HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning November 10 1992WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
November 10, 1992
The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 1000 N.
Forest St., 2nd floor, by Ken Henderson, Chairman.
Also present
Larry Harris
Absent:
Dennis Vander Yacht
1. REQUEST TO AMEND THE CHERRY POINT- FERNDALE SUBAREA
COMP PLAN AND OFFICIAL WC ZONING MAP FOR
APPROXIMATELY ONE ACRE IN SECTION 28, TOWNSHIP 39
NORTH, RANGE 2 EAST, FROM RURAL RESIDENTIAL ONE PER
ACRE TO URBAN RESIDENTIAL FOUR PER ACRE (AB92 -418)
Topics discussed: Background; position of Planning Commission; lot location; sewer
and water availability; area perception as urban; covenants in area; whether or not'to have
a public hearing.
Persons speaking: Dan Taylor, Planning Department; Brenner; Harris; Henderson;
Jack Swanson, 401 National Bank Building: Here for the Ochoas. Referred to his
letter of November 4. Claims that there is nothing in the covenants which would prohibit
a subdivision. Feels that the original zoning was because the soil would not permit a
concentration of septics; sewer is now available. The zoning would be consistent with other
zoning in the area. Read from portions of the Growth Management Act. Urged
recommendation of the request to the full Council and have a public hearing.
James Gilles, 5363 Bellaire Way: Pointed out that the line to Nor -Bell would not be
used to encourage future development, but only to service those lots out there. Talked about
the covenants, spot zoning in the area, urban development in -the area. Pointed out that
there has already been a public hearing on the matter.
Kathy Page, 5321 Bellwest Dr.: Moved to the area because of the consistency of the
development in the area. Discussed the term value as used in the covenants. Current zoning
is RR1 for the entire road. This change is inconsistent with the character of the whole
neighborhood. There have been no changes in the water or the hookups issues.
Patty Carper, 5330 Bellwest Dr.: Moved to the area because of the quality of life in
the area and the lifestyle. Discussed her perception of the covenants in terms of their
building plan. Low cost housing would not fit into the style in the area. Questioned lack of
notification about this meeting.
Bonnie LaFay, 5325 Bellwest Dr.: They were told when they bought that the area was
zoned one acre. People should be able to find security when they buy land.
HARRIS MOVED TO RECOMMEND UPHOLDING THE PLANNING
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TO NOT GRANT THE AMENDMENT.
The motion carried unanimously.
2. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BIRCH BAY - BLAINE SUBAREA
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM COUNTY
ZONING MAP FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX ACRES KNOWN AS LOTS
1, 2, AND 3, BISHOP'S ACRES SHORT PLAT, SECTION 19, TOWNSHIP
40 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST FROM URBAN RESIDENTIAL FOUR PER
ACRE TO GENERAL COMMERCIAL (AB92 -417)
Topics discussed: Background; availability of water and sewer in the area; effect on
transportation; wetland issues.
Persons speaking: Gordon Rogers, Planning Dept.; Taylor.
John Sitldn, 119A Grand Ave.: Here representing the applicants. Clarified the water
availability. Urged Council to grant the rezone. Construction is anticipated during 1993.
HARRIS MOVED TO RECOMMEND ADOPTION.
The motion carried unanimously.
3. RESOLUTION ADOPTING RECOMMENDATIONS OS 1992 G -Q OPEN
SPACE /TIMBER AND OPEN SPACE /OPEN SPACE APPLICATIONS
(AB92 -413)
Topics discussed: Recommendations of Planning Department.
Persons speaking: Taylor.
HARRIS MOVED TO RECOMMEND ACCEPTING THE PLANNING
DEPARTMENT'S RECOMMENDATIONS.
The motion carried unanimously.
4. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM COUNTY
CODE CHAPTER 20.42.300 LOT CLUSTERING AND RESERVE TRACT -
RURAL FORESTRY AND CHAPTER 20.97 DEFINITIONS (AB92 -402)
Topics discussed: Holding in committee until the forestry ordinance hearing is held.
Planning Minutes, 11110192, Page 2
Persons speaking: Henderson; Taylor.
This item is held in committee.
5. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE APPLICATION TO
CLEARCUT MOST OF THE REMAINING OLD - GROWTH FOREST IN
THE ARLECHO CREEK BASIN (AB92 -399)
Topics discussed: Background; location of Arlecho Creek; history of logging in the
area; hydrologic impacts 'of cutting the timber; Tribe's request for an EIS and Council
support for Federal grant applications; Golden Phoenix's last application which was denied;
recommendations and possible actions; groups involved besides Tribes.
Persons speaking: Gordon Scott, Planning Dept.; Harris; Henderson.
The Committee will recommend to the Council that Warner draft a letter stating
concerns over logging the area and suggesting preservation of the area with copies to
Golden Phoenix and the DNR, with copies to legislators and the Lummi Tribe.
6. MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AMENDMENT APPLICATION OF
SOUND PACIFIC RESOURCES AND BEACHWOOD COMMUNITY
ASSOCIATION (MDP92 -1) (AB92 -432)
This item was taken first.
Topics discussed: Reasons for Hearing Examiner's decision; recommendation to send
matter to the Planning Department; options of Council; role of the Committee.
Persons speaking: Ed Good, Hearing Examiner; Harris; Brenner; Taylor; Henderson.
HARRIS MOVED TO RECOMMEND ACCEPTING THE HEARING
EXAMINER'S RECOMMENDATION TO FORWARD THE , MATTER TO THE
PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
7. Other Business
Taylor asked about the format for the County -wide Policies hearing scheduled
December 3. Henderson said it would be helpful to give the Council information. Ramona
Reeves, Clerk of the Council, was asked into the meeting for clarification. She outlined the
plans: To ask the special interest groups to attend to discuss the policies; Bob Woods,
Budget Analyst, to moderate; Planning and this Committee to attend. Reeves and Taylor
discussed formatting the evening. Henderson outlined what the Health, Department had
done under similar circumstances. Reeves explained what the law required for the Council.
Vicki Mathison, Planning Department, said that if a general format were given to Planning,
Planning Minutes, 11110192, Page 3
they would put it together. Planning staff and Council staff will work out the details
together.
Because there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
ATTEST: PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMIV =E
Nancy Assistant Clerk Ken Henderson, Chairman
Planning Minutes, 11110192, Page 4