HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning April 28 1992WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, April 28, 1992
The meeting was called to order at 1 :37 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 1000 N.
Forest Street, Suite 203, by Chairman Ken Henderson.
Also present: Absent:
Larry Harris
Dennis Vander Yacht
1. GROWTH MANAGEMENTACT: ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COUN'T'Y
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO CLASSIFY, DESIGNATE, AND PROTECT
MINERAL RESOURCE LAND ON AN INTERIM BASIS (PLANNING FILE
REF. 14 -91 CZM) (AB92 -100)
2. GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT: ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL
ZONING ORDINANCE, TITLE 20, CREATING TWO NEW SECTIONS:
WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 20.73, MINERAL RESOURCE AREAS (1) SPECIAL
DISTRICT, (MRA -1); AND WCC 20.74, MINERAL RESOURCE AREAS (2)
SPECIAL DISTRICT (MRA -2) (PIAmaNG Fuz RuF.14 -91 CzM) (AB92 -105)
Topics discussed: adding Columbia Aggregate to MRA -1; deleting the MRA -2's from
the ordinance; water quality, both ground water and critical areas aquifer re- charge areas;
County's right to regulate surface mining in aquifer re- charge areas; SEPA's relation to
mining regulations; limiting previously permitted mining activities; surface mining
committee; use made of DNR classifications; problems and benefits of using MRA land
classifications; zoning vs. overlays; interim zoning limiting surface mining to currently
permitted uses; identifying potential mining areas if MRA -2 is dropped from the ordinances;
possibility of stopping expansion even in permitted areas; prioritizing use assignments.
Persons speaking: Dan Taylor, Planning; Henderson; Jeff Griffin, Planning; Vander
Yacht; Harris; Bob Carmichael; Bob Woods.
HARRIS MOVED THAT BOTH MRA -1 AND MRA -2 BE DROPPED FROM
BOTH ORDINANCES AND FROM THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT.
The motion failed 2 to 1 with Henderson and Vander Yacht opposed.
HARRIS MOVED THAT MRA -2'S BE REMOVED FROM BOTH
ORDINANCES.
Motion carried unanimously.
VANDER YACHT MOVED TO INCLUDE THE MRA -1 DESIGNATIONS AS
DRAFTED IN THE ORDINANCES.
Motion failed 2 to 1 with Henderson and Harris opposed.
HARRIS MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MRA -1 DESIGNATED AREAS AS
DISPLAYED ON EXHIBIT A AND AS PERMITTED BY DNR.
Planning & Development meeting, 4/28/92, p. 1
The intent of the motion is to limit surface mining areas to only those areas currently
permitted.
Motion carried 2 to 1 with Vander Yacht opposed.
The recommendation to be carried forward to Council is that Council instruct
Planning staff to re -work the ordinances with the input from the Planning and Development
Committee.
3. ORDINANCE REGARDING THE REQUIREMENT FOR LAND TO BE IN
A FIRE DISTRICT BEFORE A BUILDING PERMIT WILL BE GRANTED
(AB91 -200A) (SEE ALSO AB91 -200B, RESOLUTION URGING
ANNEXATIONS)
Topics discussed: background of ordinance; effect of Growth Management's forestry
zones; DNR's limitations and obligations; uses permitted in commercial forestry zones;
addressing issue of accessory buildings in already developed properties; appeal process if
permits are denied; discretionary permitting; standards to be established for any building.
Persons speaking: Henderson; Dan Taylor; Phil Myers, Ass't Regional Manager of
DNR; Vander Yacht; Harris; Mike Wafer.
VANDER YACHT MOVED THAT ORDINANCE BE HELD IN COMMITTEE
PURSUANT TO RECEIPT OF MORE INFORMATION FROM PLANNING.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. UPDATE ON FOREST PRACTICES ISSUES, BY GORDON SCOTT OF
PLANNING (AB92- )
There was no update..
5. OTHER BUSINESS
The Blue Canyon meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Hatchery.
James C. Baker's request for re -zone: Dan Taylor will probably recommend this one.
Committee agreed to consider the request and hear the issue; no promises. Taylor will bring
forward an agenda bill.
Gordon Iverson requested that applicants be notified of any discussions concerning
their applications. Henderson explained the situations mentioned. Planning agreed that with
forest practices issues, they will notify applicants of any discussions concerning their issues.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:44 p.m.
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Ken Hender on, Chairman
Planning & Development meeting, 4/28/92, p. 2