FORESTRY Zoning District in areas that meet the criteria set
forth in the 3.03.1 of the Policy section.
33
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DES/GNAIIONS
RURAL FORESTRY (RF) Zoning District Density: The residential densiÇ for RURAL FORESTRY should
allow one dwelling unit per twenty acres. This density is based upon existing rural level of services and
utilities including fire and police protection, public and private road access, and energy service.
COMMERCIAL FORESTRY (CF) Zoning District: The FORESTRY Comprehensive Plan Designation
should be implemented by application of the COMMERCIAL FORESTRY Zoning District in areas that meet
the criteria set forth in the 3.03.2 of the Policy section.
COMMERCIAL FORESTRY (CF) Zoning District Density: No residential development is allowed in the
COMMERCIAL FORESTRY Zoning District.
AGRICULTURE DESIGNATION
Rationale
The AGRICULTURE land use designation identifies areas suitable for the practice of commercial
agriculture. Commercial agriculture is a signiflcant industry in Whatcom County and has the potential to
become increasingly significant as indicated by trends related to local farm incomes. Related industries add
additional dollars to the local and regional economy as a direct result of agricultural production.
As significant as agriculture is in the local economy, agricultural lands are often considered for other
purposes, namely urban or rural uses. Urban and rural encroachment can raise assessed valuation,
resulting in higher property taxes for the agricultural operator. ln addition, encroachment of residences not
associated with agriculture can create conflicts with customary agricultural operations. Premature
conversion to urban or rural uses occasionally forces the operator to cease agricultural uses. This situation
is especially pronounced in the fringe areas of communities where residential growth pressures are most
evident. The rapid rate of farmland conversion is being recognized by federal, state and local governments.
lncreasingly, communities are taking steps to inventory existing farmland and agriculturally productive soils,
to determine alternative locations for residential uses, and to devise techniques for preserving farmland with
the assistance and cooperation of the agricultural operator.
The comprehensive plan established the AGRIGULTURE designation to promote agriculture by identifying
and retaining land suitable for commercial agricultural pursuits.
Obiectives
The application of the AGRICULTURE designation is intended to accomplish the following objectives:
1.To maintain and encourage the conservation of agricultural lands in Whatcom County;
2.To promote the continuation of viable economic livelihoods for the agricultural operator, agricultural
producer and related agricultural services;
3.To provide clear direction for nonagricultural uses to locate in other urban or rural designations; thereby
minimizing potential conflicts between agricultural operators and uses that are not directly involved
in agriculture;
4.To maintain open space;
5.To conserve natural resources and natural systems;
6.To minimize energy and expense through the prioritization of agricultural operations at fertile locations;
7.To sustain existing county agricultural products;
8.To encourage the development of additional agricultural products; and
9.To encourage the stewardship approach to land management.
34
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DES/GNAIIONS
Locational Griteria
Areas that are suitable for application of the AGRICULTURE designation conform to the following criteria:
1.The majority of area contains Prime Farmland Soils as determined by the Soil Conservation Service;
2.The area may contain 10O-year floodplains as delineated by the Soil Conservation Service and the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers;
3.Existing land uses are primarily full{ime agriculture intermixed with part-time agriculture and woodlots; and
minimal commitment to non farm uses has been made;
4.The area is composed of agricultural operations that have historically been and continue to be
economically viable;
5.Parcel sizes are generally greater than forty acres;
6.Urban utility services including public sewer and water are not planned;
T.Special purpose districts that are oriented to enhancing agricultural operations exist, including drainage
improvement and flood control;
S.Areas have a pattem of landowner capital investment in agricultural operation improvements including
inigation, drainage, manure storage, bam refurbishing, enhanced livestock feeding techniques,
livestock upgrading, agricultural worker housing, etc.; and
9.Areas contain a predominance of parcels that have current use tax assessment derived from the Open
Space Taxation Act. RCW 84.34.
lmolementinq Zoninq District
AGRICULTURE (AG) Zoning District: The AGRICULTURE Comprehensive Plan Designation should be
implemented by AGRIGULTURE Zoning District.
AGRICULTURE (AG) Zoning District Density: The residential density for AGRIGULTURE allows a
density of one dwelling unit per forty acres.
COMMERCIAL DESIGNATION
Rationale
The goal of the COMMERCIAL plan designation is to provide a broad range of goods and services to
people living within Whatcom County, as well as other regions. The designation intends to maximize safe
and efficient on and off-site transportation systems, delineate areas that are conducive to overall site
planning, acknowledge existing patterns of general commercial land use forms, and promote compatibility
with surrounding non-commercial uses. The Planned Unit Development (PUD) provision is an option that
may be used in the development of designated commercial areas. Additional policies on PUD's are located
the section addressing Land Development Options, Guidelines and Requirements. Zoning regulations are
located in the Whatcom County Official Zoning Ordinance, Title 20.
Obiectives
The application of the COMMERCIAL designation is intended to accomplish the following objectives:
1.To provide a broad range of retail goods and services that will benefit a large trade area;
2.To facilitate safe and efficient circulation systems;
3.To provide methods to attain compatibility with sunounding non-commercial uses; and
4.To promote site design that will efficiently use available commercial land.
35
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DES/GNAI/ONS
Locational Criteria
Areas that are suitable for application of the COMMERGIAL plan designation conform to the following
criteria:
l.Parcels are served by principal or minor arterials, or major collectors;
2.Parcels will be provided with urban services including public sewer and water, stormwater drainage, sheriff
and fire protection; except that existing concentrations of general commercial uses may be
recognized based on adequate levels of waste water disposal, water, and fire flow;
3.The designation contains a minimum of ten (10) acres configured in a concentrated and consolidated
arrangement;
4.The designation is located on property where ownership patterns and land parcelization are conducive to
feasible land packaging for future development; and
5.The designation is located where a public need for general commercial shopping exists.
lmplementinq Zonins District:
GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC) Zoning District: Whatcom County should implement the COMMERCIAL
land use designation with the GENERAL COMMERCIAL zone district.
GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GG) Zoning District Density: no requirements.
South Fork Vallev Subarea Location:
The GENERAL COMMERCIAL Districtforthe South Fork Valley Subarea should be located:
See Figure 4 for detailed location and configuration.
GENERAL COMMERCTAL ZONE (GC)
1 38-05-17 1.5 Ac.Everybody's Store/2 adjacent lotsA/an Zandt
2 37-05-07 5 Ac.Groc. Store/church/etc./single fam ily/Hwy 9/Acme
37-05-08 7 Ac.Fire Station/Post Office etc./single family/Hwy 9/Acme
TOTAL 13.5 Ac.
36
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SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE POLICIES
LAND USE POLICY
Land use policies specify the course of action that Whatcom County should follow in meeting the Whatcom
County Goal Statements listed in Section ll. Policies provide direction for the most economic,
environmentally sensitive and appropriate land uses for the planning period in the South Fork Valley
Subarea.
1. URBAN RESERVE POLICY
1.01|t is the policy of Whatcom County to promote an orderly transition from rural land uses and densities to
urban uses and densities by designating a portion of the unincorporated area of Acme in the South
Fork Valley Subarea as URBAN RESERVE.
1.01.1The predominant land use pattem within the URBAN RESERVE area should be residential and
related forms, including neighborhood commercial, neighborhood parks and other public
uses. The URBAN RESERVE policy discourages the establishment of interim uses and
subdivision pattems that can foreclose significant altematíves pertaining to future urban
densities and the efficient provision of services. Therefore, this policy maintains the low
density character of the area while permitting compatible residential, recreational,
commercial, forestry, and agricultural land uses until an urban level of water, sewer, and
stormwater facilities are avai lable.
1.01.2To implement this policy, the URBAN RESIDENTIAL zone district density of four dwelling units per
acre should not be effective until such time that a full range of urban services is provided as
specified in Section 1.04 below. ln areas where such services do not yet exist, the applic-
able density should be one dwelling unit per five acres of land.
1.02The areas designated as URBAN RESERVE should be indicated as such on the Comprehensive Land
Use Plan Map.
