HomeMy WebLinkAboutord2015-015WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL NO.20r4-L9B
CLEARANCES Inítiøl Døte Date Received in Councìl Oflíce Asenda Date Assisned to¿
Originator:
Matl Aamot
M.A.5/52014
REGEIVED
MAY I 3 2014
WHATCOM COUNTY
COUNCI L
s/20/2014 Introductìon
Divísion Head:
Mark Personius lÅ,4?5 -5- (t 6/3/20r4 P&D Committee and
Councíl
Dept. Head:
Sam Ryan -9(-6-t -tq r/27 /20ts Council - Concurrent
Rawi ew
Prosecutor:
Royce Buckingham {/1- r' lt 3/3/r5 louncil - Concurrent
Powi ew
Purchasing/Budget.A^4/14/2015 Council - Concurrent
Review
Executive:
Jack Louws / -vt bsl>/rq
TrrLE Or OOV(/UúWr:
Repeal the Lake Whatbom Subarea Plan and amend provisions in the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
relating to subarea plans.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 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 onfile at the Council ffice.
( X )Yes( X )Yes
SEPA revíew requíred?
SEPA review completed?
(
(
)
)
NO
NO
ShouldClerkscheduleøheøríng? ( )Yes (Í )NO
Requested Døte
1 The Council must hold a hearíng if they want to change the Planning Commission's
recomm e ndatio n fllCC 2, I 60. I 00( B D.
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE: (If thís ítem ìs an ordínønce or requires ø public
hearing, you must provide the language for use ìn the requíred publíc notice. Be specífic and cíte RCll/ or II/CC us øppropriate. Be
cleør ín explaining the íntent of the øctíon.)
Repeal the Lake Whatcom Subarea Plan and amend provisions in the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan
relating to subarea plans. The Lake Whatcom Subarea Plan was adopted in 1982, prior to enactment of the
Growth Management Act GMA in 1990.
NOTE: Final approval ofthese amendments would occur as part ofconcurrent reyiew ofcomprehensive plan amendments in early 201 5.
COMMITTEE ACTION:
6/3/2014: Committee recommended that the Council
forward for concurrent review
COUNCIL ACTION:
5/2O/2OI4.. Introduced 6-0, Iileirner absent6/3/20L4: Recommended for concurrent review 7-0
I/27/201,5: Heltl to a later clate
3/3/2Ol5z Helct in Council to be adopted at a later date
4/14/2OI5z Actoptetl 7-0, Ord. 2015-015
Reløted County Contract #:Reløted Fíle Numbers:Ordínønce or Resolutíon Number:
Ord. 2015-015
Please Note: Once ødopted and sígned, ordìnances and resolutíons are available for vìewing and printíng on
the County's website øt: Ww.co.whatcom.wa.us/couilcí1.
5-05-20 I 4
SPONSORED BY:
PROPOSED BY: PDS
INTRODUCTION DATE: s/2o/zors
ORDINANCE NO. 201s-01s
REPEALING THE 1982 LAKE WHATCOM 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
WHEREAS, The Whatcom County Planning Commission held a public hearing on April24,
2014; and
\üHEREAS, The Whatcom County Planning Commission recommended the comprehensive
plan amendments on April 24,2014; 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.
Repealing the Lake Whatcom Subarea Plan (1982).
A determination of non-significance (DNS) was issued under the State Environmental
PolicyAct (SEPA) on March 25,2014.
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 the City of Bellingham and 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.
I
a.
b.
2
J
4
5
6.
7
Notice of the Planning Commission hearing for the subject amendments was published in
the Bellingham Herald on April 11,2014.
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 Countymust 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").
2
8
9
10.However, the GMA requires that subarea plans must be consistent with a county's
comprehensive plan. Specifically, RCW 36.704.080(2) states: "A comprehensive plan
may include, where appropriate, subarea plans, each of which is consistent with the
comprehensive plan."
11 The Lake Whatcom Subarea Plan was adopted in 1982, prior to enactment of the GMA in
1990. 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 does not address urban growth areas
(UGAs), contains different land use designations, is inconsistent with the Comprehensive
Plan's rural element, and has a different planning period.
County-\üide Planning Policies
12. The County-Wide Planning Policies do not require the County to retain old subarea plans.
Interlocal Agreements
13. A portion of the Bellingham UGA is included in the Lake Whatcom Subarea.
14.An Interlocal Agreement between the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County
concerning Planning, Annexation and Development within the Bellingham UGA was
signed in April 2012. This interlocal agreement does not require the County to retain this
subarea plan.
Further Studies/Changed Conditions
15. The Lake'Whatcom Subarea Plan was adopted in 1982.
16.The GMA, adopted in 1990, included a requirement to designate UGAs. The 1982 Lake
Whatcom Subarea Plan does not address UGAs.
17.The GMA was amendedin 1997 to include criteria for limited areas of more intensrve
rural development (LAMIRDs). The 1982Lake Whatcom Subarea Plan does not address
LAMIRDs.
18.The Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan was originally adopted in 1997, and
subsequently amended. The 1982Lake Whatcom Subarea Plan is not consistent with the
County Comprehensive Plan.
19.The 1982 Lake Whatcom Subarea Plan utilized a 15-year planning period (which ended
in 1997).
20. The Urban Fringe Plan was adopted in I99l and subsequently amended.
J
2l Changed conditions including enactment of the GMA, adoption of newer plans and the
passage of time warrant repealing the 1982 Lake Whatcom Subarea Plan.
Public Interest
Repealing the 1982 Lake Whatcom Subarea Plan will serve the public interest by
removing a plan that is inconsistent with the'Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan.
Spot Zoning
23. The subject proposal does not involve rezoningproperty.
CONCLUSION
The subject proposal is consistent with the approval criteria of WCC 2.160.080.
22.
4
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 Lake Whatcom Subarea Plan (1982) is herebyrepealed 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 r¿tn day of April .2015
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, V/ASHINGTON
Dana Carl Weimer, Chairperson
( ) Denied
Jack Executive
Date Ç lf
lttttttt
,ililt1
APPROVED as to form:
Civil Deputy
a
5
Exh¡b¡t A
Amend Chapter 2 of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan as follows:
Policy 2L-2:Retain and períodically review the adopted Subarea Plans
(LummiIsland,CherryPoint-Ferndale,La*e-l#@Urban
Fringe, Birch Bay Community Plan, Foothills, Point Roberts,
South Fork Valley, and Eliza Island). Subarea Plans represent a
long history of plan development in Whatcom County and
provided the foundation for the county's first Growth
Management comprehensive plan adopted in 1997.
Utilize a process which 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 subsection
"2Þ' for gâps, 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 issues.
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 Participation. 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.
1
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 or repealed. 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 be 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 or repealed. 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 wíth 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
NOTE: The text of Policy 2L-2 above is also being amended in association
wÍth the proposed repeal of the South Fork Valley Subarea PIan (file #
2O74-OOOO3) and the proposed repeal of the Eliza Island Plan (file # 2074-
OOOO4). The changes to Policy 2L-2 proposed in the subjed 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)
.ii
I,AKE WHATCOM
SUBAREA
a component of the
Whatcom County
Comprehensive Land Use Plan
o Pt" IRob@rts Subale¡a
o ltn¡mnmnfl llslamd Sunbaße¡a
o Chenry IPû" -lF@rndale Subaße¡a
o Lake Whatcom Subarea
o Urbam lFrflng@ Suba¡e;a
o Lymd@m -Nfo@ksaak Valley Sn¡ba¡e¡a
o tsf,nalh tsay - B[aflme Subar@a
o Ghnnelkanut - Itake Samoflsh Sn¡baße;a
o Son¡th lFork Va[[eV Subanea
o lFoothfll[s Subaße,a
LIIf,B ïUATC(II SUEAEA
CTüPNßEEIISWT PI,IN
amflIsÎ, 1982
l{hatco Cor¡oty E¡¡ecutive
John Louws
l{haücæ Cor¡ntv Cor¡¡eil
Shirlcy Va¡ Za¡ten
Don Eansey
Larry Dlclntyre
C.J. Jobnso¡
llbptco C_ountv Plæni¡¡ Coieg,i.gp
John Va¡derhagie, Cheiruan
AI Híckinbothan, Vice Chairoa¡r
Bob A¡rdersea
Eill Clenent
EuiI detlilde
B.lf. rBob'lfue¡acber
Ji¡ EanleVI{iIl Eo€hl
Joe Elenbaes
Jsck Griffi¡
Peggy EintonAlvi¡ Ven Dalen
tlhatcc Countv P1ani¡r Staff
Micheal E. Nicholson, Planning Direcùor
tlillian G. Trim, Aesistant Director
Jon Holan, Senior Planner
Sharon Eayee, Aùinistrative Secreta¡l
Steve Cornell, Planuer I
Sa¡dra Paln, Planaer f
Miche I e Gieruan, Graphic'rs/lech¡ i cel Ass ist e¡t
Eare¡ Daniels, I\rpist
Ilhatco County Pl-r-i¡g
4{11 Gre¡d Aværrc
Belti¡¡Èo, l{A f18225
TIBI.E OF COITITTIITS
Page
I. IMnOp_U.qTIolì¡
Authority I
Ì
t
E
o
Definition & Application
Subarea P1enninÉ, Coneept
l{hatcom County Planning Process
II. STIBANtsA DESCRIPTTON
Generaì
Findings
Citizen Particípation & Subarea Issues
III. FOPUTATION FORECASTS 9
V. NAIIONAI & IPCATIONAT CRITERIâ rcR IA¡ID USE DESÍGNATIOTIS
A. Urba¡r Reserve ...16
A.l Urben Reserve lledir¡n Density. ......17
5
5
6
rv. @AISTATEMEIrIS. .......14
B
c
D
B
F
Regidential Rr¡ral .. -...I7
Rural
Public
Forestry
18
t9
20
22
Quasi-Pr¡blic . ...20
vr. Eoj_IgIEs
A
E
c
D
E
F
u
H
T
J
Residential RurEl
Rural
P¡¡blic
Forestry
3t
34
36
Quasi-Public . ...38
Cour¡¡¡Íty Facilities and UtíIities 39
Transportation,/Circulation . . . . . . . .43
Enviro¡¡¡entel . ........47
Econonic 50
VII. COMPNEHENSIVE PL,AN AIUE¡IDMEIfIS 5t
VIII. COI{PREHENSIVE PL.¡IN TITIID USE ÈIAP 52
I. ITiTTRODUCTION
Statutory ,.AuthoTiÈg
Statutory authority for county comprehensive land use plan¡li¡g is
established Ín t{ashington State Plonningi Enabling Act' in which it is stated
that "eac[ pla¡¡ninE ag:ency shall prepare a coupre]rensive plan for the
orderlyphysical develo¡nent of the county or Èny portion thereof..."
(nCW 36.?0.320). ltre Lake l{hatcou Sr¡barea Couprehensive Plan has been
developed in response to statutory authority, as well as in recognition of
the widely accepted principle that future llhatcor Coru¡ty la¡rd r¡se decisions
should be nade in a coordinated and responsible nanner by botb the public
a¡¡d private sectors.
Definltion,-qnd Aeelicatiop
The f{hatcon County Comprehensive PIa¡r is defined as an official p¡¡bl.ic
doc¡¡nent to be utilized by both the pr¡blic and private sectors as a policy
gUideline for rnaking orderly and desirable decisions concerniDÉi the future
use of land in the county. The plan has been for¡ulated by the Ílbatcon
Coru¡ty Planning Comission and is ccmprehensive, general and long-range in
nature. Conprehensive, in that it encm¡rassea uqior geogfaphic areas of the
eorrnty a¡d the fru¡ctional eleuents that bear on physicsl deteLopment;
general, in that it sr¡marizes najor policies a¡d proposals and is not' by
statute, a detailed regulation; and long-range, in that ít not only
addresses current issues, but also anticipated probleos and possibilities of
the future.
The purpose of this docr¡uent is to foster a responsible process of land use
decision-naking. îhe goals, policies a¡rd la¡rd use plan nap contained herein
serues to aend the 1970 tlhatcø Cormty Comprehensive Plan for the
geographic eree covered by the Lake llhatccm Subarea. lbe 19?0 pla¡r served
as a good a¡d basic plan for the 1970's, but as tines change, people's
attitudes, technoloEies and eeononies also change. Consequently, the
prinary decision-¡akinÉ docrnent of local goverDment must be revised to
address.current and anticipated issues of the future.
In consideration of the changes that have occurred since the existing pla¡r
was adopted, the Plenning Comission resolved in December, 1978 to revise
and update the t970 Co¡prehensive Plan. The Comission is also a¡rare that
changes will continue throuúh the 1980's and has realized that the policies
contained herein will be subject to ¡¡odífication a¡ld revision over a period
of tine. As is discussed in the folløing section, this st¡barea plan will
be revised on a fiveyeer basis.
Subarea Planninf ConcaÞt
Because of the county's diverse physical a¡rd cr¡ltural nal¡e-up, the Plar¡ni¡g
Comission elected to revise the plan on an individual geographic aree
basis. Il¡us, the Comission divided the western onethird of the cor¡nty
into ten logical geographic areas where the planning process could be
applied in a unifom ar¡d consistent ua¡rner. Denoted as 'subareas," these
geographic areas were delineated to address varior¡s 1s¡d uae related issues
that appeared to be unigue to particuLar areas of the co¡¡r¡ty.
I
the criteria utilÍzed by the Cmission to delineate tbe s¡:barea boundarÍes
include natural and physical featuree; political subdivieions, such as
special purpose districts (serrer, water, fire, school, etc.); existingl la¡¡d
use patterns; and the presence of a city or tona (where applicable) to act
as a nucleus for the area. ltrus, subareas are planning units deteruined
through the application of críteria and considered as a practical ueans of
revisÍng the corprehensive plan in a consistent orderly fashion.
f{hatcon Cor¡¡¡ty Plar¡ninÉ Procees
The llhatcon County conprehensive planning process is defi¡ed as a continual
program of evaluatinú Éoals, conducting various land-related studies, andpractical set of Ia¡¡d use policies and proposals for the future nse of landin our corrnty. Stated differently, the planning proceaa serves as a
blueprint for the logical developnent of the co¡¡prehensive plan, as welL as
the formulation of effective i-¡plenentation tools.
ûre process describes, through a logical sequence, the varior¡s land use
related fectors that m¡st be considered to effect the foroulation of
responsÍble a¡¡d neaningful land use policies and proposals. fhege factors
concern the folloning¡ the definition of cor¡nty+ride Eoa1s; the inventory
and analysis of land use, cotuuaity facilities end utilities, transportation
facilities ar¡d enviroruental resource characteristics; the forecasting of
population levels a¡¡d the county's econcnic vitality; the corprehensíon of
issues, both technical a¡d citizen related; the developnent of policies to
resolve ar¡d/or address the releva¡t issues; a¡d the tra¡sfomation of
policies into the plan nap and attendant irpleuentation tools.
The planniug process is continual. ft involves not only the fomulation ofthe com¡rrehensive plafi doctnent ar¡d its i-uplenentation through theapplication a¡rd use of various reÉUlatory tools, but also cont,i¡ua1
nonitorinE and periodic updating. The success of the planning process in
Itlhatcou Cornty relies heavily upon the cormty's ability to keep the najor
components of the plan current. Thus, the plan should be updated every five
years by the Plan¡¡ing Cmission, a¡d such revisions should adhere to the
various sequential stages of the planning process.
Fomat
lhe Couprehensive Plan for tbe Lake Whatcon Subarea includes the necessary
infor¡ation for the appropriate for¡ulation of larrd use decisions by both
the public and private sectors of lll¡atcm Cor¡nty. The con¡ronents of the
plan include the folloaing:
lubarea llesçfiptioq: 1o generally defÍne subarea characteristics and
establish issue topics, as deteruined by area residents' the Planning
Comission and the planning staff.
