HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning and Development March 26 1991RLf., �r,)
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
March 26, 1991
The meeting was called to order at 3:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 2nd Floor,
1000 N. Forest, by Chairperson Marge Laidlaw.
Also Present
Emily Jackson
Don Hansey
Absent
None
1. ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE TEXT AND MAPS OF THE SOUTH
FORK VALLEY SUBAREA.COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND ADOPTING
RELATED TITLE 20 ZONING (AB91 -030) (Paperwork for items 4-5
distributed separately)
Terry Galvin of the Planning Department stated that there have been 20 meetings,
both formal and informal, concerning this issue and he feels that 95% of all differences have
been resolved.
HANSEY MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO COUNCIL.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING ORDINANCE,
TITLE 20.42; CHANGING THE FORESTRY ZONING DISTRICT TO A
RURAL FORESTRY DISTRICT, AND ADDING CHAPTER 20.43 TO
INCLUDE THE PROVISIONS OF THE COMMERCIAL FORESTRY
DISTRICT (AB91 -110)
The Planning Department has received a great deal of positive feedback on this issue.
At the request of the Committee, Galvin discussed one negative letter received from Mr.
Yeager of the Washington Forestry Association in which he outlines four areas troubling the
Association. These areas include prohibition against agriculture, forestry prohibition of
residential and forest land, prohibition against developed recreational facilities, and
prohibition against other uses in the commercial forestry zone.
P &D Minutes, 3/26/91, page 1
Jackson asked if there are any implications for the placement of composted material
or the spraying of sludge under the two designations and whether they will be allowed or
prohibited. Galvin said that both will be allowed in the Commercial and Rural Forestry
Districts outside of the Lake Whatcom Watershed area.
Laidlaw stated that the only real change here is splitting out commercial forestry and
giving it some extra protection from urban type encroachments so that forestry can take
place without interference. Rural forestry will stay about the same. Galvin agreed with
Laidlaw, adding that the rural forestry has loosened up a bit to allow for a few private
recreational facilities.
HANSEY MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO COUNCIL
Jean Gorton, Trillium Corp., requested that Council hold a public hearing on this
issue to give the people in the forestry industry a chance to speak. Galvin stated that as
each subarea is addressed there will be a public hearing. This will give the timber industry
and the private citizen ample opportunity to speak. Jackson asked if there is any way to
adopt the plan now, but leave the two forestry zones subject to take effect in 60 to 90 days,
pending the results of a public hearing. Galvin said this would not be feasible unless they
were to unify the commercial and rural forestry in the South Fork and make all of it
"forestry" until the time comes when they can be split up. Laidlaw said she did not see how
this could be done on a practical time frame if Planning is going to get around to all of the
subareas. Laidlaw continued by repeating that there will be public hearings in each subarea
and that concerns can be voiced at those hearings.
LAIDLAW MOVED TO RECOMMEND A DO PASS OF SPLITTING THE
ZONES TO A COMMERCIAL FORESTRY ZONE AND A RURAL FORESTRY
ZONE.
Jackson stated that she would like to amend the motion on the floor to reflect that
there is the opportunity to open the issue up for expanded public hearing so that the timber
industry can have a chance to speak. Laidlaw recommended that the amendment direct
staff to open up the issue in each subarea the next time it comes up. She also
recommended that it be accepted as a friendly amendment.
P &D Minutes, 3/26/91, page 2
Motion carried unanimously.
3. RESOLUTION SUPPORTING SSB 5097, A FARMER'S RIGHT -TO -FARM
ACT CLARIFICATION (AB91 -118)
HANSEY MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO COUNCIL.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. OTHER BUSINESS
The Planning staff presented information to Planning and Development on the
appeal process of forestry permits. An overview of the County's role in making
recommendations to DNR on class designations was also given.
LAIDLAW MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL THAT THIS ISSUE BE
PUT ON NEXT WEEKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE AGENDA.
Motion carried unanimously.
Meeting adjourned.
ATTESTED:
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE
and avis, s tant Clerk Marge dlaw, Chairperson
J
P &D Minutes, 3/26/91, page 3