1.O3Whatcom County should implement the URBAN RESERVE land use designation by application of the
URBAN RESIDENTIAL zone district. The density in the Acme area is four dwelling units per acre
and is applied based upon the URBAN RESERVE locational criteria.
1.041t is the policy of Whatcom County to encourage efficient land use patterns and cooperation among
municipalities, special districts, associations, and other governmental agencies in the provision of a
full range of urban services in the URBAN RESERVE areas.
1.04.11n the Acme URBAN RESERVE area, public sewer and water should be provided by Water District
#18. Until such time that public sewer and water are provided, these areas should have a
density of one dwelling unit per five acres.
1.04.21n the Acme URBAN RESERVE area stormwater drainage facilities should be subject to the regional
stormwater management plan when adopted. When adopted by the County, on-site
stormwater collection and retention should be required during development in accordance
with the Whatcom County Engineering Development Standards and the Regional
Stormwater Management Plan.
1.04.3Where urbanization occurs on the periphery of large parcels, urban residential subdivisions and other
urban uses should be designed to buffer less intensively utilized parcels with adequate
39
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE POLICIES
landscaping, screening or fencing to prevent encroachment by vehicles, pedestrians,
animals, and nuisances.
1.04.4Where practical, subdivisions and other urban uses adjoining other zone districts should be designed
so that vehicular and pedestrian networks are channelled to the intemal area of the site and
intersections with county roads are as few as possible.
1.O4.5Cluster subdivisions and Planned Unit Developments are permitted in URBAN RESERVE areas and
are encouraged for developments on large parcels. These alternative methods of land
subdivision are described more fully in the section titled "Land Development Options and
Guidelines."
2. RURAL POLICY
2.01|t is the policy of Whatcom County to provide for very low density residential areas where multiple uses
are suitable, or where community facility or resource constraints preclude higher densities, by
designating certain portions of the South Fork Valley Subarea as RURAL.
2.01.1Within the areas designated as RURAL, typical uses include low density residential, pasture,
agriculture, woodlots, home occupations, and cottage industries.
2.01.2To implement this policy, residential densities of one dwelling unit per two acres, one dwelling unit per
five acres and one dwelling unit per ten acres are provided.
2.02The areas designated as RURAL should be indicated as such on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan
Map.
2.O3Whatcom County should implement the RURAL land use designation with the RURAL zone district.
The residential densities are one dwelling unit per ten acres, one dwelling unit per five acres, and
one dwelling per two acres, applied according to the Locational Criteria.
2.041t is the policy of Whatcom CounÇ to encourage effective land use pattems and adequate provision of
services for RURAL densities.
2.04.1RURAL areas should be served by private water systems, water associations, and septic drainfields.
Where water is obtained from off-site sources, written agreement must be made with all
affected property owners and presented as part of subdivision or building permit review.
2.04.2Several methods of creating residential lots and mixed use developments are established including
conventional subdivision, cluster subdivision, and planned unit development. Additional
policies are contained in the section addressing land development options, guidelines and
requirements. Regulations concerning densities, parcel sizes and uses are contained in the
RURAL zone text and the Planned Unit Development section of the Title 20 Zoning
Ordinance.
2.O4.3Subdivisions should be designed so as to minimize intersections along existing county roads and to
discourage lineal residential patterns adjacent to county roads.
2.04.4New residential development adjacent to areas designated FORESTRY should require a covenant or
deed restriction agreeing to refrain from any legal action against reasonable and lawful
forest practices.
40
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE POLICIES
2.04.51t is the policy of Whatcom County to encourage property owners to conserve forested areas by
utilizing the provisions of RCW 84.34.
3. FORESTRY POLICY
3.011t is the policy of Whatcom County to conserve forest lands suitable for long term productivity and
sustained use of forest resources by designating certain portions of the South Fork Valley Subarea
as FORESTRY.
3.01.1To acknowledge existing forest lands and associated nonrenewable resources, portions of the South
Fork Valley Subarea are designated FORESTRY. The principal use of such designated
areas is the sustained yield management of forest resources, conducted in accordance with
the Washington State Forest Practice Act (RCW 76.09) and the attendant regulations of
WAC222, which are administered by the Department of Natural Resources. Such uses
include timber production, harvesting and reforestation; forest chemical use; logging road
construction and maintenance; and fire prevention and suppression. Other compatible
uses include watershed and wildlife habitat management, woodlot operations, certain forest
industries, utilities, mineral extraction, and occasional outdoor recreation.
3.01.21t is the policy of Whatcom County to establish twenty (20) acres as the minimum parcel size for
sustained yield forest management and to safeguard forest lands from potential impacts
generated by secondary uses.
3.02 The areas designated as FORESTRY should be indicated as such on the Comprehensíve Land Use
Plan Map.
3.O3Whatcom County should implement the FORESTRY land use designation by application of the RURAL
FORESTRY zoning district and the COMMERCIAL FORESTRY zoning district in accordance with
the following criteria:
3.O3.1RURAL FORESTRY
a.Parcel Size: The average parcel size should be 20 acres or more
b.Tax Status: The property is in a tax defened status such as in Open Space-Timber, Open Space-Open
Space, Current Use Assessment. Under some circumstances the property may
not be in a tax defened status.
c.Ownership Status: Private non-industrial ownership predominates.
d.Access: The property is located close to public roads and utilities, or is served by private roads built to
Whatcom County Standards.
e.lnfrastructure: The parcel is within a public service district (water and/or sewer, Fire District)
f. Environmental Constraints: Soils on the property are suitable for on-site septic disposal and
conventional building. Potable domestic water is available. The property is not
located in areas designated "Critical Areas" or "environmentally sensitive areas".
g.Land Use: The predominate land use on the parcel is forestry with some low density residential
development. There is some likelihood that the property may convert to non-
41
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE POLICIES
forestry use at some future date in conformance with Whatcom County's
Comprehensive Plan.
3.O3.2COMMERCIAL FORESTRY
a.Parcel Size: The minimum parcel size in this zone is 40 acres
b.Tax Status: The property is in a tax defened status of Classified or Designated Timber Land
c.Ownership Status: Coçorate or State Forest Land ownership predominates.
d.Access: The parcel is accessed by private or state forest access roads.
e.lnfrastructure: The parcel is not located within a public service district (water and/or sewer, Fire District).
f.Environmental Constraints: The property is located in areas generally not suitable for normal residential
development.
g.Land Use: The land is being managed for the long term production of forest products. This includes all
activities associated with the management of commercial timber land.
h.Soil Gapability: Soils should be capable of supporting commercially viable timber
products as identified by the State Soil Survey, Department of Natural Resources
(Forest Land Grades 1-7).
3.04The following policies establish appropriate service levels for designated FORESTRY areas.
3.04.1Forest management areas generally should be served by private logging roads; fire suppression
should be provided by individual property owners and the Department of Natural
Resources; and law enforceiment should be provided by the Sheriff Department and the
Department of Natural Resources.
3.O4.2Residential or other structural uses in designated FORESTRY areas should have individual on-site
wells, springs, or streams as sources of potable water; volunteer fire protection or individual
structural fire suppression systems consistent with County Fire Marshall requirements; and
law enforcement provided by the County Sheriff Department.
3.04.3When residential or other structural uses are intended to be supplied with potable water from off-site
sources, written permission should be obtained from the affected property owner, prior to
subdivision approval or building permit issuance, as applicable.
3.051t is the policy of Whatcom County to encourage harmony between forestry and non-forestry land uses
by the following policies:
3.05.1Whatcom County should discourage community facilities in FORESTRY areas except dispersed and
low intensity recreational opportunities, private water and septic drainfields, and private
roads. Subdivision for residential purposes should require a written agreement among all
affected property owners concerning any off-site water sources before subdivision or
building permits occur.