Population Eorecagls: 1o correlate enticipated pogulation levels ¡rith
the la¡rd use policies and nap.
Goal Ftatenents: 1o provide the overall direction for land use
planning in llhatcon Corurty.
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Rationale and Locati,onal Criteria: To establigh the necessity of the
land r¡se designations and the spatial requireoents to be utilized for
policy application to the CouPrehensive Plan Map.
Folicies: To provide the prinary decision-ueking tools required to
resolve the larrd use, comunity facility and utility,
transportation/circulation, a¡¡d enviro¡mental issues of the subarea.
Co¡rprebçnsive Plan land üse MaÞ: To reflect the spatial distribution
of the policy statenents; perhaps the ¡ost widely utilized component of
the co4rrehensive plan.
ânepd¡ner¡t Crileria: 1o assist both the pr¡b1ic and private sectors with
respect to revisions of the cooprehensive plen policies and nap.
A¡loption Certification: To acknowledge tbe acceptance by the hll¡atcou
Cor¡nty Pla¡rninE Comission and Couucil' City of Bellingtæn' and the
Bo¡¡ndary Revierc Board of the Goal Statenents and the subarea policies
and nap.
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II. STIBAREA IIES.CRTPIION
Gegpfal
lbe trake lÍtratccm Sr¡ba¡ea contaius over 56 square niles of land arrd is
g;enerally bor¡¡¡ded on the north by Mt. Baker Higbray a¡¡d the northern section
Lines of Sections 7, 8 aod 9, I38N,R4E; oa the gouth by the llhatcorSkagit
County line; on the east by the upper reacbes of the l{atershed; a¡rd o¡ the
r*est by the upper reaches of the Watershed, the City of Bellingþan corporate
linits and îoad Lake Road. l{ith the exception of a suall geographic area
situated north of the city linits a¡¡d west of load Iake Road, the Subarea
contains the entire Lake llhatcon tfatershed. Also, approxinately ten square
miles in the Squalicrn Creek, Silver Creek and Anderson Creek drainage
basins are included in the subarea.
Findings O
In l,larch 1981, the l{hatcon County Planning Departnent conpleted the
Background ltoctuent for the Ldre l{tratcø Subarea. A portion of the study
contains descriptions of existing conditiøts witbin the subarea for land
u!ee, the physical environnental settiag, trarrsgortation/circulation, and
utilities a¡rd comunity facilities. In addition, the report identified
specific issues for six analysis areas (North Shore, Geneve, Sudden Valley'
South Bay, Forestry and Squalicrn) as r+e1l as severel generalized issues for
the Lake llhatcm flatershed. It is intended in the process of plan revision
that issues identified by all participants (staff, Planning Co"nrission and
citizens) shall be addressed and/or resolved by adoption of specific policy
statenents by t{hatcon County.
Tl¡e doninant lsnd use in the Lake flhatcon Subarea is forestry. fn fact over
83f of the total arêa or 301438 acres is devoted to forestry uses. Of this
tot,al, l7r0OO acres have been recorded by the Cow¡ty Assessor as forest
current use ta¡< statr¡s, i.e. reduced ta¡< assessments for la¡¡d devoted to the
growth and harvest of forest crops for a nininrn of ten (10) years. the
najority of forest land is held by najor tiúer conpanies such as Scott
Pager, Georgia Pacific ar¡d Bloedel DeveloP¡ent Conpany. The State of
Washington also owns Eubstar¡tial holdings, conEidered as trust }ands' that
are Danaged by the Departnent of Natural Resources for the purpose of tinber
and nineral rights sales to various prrblíc and private interests.
The reuaining 173 or 6,000 acres of lar¡d in the subarea is distributed æong
the balance of other uaes including agFiculture, public (comnr¡ication,
utilities ar¡d transportation), couIrercial, industrial, residential and
vaca¡rt land uses. Vacar¡t land use represents seven percent (79) of the
total subarea which is a relatively large land supply or reserve to
accon'-odate future grælth denands.
The Lake l{hatcon Subarea is served by a sewer and water systen operated by
ftfhatqon Cor¡¡¡ty t{ater District No. 10. As the primary purveyor of sewer and
water service, the district is responsible for the operation a¡rd naintener¡ceof both systeus in the Geneva and Sudden Valley comruities, while on the
North Shore only the Eehrer utílity is available. However, the district
a¡¡ticipates beconing the prinary purveyor of water source to the North Shore
Urba¡¡ Reserve area.
5
Comunity fire protection is provided by three ltlhatcom Gounty Fire
Protection Districts (junior tar<ing districts): 2, 4 and 18. Fire fighters
are voh¡lteer nen and wonen residing in the vicinity of each fire hall. Law
enforcenent is provided by the ffÌratcon County Sheriff's Departoent.
Education is provided by the Bellinghan and lttt. Baker School Districts.
Fiscal and hunan resources are generally considered adeguate for each of
these cmunity services at the curent level of developuent. However, the
cutback in state revenuea (at the state level) allocated for public
education nay iupact the quality of education and nay result in nore vacant
or ¡¡¡used building space in both of these schooL districts.
In the Lake ïlhetcon Subarea, the lajor traffic corridors are considered
substandard when coryared to widely accepted sta¡rdards for uajor, secondary
a¡¡d collector arterials. As a result, current pealc-hour traffic volumes
exceed the design capacity of specific roadway segnents in the Geneva
Anal¡rsis Area; a¡¡d ¡¡nless significant inproveuents sre uade to these roads,
it is predicted that serious deficiencies will begin to occur on these roads
by 1985. The steady ircrease in the uorutt of vehicle accidents on subarea
roads nay be related directly to the operational characteristics (narrorv
pavement width, narroh, shoulders and horizontal curvature) of subarea roads.
Thus, it is i4rerative that roadway improvenent projects are cou¡rleted íf
the connty intends to naintain a sefe and efficient transportalion/
circulation network.
The physical and biological factors inventoried in the Lalre Whatcon Subarea
have been segregated into six categories as follows: (l) Topogrephy,(2) Soils, (3) Geology, (4) Surface l{ater, (5) Vegetation; and (6) l{ildtife.
In addition, specific physícal featureE of the Lake flhatcon Subarea incl.udesix lakes a¡rd eleven per?n-nent streams (sone fish spavnring), and includes
nearly all of Lake Whatcon Drainage Basin. Moreover, Lake l{hatcon, the mostsignificart of the six lakes, servea as a resen¡oir for storage of waterfrou the Nooksack River diversion systeu, as well as strea¡¡ runoff.
Furthetnore, Lake l{hatcou is Ðistrict l{o. JO's douestic, a¡rd Bel}inghau's
donestic and industríal water source.
Citizen Participation and Subareg, Issues
the issues of the Lahe Tlhatcon Subarea are associated with land use,
comr¡nity facilities a¡¡d utilities, transportation/circulation, and thephysical environ¡nent. Issue developuent has its origin in the subarea
background planning study, prepared by the ttlhatcon Cowtty Planning
Department, a¡¡d has been auguented by corments fron the citizens residing
within the subarea, "special dist,rictsr" Bellinghau officÍals aad the
tlhatcm Corrrty Planníng Comission. the llhatcon Corurty Planning Staff
presented the issues to subarea citizens at four separate neetings, and the
planning staff presented proposed policies intended to resolve the issues at
four separate ueetings. (Á detailed list of issues can be forurd in the Lalce
Vlhatcom Subarea Background Docrnent). the folLorying is a s¡¡mary of igsues
as presented to subarea citizens.
In the Geseva and North Shore analysis arear¡, both adjacent to the ¡nu¡icipalcity linits of BellinEham, the issues are sinilar in nature since both areas
have urban a¡¡d nonurban develo¡rnent patterns.
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Of particrrlar concern to Geneva area residents is the nost appropriate
application of a future land use designation generally north of Frenont
Avenue (o<tended east to f,ake l{hatcon a¡d west to the rr¡nicipal city linits)
includiug appropriate land uses, densities ar¡d the level of public service.
AtthouEh 33 lots of the Cedarhills Subdivision are sited south of Fremont
Avenue, the area betr+een Freno¡t Avenue and the southern nost bow¡dary of
the analysis area existing residential low densíties, steep slopes and
generally has no existing services, Thus, the na.ior isEue relates to the
uost appropriate future land use desiÍl¡ation densities ar¡d servíce levels.
Other igsues involve provision of a renedíal storutater drainagle systen to
protect donr¡strean properties from excess storo¡uater nmoff, transportation
planning, conservation of enviro¡uental features and protection of water
quality.
In the North Shore Analysis Area, residerrts are particularly concer¡ed nith
the appropriate desiÉuation of geographical areas for urben and nonurbar¡
develo¡nent patterus co¡sistent with future transgortation planning:,
co¡uru¡ity facilities and utilities including ûa¡ageuent of exc-ess stotuwater
nmoff to protect dowastrean properties, conservation of enviro¡uental
features a¡d protection of water quality. Other issues involve the
appropriate pattern for developnent, i.e. ra¡rdom or sequential (eastnard
fron Bellinghan's nrrnicipal city linits) a¡d desiÉnation of the city or
i{ater District No. 10 ss the pri¡ary purueyor of ¡rater to the Urban Resenre
area.
Of particular concerD to resídents of the nonurban rural South Bay and
Squalicr¡¡¡ analysis areas is the recogþition of large contiglrous areas which
are not considered as prine land for either agrículture or urban uses.
Becauge of soil conditions, absence of existing or pla¡rned services and ar¡
existing very low deusity land use pattern, the nejor issue for both areas
relates to the most appropriate application of a future la¡¡d use
designation. Inherent in such larrd designations nust be provisions for
naintaining the rural character' allowing a nultiplicity of uses, end
acknopledginú the physical a¡¡d cultural linitations of the erea. Other
issues involve appropriate uaintenance of the existing transportation
net¡corks for each analysis area as well as the protection of groundwater
aquifers.
the Sudden Valley Analysis Area consists primarily of the Sudden Valley
Subdivision. Of particular concerrr to the residents of the comunity is the
appropriate application of a futr¡re la¡¡d use desigDation in recoglition of
existing nixed land r¡se a¡ld the range of public services. Inherent in such
land designations nust be provisions for prmotiog an urban character as a
stable residential developuent with uininun enphasis on the comercial.
resort character while providing for the full rangle of public services
necessary in the coruurrity. Other issues involve the operational efficiency
of the priúate road network, an appropriate a¡ld cost-effective stomr¡ater
drainage system to replace the existing open-ditch system, and the
appropriate application of a future la¡rd use designation for the nonurba¡l
developnent pattern that surro¡¡rds the subdivision.
The predoninate lar¡d use pattern in the Forestry Analysis .Area is associated
with comercial forestry practices. Because of the orr'nership pattern, steep
slopes, poorly drained soils, absence of existing or planned sen¡ices, and a
very 1or density land r¡se pattern, the ndor issue relates to the nost
appropriate application of a future la¡d use desig¡ation. Other issues of
7
concern to comercial forest iuterests a¡rd residents include appropriate
nethods to assure coryatibility between forestry Practices a¡¡d residential
or recreationat uses located in the vicinity. .Aì additional concern
expressed by citizens includes enviror¡nentally sound logSing practÍces to
prevent duage to dorrnstrean propertiee, streaus and lakes as a result of
excess stora¡rater rr¡noff.
Of particular concern to subarea resídents, coercial forestry interests,
Bellinghan, flater llistrict No. lOts ar¡d llhatcon Cormty officials is the
protection of water quality and quantity not only in LaI¡e llhatcom but also
in the eleven perrenent streans situated in the etudy area. thus, inherent
in the issue of an eppropriate future læd r¡se desig¡ation for each of the
six analysis areas is the provision for adequate a¡d cost-effective uethods
to protect ¡sater quality. Other issues involve desig¡at,ing the l{atershed as
a¡r EnvironnentalLy Sensitive Area, pursuant to the provisions of the State
Environnental Po1icy âct, and the appropriate future land use desigEation in
Basin III, the southern nost lalce basín. A nonurba¡ la¡¡d r¡se desig¡ation
uay be the nost appropriate to ensure a comparetively pure water eource to
whicb the Bellinghan water intake pipe uay be extended.
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III. POPUf,ATION FOFECASTS
Introduction
The purpose of population forecastinÉ, æ it relates to la¡rd use planning,
is to accmodate the long-tern spatial requireuents of various land uses
such as resÍdential, ccmercial, recreational and public. Population
forecasting Day also be of assistance it¡ decision nalcing for land use
related uatters sucb as deteminíng the appropriate scale and location of
public ¡vorks facilities a¡¡d land developnent activities. In addition'
population forecasts are subject to revision ¡rhich may be aceor¡rlished in
the five-year conprehensive plan update process.
The population infornation contained herein is a srmary of the forecasts
prepared by several agencies. Becan¡se of the technicral difficulties
involved with cr¡rrent ar¡d projected population assessnCtnt on a subarea
basis, the information has been presented by total county, uniacor?orated
cot¡nty a¡¡d incorporated cmtmity. Further^oore' this inforuation has been
used in a qualitative Danner or es a general guidelÍne, rather than as a
specific nr¡lerical forecast. To relate thi¡ infomatÍon to the tral¡e Wl¡atcon
Subaree. Conprehensive Plan, the following asstngtions are established:
1. The uajority of pogulation growth will occur in the Geneve, North
Shore, Southwest Shore a¡ld Sudden Valley Ints^l¡¡ RBSERVE and RESIDETITIÂL
RURÁI areas.
2. The renai¡der of population grorrth ¡rill oceur in RUPåI areas.
lhe rate of population gro¡rth will be at rurincorporated llhatcon County
rates (lable B).
lables A, B a¡d C, respectively, relate to total llhatcom County,
unincorporated Whetcon Couaty, a¡¡d Bellinghan population trends and
forecasts. figrrres 1, 2 a¡¡d 3 present this infometion in a Eraphicalfo¡uat. The renainder of the infor:nation sur"oarizes the variot¡s assrnptions
and variables which nay affect the included population forecasts.
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FIGURE I
TOTAL WHATCOM COUNTY
POPULATION TRENDS AND FORECASTS: I97O-2OOO
( loOo'¡)
r90
r80
r70
t60
t50
Rcsearch
Agency
TwCCoG////cBl//MEAN
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t97O ts75 r9BO 1985 r99O 1995 2o0o
YE AR
TÂBLE A
TOTf\L I.JHÂTCO}I COUNTY POPULATION TRENDS AND FORECASTS: 1970-2()OO
(INCORPORATED AND UNINCoRPORATËD)
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1970 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000
U. S.
CB&I:
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Census 81,983
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106,701
103,941
104,876
106,733
102,350
r79,77r
L22,300
LLg,Z97
115,625
,997
,160
,352
,925
167 ,287
184 ,9t0156,553
141,3S0
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141
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149,217
160,623
147,976
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l,lean 118,748 132,609 L47,642 L6?,,\ZS
ANNUAI GROW'I]I RATES
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rRefer to page þ fo, footnotcs.
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2.0627z .67 4s 2 .2,026
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FIGURE 2
UNINCORPORATED WHATCOM COUNTY
POPULATION TRENDS AND FORECASTS : I97O- 2OOO
( f OOo's )
90
80
70
60
z
3soF
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ME AN
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1970 1975 t980 t985 t990 t995 2000
YEAR
TABLE B
UNINCORPORATED W¡lATCOl*f COUNTY POPUL,I\TION TRENDS AND FORECASTS: 1970-2000
ResearchAgency 1970 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000
U. S. Cens
CBQ I : ,EISwccoc¿
,us 34 r 004 48,
47,
46
628
6SZ
451
,825
,340
64 ,4 56
ó4,305
56
55
7 4 ,026
7 3 ,603
84,769
86,2L0
Mean 56,085 64,391 73,815 85,490
ANNUAL GROII¡TTI RATES
1970-1980 1980 - 1 990 r990-2000
JR"f"t to page l? *, footnotes.
