HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning February 10 2015WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Planning and Development Committee
February 10, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Ken Mann called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(3:01:38 PM)
Present: Ken Mann, Barbara Brenner and Rud Browne,
Absent: None.
Also Present: Pete Kremen and Carl Weimer.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. BRIEFING RELATING TO THE 2016 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE AND
URBAN GROWTH AREA REVIEW PROCESS (AB2015 -065)
Matt Aamot, Planning and Development Services Department gave a staff report. He
submitted and read from his presentation (on file).
The following staff answered questions:
• Mark Personius, Planning and Development Department
• Tyler Schroeder, Executive's Office
The committee discussed the source of the preliminary population allocations; the
plans and proposed changes on which the environmental impact statement (EIS) is based;
whether the urban growth area (UGA) expansion areas are included in the EIS; the amount
of population increases versus employment increases; identifying agricultural lands; offering
incentives as opposed to downzoning; the ability to construct affordable housing and multi-
family housing; the cost of living versus the cost of housing; the schedule for the final
environmental impact statement; how and when the preferred alternative is chosen; the
differences between the four alternatives studied in the EIS; the logic used to approve the
multi - jurisdictional resolution option; and the County's participation in the Washington State
Association of Counties Friday conference calls, which is addressing Growth Management
issues.
Wendy Harris stated she's pleased about the Council's questions regarding the
update. However, there needs to be a citizen group that focuses on wildlife and habitat to
advise on the Comprehensive Plan update. They must plan for open space, habitat, and
wildlife corridors. The County is doing a good job with its public process and public
participation. They need to do better with coordination. Not much land is left in
Bellingham. As they grow, things will get more expensive.
Clayton Petree stated he agrees with the lack of affordable housing. The vacancy
rate is at 1.3 percent. They aren't building housing fast enough for population growth. The
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urban growth areas (UGAs) aren't being annexed in a timely manner. Focus on the
annexation policies. Cities are supposed to use up their UGAs in the 20 -year time period.
The adopted population numbers are close to actual growth patterns.
The committee discussed zones in urban growth areas, extension of services in the
urban growth areas, whether the cities will ask for UGA expansions, and the percentage of
renters versus owners.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 4:09 p.m.
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Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Ken Aann, Committee Chair
Planning and Development Committee, 2/10/2015, Page 2