3.05.2A maximum density of one dwelling unit per twenty (20) acres should be established for those areas
designated by zoning d¡strict to allow single family residential development. All residential
uses should be subject to the following conditions:
42
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE POLICIES
a.All residential and related structures should be sítuated a minimum of one-hundred (100) feet from parcel
boundaries.
b.All potential residents should be clearly informed of the principal use of FORESTRY areas and the
intensive forest practices which may reasonably and lav'rfully occur in the normal
course of forest management, and all new subdivisions should be subject to an
agreement not to take legal action against legal and reasonable forest practices.
c.Any parcel where more than one dwelling unit can be provided should be encouraged to use the cluster
subdivision method as described in section on land development options,
guidelines and requirements.
d.All buildings should be set back out of potential flood and debris flow areas.
3.05.31t is the policy of Whatcom County to require local public review of secondary uses in FORESTRY
areas with the intent of determining the following:
a.The use will not cause a permanent and inevocable commitment of the forest resource to uses not related
to forestry.
b.The use will not prohibit or impact the intensive operation of adjoining forest practices.
c.The use will have fire prevention and suppression plans and will not create a fire hazard for adjoining
forestry operations.
d.The use is in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations.
e.The use will not significantly impact or degrade surface and subsurface water quality and quantity
characteristics.
3.05.411 is the policy of Whatcom County to encourage cooperation between forest managers and residential
users within a watershed in considering and implementing the use of non-chemical controls
and other methods whereby impacts on water quality are lessened.
3.05.511 is the policy of Whatcom County to encourage leaving along streams, a strip of vegetated land of
sufficient quality and width to minimize surges in runoff rates and to preserve stream bank
stability.
3.05.611 is the policy of Whatcom County to encourage leaving along the Highway 9 corridor, a strip of
vegetated land of sufficient width and character to preserve the scenic value of the highway
conidor.
3.05.7Pursuant to the provisions of RCW 79.68 (Multiple Use Concept in Management and Administration
of State-owned Lands) it is the policy of Whatcom County to encourage continued multiple
use management of state owned forest lands.
3.05.811 is the policy of Whatcom County to encourage private forest and woodlot owners to conserve the
county forest resource base by utilizing the cunent use tax assessment provisions of
RCW 84.28, RCW 84.33, and RCW 84.34.
3.05.911 is the policy of Whatcom County to encourage the Washington State Department of Natural
Resources to continue County notification of all classes of forest practice applications. ln
43
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE POLICIES
addition, the County should encourage the DNR to conduct public information programs
when jointly determined to be necessary concerning forest practices that are proposed to
occur within the subarea.
3.06Whatcom County endorses the concept of cooperative resource management as developed in the
Timber, Fish and Wildlife agreement, which is an agreement among industrial timber landowners,
environmental groups, state resource agencies and lndian tribes for managing the states public and
private timbedands and public resources.
3.071t is the policy of the county to encourage the continuation of commercial forest management by:
3.07.1Supporting land trades that result in consolidated forest ownerships;
3.07.2Working with forest managers to identify and develop other incentives for continued forestry
3.O8.Whatcom County should discourage the conversion of lands designated as FORESTRY, to a use
incompatible with the long term management of forest products and other natural resources.
4. AGRICULTURE POLICY
4.01To acknowledge existing agricultural land uses and Prime Farmland soils, and to affirm the continued
applicability of the 1970 Comprehensive Plan relative to agriculture, large portions of the South Fork
Valley Subarea are designated AGRIGULTURE.
4.01.1Predominant uses include the cultivation and management of field, shrub, vine, greenhouse, orchard
and forest crops; dairying; livestock raising; animal husbandry; beekeeping; and uses that
are accessory to agricultural operations including operator and farmhand residences, small-
scale product marketing and home occupations.
4.01.2Other uses should be subject to public review to assure maintenance of the agricultural resource and
compatibility with agricultural operations.
4.O2The areas designated AGRIGULTURE should be implemented with the AGRIGULTURE zone district.
4.O2.1fhe floodplain associated with the South Fork of the Nooksack river should be designated
AGRIGULTURE;
4.02.2The boundaries of designated AGR¡CULTURE areas acknowledge existing agricultural land uses,
land in agricultural current use tax assessment, areas with Prime Farmland soils, 1OO-year
floodplain, and areas with parcel sizes or land ownership patterns of generally greater than
twenty acres. ln addition, the boundaries are established to minimize periphery length and
peninsular forms, and maximize consolidation and unification of agricultural areas.
4.02.3Several minimum parcel sizes are provided as follows:
a.Variable minimum parcel size should be permitted, consistent with the generally acceptable size for an
economically viable operation for the particular form of intended agricultural pursuit,
subsequent to affirmative review by representatives from the Bureau of Buildings and Code
Administration, the Planning Department, the Cooperative Extension Agency and the Soil
Conservation Service.
44
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE POLICIES
b.Parcels of less than five acres in size will be permitted for the residential use of retiring farm operators,
public and quasi-public uses that are necessary in agricultural areas, and for purposes of
securing bank loans for farm residences.
c.Forty acres should be the minimum size for parcels used solely for residential purposes, except as
described above, with the intent of minimizing the introduction of people into agricultural
areas who are not associated with agriculture. ln addition, one dwelling will be permitted on
each legally created parcel of record existing at the time of adoption of this document of
greater than one acre in size.
4.03Whatcom County should implement the AGRIGULTURE land use designation by application of the
AGRICULTURE zone.
4.O4Appropriate utilities and facilities in designated AGRICULTURE areas include on-site wells or water
associations for the provision of potable and irrigation water, individual on-site waste water disposal
systems, volunteer fire protection and law enforcement provided by the county Sheriffs Department
and the Washington State Patrol.
4.O4.1The continued efforts of drainage improvement districts are encouraged to enable improved use of
agricultural lands where this activity does not conflict with the preservation of high value
wetlands.
4.04.2The continued efforts of flood control and diking districts are encouraged to enhance use of the
floodplain for agriculture, as well as increase protection of existing agricultural investments
in land improvements and buildings when consistent with comprehensive watershed
planning.
4.05The following policies are intended to promote the continued economic viability of agriculture in
Whatcom County and conserve associated resources.
4.05.1Consolidation of adjoining parcels in the same ownership by filing a new deed is encouraged to
promote easily workable farm units.
4.05.2Residential subdivisions and other uses not related to agriculture are discouraged from locating in
designated AGRICULTURE areas.
4.05.3The stewardship approach to land management is encouraged to foster the long-term productivity of
the agricultural land base, associated industries and agricultural life styles of Whatcom
County.
4.05.4The agricultural community is supported in its efforts to diversify the types of agricultural operations in
the county and to continue to incorporate techniques that will enhance agricultural produc-
tivity and efficiency.
4.05.5To enhance economic returns to the operator, direct marketing of products to the consumer is
supported. ln addition, to minimize "overhead" in the conduct of farm businesses, the
formation of cooperatives is supported for warehousing, processing, and providing
agricultural supplies and equipment.
4.05.6To increase direct economic benefits to Whatcom County originating with agriculture, continued local
processing of agricultural products is encouraged, as well as the development of additional
processing facilities.
45
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE POLICIES
4.05.71n recognition of the prevailing type of agricultural operation, Whatcom County encourages the
continuation of the small farm as the basic unit of farm production. ln addition, Whatcom
County encourages the continued efforts of citizen groups engaged in promoting
agricultural education, operations and marketing.
4.05.8locating major transportation and utility corridors that would preclude the agricultural use of land is
discouraged in designated AGRICULTURE areas.
4.06The following policies are established to address other aspects of agricultural concerns.
4.06.1Agriculture in its various forms is the preferred use of areas designated AGRICULTURE. Although ít
is anticipated that adjustments to designated AGRICULTURE areas will not be necessary
during the planning period, proposed conversions should be processed consistent with the
Amendment Criteria Section of this document. ln addition, Whatcom County should
develop a system for addressing potential conversions that uses the principles established
in the "Land Evaluation System Analysis (LESA),' formulated by the Soil Conservation
Servíce.
4.06.2Agricultural operators are encouraged to use the information and assistance that is available from the
Soil Conservatíon Service and the Cooperative Extension Service for building siting,
manure storage, recommended agricultural uses and new technologies.