2 .88273. rr4 ?)2 ,8446
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FIGURE 3
BELLINGHAM POPULATION
TRENDS AND FORECASTS : I97O -2OOO
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TABLE C
BEttINGHA¡\,! POPULATI0N TRENDS AND FORECASTS: 1970-2000
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Agency 1970 1980 1985 1990 19 95 200 0
U.S. Cens
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us 39,37s 45 ,7 94
44,672
46,000
49,336
52,ó91
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5E,890
57,873
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irItlean50,691 56,E90 61,6ó0 68,049
A¡¡NUI\L cROltlTlI RATES
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1970-1980 1980- 1990 1990- 2000
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1.52 ts 2 .05e,6 1.83n67
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rlÉRefer to pa¡e lg for footnotes.
ll a.
I
AË-s.t¡{ptions Helating to Pop,!¡lat ioa Forecasts
,{ll population forecasts are based on assunptions which affect the uunerical
results, ar¡d population forecasting, agencies do not uake the same
assunptions. Ihe fotlowing iteos are intecrded to present an overvier¡ of
assrnptior¡a as they relate to llhatcon Corurty populations:
In-¡igratione will continue to substa¡¡tially contribute to population
increases at the llashington State ar¡d t*ratcon Corlrty levels.
2 the trend of decreasing fauily size and population per household will
continue.
3.Labor uarket potential a¡¡d location, will affect pogulation
dístribution, anrd Eross natural i¡crease and in-nigration levels.
4 the purpose of the populatious forecast affects assunption utilization,
which in turn affects the results.
Variab,les Affectinr Bppl¡latio¡ ForecgFlp
Agencies ¡vhich prepare population forecasts often nake revisions due to
changes in the variables related to assunpt,ions. Tlre follot¡ing variable are
intended as an overviesr for potential l{hatcou Couaty population forecast
revisious and nay not affect all the a¡iencies whose forecasts are contained
herein:
I. Char¡ges i¡ llhatco¡ County birth, death and iu-nigration rates.
2. Changee in the level of industrial development and the related labor
uarket potential of the Cherry Point area, es well as other locations
within the county.
Cha¡ges in the Canadian econony and the related level of Ca¡radia¡r
spendingP in lfhatcon County.
4. Chalges in the denand for local reaources (agrículture, forestry,
fishin( and níning raw naterials or products) with respect to local
consrnption or state, national or international export pqrkets.
3
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Footnotes
1 Peranetrix, Inc., et ali E4vironuental l¡e.Èct Stateuer¡t for Chicaso Brid4g
i
paÉe 198.
2 ltlhaùcon Couaty Cor¡¡cil of Gover¡uents; Pogulation Forecasts; June, 1980.
3 Office of Finar¡cial Èlanagenent; "Special Report *36 t'orecasts of the State
and County Populations by Age aod Sex: 1985-2000"; Itlay, 1981.
a BonnevÍlle Porrer Adninistration; Pooulation. Erplori¡ent and Hor¡seholds
Proiected to 2000; July, 1979.
s Annual grotyth rates are based upon the official t9?0 a¡d 1980 U.S. Census
figures.
6 Annual grcrrth rates are based upon the official 1980 U.S. Census fiÉ¡¡re
and the 1990 ¡ean calculation figure.
z Ånr¡ual grørtb rates are based u¡ron the 1990 and 2000 mea¡¡ calculation
figures.
e In-nigratíon is equal to total po¡rulation less natural increase, in whichnatural increase is equal to total births less total deaths.
s the ïlhatcon Corrnty Cor¡r¡cil of Gover-¡uent's population forecast exhibits a
high correlation witb the Ca¡¡adia¡ Inpact Study a¡¡d is thus presnned to
aceomodate Canadian spending.
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rv. coAr STATFîÆNTS
Ihe folloæing Eoals provide the 6eneral direction for naling land use
decisious in the subarea a¡d flhatcou Corurty as a whole. They ¡rere developed
and adopted by the Pla¡¡ning Comíssion and County Cou¡cil in July 1979.
A. Regional Desisn Goals
I Future urbarr developnent should occur within or imediately
adacent to existing urban areas in order to elininate sprawl and
strip developnent, assure the provision of an adequate range of
urban services, consèrve agricultural and forestry landsr optinize
investnents in public services, antd coDserve energy resources.
Future development in rural aréas should be low density'
conpleoent existingi rural character, contribute to t'he
conservation of agricultural a¡d foreet lerrd, and not result in
demands for urba¡l-Ievel services.
B. Gro,wth Ma¡laÉeuent Goals
I To promote a co¡scientious prog:rsn desig¡ned to plan, $¡ide and
influence the appropriate Location, tinirg, intensity, tJT¡e and
servicing of diverse la¡d use patter:us.
To determine the reguired anou¡ts of la¡¡d anticÍPated to be
utilized within the planning period (15 years) while retaining
options for futr¡re la¡d use decisions beyond the pla¡rning period'
To encourage a predictable patte¡:¡ of urba¡ a¡ld rural developuent
which utitizes previously comitted land areas ar¡d existing
facility investuents before cøritting neil areas for develoPnent.
To ensure that a beneficial balance exists between the supply ard
denar¡d for public serr¡ices. To encourêge the cooperation anong
unnicipalities, special districts, €rnd associations in the
planning a¡d provision of pubLic services. 1o discourage the
proliferation of unnecessary special purpose districts.
To develop s concise, equitable a¡¡d practical set of la¡ld use
regulations intended to i-uplenent the goals, Policies and
proposals of the Cor¡nty Conprehensive PIan in a ti¡ely and orderly
fashion.
C, La¡rd Use Goals
I 1o conserve the agricultural a¡d forest lar¡ds of l{hatcon County
for the continued production of food, forage a¡d tinber crops
while pronoting the expalsion and stebility of thè couuty's
agricultural a¡rd forestry econonies.
Urba¡¡ reside¡¡tial developnent should be planned in areas that ca¡¡
be econonically and efficiently served with existing or planned
services, optinize energly use' f¡¡¡rction as inùegral neiglborhood
units, and ca¡¡ environmentally support intensive la¡¡d uses'
2
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14
Adequate comr¡¡¡ity and neighborhood cormercial facilities should
be encouragled in appropriate locatious while avoidi¡8 incou¡ratible
lgnd use a¡¡d the prol.iferation of unnecessary neï comercial
8rëÊr.
To encourage a balarrced and diversified econouy in order to assure
desirable local euplo¡'nent opportunities, and to strengf,hen and
stabilise the tax base. 1o accomodate anticipated econonic
develo¡rnent in a¡¡ enviro¡uentally resPonsible tnanner with due
consíderation for publíc cost, energ:f availabÍlity, lar¡d use
coupatibility and transportation accessibility.
1o pronote the availability of economical and attractive housÍng
for all incone, age a¡d eth¡ic groups, while also enhancing the
integrity and identity of existing couu¡ities.
To pronote a fi¡rctional, coordinated ar¡d nulti-uode transportation
systeu wbich provÍdes for tbe safe and efficient novenent of
people and Íloods, avoids u¡¡desirable environuental iupacts, and
optinizes public investuents and the conservation of energy
regources.
Adequate facilities a¡ld senrices which provide diverse education,recreation, cultural and social opportunities should be
encouraged.
D. Cultur?I ar¡d Natural Resources
t 1o ideutify and manage environme¡rtally sensitive areas in such a
Danner as to prevent destrarction of the resource base and reduce
potential losses to property and hr¡nan life.
To continue the identification of cultural a¡¡d natural resourceE
and for¡ulate viable nethods to preserve and conserve such
resource͡ in recoguition of their irreplaceable character.
3 To pronote a park a¡¡d recreation systeu whicÌ¡ is iltegrated with
existing and pla¡¡ned land use patterns and is diverse, abtmdant
a¡¡d assures me¡<inum public Eccesa and usage.
B. Citizen Involvenent ar¡d Inter{overnnçntal Coordigqtion
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t To assure opportwríty for citizens to be involved in the
foruulation of la¡¡d r¡se goals, policies ar¡d proposals, and to
provide a structure for citizen participation in the pla¡rning
progran of federal, state, regiional ar¡d local agencies.
To participete Ín intergoverr¡nental coordination with federal,
state, provincial, reglional and local agencies, 'to develop a
coordinated approach to probleos whicl¡ transcend local governnent
bodies, and to create an enviro¡rment for the exchar¡gie of
infomation and tedurical assistar¡ce.
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V. RATIONAIE & IOCATIONAI CBITERIA FOR TAND USE DESIGNATIONS
The comprehensive la¡ld use rrapr together with the policies' designates the
nost appropriate locations for the vario¡¡s lar¡d r¡se patterns of the suberea.
The la¡¡d use desig¡ations as Íllustrated on the Com¡rrehensive PIa¡¡ La¡d Use
Map represent the most apgropriate uses of lEnd i¡ the subarea for the
planning period. These desiÉ¡rations have been developed as a ¡ea¡rs of
addressing or resolvingr particular land use issues. 1o be consigtent in the
application of tbe designatioDs, as well as to avoid confi¡sion about hon the
land r¡se Eap was drawn, the following rationale a¡d locational criterie for
each land use designation is set forth.
A. IIREAN RESERVE
Rationale
It is a well established fact in the ¡restern United States that urba¡¡ arees
have traditionally responded to growth pressures by adhering to policies of
outward ocpansion. As long as this tre¡¡d eontinues, there will be a¡r alnost
constant denand for land, the nost frurda¡ental of all urùan reaources.
Althoug¡h outward elçansion is accepted as a corron city pla¡ninE practice,
problens have t:pically arisen ¡rhen potentiel urba.n la¡lds have been
comitted to 1on6-teru "nonurba.n" uses. Prinarily caused by the ladt of
written pr¡blic policy anor¡g goverr¡uental jurisdictions, this situatÍon has
resulted in uncoordinated a¡rd costly service s¡rstems, inefficient
transportation networks, and nnmanageable la¡ld use patterns.
As a ueans of curbing this situation tbat is currently developing in the
urba¡r "fringe areas" of the county, the revised Conprehensive Pla¡l
establishes the IJAtsAN ESERVE la¡¡d use designation. Ihe rationaLe
underlying the designation is to reserve certain land in the fringe areas of
cities and other satellite qom¡r¡nities that have previously deuonstrated an
urban level of densities and attendanÈ range of urban services for future
urbar¡ purposes, and encouraÉle interiu uses that are complenentary and
conpatible with future urban densities and services. Iltren urban services
are eventually provided to these areas, land use densities shall increase
a¡rd result . in an orderly, econonic and expeditious trar¡sition fron rural to
urban land r¡se patterns. Thus, the URBAN RESERVE designation is defined as
those arees adjacent to uunicipal boundaries r¿hich nay be urba¡iaed at such
tine that a full ranEe of urba¡¡ services (sewer, water, storo drainage'
traasportation inprovenents ar¡d sheriff protection) can be efficiently
provided, as rvell as those satellite ereas where urban densities ar¡d
services have been previously plar¡ned. In addition, Ia¡ld ProPosed for
annexation to a¡ adiacent nr¡¡¡icipality shall be evaluated by the Boundary
Review Board pursuant to RCW 36.93.170.
Locational Criteria
Tbe criteria to be utilized for the application of the IIRBAì¡ RßSERVE
designation includes the following:
Land areas adjacent to the City of Bellinghan, or satellite areas, that
are of sufficient size to adequately accomodate the projected deinands
for residential, comercial, transportation and public uses for a 10-
to l5-year time frane.
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16
2. Land areas where a range of urba¡l services, i.e. serirer, water, stor:n
drainage, transportation inprovenerts, fire and sheriff protection, and
parks a¡rd recreation, presently exist or ca¡ be econonically and
efficiently provided in the near future.
Areas that contain en adeguate supply of vacant ¡¡¡ba¡izable la¡rd to
avoid the artificÍal inflation of land values.
4. The bor¡rdaries of the IJRBAI{ RESERVE designatiou should:
(a) be well defined, logícal, provide a physical "sense of comunityr"
and be capable of being expanded to accomodate additional urban
growth as the need arises; a¡d
(b) ackoowledge existing and potential land use densities as to their
urban¡ or rural character. UrÞan land use densities should be
included within the urba¡¡ service areas; whereas, rural la¡¡d use
densities ray be grounds for excludinÉ such areas.
A.I I'RBA¡I RESERVE MEDITM DENSITY
Rationale
Through the application of tbe locational criteria descríbed above, la¡rds
adjacent to nrrnicipalÍties or sate]lite areas that are considered to be
urba¡riaed wíthin the planning period and can be served with a full range of
urban services should be desigt¡ated as URBAN RESERVE. Ifithin these areas'
I{tratcom Corrnty recoghizes the need to provide a lar¡d supply where more
affordable housing t54>es, such as condominiuns, apartnents, towrhouses and
uobile houe parks, can be gituated. To address this need, a¡¡ IrRtsÁN RESERVE
MEDIUM DENSIIY coryrehensive pla¡ land use desig¡ation is provided which
includes two ma:riuum density classifications¡ six fuell.ing ¡¡nits per acre
ar¡d t¡velve dnelling ¡¡nits per acre. the follor¿ing locational. criteria
provides directíon for the placeuent of the resgective nedir¡¡r density
classificat Íons:
Locational CrÍteria
The density classification of six dwellí¡g tutits per acre should be
applied to areas that are adjacent to lorr density urban Feserve areas.
2. The density classifications of twelve rr¡its per acre should be applied
to areas that are either adjacent to existing or planned residential
develo¡xnents containing siuilar density levels, or adjacent to existing
or planned comercÍal or liEht industrial developments where such
activities are considered as conplenentary and co¡rpatible with nulti-
fanily residential Iiving.
B. RESTDENII.AI RURAI
Rationale
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Not all citizens prefer to live in
prefer a settinS of less density.
concentrated urba¡¡ areas but insteed
This settinE com¡only inplies that urba¡t
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utility servíces (public provision of both ser{er and water) are not planned,
sheriff a¡¡d fire protection are provided to a lesser degree thar¡ in urban
arees, roadnays have not been seheduled for capital íuprovenents to cor¡nty
star¡dards and the residential landscape is visually different fr@ urba¡l
arees. I¡ addition, residents of such areas are usually not self-sufficient
and instead rely on urba¡¡ areaÁr for anenities such as shopping, enploynent
arrd entertainnent. Thus, the RESIDENTTaL RURAL designation is intended to
provide land areas in close proxinity to urban arees ¡rhere nor¡urba¡ living
patterns nay develop with nininal public service costs.
Locational Cri,tçria
the criteria to be used for the application of the RESIDENTIAL AIrRÂt
designation include the following:
t. Land currently served or planned to be served with o¡ly a partial range
of urban level servicesr i.e. publicly Provided sewer g water, fire
a¡d sheriff protection, dd sto¡t drainage (where approgriate);
2, Land areas where lor density residential developnent currently exists
a¡d where such densities are planned to conti¡ue in the future; a¡rd
3 Lands that contain soils that are generally not considered as suitable
for comercial agriculture, forestry or mineral extraction.
Because of the nonurban nature of RESIDE!{TIAt RIIRAT areaÊ, transportation
facilities are liuited to a secondary arterial or loner classification' and
road inprovenents are linited to nai¡tenance only. In addition, the
bourdariee of Residential Rural areaÊ should be well defined with physical
or I¡ån-ûade features.
C. RI'RAL
Rationale
the present land r¡se pattern in severaf areas of the subarea are
characterized by part- to full-tine fa¡¡íng or forestry and low density
residential activity. this t¡pe of landscape can be considered as "rureI,"i.e. an area containing! a combination of pastureland, ¡roodlots and dispersed
residential settlenent land use patterrrs.
Dispersed settleuent patterns are perhaps a fiu¡ction of the absence of past
a¡ld future public comitnents concerning the provision of É¡e¡ter' water a¡rd
roadway iryroveuents, and tbe preference to live in a very lon density rural
settinÉ, Additionelly, physical conditions (soils, water or topography) nay
have inposed constraints to higher densities of developnent.
