HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning March 13 20121
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Planning and Development Committee
March 13, 2012
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Bill Knutzen called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: Ken Mann, Bill Knutzen and Barbara Brenner.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Kathy Kershner and Sam Crawford.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. GENERAL DISCUSSION OF ZONING OVERLAYS IN WHATCOM COUNTY
(AB2012 -121) (3:01:46 PM)
Matt Aamot, Planning and Development Services Department, submitted and read
from a presentation (on file) regarding mineral resource lands (MRL).
Brenner asked and there was discussion of the difference between Comprehensive
Plan designations, overlays, and zones.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether open space tax designations are overlays.
• The amount of acreage that has a mineral overlay.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of the timing of making appointments to the
Surface Mining Advisory Committee (SMAC).
Doug Goldthorp, Planning and Development Services Department, continued the
presentation regarding Zoning Code Administration.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether the MRL should be a zone
instead of an overlay.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of:
• How the Council should evaluate how an MRL impacts groundwater and surface
water.
• Whether they are going to address establishing a 50 -year supply.
• Allowing gravel export.
Planning and Development Committee, 3/13/2012, Page 1
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Knutzen asked and there was discussion of:
• The best location to designate MRL's.
• Whether the Council can designate areas in the county where MRL's are preferred.
Peter Gill, Planning and Development Services Department, submitted and read from
a presentation (on file) regarding the agricultural protection overlay.
The following person also answered questions:
• Samya Lutz, Planning and Development Services Department
Mann asked and there was discussion of whether the plat or deed has a note about
the agricultural overlay.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether there are any acres in the agricultural protection overlay that aren't good
for agriculture.
• The total amount of acreage in the agricultural zone, the agricultural protection
overlay, and agricultural open space.
Gill continued and concluded his presentation regarding the Chuckanut corridor.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of:
• The source of the Chuckanut corridor.
• Whether the corridor protects any species.
Crawford stated and there was discussion about:
• Being more specific about the species that are being protected.
• Creating a corridor between the cities of Bellingham and Ferndale.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of considering this designation when taking
action on this area.
The following people spoke:
• Roger Almskaar stated the agricultural protection overlay has a positive purpose,
but the details are arbitrary. Some designated areas are on steep slopes that will
never been farmed. Certain development standards are too strict. Consider these
issues when doing the Code scrub.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of funding a consultant to work on parcel
reconfiguration.
• Wendy Harris referenced the Chuckanut wildlife corridor and stated the Growth
Management Act requires habitat conservation areas. There must not be a net
loss in ecological function. Develop a countywide coordinated plan for habitat
connectivity. Protect the habitat of all species, not just one particular species, to
develop a healthy ecosystem. People must cohabitate with wildlife, including Elk.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
Planning and Development Committee, 3/13/2012, Page 2
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ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 4:27 p.m.
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council@�.o.w hatcom .wa.us
Planning and Development Committee, 3/13/2012, Page 3