4.06.3Agricultural operators are encouraged to fence streams and ditches to prevent the direct introduction
of livestock and livestock wastes to conserve surface water quality and reduce stream bank
erosion and soil loss. ln addition, to minimize any potential short and long-term impacts to
groundwater supplies, agricultural operators are encouraged to use only those chemicals in
conservative amounts that are necessary for crop production, applied according to state
and federal guidelines, and to use chemicals having low potency and residuals of short
duration.
4.06.4Whatcom County supports the acquisition of conservation easements by public land trusts, consistent
with the intentions of affected property owners in AGRICULTURE designated areas to:
a. Preserve agricultural operations;
b.Conserve Prime Farmland soils;
c.Conserve fish and wildlife habitats;
d.Conserve scenic resources; or
e.Conserve designated Critical Resource Areas.
4.06.5Conservation of agricultural operations and Prime Farmland soils is encouraged through using the
current use tax assessment opportunities of the Open Space Taxation Act (RCW 84.34).
4.06.6lmplementation of "special districts" and water association plans, and other capital improvements,
should be approved or supported only when it is found that designated AGRICULTURE
areas will benefit.
5. COMMERCIAL
5.01|t is the policy of Whatcom County to acknowledge existing pattems of commercial uses and to provide
for additional future development by designating certain areas as concentrated centers for
commercial activities. ln designated areas, a broad range of goods and services should be
46
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE POLICIES
available including sales and servicing of vehicles, mobile homes and boats, eating and drinking
establishments, professional offices; service and retail establishments, commercial indoor and
outdoor recreation, commercial wholesaling, and public uses that are necessary for the function of
the designation.
5.02The areas designated as COMMERCIAL should be indicated as such on the Comprehensive Land Use
Plan Map.
S.O3Whatcom County should implement the GOMMERCIAL land use designation with the GENERAL
COMMERCIAL zone district.
5.041t is the policy of Whatcom County to encourage effective land use pattems and adequate provision of
services for GOMMERGIAL areas.
5.04.1The COMMERCIAL area of Acme should be served with public water and sewer by Water District
#18, sheriff protection, and volunteer fire protection. Until such time that public sewer
service is available, individual on-site septic disposal may be used. However, such system
should be designed to facilitate eventual inclusion in a public sewer system pursuant to the
sewer plans of Water District #18.
S.O4.2Stormwater facilities for all designated GOMMERCIAL areas should be consistent with the County
Stormwater Management Plan when adopted, provided that in the interim, on-site collection
and retention systems may be required.
5.04.3Maximum use of designated COMMERCIAL areas should be commensurate with available fire flow,
public health considerations and zone district requirements.
5.04.4lngress and egress points to state and county roads should be minimized by consolidating on-site
circulation networks and by developing shared access points to county roads.
5.04.5On-site circulation should be designed to accommodate private vehicles, delivery vehicles, bicycles
and pedestrians; and potential vehicular/bicycle/pedestrian conflicts should be avoided by
making provision for bicycle and pedestrian ways between commercial uses.
5.04.64 screened and/or landscaped buffer should be established along the periphery of the
COMMERCIAL district to minimize noise, glare, visual, and other intrusions into adjoining
residential and rural areas.
47
SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENS/VE PLAN COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND UTILITIES POLICIES
GOMMUNITY FACILITIES AND UTILITIES POLICIES
The implementation of land use designations is closely intenruoven with the provision of community facilities
such as utilities, roads, recreational areas, and emergency services. Land use designations also are
affected by and effect the environmental and economic resources of an area. Policies were developed to
address or resolve particular issues dealing with these interrelationships. The basic aim of these policies
are the maintenance of attractiveness for residential population growth and economic development. The
community utilities and services that are necessary in this subarea to maintain and enhance its resources,
particularly sewage disposal, require upgrading prior to additional intensive development. Related issues
are addressed in the sections on Transportation and Parks and Recreation that follow. The format of the
these policy statements are:
.0lPurpose
.02Coordination
.03Standards
.04lmplementation
1. COMMUNITY UTILITIES AND SERVICES
1.01Purpose: lt is the purpose of Whatcom County to ensure a beneficial balance between the demand for
and supply of community utilities and services and to ensure that jurisdictional responsibility and
service levels are consistent and predictable for the planned land uses. Community facilities and
services typically include sewer and water systems, transportation networks, school and park
systems, stormwater drainage systems, and fire/police protective services.
l.02coordination: lt is the policy of Whatcom County to encourage cooperation among municipalities,
special districts, water associations, and other appropriate groups in the planning and provision of
public services.
1.O2.1Whatcom County should cooperate and coordinate with Whatcom County Water Districts #18;
Whatcom County Fire Protection Districts #16; Mount Baker School District, and the State of
Washington in planning subarea service systems, particularly for areas designated as
URBAN RESERVE and GOMMERCIAL.
1.O2.2Whatcom County should recognize Puget Sound Power and Light Co. as the primary energy purveyor
in the subarea; however, the use of altemative energy systems such as active and passive
solar heating and water heating, small scale hydroelectric power, and wind power plants for
residential, commercial, quasi-public, and public land uses should be encouraged through
the favorable consideration of necessary site design variances whenever appropriate.
1.O2.3Whatcom County should ensure that the necessary staff and equipment are available in the Whatcom
County Sheriffs Department to provide adequate protective services for the South Fork
Valley Subarea population.
1.03S¡S!gfSþ: lt is the policy of Whatcom County to use availability and level of service standards for
community facilities and utilities to maintain and enhance its natural and economic resources, land
use pattems, and the safety and well-being of citizens.
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND UTILITIES POIIC/ES
1.03.1Whatcom County should encourage the placement and extension of sewer and water lines in areas
contiguous to existing development so as to discourage the occunence of "leap frog"
development.
1.03.2Whatcom County should discourage development in areas that are inaccessible to ambulances,
sheriffs vehicles and fire fighting equipment until private roads are developed that meet
emergency vehicle access requirements. Development in areas inaccessible to fire district
equipment should be discouraged unless adequate on-site water and fire suppression
systems are available for fire fighting.
I 04!mp!ementa!!on: lt is the policy of Whatcom County to use the following criteria for the implementation
of adequate economically feasible services in designated land use areas.
1.04.1URBAN RESERVE: Land areas designated URBAN RESERVE are intended for urban type
densities and should be provided with a full range of urban services including publicly
provided sewer and water, fire and sheriff protection, transportation and stormwater drainage
systems. On-site stormwater detention is required during development and in accordance
with the regional stormwater management plan when adopted. Upon completion of the
stormwater management plan, facilities and land area currently used for retention may be
converted to permitted uses and densities. Whatcom County recognizes specific service
purveyors for the delivery of urban services in the URBAN RESERVE areas as follows:
a. SewerandWater: WaterDistrict#18
b.Law Enforcement: Whatcom County Sheriffs Department
c.Fire Protection: Whatcom County Fire Protection District #16
d.Transportation: Whatcom County and Washington Department of Transportation
e. Recreation: Whatcom County Parks Department
f.Stormwater Manaqement: Whatcom County
1.04.2RURAL: Services should include on-site domestic waste water disposal systems and individual well
or water associations; volunteer fire protection from a Whatcom County Fire Protection
District and the Department of Natural Resources; law enforcement from the Whatcom
County Sheriffs Department; transportation provided by Washington Department of
Transportation; local access roads maintained by Whatcom CounV; private roads; and
recreation provided by the Whatcom County Parks Department. The area designated
RURAL immediately south of Galbraith road and west of Highway 9 should function as a
reserve district for the existing URBAN RESERVE district to the north. When it can be
demonstrated that the URBAN RESERVE district is reaching its buildout potential with
sewer and water services available, this RURAL district should be subject to change to
URBAN RESERVE.
1.04.3FORESTRY: Services should include on-site domestic waste water disposal systems and individual
well or water associations; volunteer fire protection from a Whatcom County Fire Protection
District and the Department of Natural Resources, law enforcement from the Whatcom
County Sheriffs Department; transportation provided by Washington Department of
Transportation; local access roads maintained by Whatcom County; and recreation provided
by the Whatcom County Parks Department.