These arees nay also contain nonrenerrable natural resources, sucÈ as soils
which contribute to aEficultural or forestry productivity, or sar¡d and
gravel deposits suitable fot extraction.
The rural areas of the subarea offer alternative residential livíng styles
compared to that of the urba¡ or moderately dense residential setting.
Ênploylrent alternatives also exist that are associated with part- or full-
tine agriculture, forestry a¡rd bome occupations. In addition' the existing
18
parcel sizês are sufficient to accomodate future land use disgosition,
beyond the planning period, É¡.s agricultural, forestry or loc-to-uoderate
density residential areas.
thus, the EIrR.[t designation is inportant in the Sr¡barea PIan in that Ít
provides flexibility concerniag very lofl density residential, forestry and
agricultural land uses while retaining: future private and public options
pertainingl to la¡¡d nanageueut.
Locational Críterie
The criteria to be r¡sed for the
desig¡atÍon include the folløring:
application of the EUR.å,L la¡rd use
Lands where the existingi dwelling rr¡rit density is Jess than one
dwelling rr¡¡it per two acres, average parcel siae is greater tha¡ two
acres, land use history indicates a blend of part- ar¡d full-tine
agriculture forestry ar¡d woodlot operations;
2. Lands where se$er service is provided by on-site septic disposal and
water service is provided by on-sit.e wells, surface water supplies and
water associations. In additioo, future water a¡d ser¡er service is not
intended to be supplied by city, county or digtrict service entities;
a¡¡d
La¡rds that pose physical developnental constraints such as slow soil
percolation rates, seaaonal ponding, the pr€sence of aguifers or
grorurdwater recharge ereals and topography in excess of 158 slope.
D. FOEESTRY
Rationale
Historically, forestry and related industries have assu¡ed a siE¡ificant
role in the local econory, a role which has expended to affect state,
national and international econouies. l{ot only is forestry econonically
inportant, it is significa¡rt in the rene¡yable resource bese afforded lfhatcon
County throuEh forest management. In addition, forested areas often contain
nonrene¡rable nineral a¡¡d nonrnineral resources, serve as wildlife habitats
and contribute to n¡atershed nanalletreDt. Hoorever, as gopulation increases,
related developuent may create pres¡sure to irrevocably convert forest land.
Therefore, it is i-uperative ùhat tlhetcon County provide for the longtenr
productivity of forest ar¡d related resources by safeguardinE such areas fron
conversion to nonforest uses. Planning these areas for FORESIEY will
augDent the continued viability of lltntcou Corurty's renewable and
nonrenerYable resouree base.
Locational Criteria
åreas which are suitable for the FORESIAY designation Day be identified
through analysis of the following land use, social and physical factors:
Land use patterns indicate a predoninance of large parcel sizes ranging
fron 20 to &10 acres.
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2. Pàrcels are usually owued for the purpose of grotyin8: and harvesting
timber by Eajor ti:¡ber industries, logging companies, the State of
f{ashington and private individuals engaged in woodlot operations.
the najority of parcels are classified in current use ta¡< assessuent,
consistent with the provisions of flashington Stete Iaw.
There is a nininal oount of public roads and other services ¡rhich are
generally precursors to and augDent residential developnent.
5. Certain physical constraints to residential developnent nay also exist
such as slopes in excess of 151, soils which arê not suitable for
septic tanks or conventional building¡ forrndations, unstable geoloEic
ruits or ¡rildlife habitats.
6. Nonreneçrable natural resourceÍr such as ninerals, coal, gravel or soils
which Day augDent forestry Danageûent uay also be present.
E. PT'BLIC
Rationale
This desig¡ation reeognizes those parcels and facilities currently in or
planned for public onnership where the pri¡ary function iE to provÍde public
services. ?he intent of this designation is to assure continuation a¡ld
potential expansion of acreages, facilities and services at levels
consistent with population requirenents a¡d effected in a Da¡¡ner that is
conpatible with surrorurding land rrses.
locational Criteria
1o identify areÊs whÍch are suitable for the PIJBLIC designation, the
foì.lowing criteria are enployed:
Pa¡cels are currently o¡rned or considered for ownership by public
agencies such as the Federal Governnent, State of l{ashington, flhatcom
Cor¡rty, cities (when property is situated outside of nunicipal
borurdaries), a¡rd special puryose districts such as school , fire a¡¡d
water districts; and
The firnction of pareel orvnership is to provide public serviceE such as
recreation, education, utilities' comunicatÍons, transportation (not
includÍng road¡rays), solid waste disposal a¡¡d health care.
F. QUASI.PT.ßf,IC
Rationale
the QUá.SI-PI]BLIC la¡¡d use designation is Decessary to distinguish those
areas where public institutional uses exist which are under private control;
a¡¡d the scope of the institutional uEes is different, both in function and
attendant on- and off-site ilpacts, fron surrounding la¡d nses. Thrrs, the
QUASI-PIELIC designation intends to assure continuation of institutional
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fr.¡nctions in a Dant¡er which wiLl not be affected by or affect surrounding
Iand ¡¡ses.
Locational Criteria
Areas which should be designated as OUASI-PUBLIC shall confotn to the
follor¿iuÉ criteria:
Parcels are owned by institutions such as cburches, ttníversities,
collefes, schools or private for¡ndctioos; and
2. The purpose of parcel oomership is to provide education, religious
training, neeting centêrs, day use recreation, stmer carps or a
conbi.nation thereof.
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VI. POIICIES
Introduction
l{any land use problens nay arise tbrougb urbanization of the Lake Ífhatco¡¡
tlaterghed. A ¡ost fr¡¡¡duental concer¡ is the effect that ¡r¡ùanizatio¡ will
have on the ¡raters ¡rÍthin the watershed a¡d upon which the population of thegreater Bellinghan area will be dependeat in the foreseeable future.
Uncontrolled urbanization will degfade ¡reter quality a¡d reduce ¡rater
qua¡¡tÍty during critical ¡reriods of the year, thereby further degrading
water quallty which will effect the appeara¡ce of Lake llhatcom, jeopardiae
public health end increase treatnent costs, end trasten the need for
developuent of su¡rpleuentary water sourc€s. Âctions are recoueDded as
necessary for the develo¡nent of appropriate la¡d use controls that are
urgently required to avoid these unneoeasary consequeûces in both the public
and private interests.t
the polícies contained hereia provide the basis to guide and í¡fluence the
appropriate location, ty?e, iutensíty, tiuing aud servicing of land use
patterns within tbe Lal¡e llhateom Subarea. the policiee have been developed
in accordance with the planning procrèsa and arc intended to reepond to a
ryriad of issues identified by the pr¡blic a¡rd prÍvate sectors of the
S¡¡barea. Duriug the citizeD participation stages of the glanning proc€ss, a
concern expressed by uany residents ¡¿as that tbe Planning Cmissiou should
adhere to a very oo¡servative e¡d cautior¡g approach in deieloping the Lalre
tlhatcon Subares Pla¡ to eDsure against detríænta1 i¡pacts to the guality
a¡¡d guantity of the lake's rater supply. the Plçnni¡g Couission has
enbraced this concern end hag proposed a pla¡r that' in geoerel, presents a
status fluo a¡rproach to u¡'banization in the watershed u¡ltil the various
hydrologÍcal characteristics and the effects of urbanizatio¡ on the
watershed are nore fully koowa. l{hatco Courty, together with thé City of
Bellinghæ a¡d DlstrÍct No. 10, is cunently applyi¡g to the flashington
State llepartnent of Ecology to fi¡nd a di.groatic a¡¡d feasibility study to
deteroi¡e the bydrological characterístics of the waterebed.
Therefore, the focr¡s of the folì.oning policies is to proote the
conserrration of the Lalce l{hetcou lfatersbed through recognitioD of existing
patterns of Urban, Rural a¡rd Forestry land u.ses ¡rhile deterrinE uajor
alternations of tbe existinÉ lend ¡¡ge patterns r¡¡til the fiudings of the
aforeoentioned study are available.
lbe follovring policies address the varioue land r¡se desigÞations ilh¡etrated
on the Couprehensive PleD T.-nd Uge ñlap, co@r¡nity facility and utilities'
enviro¡rnental features snd transportation.
'ÊAD HOC Lalce flhatcon flatershed Citizens'Comittee Eeport
22
A. ITRBA¡¡ RESBRVE
Intent Stateuent
the primry purlrose of the tnBâN RßSEÏVE policy is to pronote an orderly
transition from rural la¡d r¡ses a¡d densities to urban usea and densities, while
novitg toarard the attainue¡t of tbe Regional Design GoaI with respect to futr¡re
urbe¡ developnent. In addition, the policy intends to encourage the reeponsible
gronth of urba¡ areas by assuring that an adequate ranEe of urùan ger:r¡ices
(sener, stomnater drainage, schools, parks, water, fire a¡d sheriff protection)
are available to sr4rport urban level deosities. ühe¡ such services are
avdilable, developaent should occur in neigbborhood r¡nits ¡rhich have appropriate
levels of der¡sities, uses end circulation networks.
1o facilitate future r¡rùen growth, the mtsA¡f RBSBRI|E policy is intended to
discourage the establisbnent of interin uses. and subdivision patter:ns which nay
foreclose gig¡ificant future alter¡atives pertainirg to urbaa densÍties and the
efficÍent provision of services. Moreover, this policy ie intended to uaintain,prior to the approval of an accepted site sgecific plan for the iu¡rlenentation of
services, the lo¡r der¡sity draracter of the area ar¡d to allo¡r reasonable uees of
property by pemitting conpatible residential, recreatiouel, co@ercial, forestry
a¡¡d agrier¡ltural la¡¡d useig. Finally, tùe desifÞaJion and a¡rylication of the
ITRBAN HBSERVE policy is intended to accorpligh the following objectives;
l. To reduce urbanization a¡¡d er¡croacbment preseures on lands that are nost
sui.table to i¡ter¡sive agricultr¡ral or forestry operatlons.
2. Io stabilize land speculation ard the artificial inflation of land values in
the "urùa¡¡ fringe" by designating a¡! adeguate æou¡rt of land for u¡ùan
Erorrth a¡rd uses during the pla¡rring period.
3. 1o provide land owr¡ers rÍth a reagonÉble expectation of future m¡¡icipal a¡¡d
county land use policies.
4. To reduce inequitable taxing structures on nonurba¡r lar¡d located nea¡
urbarrizing areEs.
5. To co¡serue ener¡ly resources by reducing unDecessary travel between livinS,
shoppin{ arrd work places.
6. To encourage the couservation of natnral resources a¡rd environnentally
sensitive areÊs, both within a¡¡d outside of the area designeted as URBAI¡
MSERVE.
Policv Statener¡t
1.0I It is herein the policy of l{hatcon Corrnty to plaD for future urban
developnent in certain portions of the Lake llhatcou Subarea by. desiglnating
such lar¡ds as IJRBAI{ IESERVE on the Co@rehensive Plar¡ Lar¡d Use Map. Tbe
bor¡ndaries of the Geneva a¡¡d the Sudden Valley tnBAN RESERVE areas have been
delineated in conforsance with the locational Criteria, as set forth in the
previous section. The predoninate land r.rse pattern within these UREA¡I¡
ntsSERVE areÊs shell be residential a¡rd related foms, including neighborhood
parks, schools, neighborhood comercial, public and recreational uses.
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1.02 ffithin the areas designated as URBA¡I ntsSEnVE, the future la¡rd r¡se patterns
are intended to be urban. Sinilarly, the leve1 of services should aleo be
urba¡. thus, future urba¡ develop¡ent shåll be provided with a full--range
of urbirn genrices that includes pr¡blic sewer and ¡rater, fire a¡d sheriff
protection, tra¡¡sportation facilities, perks' schools and storu¡¿ater
drei:nage s¡rstos.
I.03 Since urùan serr¡ices are crrrrentLy being provided by e nultiplicity of
service entities, i.e. city, cor¡¡lty and dístrict, it is the policy of
l{hatcæ Couaty to coordinate the senice aFees a¡d sta¡dards of each service
entity to attain a u¡ifom and appropriate level of urùan service, (Refer
to Co¡uunity Facilities a¡¡d Utilities Policieg to deter¡ine the agency
responsible for service) .
1.04 To nove tæard the i-upleneotation of the couaty's residential la¡d use Eioal
a¡rd to further the intent of the UntsAil RESERVE la¡d ure designation, it is
the poliry of ttlhatcm Corurty to designate and plan for Dew urban
neighborhoods. These ¡eigl¡borhoods should be based on the following
comonly accepted criùeria: suffícient size, utilization of ¡a¡l-uade and
natural bor¡ndsries¡ the nanageable and efficient provision of s€wer, water,
tmnsportation servicee, fire a¡d gheriff protection services, and
stoz¡¡+ater drainage; and a¡l available sugply of vaca¡¡t developable la¡rd.
The ccm¡ronents of a neigbborhood should include the follcring! an
eleoent,ary school, if necessaryi recreational facilities, including
neighborhood parks; neighborhood cmercial r¡ses; a variety of resider¡tial
structuree ar¡d ¡¡ses; a¡¡d efficient pedestrian ar¡d vehicular circulation
networks.
1.05 t{ith the intent of aclmowledging existing urban developænt patterns and
resenring la¡¡d for future urba¡l u¡ees, densities and service levels, it is
the policy of t{hatcon Cormty to establish two (2) la¡¡d nse densities within
the areas designated for URBAI{ AßSERVE. Ilhere a full ran6e of gervices are
available, the deosity shall be three (3) dr¿elfing units per åcñe, a¡rd where
guch serwices are nonexistent¡ the density shall be one (l) òrelling unit
per five (5) acres. 1o iuplenent this policy for each of the TRBAN RtsSERVE
ereas, the follorving policies are provided:
1.05. r fn the Geneva Analysis Area, f{hatcø Couaty shall aneud its Zoning
Map to the Urba¡ Residential zoníng district. The applicable land
use density ehell be three (3) druelling r¡nits per acre where
sefler, water, transportation, fire a¡¡d law enforceuent services
currently e¡rist.
In areas where such serrrices do not etdst, the applicable density
shall be one (1) dwelling unit per five (5) acres of la¡¡d area.
r.05-2 fn tbe Sudden Valley Analysis Area, ïlhatcou Cotutty shall srend its
Zoning Map to the Urba¡r Residential zoning dietrict. the
applicable la¡rd use density for residentíal development shall be
three (3) dwelling r¡nits per acre rhere sewerr etater'
transportation, fire and law enforceoent services eurently exist.
fn areas nbere such services do not exist, the applicable density
shall be one (l) dnelling unit per five (5) acres of la¡d area.
llhatcon Courty shall amend its zoning nap to designate tractE of
R, L, J, K, S, U, Q, N-2 a¡d P (described in the "Protective
24
Covenants for Sudden Valley ConddiDitu Tracts" dated June 9, lg7?
and recorded under ttlhatcon Cor¡¡ty Auditor's File No. L254476) as
ur¡]ti-fanily or condoninitn tracts ¡+itbin tbe Medirn llensity (Mtn-
t2) zoai¡Í, district rYith na¡<inru densíties of eight dwelling r¡nits
per acre to ten (10) ùdefliDg units Per acre with a cö@engurate
reduction i¡ single-fanily lots located else¡{here in the Sudden
ValÌey Subdivision or tbror¡gÈ a reduction of m¡Iti-fuíIy rmits
allocated to the above described tracte including lract Y.
Ilhatcon County shall ane¡d its zoning æp to designate Tract Z, fl,
the B]¡ron lract and Airport: as nrltiplefa¡ily or co¡do¡ini¡¡n
tracts within the lledirn lleusity (nn-12) zoaíng, district with
naxi-urn densities of three (3) dü,eflinÉ! r¡nits per ecre. Ilensities
uay, honever, be increesed beyond three (3) ô¡ellioE units per
acre to ten (I0) &rellinÉ ¡¡nits per acre with a comensurate
reduction in single-fæily lote located elseïhere in the Sudden
VaIIey Subdivision or througb reduction in m¡ltiple-foÍly lmite
allocated to any parcels in Sudden Valley.
(a) Reduction of sirgle-fanily lots for the Pu¡po¡e of iacreasing
the density oa ¡aid tracte shall be accouplished es
follon¡: Platted single-faily buildíng lotg shall be
procured consisteot with the provisiong of TÍtle 20.20.252
and/or 20.8í3.020 and .08f1 end designated as nondevelopable
lots through the filing of a¡ imevocable deed restriction
which has been certified by the l{hetcon Couaty Zoning
Aùinistrator. Said deed re¡triction shall also indicate the
total nr¡¡ber of additional u¡its to be added to the
resgective area tracts reeulting frou the reduction of
single-fanily lots.
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ttfulti-fuily d¡relling units that are ellocated to said tracts
nay be transferred betrreeu said tracts through the filing of
a¡r irrevoeable deed restrictioa, certified by the Whatcon
County ZouÍag Aöinistrator, that indicates the nr¡úer of
ur¡lti-fauily dwellíugs reuaining on the'various area tracts
fro¡¡ which sucb u¡itg have been transferred and the
corresponding increase in additional nulti-fauily rmits to be
allocated.
1. 05. 3 At sucb tine that a full range of urban ]evel services (public
sewer, water, transportatiou, storo drain.ge, fire and law
enforceuent) ca¡ be grovided to gr'evior¡sly t¡¡seniced la¡ds withi¡
tbe IIRBAI{ RESEBVE area, Section 20,20.260 of the Official llhatcon
Co¡¡¡ty Zoning Ordi¡a¡rce shall be applÍcable.
1.06 Within the URBâN RESERVE areas, a clustering: option shall be provided to the
applÍca¡t for the ner¡ lar¡d subdivisions. fhe prrrpose of thiE option is to
províde econo¡ic flexibility to the individ¡¡al property o¡vner, prouote
econonic lot desÍgn, conserve nonrenerrable natural resources a¡¡d
environneotally fragile areas, retain future optione with respect to land
use decisions, and ¡aintain the lor deasity PesideDtial character of the
25
area. tlhen applyinÉ the "clustering optionr Í the ItRBAl{ ntsSIDENTIAL zone
classification, as established in the zoningf ordina¡ce, shall be utilized to
establish the orreral.l densÍty of the parcel of record. l{err la¡¡d
subdivisione for residential prrrposes ghall be designed consistent with the
followind policies:
1.06.1 1o ¡iui¡ize encroachents (ingress e¡rd egress) along county roads,
subdivísion desif ehsll be discourag€d fron forning liueal
residential pattens adjacent to said roads.
1.06.2 l{l¡en practicable, structuræ on open landscapes should be sited
a¡d desigaed to nini¡ize disruptions of viefls fron a4jacer¡t
properties and public roadna¡re. In addition, it is prefemed that
residential structures be placed at thê peri-neter of fields or
within existing wooded aresr (altbowb the application of golar
energf tecbnology DÊy regulre soEe departures fro¡ these
preferences in specifÍc lnstancee).
1.06.3 Ilt¡en a 'cluster' subdivision is situated a{iacent to less
iateneive uaee (agricultnre, forostry or large parcel
residential.), the subdivisio¡ ¡hall be buffered at the site
periphery to prevent the êDcroaeh€nt of vehiclee, pedestriarE,
aninals a¡d ¡uisances on to Less inteosively utilized paróels.
I.07 the clnster ¡ethod of subdivision is defined as a¡ alternative nethod of
creating building parcels tbat involves:
(a) Concentrating spatially efficient a¡d narketable building lotg while
preserving; the i¡teut of the la¡d use district¡ a¡¡d
(b) retainiug optiong for futr¡re uses a¡d densities by treatinÉ the land as
both a coaodity aod a reaouFce.
the density of the ¡¡se digtrict defÍnes the nr¡ber of allorrable d¡relling
r¡nits per 1a¡rd area. f,a¡d area uot used for building purposes is desígnated
as "Reserve Tract.rr Section 20.20.300 of the Official l{hatco¡ Cor¡¡ty Zoning
Ordina¡¡ce fi¡rther deecribes the purposes a¡rd uses of Clustering and the
Reserve lract.
1.08 Existing and plar¡ned la¡¡d r¡se pattems'in the Geneva end Sudden Valley tt[tsAN
RESERVE areas are intended for lqv density residential uses. As these areas
develop, it is anticipated that e deoar¡d will exist for neighborhood
comercial uses. 1o accouodate this enticipated denand, the folloring
policies are provided:
r.08. I The Sudden Valley IRBÂN RESEEVB area shouLd be provided with
neighborhood cærcial shoppingi co4rlexes to accomodate the
neighborhood's denands for conveaience goods a¡d. services.
Selection of the nost appropriate site should be consistent with
the following: located on a collector or secondary arterial,
centrally located to the service area of the neighborhood, and be
approxinately five (5) acres in size.
In addition, tbe architectural and desig¡ should be conpatible
with tbe residential charecter of the neigùborhood.
26
1o ackno¡cledge the existing narina and resort ¡ear Strarùerry
Point, llhatcø Courty shall desig¡ate such use as a legal
noneonforning use which shall be aùinistered ulder the applicable
provisions of the zoning, ordina¡ce.
I.08.2 To aclsronLedge the neighborhood comercial uses in the Geaeva
üRtstlN mSEnVB aree, such useg shalt be conditioually peruitted in
the Urban Besidential zoning district.
1.08. 3 To acknowledge the geographical area in Sudden Valley containing
the restaura¡t, clubbouse end leased condoniuir¡¡s as a resort
area. This ccmercial area eball be i¡pleoented with e nen zoning
district which ghall be incorporated iato the Official lfhatco¡¡
County Zoniug Ordina¡ce.
1.09 At present, several productive, large lot residential land use forzs e:<ist
within the areas designated aÉ ttRßAlf RßSERVE. Beca,use of their ¡rell-
established nature, it is co¡ceivable that such aregs nay not be co¡verted
to increased r¡rba¡ deneitieg ln the future. ,As u¡bqrization ocsurs on the
periphery of thege anêaß, it is iuportant to uaintaiu their respective
character and stability ¡rhi1e ensuring againet detri-nental i-upacte. thtrs,
the folloning design standards shall be applied to adjacent urba¡
developnent:
1.09. t Residential subdivisions and other ¡¡rban uses shall. buffer
theoeelves with adequate la¡dscaping, screeaiag or fencing to
prevent tbe encroaclueut of vehicles, pedeetrians, ani:rals and
nuisances onto less intensively utilized parccls.
1. 09.2 hlhere practicable, subdivision a¡ld oÈher urba¡r uses shall be
designed in such a Danner as to channel their activity sources
(vehicrrlar and pedestria¡ networks) to the i¡terior spaces of the
site.
1.10 As part of the effort to effectively ¡auage r¡rba¡ grffith a¡¡d so that the
City of Bellingha uay be aware of ua.ior subarea activities which uay affect
its best interests, the follor¿ing poì.icies ere grovided:
t. r0. t 1o further a joint exchange of infottation, llhatcm Cormty shall
send copies of applications of ¡a.ior land use, transportation a¡d
service entity activities proposed within tbe sr¡bareå to the City
of Bellinghan within fifteen (15) days of application receiPt by
the corurty.
r. 10.2 TÌ¡e City of Bellinghan is requested to send copies of future
proposals concerni¡g the €xpanç!6¡¡ of the City's lfater Service
Zone and Serrer Se¡-'ice Zone bormdaries to tbe Whatco¡¡ Cotu¡ty
Planning Department. the purpose of such referral . is to afford
the corrnty's input in the deli¡eation of the bor¡nd¡¡ry, as well as
any related Conpreheneive PIan ind zone district char¡$es.
t.tI lûrile it is not anticipated that afiustnents to the IIRB^åll RESBBVE land use
designation will be necessary within the planning period, rrnexpected
population 6roü¡th of the subarea nay result in a need to exparrd the area
desigtrated as URBÄN BSERVE. If such need exists, the Conprehensive Plan
should be uended consistent with the Anenùent Criteria Section to ínclude
additional nrba¡izable la¡¡d co@eusurate ¡rith the dena¡d.
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B. RESIDEI{TIAT RT¡RA¡
I¡tent...stateqpn!
the intent of the RBSIIIE¡WfAt RIIRAI land r¡se designation is to ¡aintain the
exiating lory density character of aD area. Ilensitiea ghould range frou one (l)
dnelling unit per acre to t¡ro (2) ù¿el,ling r¡nÍts per aere, dependiug upon tbe
range of couaty approved services a¡rd exietinÍ lot eizes. If there is adeguate
transportation capecities, publicly provided serdsr q water, anrd lot sizee ofgreater than one acre exist or are pla¡ned, tbe deneity of residential
develo¡nent shall be one (I) fuelling ¡¡nit per acre. llt¡ere a partial range of
services exíst or are planned, e¡¡d the everege lot size is less tha¡l or equal to
181000 square feet, the density of residential develo¡neat shall be two (2)
dwelling r¡niüs per ecre. As a me-"s of efficiently utilizing land, uaintaiuing
the present lo¡r density residential cbaracter, and retaining optious regardirg
increaeed densities a¡d services in the futr¡re, it ig the iutent of the
RESIDENÎIAI ElrRâI, desi8¡ation to provide for the optiou of "clusterinÍ!" in tbe
desiglr of nerv subdÍvision proposals.
Policy Stateaent
1.01 Recognizing the past publíc comítuente that have been uade for lcr deusity
regidentiel ar¡d releted u¡ses, it ie the policy of líhatcou Coruty to
designate the folloring areas as HßSIDENÎIAI RTJRAL a¡d to depict the areas
as such on the Cq>rehensive Plan Land Use Map:
l-01.I Tl¡e l{orth Shore area whicl¡ is Senerally bounded by the City of
Bellingtran on the wegt, the shorel͡e on the south, the eastern
bonndary of lfater a¡d Setver Ilistrict No. 10's ltlil) *11 on the east
and north, end the Bonneville Po¡rer Adni¡istration Po,nerlines and
bor¡ndary of the flR-2 zone line on the north.
The Sqrralicnn Mountaín area which exists north of the watershed
boundary in Sectio¡s 13 a¡¡d 14, lor¿rship 38 North, Range 3 East.
t.0r.2 The Southwest Shore area ¡rhich is generally bor¡nded by Strac,berry
Point, the sboreline, the Lakewood-Sudden Valley property lines,
a¡¡d a portion of the State of llashington plat and the southwest
quarter of To¡rnship 34, Seetion 38 North, Renge 3 Bast.
1.0t.3 The South Bay area whÍch is generally bounded by the shoreline,
the llhatccn County Park Departoeut property line a¡d South Bay
Drive.
I.02 ¡lithin the aree designated as FßSIDEIITIAL RIjRåJ,, tlæicel wes ghall include
síngle-fanily attached a¡¡d detached drellings, preferably in a "clugter'lfotoation; pnbLic parks E¡d recreation facilities; houe occupations; and
neighborhood grocery stores.
1.03 llt¡atcon County shall i"uplenent the RESIDENIIAI, RURåL la¡rd r¡se desig¡ation by
application of the RESIDEwTIAT RTRAI zone district, in which the residential
density ranges frou one (l) dwellinE r¡nit per acre to two (2) d¡{elfing units
Per acre.
Tl¡e density of one (I) d¡uelling r¡nit per acre shall apply to the
folloniug areas: Tbe North Shore area bor¡nded by the ULID 16
1.03.1
28
1. 03.2
easter¡ bor¡rdary described as that portion of the east liae of the
west belf of tbe south¡rest quarter of tbe soutbeast quarter of
Section 24, Tomsbip 38 North' Range 3 East of H.M., l{hatcou
County¡ lfashington, tying northerly of l{orth Shore Road and
southerly of the southerly line of Bonneville Povrer Aùinistration
trar¡suission line easeuents across sqid south¡rest quarter of the
southeast guarter on the west, ùhe Bonneville Po¡rerlines right-
of-way on the north, Sewer ar¡d llater District !Io. l0's ULID #11 on
the east ar¡d north, and North Shore Drive on the south a¡rd the
South 8ay area.
The density of two (2) d¡relling rmits per acre shall apply to tbe
Soutbnest Shore and North Shore aree (es described ín
Policy 1.01.1) e¡<cluding those la¡ds described i¡ 1.03.1 above.
I.04 l{ithin the RESIDEÌfIIAL EURAL zor,e diatrict, new land sr¡bdivisions for
residential pr¡n¡oees uay be desigÞed with either a conventional or cluster
lot layout pattern. llt¡ichever sr¡bdivision ¡nttern is usd, the folloring
policies shall pertain to the sr¡bdivision design.
1.04.1 The overall density of develo¡nent, pertinent to the original
par¿el of record, shell ¡ot exceed the density provisions
addreesed in Policies 1.03.1 a¡rd 1.03.2 above.
t.04.2 To niuinize er¡croachnents (ingress a¡d egress) along existing
county roads, subdivision deeign shall be digcouraged froo forning
lineal residential patterns a{iacent to said roads.
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llhen practical, structures should
disruption of vier,rs, no<i-uize solar
consérvè existing vegetative cover.
be designed to nininize
heating opportunities a¡d
L.04.4 $ll¡en a sr¡bdivisio¡ is situated a4iaceat to less intensíve la¡rd use
designations such ag FOFßSIRY or RtlRAL, the st¡bdivision shall be
buffered at the site peripbery to prevent the encroacluent of
vehicles, pedestrians, ar¡i-uals and nuisa¡cee onto other less
iute¡sively utilized areas.
1.05 The existing neighborhood comercial. nses in the Agate Bay area shall be
conditionally pemitted within the Residential Rr¡ral zone district.
1.06 the cluster uethod of subdivision is defined as ar¡ alternative nethod of
creating buildiug parcels that involves:
(a) concentrating spatially efficient a¡¡d narketable building lots while
corylyíng ¡rith the inter¡t of the la¡d r¡ae district; and
(b) retaining; options for future uses a¡d densities by treating. the lend as
both a comodity end a resource.
The density of the use distríct defines the nr¡nber of allooable
dr¿elling r¡¡its per la¡rd area ar¡d establishes a uini¡r¡n lot size.
Miniur¡n lot síze is intended to be consistent with l{hatcou County
Eealth Board Rt¡les a¡ld Regulations concerning! soil percolation rates
for septic systens. land area not used for building purposee is
designated as a "reserve tract'! a¡¡d sbould be r¡sed for agriculture'
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forestt?, open space or futr¡re eubdivieio¡ at such tine the
Conpreheusive Plan ig anended to ellow a¡ i¡crease i¡ density. fhe
Official llhatcon Cor¡nty Zoning Ordinance degcribes the densitV for
various la¡d rrse districts where the cluster nethod can be utilized,
the criteria to be r¡sed in designing building lots, aid tte provisions
of the Feserve tract.
30
c. RITRAL
Intent Stateuent
Ttre prinary inter¡t of the RITRAL policy is to provide erees of uul.tiple rrse
suitability such es agriculture, forestry, nining, lo¡r deusity recidential and
hone occupations. TÌ¡e nultiple use potentlal of RITRAf, areas nay be co¡¡trasted
with thoge of other areas within ¡rhich pagt cs@ituents such as residential
subdivisions and attenda¡rt services or resource availabílíty, i.e. aglicultural
soils or tinber stsnds, have dictated single ìand use suitability.
An edditional intent of the policy is to love to+rard attain¡er¡t of the Regio¡al.