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND UTILITIES POIIC/ES
1.04.4AGR|CULTURE: Services should include on-site domestic waste water disposal systems and
individual well or water associations; volunteer fìre protection from Whatcom County Fire
Protection District #16 and the Department of Natural Resources; law enforcement from the
Whatcom County Sheriffs Department; transportation provided by Washington Department
of Transportation; local access roads maintained by Whatcom County.
1.04.5COMMERG|AL: Services should include water association water where available; on-site wells and
waste water systems; storm drainage consistent with the regional stormwater management
plan when adopted; volunteer fire protection from Whatcom County Fire Protection District
#16; law enforcement from the Whatcom County Sheriffs Department; transportation
provided by Washington Department of Transportation; and local access roads maintained
by Whatcom County. The Commercial area in the town of Acme should utilize both the
sewer and water system of Water District #18 when they become available.
1.04.6411 sewer and water service should be provided in accordance with Whatcom County Health
Department standards.
1.O4.7All stormwater drainage facilities should be provided in accordance with the regional stormwater
management plan when adopted and the Whatcom Countv Develooment Standards.
1.04.8411 transportation service should be provided in accordance with the policies in the following
transportation section, as well as all applicable state and federal standards, and the
Whatcom Gountv Development Standards.
1.04.9411 recreational services should be provided in accordance with the standards of the Whatcom County
Parks Department.
2. TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
2.O1Purpose: lt is the policy of Whatcom County to ensure that land use pattems and transportation
planning mutually support the safe and efficient movement of people and goods; are consistent in
encouraging a predictable pattem of urban and rural development; and together conserve and
enhance existing public investments and resources.
2.01.1Whatcom County should use the development approval process of subdivision, zoning, and building
permits to establish community circulation patterns including vehicular, pedestrian, and
bicycle ways; and to secure rights-of-way and construction of all classifications of roads,
pedestrian trails, and bicycle paths.
2.O1.2Whalcom County should use the development approval process to ensure that all residential
development includes safe vehicular access for citizens and emergency vehicles.
2.01.3Whatcom County recognizes the significant investments made in the existing transportation system
and should reflect the following resources in any land use classification or zoning
amendments:
a. Highway 9 as a scenic highway and the principal access route to the timber and agricultural resources of
the subarea.
2.02Goordination: lt is the policy of Whatcom County to cooperate with federal, state, and municipal
agencies in providing for a coordinated transportation system.
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND UTILITIES POLICIES
2.O2.1Whahcom County does not support the development of a major arterial freeway system to replace the
present highway system in the South Fork Valley Subarea.
2.02.2Whatcom County should promote and encourage the provision of publíc transit as demand
increases in the South Fork Valley Subarea by incorporation when changes in the circulation
system are made through the Transportation lmprovement Program. For their information
and review, the public transit authority should be sent copies of all major subdivisions and all
PUD proposals regarding the provision of public transportation.
2.O3Standardg: lt is the policy of Whatcom County to maintain and enhance its natural and economic
resources, land use patterns, and the safety and well-being of its citizens through the application of
the following standards to its transportation system.
2.03.1Whatcom County should approve new road construction projects or improvements to existing roads
consistent with the regional stormwater management plan when adopted. Should the private
or public sector begin such projects before a plan is effective, the County should implement
appropriate measures to assure total containment of excess stormwater runoff for each
development proposal. Upon completion of the stormwater management plan, land area' currently used for retention may be converted to permitted uses and densities consistent with
the applicable zone district.
2.03.2Whatcom County should make every effort to preserve mature trees and unique wildlife habitats and
other elements of the natural environment during the design and construction of road
improvement projects. Where disruption of the natural environment is unavoidable, special
techniques such as rounded slopes, erosion control, reseeding and revegetation should be
employed to return roadsides to their natural state.
2.O3.3Bikeways and/or pedestrian walkways should be included as an integral part of the transportation
system. Whenever practical, bikeways proposed in new developments should connect with
theplannedbikewaysinthe@lanorintheParksandRecreation
Plan in this document.
2.03.4Whatcom County should pursue with the Department of Transportation, measures to improve
Highway 9 to insure adequate shoulders on each side of the highway and further, request
that the highway be widened, pitched, straightened and surfaced where appropriate to
increase highway safety for both the community and users.
2.03.5Whatcom County recognizes the economic importance of preserving the scenic qualities of the
Highway 9 conidor and encourages the use of setbacks, visual screening, and landscaping
for all development along the highway.
2.03.6Whatcom County should encourage development design that minimizes the amount of impervious
surfaces including streets, driveways, sidewalks, etc., whenever possible. ln addition,
Whatcom County encourages the use of "natural" engineering design methods such as the
use of open, shallow, grassed swales instead of curbs and gutters in lower density
residential developments.
2.04!¡nplementa!!on: lt is the policy of Whatcom County to implement a safe and efficient transportation
system as indicated in the following text policies and transportation plan map. When necessary, the
Roadway Classification Map should be amended.
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND UTILITIES POLIC/ES
2.04.1Whatcom County should identify the need for and approximate location of new, principle and minor
arterial routes in the South Fork Valley Subarea, if necessary, and should program the
construction of these routes in the Whatcom County Capital lmprovement Program.
2.O4.2Whalcom County should encourage the construction of new roads contiguous to existing
development. Such phased road construction is intended to discourage the occurrence of
"leap frog" development.
2.04.3Whatcom County should encourage the use of shared access roads from commercial and residential
developments to limit intersections with arterials.
2.04.4Whatcom County intends to enforce standards for clear vision at intersections in accordance with the
Whatcom Gountv Development Standards and Title 20.
2.04.5Through the development approval process, Whatcom County should identiff the short and long
range traffic impacts to subarea roads. This should be done by comparing the estimated
number of vehicle trips generated by a project with the planned level of service for each road
segment impacted by the project including intersections according to the Whatcom County
Engineering Division design standards and specifìcations. lf it is determined that a proposed
development will impact traffic resulting in service level below that planned for all affected
road classifications, Whatcom County should require mitigation by the developer in order to
make the necessary improvements that will maintain the pre-planned level of service or to
make an equivalent cash contribution to the Whatcom County Road Fund.
2.04.6Whatcom CounÇ should pursue with the state the redesignation of Highway 9 to a "Scenic and
Recreation Híghway" status provided by the Scenic and Recreation Highway Acts of 1967
and 1969.
3. PARKS AND RECREATION
3.0l Purpose: lt is the policy of Whatcom County to ensure that land use pattems and parks and recreation
planning mutually support each other; are consistent with the adequate provision of recreational
opportunities for residents; encourage tourism; and together conserve and enhance existing public
investments and resources.
3.01.1Whatcom County should use the development approval process of subdivision, zoning, and open
space applications to establish community recreational paths, and in conformance to this
plan, should obtain easements for public use or ownership of land for parks and recreational
opportunities.
3.01.2Whatcom County should use the development approval process to ensure that all development
makes provision for recreational opportunities for residents.
3.O2Gooperation: lt is the policy of Whatcom County to cooperate with federal, state, and municipal
agencies in providing for a coordinated parks and recreation system.
3.02.1Whatcom County should promote and encourage the provision of public parks as demand increases
in the South Fork Valley Subarea, where warranted by potential population levels and where
fragile environmental features and habitats are not threatened by such development. This
should be done by coordinating with the Whatcom County Parks improvement program. For
information and review, the County Parks Department should be sent copies of all major
subdivisions and all PUD proposals regarding provision of public recreation opportunities.
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND UTILITIES POLICIES
3.O3Standards: lt is the policy of Whatcom County to maintain and enhance its natural and economic
resources, and the safety and well-being of its citizens through the application of the following
standards to its parks and recreation system.
3.03.1Whatcom County should approve new park construction projects or improvements to existing parks
consistent with the subarea park plans.
3.03.2Bikeways and pedestrian walkways should be included as integral parts of the park and recreation
system, and should be implemented through public and private road construction or
improvement programs. Bikeways and pedestrian ways should be provided in new
developments to link residential areas, shopping areas, recreational areas, and educational
facilities. Whenever practical, bikeways proposed in new developments should connect with
the planned bikeways adopted herein.