Design Goal with res¡rct to future rural developuent in rrhieh residential deoeity
should be lonr'not reeuft in a dena¡d for urban services (p¡rblicly provided aewer
ar¡d ¡rater, etorn drainag:e, fire and sheriff protection, tu¡d transportation
inprovenents), conserve a¿lricultural e¡d forest lands, a¡d conpleuent the
existing trrrraln character. the nruraln character nay be defined as an area
where there is a uixture of pastureland, croplaad, noodlots and dispersed
settlenent land forns.
Ttre EIIRâL policy is also intended to acknorrledge physical and culturel factors
which currently are and during the plnnning period wlll continue to be
liuitations to hiEùer de¡eities. Physical factors relate to soil percolation
rater, depth to gror.mdwater level, steep topography, âDd the presence of
aquifers; whereas, crrltr¡ral factors pertain to the absence of public services end
circulation net¡rorks. Moreover, tbís policy intends to conserve envirornentally
fra$ile areas and retai¡ future access options with respect to nonrene¡rable
natural resources (ea¡¡d, gravel, coal a¡¡d uinerals, and soils whích contribute to
agricultural and forest productivity).
1o encourage the nultiple land ¡rse potential, retain the "rural" character of the
eree, acknonledge factors whidr nay preclude higher densities, and retain futr¡re
optious with respect to la¡rd nse decisioaE and naturel reaouroe utilization, itis the intent of the RIIB.AL policy to grovide the option of'clustering" in tbe
desiED of nerr rural subdivisions.
Policy Statenent.
t.0l It is herein the policy of l{hatcm County to designate portions of the lake
l{hatcou Subsrea, which are consistent with the Eural Locational Criterie, as
ruRAI and depict theo as such on the Cm¡rrehensive Plan l,lap. Applicable
areas include the follorving:
l. 01. I Tl'e "Y' - Squalicr.u area nhÍch is generally bor¡nded by the subarea
bor¡ndary on the north, the topographic breal< between 0-15 a¡¡d 15-
309 slope on the east and ¡vest, and the Eonneville powerline
right-of-r{ey on the south.
1. 01. 2 The Toad teke area which ís generally bor¡¡ded by Îoàd LaJre Road
and the subarea boundary on the west, the Bonneville porerline
right-of-ray on the south, and tinber lar¡ds on the north ar¡d east.
The Nortb Shore-Srr¡n]æide area which is generally boruded by the
BonnevilLe ponerline ri6:ht-of-ray on the northeast, the fltratcom
County Park Depart¡ent property ou the southeast, the shoreline on
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the weet, and llater llistrict No. l0's II¿ID boundary on the
northwest.
1.01.4 lte Park Road valley area wbich is generally bormded by tinber
la¡ds on the north, east and south' and South Bay Drive ou the
¡rest.
t. 01.5 The South Eay area which is gererally bounded by the shoreline,
South Bay Drive, the intersection of Cain Lal¡e Road a¡d South Bay
Drive on the north, ti¡ber la¡¡ds on the east ênd west, and the
subares borurdary on the south.
r. 01.6 the South Lalre llhatccm Boulevard srea whicù is generally bounded
by lake llhatcm Boulevard o¡ the west, the Firs property on the
north, the shoreline on the east, a¡¡d the intersection of Cain
Lake Road and South Bay Drive on the south.
l. 01.7 ft¡e upper Ge¡¡eva area which is generally bou¡ded by the llf,tsAN
RESERVE and RßSIDEI{?IAI RlttRAt pla¡r desig¡ation on the north,
FORESITI plan deeig¡ation oE the south, and'the RESIDE¡ITIAI, RIJRA¡
plan desigDation on the east and west.
1.01.8 The Blue Canyon area ¡rhich is generally bounded by Park, the 420
foot contour line and the shoreline.
l. 01.9 lbe Acadeuy Road area bor¡nded by the city linits on the ¡rest, the
Bonneville Porerli¡e rigùt-of-ray on the north and east, a¡¡d the
northern bor¡ndary of the ffi-2 zo¡e line on the south-
t.02 The RIIRAT land rrse desig¡ation shall be Íupleuented through the use of the
Rural zone district which allons a ro<i¡t¡ land use density of one (1)
dwelling rmit per two (2) acres and one (t) d¡relfing nnit per five (5)
acres. Consistent with the Locational Criteria for the RItR.ât lar¡d r¡se
designation, the density of one (1) d¡relling urit per two (2) acres ehall be
apglied to the South Lake llhatcom Boulevard area, Soutb 8ay area, the upper
Geneva area, the Blue Canyon area, the Acadeoy Road south of Acadery Road
and the North Shoresu¡nyside erea. The density of one (l) òrelling r.rnit
per five (5) acres shall be applied to the Toad Lalce, 'Y" - Squalicrm, Park
Road valley, and the Acade.uy Road eree north of Acadeny Road and upper
Geneva arees.
1.03 The existing neighborhood comercÍal use and in the South Bay area shall be
conditionally pemitted within the Rural zone district.
The existingl resort r¡ses in the South Bay area shall be considered as leEal
nonconforzing uses a¡d thus will be afuinistered rmder the applicable
provisÍons of the zoning ordinance.
1.04 the option of clusterinÉ; in the design of nery subdivisions is provided as a
Eeans of naintaining the low density rural cbaracter, conservíngl natural a¡¡d
environmentally fragile areas, and enco¡¡raginE site design to reflect botb
physical a¡rd econonic conditions while retaining future options with respect
to land use decisions. lllt¡en applyiag the "clr¡steriug option, ' the
apgropriate zone classification shall be utilized to establish the overall
density of developnent pertinent to the parcel of record. For example, a
forty acre parcel situated within Ê hrral Five Acre (R5A) zone
32
classification could have a ¡a¡rinru of eigbt buildi¡g lots with the ¡Íninun
Iot size established consistent with the tlhatcou Cor¡nty Health Departnent's
regulåtions for on-site septic disposaì. systeus. In addition, nen la¡d
subdivisio¡s for residentiel purttoltes shall couply with the follorring
policies:
r.04. I To uini-uize encroach¡eats (ingress a¡d egress) along existÍng
county road.s, srrbdivision design shall be disco¡¡raged frou fotuing
lineal residential patterns adjacent to said roads.
1.04.2 llhen practical, structurea oD open landscapes should be sited a¡d
designed to nini¡ize disruptions of vie¡rs fron a{iaceot proPerties
and public roadways. In additio¡, it is preferred that
residential structures be sited withÍn the periphery of nooded
areaa to coq¡lenent and further the rural character of the area.
1.04.3 lfben a "cluster" st¡bdivision is situated affacent to less
inter¡sive uses (agriculture' forestry or large parcel
resideDtiql), the subdivision shaU be buffered at the site
periphery to grevent the encroacbne¡t of vebicles, pedeatrians,
ani¡als and nuisa¡ces onto less intensively utilized parcels.
1.05 The cluster oethod of subdivision is defined as a¡r alterustive nethod of
creatLng building parcels that involves:
(a) concentrating spatially efficient a¡¡d marl¡etable building lots ¡drile
¡naintainin¡! the intent of the land r¡se district; and
(b) retaining options for future uses and densities by treating the land as
both a comodity a¡¡d a resource.
The density of the r¡se dictrict defi¡es the number of allonable ôvelling
rr¡¡its per la¡¡d area and establishes a niniur¡n lot size. Mi¡inr¡n lot size is
deteruÍned consistent with t{hatcou Cowrty Heelth Board Rules and Regulations
concerning soil percolation rates for on-site septic systeus. La¡¡d area not
used for building purposes is designated as a "reserve tractr and should be
used for agrict¡lture, forestry, open space or future subdivision at such
tine as the Conprehensive PIa¡ is anended. The Official ltlhatco¡ County
Zoníng ordinance describes the density for various use districts where tbe
ch¡ster nethod cen be utilized, the criteria to be used in desígníng
building lots a¡d the provisions of the reserve tract.
1.06 It is the policy of lltratcou County to encoura¡le property o?úners to cougerve
Prine Farnlands, Far¡land.s of Stateryide Inportauce a¡d forested areas by
utilizing the provisions qf RCt{ 84.34.
33
D. FONESIRY
Intent Stateoer¡t
The FORESTEY designatíon intends to move torard attaiment of the llhatcm Co¡¡nty
Goal Statenents wtrich address the conservation of forest lendg and grovide for
the cont,inued econonic vitality of forest industries. To accooplish such, tbe
FORESTRT designation intends to ide¡tify area¡r wtrich are suitable for the long-
term productivity a¡d sustaÍned use of foreet resources. 1o ninioize conflictwith and encroachment by nonforest uses, and to guard against forest landconversionr the policies int,end to discourage residential and
recreatio¡,/residential ulreE, Moreover, the FORBSîIRY designation intends to
accouodate otber cqratible a¡d related uses suerh as nonrenerrable resource
extractio¡, wildlife Ea¡agenent, watershed ranagleuent a¡d dispersed recreation.
Finally, the FORßSTRY desig¡ation íntends that uses are conducted in accordan¡ce
with applicable local, state a¡¡d federal regulations.
Policy Stateoent
1.01 It is the policy of lftratco Cor¡nty to desigþate those portions of tbe Lake
flhatcon S¡¡barea which conforu to the Locational Critería established in the
previous section as FORBSIRY on tbe Corprehensive PIar¡ Land Use ltlap. To
iuplerent this policy, the existing Er¡ral, Bural Farn, Potential Strburbar¡
a¡d Forestry designations shall be re¡realed and uended to FORES1ÎY,
consistent with the policies stated herein.
.02 the principal use of FOEESTEY arees shall be sustained yield forest
Danagenent ¡rhich is eonducted in accordance with the l{ashington State Forest
Practice Act (RCIf 76.09) ar¡d the rules ar¡d regulations pronulgated
thereunder (WAC 222), as adninistered by the llepartnent of Natural
Resources. Forest ¡ana$euent i¡cludes practices such as ti¡ber production,
harvesting and reforegtation; forest cheoical r¡se; logging road conEtruction
a¡d uaíntenance; fire prever¡tion and suppreesion; the protectíon of public
resources including water quality, figh a¡d wildlife, and seed orchards; andsnall, private ti¡ber production such as woodlot operations.
1.03 Secondary uses of FORESI?Ï areas shall include foregt indr¡stries which are a
necessary adjurrct to forest nanageuent; utilities such És electrical
transnission line eorridors, Eicro-rave relay stations, aod ¡icro a¡d snall
scale hydro-electric feneration facil.ities; dispersed and low intensity
recreational ectivitieei nineral a¡¡d nonmineral extraction; a¡d fish,wildlife a¡d ¡vatershed uar¡ageneut.
I.04 It is the policy of lll¡atcon County to reguire local public review of
secondary uses in FORßSTRY areas wÍth the inte¡rt of deteroining tbe
following:
1. 04. I The use riLl not cause a perranent a¡¡d irrevocable comituent of
the forest resource to other uaes.
7.O4.2 lhe use will not prohibit or iq¡act the intensive operation of
aüoining forest praetrces.
Tle use will have fire preve¡tion a¡d suppression pla¡s, e¡ld will
not create a fire hazard for adjoining forestry operations.
I
t.04.3
34
t. 04. 4 The r¡se is in conpliance with all applicable local, state and
federal regulations.
1.04.5 I{hen proposed to be situated within the Lalce l{batcø lfatersbed,
the ¡¡se will not sig¡ifica¡rtIy i¡pact or degrade sur:face ar¡d
subsurface water quality srd qua¡tiùy characteristics.
1.05 It is the policy of t'tlhatcon Cou¡ty to establish twenty (20) acres as the
¡ininun parcel size for sustained yield forest rnarrageuent, as r+el.I as to
safegrrard forest lands froo potential inpacts generated by secondary uses.
1.06 It is tbe policy of llhatcou Coru¡ty to foster cøpatibil.ity bet¡ceen forest
practices and residential uses by establishing a ninin¡.o ¡nrcel size of
twenty (20) acres for each reeidence, requiring all residential ar¡d related
stra¡ctures to be gitr¡ated a nininrn of two hr¡ndred (200) feet fron parcel
bor¡ndaries, åûd assuring that ell potential resideDts are clearly i¡for¡ed
of the principal use of FORESTRY areas and the intensive forest practices
which Day reasonably and law-fully occur in the no¡nal course of forest
nanagenent.
1.0? It ís the policy of llhatcon Cor¡¡ty to irpleuent the FORtsSTRY designation andpolicies witb the Forestry zone district which shall also include provisions
for the above stated Policies 1.O2, 1.03, 1.04, 1.05 and 1.06.
1.08 it is the policy of llhatcon County to encourage the De¡nrtnent of Natural
Resources to eontinue coruty notification of all classes of forest practÍce
applications. In addition, the county shaLl encourage the Dl{B to conductpublic infornation prograns, ¡rhen jointly deter¡ined to be necessary,
concerrting forest practices whích are proposed to occur withi¡ the f,ake
lfhatcm lfatershed.
1.09 It is the policy of ltflratcou Cor¡nty to encourage private forest a¡rd woodlot
owners to conserve the courty forest resource base by utilizing the current
use tax assesÊDent provisione of RCI{ U.28, RCW 84.33 ar¡d nfif 84.34.
1.10 Pursua¡rt to tbe provisions of nøf 79.68 (Multiple-Use Goncept in Managienent
and Aùinistration of State-o¡v¡¡ed [ar¡d.s), it is the policy of llhatcon County
to encourag:e continued nultiple-use Danagenent of state-owaed forest lands.
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E. PUBIIç
Intent Statenent
With refereDce to parcels whicl¡ eurrently are or*¡ed or planned for orrnership by
pt¡blic agencies, the intent of the folloring policies is to inpleuent the Cor¡nty
Goal Stateuents relating to public facilities a¡d senrices, a¡d to ass¡¡re the
conti¡ued prrblic provision of a variety of services í¡ a Danner that is
co@ensurate with population levels and requÍreuents. Furthernore, the policies
are intended to optinize public investnents and pronote conpatibility between
public f¡¡nctions and surro¡.&diug land uses.
Policy Statenent
t.0l It is the policy of ltfhatcm Connty to designate areas as PUBLfC on the
Gon¡rrehensive Plan La¡d Use Map when such arees are co¡sistent with the
Locational Criteria of the previorrs section. $pical uses in PÍJBLIC planned
areas Ínclude facilities a¡ld services related to tbe provision of
recreation, education, utilities, emunications, solid waste disposal ,
health care and ¡rater diversion rcorks.
1.02 llithin the I¡Ice Î{hatco Subarea, the following uses shall be deeignated
PUBLIC: state a¡d county-otmed perlrs, ¡rildlife reserves a¡¡d fish
hatcheríes; scùools; fire stations; bealth care facilities; district ow¡ed
water treat¡ent plants a¡rd storage facilities; district oryned sfler
tra¡rsmission facilities; federally owned electrical tra¡rsnission Line
corridors; aÌtd uunicipally oened water diversion corridors.
1.03 Inplenentation of the PUBIIC designatíon shall be accou¡rlisbed by;
1.03.I application of the Eecreation
recreatiou areae; and
and Open Space zone to public
1.03. 2 by desíg¡atiug aII other public fu¡ctious to be used by right or
condition within llhetcon Cou¡ty zoning diEtricts.
I.04 Pursuant to.the Inter-local Cooperation Act (RCW 39.34), it is the policy of
üfhatco¡ Connty to encourage public agencies to prepare and adopt long-rangeplans which address future larrd, facility a¡rd service requireuents; the
objective of which is to coordinate public arrd private activities, as well
as to nininize potentíal future conflict between various pr¡blic agencies and
the private sector regarding plan iupleuentation.
1.05 It is the policy of llhatco¡ County to cooperate and coordinete with the
fftratcom Coruty Parks Departnent in the integration of e<isting park plans
into a Becreation arrd Open Space Elenent which r¿ill augnent the Cour¡ty
Conprehensive PIaa. In addition, the Cor¡¡ty Parks Depart¡ent shall be
encourâEled to participate in neighborhood park planning within the areas
desiguated as UEBAN RBSERVE a¡rd RßSIDENIIAL RUnAt on the Conprehinsive Plan
land Use l,lap.