3.03.3Whatcom County should encourage the use of noise buffers and visual screens between future
residential areas and high use recreational areas, and should ensure adequate access to
high use areas that avoid impacts on residential areas.
3.03.4Whatcom County should encourage the use of surfacing options such as porous asphalt pavement,
precast interlocking blocks, and rolled brick or cinder chips that reduce total surface runoff,
slow concentration and capture particulates in all park and recreation areas.
3.03.5Park and Recreation development should not negatively impact fish habitat in the South Fork Valley
nor diminish or threaten geographic areas designated "critical areas" by the County.
3.03.6Whatcom County should discourage the uncoordinated and unsupervised use of the South Fork of the
Nooksack as a "floating river".
3.04!¡np!ementalion: lt is the policy of Whatcom County to implement an adequate and economically
beneficial parks and recreation system as designated on the 1989 Comprehensive Park and
Recreation Ooen Space Plan and by amending it as necessary
3.04.1Through the land development approval process, Whatcom County should improve public access to
shorelines using such mechanisms as transfer of development rights, density bonuses, and
open space property tax status.
3.04.2Through the development approval process, Whatcom County should identifu the short and long
range recreational impacts to subarea parks by computing the estimated number of dwelling
units generated by a project and comparing those computations against the park and
recreational facility use standards and design standards. Whatcom County should request
the developer to mitigate impacts of additional population.
3.04.3Whatcom County will pursue Park and Recreation development that minimizes impacts fish habitat in
the South Fork Valley and does not diminish or threaten geographic areas designated
"critical areas" by the County.
3.04.44t a future date, Whatcom County should consider conditionally allowing the development and
use of a low impact camping and recreational vehicle facility located immediately north of the
Acme Bridge and west of Highway 9 along the Nooksack River and within walking distance
ofAcme.
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SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND UTILITIES POLICIES
a.Development of such a facility will be subject to a contract rezone which will require at the minimum the
following conditions:
1. The Proposal will generally conform to the policies of the South Fork Valley Subarea Comprehensive Plan
and the Whatcom County Comprehensive Park and Recreation Open Space Plan;
2.The proposalwill conform to the provisions of the Shoreline ManagementAct as amended in 1991 and
the State Environmental Protection Act;
3. The proposalwill be limited to low impact recreational use with no utility hook-ups or permanent fixtures or
structures;
4. Commercial use of the facility will be limited to the months of May through September; and
5. Public access will be provided.
3.04.5Whatcom County should identify the need for and the approximate location of new principal sites and
connecting recreational paths in the South Fork Valley Subarea, and should program the
construction of these sites and routes in the Whatcom County Parks Capital lmprovement
Program and Transportation lmprovement Program.
3.04.6Whatcom County should recognize the unique and fragile recreational and wildlife value of:
A. The South Fork of the Nooksack upstream from Skookum Creek.
B. The Nesset Farm
C. Hardscrabble and Sygitowicz Falls
D. Dye's Canyon
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SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECO N OM I C D EV ELOPM ENT POL I CI ES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY
It is essential for planning the physical development of Whatcom County to consider the nature and extent of
its present and probable future economic activities . These activities determine in large measure the size
and income of the population, and thus the character and amount of development which will occur and
which should be considered in the comprehensive plan. The activity which takes place in this subarea is
part of a larger pattem of economic activities which can be properly understood only at regional, national or
even international levels and must be considered with this in mind during the planning process.
5. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
5.01Purpose: lt is the policy of Whatcom County to promote economic development in the South Fork
Valley Subarea by;
5.01.lProviding for new economic development relating to the natural resources; aquaculture, flsheries,
recreation, tourism, and agricultural processing and promotion.
5.0l.2Recognizing forestry, agriculture and fisheries as the most significant potential generators of jobs,
profits, and taxes in the subarea.
5.01.3Recognizing cottage industries as a fourth category whose economic potential can be developed.
5.01.4Recognizing and protecting the natural resources of the area, including fish, timber, minerals, scenic
beauty, and recreational opportunities.
S.02coordination: lt is the policy of Whatcom County to encourage cooperation among state agencies,
municipalities, economic development groups, and private landowners to enhance its economic
potential.
5.02.1Whatcom County should promote cooperation with Water District #18 to coordinate land use and
capital programming decisions in order to preserve natural economic resources
and maximize economic development potential
5.02.2Whatcom County should encourage private forest and woodlot property owners to conserve the
county forest resource base by utilizing the current use tax assessment provisions
of RCW 84.28, RCW 84.33, and RCW 84.34.
5.02.3Whatcom County should encourage private agricultural operators to conserve the county prime
farmland soils resource by utilizing the current use tax assessment provisions of
RCW 84.28, RCW 84.33, and RCW 84.34, and by working with agricultural
organizations to implement best management practices.
S.03Standards: lt is the policy of Whatcom County to use the following standards to enhance and maintain
its economic potential.
5.03.1Existing uses that are not allowed in a zone district specified when the South Fork Valley Subarea
Comprehensive Plan is adopted should be recognized for their economic
investment and allowed to continue and expand as legal nonconforming uses.
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SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECO N OM IC D EV ELO PM ENT PO LI C I ES
5.03.2Present land use codes and future comprehensive plan and zoning amendments should be examined
for their enhancement of the economy of the subarea and region and be
implemented so as to:
a.foster and promote the general welfare in the long run as well as the immediate future;
b.create and maintain a balanced and diversified economy sustained by a healthy environment;
c.strengthen and stabilize the tax base; and
d.fulfill the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations of Whatcom County
citizens.
5.03.31n reviewing development proposals, the regulations should be administered and enforced with
particular concem for:
a.the water quality in the area, especially in the South Fork of the Nooksack River and its tributaries
where aquaculture and fish spawning provide significant economic and
recreational potential;
b.the visual appearance of the subarea and where appropriate: (1) maintain the rural character, (2)
enhance the urbanized area with proper site screening, internal
landscaping, view corridors and public access, and (3) provide area-wide
sign control; and
c.the expeditious approval of uses that will provide jobs and enhance the tax base
5.04!¡n¡!ementa!!on: lt is the policy of Whatcom County to recognize the economic potential of capital
improvement decisions and other non-land use programs, and to coordinate these efforts in a
concerted approach to cost effective development of the area.
5.04.1Whatcom County should continue to take an active role to promote implementing measures other
than land use designation and zoning for the area, and to set priorities for the
actions required for accomplishing the goals identified in this plan, particularly those
categories related to economic development which tend to cut across all issues.
5.04.2Cottage industries will be acknowledged and encouraged in rural zones, subject to maintaining
consistency with the rural character of the area.
5.04.3Direct economic activities should be incorporated in the annual Overall Economic Development
Program.
5.04.4Actions identified for enhancement of the subarea should be incorporated in the appropriate capital
improvement programs.
5.04.5Whatcom County should seek to provide every opportunity for the farmer to utilize arable land in the
most efficient manner possible and to facilitate a viable agricultural industry in the
South Fork Valley.
5.04.6Whatcom County should work to preserve forest lands for the utilization of timber management and
harvest and to facilitate a viable forest industry in the South Fork Valley.
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SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSVE PLAN
ENV I RO N M ENTAL RESO U RCES AND
CONS TRAl,VIS POLICIES
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND CONSTRAINTS POLICY
Environmental resources in the South Fork Valley Subarea are extensive and, in some cases, irreplaceable.
Environmental resources that contribute to economy and livability in the South Fork Valley include the South
Fork of the Nooksack River, timber, wildlife habitat, fish spawning streams, clean ground and surface water,
and Prime Farmland soils.
Some of these same resources pose serious environmental constraints and hazards to development.
Flooding in the South Fork River is frequent and impacts much of the valley floor. There are numerous
wetlands and hydric soils throughout the valley that provide critical wetland functions but inhibit
development. The steep gradient and geologic structure of the mountain ranges in the South Fork Valley
Subarea in conjunction with heavy annual precipitation, contribute to slope instability and flood prone
drainage basins (Figure 5).
4. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND CONSTRAINTS
4.01Purpose: lt is the policy of Whatcom County to manage its natural resources by recognizing and
conserving ineplaceable resources, by providing suitable protection for environmentally sensitive
areas, by enhancing environmental quality, and by planning and zoning in accordance with
environmental hazards.
4.O2coordination: lt is the policy of Whatcom County to encourage cooperation among federal and state
agencies, municipalities, environmental groups, tribal govemments, and private landowners to
enhance its environmental resources.
4.02.1Whatcom County should continue to use the public benefìt rating system to evaluate applications for
tax relief on open space land use pursuant to RCW 84.34 whereby granting of
open space tax status should be dependent upon determination that the public
benefit of retaining a parcel in open space outweighs the loss or deferral of revenue
to the County.
4.02.2Whatcom County should encourage property owners to use the current use tax assessment
provisíons of RCW 84.34 to retain the following areas in open space: steep or
unstable slopes, stream corridors, wetlands, shoreline areas, and unique or
important wildlife habitats.
4.02.3Whatcom County should work with property owners, citizen groups, the Lummi lndian Nation and the
Nooksack lndian Tribe, the State of Washington, and other agencies in protecting
bald eagle habitat, fishery resources, and surface and groundwater quality of the
subarea.
4.O2.4The County should cooperate with federal, state, and local agencies, as appropriate, in monitoring
and protecting water quality in the Nooksack drainage. Existing and future
developments or other activity that significantly deteriorate water quality or
contribute excessive sedimentation should be curtailed.
4.02.5Whatcom County should work with The United States Geological Survey to install one additional
gauging station immediately upstream from the confluence of the South Fork and
the main stem of the Nooksack River. Gauging stations should also be installed in
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ENV I RO N M ENTAL RESO U RCES AND
CONSIRA/NTS POLIC/ES
those tributary creeks of the South Fork drainage that are under the jurisdiction of
wAc 173-501-030.
4.03S!gS!g!g: lt is the policy of Whatcom County to enhance and maintain its environmental resources
according to the following standards:
4.03.1Whatcom County should promote the use of 10O-year floodplain associated with stream conidors as
open space. Residential development should be encouraged to be sited at
suffìcient distance from all streams to minimize potential loss or damage to property
that may occur as the result of debris dam failure or increased duration and volume
of stream flow. Whatcom County should encourage minimal use of stream
conidors, drainage swales, and alluvial areas for development.
4.03.2Whatcom County should promote groundwater of a quality suitable for domestic consumption by
encouraging low density and intensity uses in locations with soils of poor quality for
septic systems.
4.03.3Whatcom County should recognize natural wetlands such as swamps, bogs, marshes, and ponds as
natural catchment basins for stormwater run-off, flora and fauna habitat, and
potential groundwater recharge areas. Run-off during development should be
controlled as specified in the Whatcom Gountv Development Standards.
4.03.4Whatcom County should encourage utilization of steep slopes and other geologically hazardous areas
for open space, very low density development or forestry. lf used for development
purposes, structures should comply with the provisions of the Uniform Building
Code and Whatcom CounÇ's Critical Areas Ordinance. Where slopes are in
excess of 10%, cluster development should be encouraged to minimize slope
disturbance. Placement of residential structures on localized terraces and benches
is encouraged.
4.03.5Whatcom County should seek to protect the public from damage to life and property in drainage
basins that have a history of excessive flooding, erosion, sedimentation, and debris
torrents originating in the steep and unstable mountainous regions of the basin.
4.03.6Whatcom County should encourage very low residential densities in areas of known mineral resource
occurrence with the intent of retaining future access and utilization options.
Subsurface mining operations should conform to Title 20, the Official Whatcom
County Zoning Ordinance, as well as state and federal regulations.
4.03.7Whatcom County should foster continued fish and wildlife habitat integrity in the South Fork Valley
Subarea through identification and designation, the development approval process,
and public works. Applicable habitats include eagle roosting sites and feeding
areas, heron rookeries, peregrine falcon habitat, salmon and trout spawning
streams and lakes, deer and elk migration routes, and wetland and waterfowl
habitat.
4.03.8Whatcom County should encourage air pollution abatement with the intent of maintaining and/or
enhancing air quality, consistent with the Federal Clean Air Act, and accomplished
through the coordination of local land use proposal review with the Northwest Air
Pollution Authority and other environmental agencies.
4.03.9Whatcom County should implement the necessary rules, regulations, and ordinances which are
required by state law to minimize noise impacts.
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SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ENV I RO NM ENTAL RESO U RCES AND
CONSTRA/NIS POIIC/ES
4.03.10Whatcom County should review all shoreline development proposals for adherence to the
requirements of the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program.
4.03.11Whatcom County should insure that minimum flow standards set by the Department of Ecology
under WACI 73-501 -030(2) are enforced.
4.03.12Whatcom County should review and update the status of nature resource lands, and make
appropriate changes to the agriculture and forestry designations in conformance
with the House Bil2929.
4.04!¡np!ementalig¡: lt is the policy of Whatcom County to implement the enhancement of its environmental
resources through the following actions.
4.04.1Whatcom County should continue to play an active role in monitoring Forest Practices Applications.
The County should closely monitor forest practices in the drainage basins of Jones
Creek, McCarty Creek, Standard Creek, Hardscrabble Creek, Sygitowicz Creek,
and Falls Creek.
4.O4.2Forestry and associated activities are the preferred uses in the mountainous portions of the subarea.
Forested areas should be discouraged from conversion to other uses that might
preclude continued forest management.
4.04.3Whatcom County should seek funding for additional monitoring and enforcement of septic system
performance in the subarea.
4.04.4Whatcom County should encourage efforts to provide monitoring of stream and river flows in the
South Fork Subarea to determine if minimum flow standards and water quality
standards are being met.
4.04.5Whatcom County should insure that all activity in the South Fork Watershed be permitted contingent
upon proof that adequate water flows are available as established by the
Department of Ecology under WAC 173-501-030(2).
4.04.6Whatcom County should address any decrease in water quality that results form the application of
chemical herbicides used on county roads, farm and forestry practices, and
development density.
4.04.7Whatcom County should take appropriate permanent measures to stabilize the
drainage channel of Jones Creek from the private bridge on Galbraith Road to the
mouth of the creek at the Nooksack River. This should include the construction of
a berm between the Galbraith bridge and the Turkington bridge to protect existing
development from flooding and damage caused by debris
4.04.8Whatcom County should address any decrease in water quality or increase in flooding capacity that
results from excessive sedimentation and erosion. This should include the
monitoring of agricultural practices, forestry practices, and development activity.
4.04.9Whatcom County should maintain and enhance the public usefulness of the South Fork Valley
Subarea shorelines in accordance with the Shoreline Management Program by:
a.encouraging alternative setback regulations where shared driveways, clustered buildings, and other
variations from required setbacks will provide less obstructed
scenic vistas for the public; and
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ENV I RO N M ENTAL RESO U RCES AND
CONSIRA/NIS POIIC/ES
b.using the development review process to preserve recreational access to the South Fork Valley shorelines
through requiring any land development to indicate how it will
avoid significant adverse impacts on or displacement of
recreational uses that have no comparable, alternate sites locally.
4.04.1OUsing an ecosystems approach to analyze designation and regulations of environmentally sensitive
areas, Whatcom County should develop a "Critical Areas Ordinance" in
conformance with the House Bill 2929. Elements of the Critical Areas Ordinance
should include at the minimum;
A. Geologically Hazard Areas
B. Wetlands
C. Groundwater Recharge Areas
D. Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas
E. Frequently Flooded Areas
F. Critical Drainage Areas
4.04.11Until such time that a Critical Areas Ordinance has been adopted and applied to land use
development, Whatcom County should review all permíts in the South Fork Valley
Subarea for environmental impacts that may result from development or hazards
that may threaten proposed construction. The County will utilize the elements of
the CriticalAreas Ordinance proposed in 4.03.11 of this section and the provisions
of SHB 2929, and the Minimum Guidelines to Classify Agriculture, Forest, and
Mineral Lands and Critical Areas set forth in Chapter 365-190 WAC (proposed) to
assist in making a determination.