1.06 It is the policy of l{hatcon County to encourage public agenciee to attain
those parcels which benefit the continued operation of their fi¡nction.' $henever practical, joi¡t agreenents between agencies shall be er¡couraged to
expedite efficient public expenditure.
36
1.07 llhenever practical, it is the policy of llhatcou Coru¡ty to encourage nulti-
Iturpose use of public lar¡d facilities and services.
1.08 It is the polícy of l{hatcm Corrnty to uiuiuize visual a¡d fi¡¡etional impacts
of PIIBLIC land uges throu6h utilization of aesthetic site desig¡ which is
eonpatible ¡rith the character of the currounding aree.
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r. OUASI-PT'BTIC
Intebt St,atement
QUASI-PIIBLIC Ia¡rd uses are defined as i¡stitutional u¡tes operated for the public
but wrder private control. The Quasi-R¡blic uges that exist in the suberea
include religiots, educatio¡al, recreational a¡d institutional facilities. These
uses warrant a separate la¡rd use desiguation due to their distinctive character
and variable irpacts with surrou¡ding uses.
Thr¡s, the follo+¡ing policies serr¡e to identify the t1pe of ì¡se' location, and
zoning of the quasi-public uses and properties within the Sr¡barea.
Pol içv- Çtatenpr,tt
1.01 llhatcon Corrnty shall designate the folloci¡g institutional useÊ and
properties o¡ the Comprehensive La¡¡d Use PlaD llap eg q¡asi-R¡blic: the Blue
Canyon Foundation, ¡orth of Agate Bay; the Firs BÍble a¡d Missionary
Conference Center property in Geneva and south of Sudden Valley; the llestern
tlashing¡ton university l¡kewood facility uortb of Sudden Valley; a¡rd the
Beltingtran School District conservation a¡¡d educational site in South Bay.
I.02 Because of the relatívely snall size of the designated Qn¡asi-h¡blic areag'
inplenentation ehâIl be acconplished by application of the adjacent zoning
district which ie the uost consistent with the e,heracter of eacb respective
Quasi-Public area. In addition, becarrse of the various iopacts sssociated
wíth Qua.si-Public uses, such uses sball be peruitted as conditional uses
within the respêctive aonin8 district.
38
c. coi,!!¡NIT,Y,raqrLllrEs A¡¡D UTILTTTES
Int.e-nt-Sta!..enent
One of the nost iu¡rortant factors in couprehensive planning is tbe relationship
between la¡d use a¡d the provision of pr¡blic eerrrices. Proportionate with the
increase in land use density and attenrlent population levels is the incresse in
daa¡¡d for services Euch as efficient se¡rer and ¡rater systeos, efficient and safe
tra¡¡sportation networks, adequate school arrd park s¡rsteos, stor:I¡v¡ater drainage
systens, and capable fire and police protective services. In areas that are
curreotly rmdeveloped yet pl¡',',ed for future urba¡ developnent, the residents of
llhatcon County shall be apprised of the aecessar¡r increase not only in utility
services, but also in adequately staffed and equipped sheriff a¡rd fire protective
services. As grorrth occurs in t'urbÊr¡ fringet' and rural areaÉ, Iocal governnents
have been t¡ryically confronted nith service issues that can be sumarized as
follor¡s:
Ilhat gover¡ne¡rtal jurisdiction should provide the deoanded services?
t{hat is the differernce between r¡rba¡ a¡d nonurban services, and where do urùa¡¡
sernrices stop and nør¡rban beEin?
Under what conditione should r¡rban a¡rd nonu¡ùar¡ services be provided?
$lhat services ca¡r be econøically provided to both city and county jnrisdictions
or by a siugle-service purveyor?
It is the intent of the folloning policies to define t{hstco Countyts role and
responsibility concerning the above issues, ar¡d to furtber enEure that a
beneficial balance exists betroeen the supply ar¡d dena¡rd for serrrices, as well as
encoura¡¡e the cooperation auong nrmicipalities, special districts and water
associations in the planning and provision of public services.
Po1icv Stateoent
l.0l It is herein the policy of llhatcoo Connty to cooperate ar¡d coordinate with
the City of Bellinghan, Ilhatcon Conrrty lfater Ilistricts Nos. 7 and 10,
Itlhatcon County Fire Protection Districts Nos. 2, 4 and 18, Bellinghan and
Mt. Balter School Districts, "Y'r - Squalicr¡n ffater Association and the State
of lVashington in plennin{ subarea sern¡ice systeøs.
1.02 As deecribed in the UmåN RBSERVE policies, land areas inside the URBAN
RESERVE designation are intended for urben type densities and shall be
provided with a futl ra¡rgle of urùa¡ services including publicly provided
ser¿er and water, fire a¡¡d sheriff protection, trensportation and storunater
drainage systeus. Therefore, ltlhatcon County recog¡izes specific gervice
purveyors for tbe delivery of urba¡l gervices in each of tbe designated tlRtsAN
RESERVE arear¡ as follorys:
1.02.1 SUDDEN VÂLLEY:
Sewer and ltlater: llhatcon County ïlater l]istrict No. t0
Sudden Valley Coonnity Ássociation a¡¡d
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@leIc€úen'!:
Fire Protection:
Transportation:
G9,r{FVA:
Secúer a¡d lflater:
l{hatco¡ Cou¡ty Sheriffts Departuent and S.V.C.A.
Itlhatcon County Fire Protection District No. 2
Itll¡atcon County and S.V.C.A.
t.02.2
$lhatcon Cor¡¡ty Water District No. I0
Stor"nwater Managenent: llt¡atcou County
Ia¡r Enforceuent: I{tratcm County Sheriff's Departuent
Transportation: ltlhatcon Cormty (roadr,nys) and City of Beì.linghan
(pubfic tra¡sit)
fire Protection: úlhatccn Cor¡nty Fire Protection District No. 2
1.03 It ís the policy of t{hatcon Cou¡ty to encourage the placeoent a¡d extension
of sewer ar¡d ¡rater linee in a nanner that is contiguor¡s to existing
developrnent(s). Such phased line placeoent is i¡tended to dÍseor¡ragie the
occurrence of "leapfrog" develo¡ruent.
1.04 Isnds situated outside the IJRBAN RßSBEVE areas are plar¡ned for nonurban lar¡d
use de¡gities, and thus services are inte¡ded to be comensurate with
planned uses and de¡sitíes for the follæring lar¡d r¡ee desÍgnations:
1.04.1 RESIDBNTIAL RIIBAI: On-site domestic waste water disposal spteus
and i¡dividual wells, or one public utility' i.e. sewer or water
provided by District No. l0; on-site or off-site storunater
detention via the reElional Etorn¡oater drainage systen; volr¡¡teer
fire protection fron a l{hatcon County Fire Proteetion Ilistrict;
public service oriented law enforcenent frm the llhstcon County
Sberiff's Departnent; and tranrsportation provided by a collector
arterial, naintained by llhatcou County.
Service frprovenents MoratorÍ¡¡n: Exteusion of existing or
construction of new public facilities a¡d private service systens
to facilitate urban developuent in the North Shore Residential
Rural designation ¡vithiu the watershed ehall be delayed r¡ntil a¡r
ansessueDt of potential iupacts to the watershed caused by the
irpleueatation of said designatíon is coupleted. Said assessuent
shall be one of the tasks of Phase I of the Departnent of Ecology
fi¡nded ¡¡ater supgly study and shall be eompleted no later than
Decenber 31, 19&¡.
As referenced aborre, nen public facilities shall incl¡¡de public
sswer, water, storn drainage and transportation i-uproveuents and
extensions while privete service systeos include water
associations. This policy does not apply to contracts for water
service that have been e¡<ecrrted betr¡een the City of Bellinghan and
Water and Se¡rer District No. l0 prior to the adoption of the LaI¡e
llhatcoo Sr¡barea plâD, individual wells or connectj.ons to the North
Shore sewer line to sene existing platted lots of record, or the
40
areas within two or rlore tlLIDts existiag at the tiue of tbe
adoption of the tal¡e f{hatcon Subarea Couprehensive Pla¡¡.
This polÍcV does also not apply to prelininary plat applications
that have been filed grior to the adoption of thiE policy a¡d the
tine li-uits that the Cor¡nty Cot¡¡cil must act on the preliuinaryplat as described by statute have erçired.
I.04.2 RTRAL and FORESIEY: On-site donestic ¡caste water disposal systens
a¡¡d iudiviô¡al ¡rell or nater asgociationg volunteer fire
protection frm a lthatcm Cor.rnty Fire Protection District and the
Departnent of Natural Resources; public service oriented law
enforceoent, fron the llhatcø Cor¡uty Sheriff's Departuent; and
transportation provided by a collector arteriel naintained by
l{hatcou Corrnty.
r.04.3 eûÁSI-PlBI,fC: Public sewer and ¡rater fron llistrict No. l0 or on-site døestic wells, stora drainage, volunteer fire protection
frou a lft¡atco Cormty Fire Protection llistrict; public ger:vice
orieuted lEw enforceoent frm the l{hatcon Gornty Sheriff 'sDepartuent; and transportation provided by a collector arterial
naintained by tlhatcon Courty.
l-05 it is the policy of llhatco¡ Coruty to request the City of Bellinghan a¡d
lfater District No. l0 to uend their Cou¡rrelrensive Sener and flater plans
consiste¡¡t with Èhe level of service a¡d geogfaphic service erea art
described in Policies 1.02 a¡d t.04 of this section, and pursuarit to
ncl{ 57.t6.40 a¡¡d RCIY 36.70.520.
.06 It is herein the policy of lthatcon County to require storurater drainagefacilities inside URBAI{ FESERVE arees a¡¡d RURAI nßSIDENTfAt areas where the
maxi-num density is two (2) dwelling r¡nits per acre. To i-upleuent thispolicy, lllatcou Cor¡¡ty shall seak a grent frø the State llepartnent of
Ecology to develop a regional sto¡¡¡aater ranageoeDt pla¡¡ for the trake
Ilhatcon Sr¡barea. Moreover, it is the intent of llhatcon County to faeilítate
a cooperative effort in develo¡uent of such a pla¡¡ auong affected service
entities. To aclrnowledge this policy in each of the UnBAlf RESERVE and
appropriate RIIRAL RESIIIENTfAL areas, the following policies are provided:
1.06. I Geneva: On-site storunater collection a¡rd retention shalL be
required for all neri property developnent a¡¡d land use
nodifieatio¡ r¡¡¡til the county adopts and inplenents a regional
sto¡¡¡¿ater Eanag:erûent p1an.
I.06.2 Sudd,e.q Ypllqy: On-site stonñrater collection a¡¡d retention shall
be reguired for alL neÍr property developnent and la¡ld use
uodification until the Sudden Valley Comrrnity Âssociation
inpleuents a storor¡ater draiuage plan.
North Shore: On-site storunater collection end retention shall be
required for all new property developnent and land use
nodification until the cowtty adopts and inpleuents a regional
sto¡¡nater llanagerDent plan.
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1. 06.4 ftre North Shoreline a¡¡d Southwest Shore: Or¡-site stor,üh,ater
collection and retention shall be required for all nerv property
developnent and la¡d use ¡odification until the county adopts and
inplements a regional storu¡rater na¡ag:euent plan.
1.07 llt¡atco¡ Cor¡nty shall continue to recognize Rrget Poryer and lÍght ae the
Prinary energy Purveyor in the subarea; høever, the courty èncoureges the
use of alternetive er¡ergy systeus for residential, comercial , quasi-pr¡blic
and public le¡rd r¡ses.
1.08 It is the Policy of lthatcou County to assr¡re that the necessery staff andequiPDent are available in the lfhatcm Cor¡nty Sheriff's Departnent toprovide adequate protectíve servíces co@ensurate with projected population
levels in the Lake !{hatcon Subarea.
42
H. LÌAMIPORIAIION/C rHCrltAlI9N
Intent Stateuent
Transportation/Circulation is one of the key eleuents in cm¡rrehensive lar¡d use
planning since the changes in land use density a¡d correalxrnding population
levels often result in the need to build re¡r roads or to i-nprove the operational
efficiency of existing roads.
Ttrerefore, in the Lafte lfhat,cm Subarea it is the inteut of ffhatcon Cormty to plan
neï road construction projects in the t{orth Shore IREAII RESERVE area while
naintaining iuproveuent projects currently desig¡ated in the county's
Transportation fuprovement Progra (TIP), such as operational inprovenents to
lake f,ouise, Lakenay and Ar¡stin streets ae ¡rell as constructio¡ of the ffhatcon
Connector.
h¡rthemore, ïlhatcom Corlnty intends to provide the policy frmer¡ork ¡rith which
the private and prrblic sectors can nalce appropriate transportation decisions with
respect to fiscal responsibility and the coordination of construction projects.
In additÍon, llhatcou Cor¡¡rty inteads to adopt neri road deeign standards and
specifications which wíll provide an appropriate road classification systen s¡hich
can be inplenented in the Lalce l{hatcon Subarea.
It is also the intent of ïlhatcon County to cooperate with the City of Bellinghan
in both land r¡se a¡d transportatiou planning in order to avoid disruption of
downstrean traffic patterns.
Ihe progra¡med sequence .nd coordination of road construction projecte ar¡d the
implenentation of design standards and apecifications is also intended to provide
in a uore effícient trensportation systen resulting in nore efficient use of
energy a¡¡d enbanc.ed environmentaL conditions.'
fn srmary, it is the intent of the following polícies to ensure that la¡d use
a¡¡d transportation planning rutually support tbe safe and efficient novment of
people and goods, whil.e optinizing public investnenta in the existing circr¡lation
systen. Furthernore, it is the intent of flhatcon Cor¡nty to Dove toward the
attainnent of tbe flhatco¡ Cor¡nty Goal Stateuents with respect to transportation
pla¡ning.
Policy Stateuent
1.01 It shall be the policy of l{hateon Cor¡¡lty to coordinate amd cooperate with
the City of Bellinghan in the planning of ne¡r arterial routes in the Lalce
ïlhatcou Subarea.
I.OZ It is the policy of llhatcø Corrnty tô acknor¡ledge the currerrtly progranq'ed
ÌÌhatcom Connector as the uost importa¡t road construcÈion project in the
Subarea.
1.03 It is the policy of lfhatcon County to encourage the construction of new
roads in a Danner that is contiguons to existing developnent. Such phased
road construction is intended to discouragle the occurrence of "leap frog"
development within the areas desig[ated as IIRBAI{ RESERVE.
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1.04 It shall be cou¡¡ty policy to i¡plenent the road classification plan as
desiglrated on the Lal¡e llhatcon Subarea Roadnay Classification Map throuÉh
conforoance ¡rith the follæring policies:
t. 04. I It shall be the policy of llhatco County to develop Street
Standards and Specifications that defiue the precise urba¡ level
transportation stendards to be applied within tbe subarea. Such
star¡dards shall also include a varíety of desiÉÞ stendards for
residential streetsi design ogtions for reducing iupenriousness of
road or pedeetrian surfacee; Êcce¡s control plans for each
functional roed classification; drainage consistent with a
regional storowater nanegeoent plan; standards for roadside
features a¡d pedestria¡¡ facilities; and roadwey geonetrics.
L.04.2 It shall be the policy of llhatcø Co¡¡rty to reduce the aount of
impervÍous surfaces includiug streets, drivenars, sidewalks, etc.,
whenever possible, by rrsing 'uatur¿l" enÍlineering desigtr¡ uethods
such as the use of open, shallor, grassed street swales instead of
curbs and gutters. In addition, lítratco¡ County shall encouragethe use of alternative surfacing options such as porous asphalt
paveuent, precast interlocking blocks, and rolled brick or cinder
chips to reduce irn¡rerviousness of driveways. ilatural design
nethods Ê¡d surfacing options ca¡l ai.d in reducing total surface
runoff, sloning of concentration aad capturing particulates.