60
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SOIM| FORK VALLE/ SUBAßFr'',
COMPREHENSNE PIAN OPTIONS, GUIDEUNES, AATD REQUNEMENIS
I.AND DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS, GUIDELINES AND REOUIREMENTS
Thls sectlon provldes erwironmentally diclent options for land development that mlnlmlze public and prlvate
utillty and transpoilation expenditures. Also provHed are general lnformation and rcqulrenrnts that effect
the m{orlty of hrd we desþnatlons ln the South Fork Valley Subarea. Guldellnes and requlrernents that
are unlque are prwHed ln the apdlcaUe zonlng ordlnance text.
1.01 Aræs tfnt are deslgnated URBAN RESERIÆ, and BURAL have ttþ optlon of creating nar
rældentlal parcels uslng the corwentlonal subdfulslon method. Parcel slzes ln conventional
subdivlslons are unlform and are speclffcally estaHbhsd ln eacf¡ lmplementlng zonè terd.
1.02 Areas that are designated URBAITI RESERìIE, RUBAL, and FORESTRY when implernented by the
RURAL FORESTRY zonlng d¡strlct, have the optlon d creatlng nar resklentlal parcels using the
cluster subdþlslon m*hod- The purpose lsto prwHe economlcflexlbiltybrhe hrdlvlttul proporty
owner, promots economlc lot design, congerue non-relæwabrle and renaraHe natunal resourcec,
mlnirúze dleturbances to efìUronmentally ftaglle areas, prcmots compatlb¡lity wlth surrcurdlng non-
rceldential land uses, and provlde opt¡ons beyond the planning porbd for land use decblons,
Glueter zubdlvblon lB deflnod as an alternatlve method of creatlng h¡lldlng parcels that ere spatlally
dlclenû and economlcal, and that wil retaln optlons for fr¡ture uses and densltles by treatlng land
as a commodlty and resource. The following pd¡c¡es eeûabllsh subdtu¡slon gulddlnes and
implementatlon conslderatlons.
1.02.r Mlnlmum parcel slze ehould be s€tablbhed conelstent r*'lth the provlslons of
spedflc lmplemendng zr)nos or Health Department requlremerüs; whlchwer are
greatsr.
1.42.2
1.02.3
Subdlvbion dæign ehoukl be dlscouraged ftorn fomlng llneal resldentlal pattems
adlacent to reds by mlnlmÞlng lngress and egnss polnts, arÉ by consdldetlng
acc€sa for several parcels.
When posslue, h ls pfsbred that resldenthl structwes Oe shø at lhe pêrlm€Éer
of fl€tds or woodlots, in woodlffi, or partb¡ly concealed by topographlc features.
1ß2.4 When posslHe. structures on open hdscapee shor¡ld be slted and deslgned to
mlnlmlze vlew dbruptlons fiom adlacent popeilles and puHlc roadways.
1.02.5 When a cluster subdivlelon ls situat€d adlac€nt to a less lntenslve me, lncludlng
large parcel resldential, agrlcultwe or úorestry, the subdlvlslon should be bufier€d
atthg sile peíptnry to prorenû he encrmc-trment d velúcles, psdestrbns, anhnals,
and nulearrcss onto the less intgnsivdy used parcels.
1.02.6 Vehlcdar and pedestún neturorlrs should be o¡lented to the lnterlor of cluelered
sr¡bdivldone
1.O2.7 To mai¡rtaln area chara¿:ter and sertüement pattern, and to achÞve vlsual
compatlbillty and land carryiqg capadty slmllar wltñ the *rrounQlng aræ. füe
Subdivlsion Adm¡nlslrator and Hearing E¡ominer may equeat ttrat the potenthl
number of bullding sltes br a partlcdar parcel be dustered lrito two or more
resldenti¿rl concentratlo m.
Areas rhar are designded URBAI{ RE9ERì|E, RuR ll.' COltllERc¡A|., and FoRESTFY (tiñ€n rhs
FORESTRY desþnatlon ls lmplemented bythe RUBAL FORESTRY zonlng distrlcr), have the odlon
of uslng tlæ Planned Uú Dwdopment prorislon of the Tltle Ð Zonlng Odlnance. Planned Unlt
1.03
62
SOUTH FORK UALLE( SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE Pt/.r,t OPT'ONS, GUIDELINES, N,TD REQUIREMENTS
Dwelopment ls deflned as an offlc¡al control thatallors greaterf,exlblllty In denslty, bulk regulatlons,
þttlldlng typs ard land use mlllure than ls generally permltted ln the specllc lmplementlng zone
tÐft. Thê optlon ls lilended to €ncourage crcat¡ve slte plannlng; peÍflanent open space; vad€ty ln
lMng, worklng a¡rd recreatlona! serül¡gs; consewallon of erulronmentally fraglle areas¡ ard mked
use danelopmefrs.l.M A resldct¡rre corcnant shq.úd be attached to th€ faoe d arry resËerülal eubdivtBlon plat when locat€d
adþcenttotheAGF|CULTURE zone ora oommerchl agrlculùnl ope¡¡tlon ln azonhrg d¡slrlctthat
allows sr¡ch a use; the Intent ol whlcli ls to facll[ate the unhampered contlntntlon d legal and
customary operatloæ assoclated wlh aglculhtral pnctices.
1.05 A rsStrlctfuo covenant should be attach to the face of any ]€aH€nthl subdlvlslon plat uñen located
adlace¡rt to or lmrÌþdlately belor forested hnds wblect to cornmorchl forest practlcæ wttlct are
located ln a Zonlng dlstrlct that allows srch a u9ê; th€ intent of whlch 18 to facffitate the unhampered
continuatlon of legal opeladons s¡¡ch as nolse, smoks and other nubances assochted vulth forest
pnctlces.Ttds slrould not apply to physlcal damages to adlacert or downhil propenbs resultlttg
lrom the lnteractlqn cil hnd deafig and ldent geologlc and hydrologlc condltlgns ln the dfected
area,'
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SOUTH FORK VALLEY SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CO M P REH EN S IV E P LAN AM EN D M ENTS
COMPREHENSIVE PI.AN AMENDMENTS
The South Fork Valley Subarea Plan is a policy document that is used to guide land use decisions affecting
both the private and public sectors of the subarea. For the plan to function as an effective decision making
document, it must be flexible enough to weather changes in public attitudes, developmental technologies,
economic forces and legislative policy.
The plan envisions two general types of plan amendments. The first type is a review conducted
approximately every seven years. This review should re-examine the entire plan, including a re-evaluation
of goals, updates of land related elements, and the reaffirmation of land use policies and proposals. This
review is the responsibility of land use policies and proposals. This review is the responsibility of the
Whatcom County Planning Commission, the Planning Department Staff, and the people of the subarea.
The second type of amendment is that proposed and initiated by an individual or agency. The land uses
illustrated on the Land Use Plan Map are the result of the application of the plan's goals and policies.
However, it is reasonable to assume that an individual or agency may introduce land use proposals that
conflict with the plan map or policies of the plan itself. ln such instances, the individual or agency may
purpose an amendment to the plan. Petitions for amendment of the Comprehensive Plan addressed to
either the Planning Commission for adoption or amendment of comprehensive plans. ln applying for a
particular amendment to the plan or plan map, the individual or agency should conform to the following
criteria:
1.The amendment request should conform with applicable Washington State laws goveming
Comprehensive Plan amendments;
2.The amendment request should conform with the goals of the subarea plan;
3.The amendment request should be compatible with the existing and planned sunounding land uses;
4.The amendment request should not result in unmitigated detrimental impacts to existing transportation
systems;
S.The amendment request should not place uncompensated burdens upon existing or planned service
capabilities; and
6.The amendment request should demonstrate a land usage need which is currently not met by this
comprehensive plan.
64
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