1. 04. 3 ïlhatccm County shall uÊe tbe developnent approval process
(subdivision, zoning a¡rd building pemit) to establisb comunity
circulation patterns a¡d to secure right-of-vay and construction
of all functione] road c]assifications.
r,o4,4 Through the developnent approval process (subdivision, zoninÉi and
building peruit), l{hatcom County shall identify the short and
long-rarge transportation (traffic) inpacts to subarea roads by
cmputiaE the estiuated nu¡ber of vebicle trips geuerated by a
project and comparing those couputatioas against the planned level
of sen¡ice for eadr road seg[ent (according to the Wtratcon County
Engineering Departnent design standards and specifications)
iupacted by the project including íntersections. If it is
deteruined that a proposed development will cause transportation(traffic) iryacts r¡hich will result in a level of service below
that pla¡¡ned for all affected road classifications, flhatcon County
shall request tbe developer to nalce the necessary improveoents to
naintain the pre-pla¡rned level of service or to ¡ake a¡ equivalent
cash eo¡tribution.
1.04-5 ft is herein the policy of l{hatcø Corrnty to change the street
n¿ìDe lerrace Avenue to Cable Street, which is that portion of
roadway fron Laker¿ay Drive to Cab1e Street.
1,05 It Ís herein the policy of l{tratcon County to approve new road construction
projects or iuproveuents to existing roads consistent with a regional
etorznater nanageDent pla¡ for the URBAN RESERVE areas desiguated on the
Lalce tll¡atcon Subarea Cou¡¡rehensive Land Use Pler¡ Map. Should the private or
public sector begin such projects before the plan is conplete, the connty
shall ispleoe¡t appropriate neasures to assr¡re total contairnent of excess
stormnater runoff for each developnent proposaÌ. Upon coupletion of a
4
storDlrater nanagenent pla¡r, lar¡d area currently used for retention nay be
converted to pe¡¡itted uses and deusities consistent . ¡rith the applicable
zone district.
1.06 Where appropriate it shalt be corrnty policy to allow develo¡rers of snall.
projects (15 lote or less) to build a half width road whict¡ will be
classified belon a collector arterial provided tbat all affected progerty
orners 'gree to participate ia conpleting the road.
1.07 It is herein the policy of WÌ¡atcoo County to prmote and encourage the
availability of pnblic transit as demand increaseg in the Lake llhatcom
Subarea. The public tra¡sit systen shall be designed to eucourage the useof said s¡rsteu by providing frequent and convenient access points, and by
inùegrating transit services with other trarsportation nodes, such as bus
systeus, park a¡d ride lots for autonobiles a¡d bicycles, and bw, railroad
a¡rd airline terminal facilities.
Any najor proÉ¡au change in the Transportatíon Improveuent Progran with
respect to the circulation systeu shall provide eccc@odations for transit
wäen warranted by the level and location of ridership.
1.08 It ehall be the policy of lfhatcon County to nal¡e every effort to preserve
oeture trees end rmique wildlife habitats and otber eleoents of the natural
environnent duriug the design a¡d construction of road inprovaent projects.
llhere disruption of the natural enviro¡rnent is r¡¡avoidable, special
techniques, including rounded slopes, erosion control, reseediug a¡d
revegetatÍon shall be eu¡rloyed to return roadsides to their natural state.
1.09 It shall be county policy to include bikeways a¡rd gedestrian walhnays as an
integral part of the transportation systeo. Biker¿ays a¡¡d pedestrian wa3rs
shall be provided in nen developuents where ¡rarra¡¡ted. Bikeways shall be
provided to link residential areas, shoppi¡Í! areas, recreational areas a¡¡d
educational facilities. l{trenever practical, bikenays proposed in new
develo¡ments shall cgnnect with the planned bikesays in the l{hatco¡n County
lrails PIa¡.
l. l0 It shall be the policy of llhatcon Connty to encourage the use of noise
buffers a¡¡d visual screens between high voh.ue transportation routes and
residential areas.
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I. DNVIRONME¡{ÎAT POIICIES
Intent Stater¡e¡t
the intent of tbe following policies is to uove to¡rard attainnent of the County
Goal Statenents ¡rhich address the identification a¡d nanagenent of
envirornentally fragile arears with the purlrose of nini¡izing potential. losses to
hr¡¡a¡r life a¡d property, and the identification and conservation of natural
resource areas in recogDition of their irreplaceable cbaracter. In addition, the
policies intend to uaintain and enhance environmental quality with reference to
water, air ar¡d noise.
Poliçv.$tatene¡$
r. 01 llhatcon Corrnty, ia partnership with the City of Bellinghan a¡rd lfhatcon
Corurty $later District No. 10, shall seek a grant fron the llepartnent of
Ecology to obtain the necessa,ry firnding to conduct e diaE¡ostic end
feasibility study of the Lalce $lhatcon lfatershed. At a nininuu, the purpose
of said study shall be to investigate the huna¡ health aspects of continuing
to use [ake llbatcon as a potable water sourc6, to easess the potential
inpacts to the watershed resultingl fro the i.rylæentation of the Lalre
l{tratcm Subarea Comprehensíve Pla¡, ând to recomend the appropriate
restoration rnethods a¡d ¡ratershed manegeûent ordiua¡rces, i.e. sto¡:n¡rater
drainage control plaD, clearing and gradiDE regulations, amenùents to the
conprehensive plan and zorring ordinance, anrd public facilities construètion
specific'atÍons, deened ûeoessary to enhance the present and futr¡re water
quality/qua¡tity of f,,ake llhatcom.
Upon conpletion of the Lake flhatcom Restoration Study, lthatcon County shall
reconsider the peraitted densitÍes and levels of projected gfowth in the
Lake fltratcm St¡barea.
1.02 It is the pol.icy of llhatcou Corrnty to prmote groundwater quality whicl¡ is
suitable for donestÍc consr.rnption by encouraging lory density and intensity
uses in locations overla¡ring and directly adjacent to aquifers or recbarge
areas.
1.03 It is the policy of l{hatcon County to recogþize wetlands such âs swanps,
bogs, uarshee and ponds as natural catctment basins for storilrater rnn-off.
1.04 It is the policy ofl{hatcø Cor¡r¡ty to encouraEe utilization of steep slopes
(greater tha¡ f5¡) or ¡¡nstable slopes as open space, very low density
developnent or forestry. If r¡sed for developnent purposes, strrrctures shal-l
coruply with the provisions of the Uniform Euilding Code, a¡rd their sites
shall be subject to a safety confir¡ation by a qualified geologic e¡¡ginêer
or a qualified geologist.
05 It ís the policy of $ihatcom County to promote the use . of 100-year
floodplains associated ¡oith strean corridors a.s open space. Furtherrnore,
residential developnent which is proposed to be eituated downstream fron
arees desigDated ÎORESTRY shall be encouraged to be sited at distences fron
all streans which are suffícient to nininize potential loEs or damage to
property that uay occr¡r as the result of debris dan failure or increased
duration and volume of strem f1ory.
I
47
1.06 l{hatcon Courty shall encourege very low deusities in areas of lrno+rn mineral
resource occurrence with the intent of retainingf future eccens and
utilizatio¡ options. Surface extraction shall be depeodent upon
conpatibility with surroundinú la¡¡d uses a¡¡d shall be acconpanied by a
reclamatÍon plan whicb is consistent with state relulations (RCtf 78.4).
Sr¡bsurface nining operations shall conforn with applicable federal
regülations.
I.07 It is the policy of llhatcou Cor¡rty to foster continued fish and wildlife
habitat integfity in the Ldre lfhatcou Subarea. ApplÍcable habitats include
the Squalicnn Lalre llildlife ar¡d Bird Sa¡rctuarlr, the eagle uests situated at
the southeast end of Lake ltltratconr and f,ake l{hatcon Sr¡barea salnon, l(okanee
a¡¡d cuttbroat trout spawning streams. In addition, this pol,icy inter¡ds to
naintain the habitat integrity of the beaver pond which ie gituated on state
Iand in Section 36, Tf¡81I, RÍlE preferably through tbe uultiple-use uanageuent
provisions of RCll ?9.68 or through eoplotøent of sengitive logging s¡rsteus,
if tinber is to be harvested.
l-08 It is the policy of l{hatcm Co¡¡nty to encourage property owners to use the
current uee tarc assessnent provisíons of RCt{ 84.34 to retain the following
areas in open space: steep or r¡¡steble slopes, streu coridors, wetlands
a¡¡d wildlife habitats.
1.09 It is the policy of lfhatcou County to encourage air pollûtion abateuer¡t r+ith
the intent of naintaining and/or enhancing air quality, conaistent with the
Federal Clean Air Act, end accor¡rlished tbrougþ the coordinatÍon of local
Iand use proposal revie¡r wÍth the Nortbwest Air Pollution Authority and
other envirornent,al agencies.
1.I0 It is the policy of llhatco¡ Corrnty to inplenent the necessary rules,
regulations and ordina¡ces which are required by state law to nini-nize noise
iopacts.
1. rl It is the policy of llhatcon County, pursuant to the provisions of the State
Environnental Policy Act (IfAc 197-10-Ll7) a¡¡d the l{tratcon County SEPA
Ordina¡rce (Section 14), to ider¡tify and designate environnentally sensitive
areas where certain r¡ses should no longer be considered as categorícally
exenpt from tbe SEPA cÌ¡edrlist requireuent. Ttre l{hatco¡ County
Environmental Revie¡r Comittee is herein directed to prepare a Dap
indicating the locetion of ESA's a¡rd a text describing the besis for
selection a¡¡d intent of areâs arrd uses t{hich should be subject to SEPA
checlclist reguireuents. The uap and terlt shall subsequently be recomended
for adoption es part of the lfhatcou County SEPA Ordinance.
1.L2 It is the policy of t{hatccn Co¡¡nty to create a watershed advisory comíttee
which is charged with dete¡nining issues and recomending public policies
concerning ¡ryater quality a¡ld qua¡rtity effecting the lake llhatcø ¡ratershed.
The comittee shall address issues that include, but are not linited to, the
effectivenees of current a¡¡d future stor.'n¡vater drainage techniques, the
water-reLated inpacts of chenical use within the watershed, coordination of
capital ínproveoent prograros, the assessuent of potential alter-¡¡ative water
supply sources, and such other issues deeued appropriate for the nanageoentof the watershed. The comittee shall be edvisory to the Cor¡nty Co¡urcil and
other agencÍes of the county charged with policy naking. ilenbership of the
comittee chould consist of a ¡oix of representatives of loca1 Elovernment a¡¡d
the citizency of the waterghed.
48
Governtrent nenbers should include one aggointee each by the BellinÉhan-
l{hatcm Cowrty Pr¡blic Health llistrict, llhatcon Corrnty tfater District No. J0,the City of Bellinghan, the lfashi¡gton State ltepartnent of Natural
Resources, and oDe reprerse¡tative of lfb¿tcm Cormty appoi¡ted by the Cor¡¡ty
Executive.
Citize¡ nenbers should include one represe,ntative each fron the North Shore,
Geneva, Sudden Valley, South Bey and Fourth lfard neighborhoods, a
representative fron the private forest products industry, a¡¡d a
representative fron the Middle Fork-Nooksack River drainage basin, all
appoiated by the County Cor¡¡¡cil.
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ft¡e Plan¡ing Departnent shall subnit to the Council, ¡lithin ninetyof adoption of the subarea plan, a proposed ordina¡rce carrying
provisions of this section (f .12).
(90) days
forth the
l.l3 It is the policy of l{tratcø Cor¡r¡ty to discourage the discharge of unlewful
concentrations of loona toxicants directly ínto surface a¡¡d groruròraters of
the Lalce llhatcou tfatershed in such e way that pr¡blic health, soils, wildlife
and aquatic habitat will be e¡der'gered.
(A¡ended tlCC Ordina¡¡ce 84-105, 12/06/84)
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The intent of tbe folloring policy is to e!¡aure that econøic values are Siven
appropriate consideratioa along with other goal.s so that llhatcou Cor¡nty attenpts
to fulfill the econo¡ic requireuents of present and future geuerations of llhatcon
County citizens. The Goal Statenents of this cøprehensive plan clearly indicate
that future la¡ld use should recogþize econouic concerls in addition to
envirou¡ental a¡¡d socíal coacerns to grovide a balanced a¡¡d diversified econotry.
It is therefore the policy of tlhatcou Cou¡rty to establisb a bala¡ce in its
consideration of envirornental a¡¡d economic matters.
Policv Stetçgp¡t
t.0l It is the policy of l{hatcou Cormty to consider the positive and negative
econmic inpacts in land use decisions on the general ¡relfare of the
citizens of the county.
I.02 It is the policy of llhr¡Lco¡ County to strengtthe¡l ar¡d stabilize the tar< base
througb econooic developuent.
1.03 It is the policy of l{hatcon Coru¡ty to cousider econonic iupacts, along with
other considerations, of ueasures which iupløent this cøpreheosive land
use plan.
1.04 It is the policry of l{hatcø County to promote the wise use of both natural
and na¡¡-uade resources over the loog run as well as in the irediate future.
1.05 It is the policy of Whatcæ County to ensure that all county land use plans
and zoning ordinarrcès are considered in teræ of their enhancement of the
economy of the erea and region a¡d are celculated to:
(a) loster and pronote the general welfare;
(b) Cfeate a¡¡d naiutain conditions u¡der which nan ar¡d nature can exist in
productive harmony; arid
(c) Fulfill the social, eeonomic, and other requirenents of present and
future generations of l{hatcou Coru¡ty citizens.
50
VII. COITIPRETIENSIVE PTAN A!,IENDMEMTS
The Lal¡e llhatcon Subarea PIa¡ is a policy doctuent that is r¡sed to guide the
land r¡se decisions affectiug both the private a¡d public eeetors of the
subarea. lor the ptan to fimction as aD effective decision-uahing doctnent,
it nust be flexible enough to weether changes in public attitudea'
developuental tecbnologies, econooic forcee a¡rd legislative policy.
The plen envisious two general t¡pes of plan amenùents. the first type io
a review conducted every five years. This revÍe¡r should r-examine the
entire plan, including a re-evaluation of goals, updates of lar¡d-related
ele¡nents, and tbe reaffimation of land use policies and propoeals. This
review is the responsibility of the lfhatcon Corurty Planning ComissÍon, the
Planning Degartnent staff ar¡d the peo¡rle of the gubarea.
The second type of aendnent is that proposed and initiated by the private
sector. It¡e lar¡d uses illustrated on the Lar¡d Use Plan llap are the result
of the applícation of the plan's goals a¡rd policies. Ilorever, it is
reasonable to assune that the privete sector Eay iutroduce la¡rd r¡se
propoaals that conflict with the plan rÊp or policiee of the plan itself.
I¡ such i¡sta¡rces, the private sector uay e¡rtertaÍn ar¡ uendneut to the
pla¡. Private petitions for auend¡ent of the Conprehensive Pla! addrcesed
to either the Planniug Comission or the County Council sball be processed
in accordar¡ce with statutory procedure for adoption or æendnent of
comprehensive pl"'s. fn applying for a particuler a¡end¡ent to the plan or
plan nap, the private sector shall coufor¡ to the folLoring criteria:
The anenöent request shall conforo with the goals of the subarea plar¡;
The amendneut request shall be conpatible with the existiug a¡¡d pla¡ned
surrou¡dinÉ la¡d uses;
The uendment request shall not result in unitigated detrinental
iupacts to existing transportation systeue;
The emenùent request shall not glace unconpensated burdeus upon
existing or planned service capabilities; and
The anenùe¡t request shall de,uonstrate a land usågfe need wbich is
consistent with the environmental'and econonic Policies of the pIaD.
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