HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2026-025Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
�Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
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Agenda Bill Master Report
File Number: AB2026-463
File ID: AB2026-463 Version: 1 Status: Approved
File Created: 06/08/2026 Entered by: AKogutag@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Planning and File Type: Resolution
Development Services
Department
Assigned to: Council Planning and Development Committee Final Action: 06/23/2026
Agenda Date: 06/23/2026 Enactment #: RES 2026-025
Related Files:
Primary Contact Email: AKeenan a co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Resolution approving a one-year extension for the Major Project Permit for the City of Bellingham
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
Extension Request for the City of Bellingham Mitigation Bank (MPP2024-00001)
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To:
06/23/2026 Council Planning and Development RECOMMENDED FOR
Committee APPROVAL
Aye: 7 Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
06/23/2026 Council APPROVED
Aye: 7 Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Attachments: Staff Memo, Proposed Resolution, Extension Request from COB Mitigation Bank, Previous
Resolution
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 612412026
Agenda Bill Master Report Continued AB2026-463
Whatcom County Page 2 rnnreu on D/ZWZoco
PROPOSED BY: PDS
INTRODUCTION DATE:
June 23, 2026
Resolution # 2026-025
APPROVING A ONE-YEAR EXTENSION FOR THE
MAJOR PROJECT PERMIT FOR THE CITY OF BELLINGHM
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council reviewed the City of Bellingham's
(COB) Umbrella Mitigation Bank Prospectus and granted a Notice to Proceed to COB
on August 2, 2022; and
WHEREAS, on February 28, 2024, Whatcom County Planning and
Development Services received an application by the COB for a Major Project Permit
to create an umbrella mitigation bank program on two sites in two phases within
Whatcom County (the County); and
WHEREAS, on March 8, 2024, a SEPA Determination of Non -significance was
issued by the COB, acting as lead agency pursuant to WAC 197-11-926; and
WHEREAS, WCC 2.11.205 requires the Whatcom County hearing examiner to
conduct an open record public hearing for major project permits; and
WHEREAS, the hearing examiner held an open record public hearing for the
major project permit on June 13, 2024; and WHEREAS, pursuant to WCC 22.05.120
the Whatcom County hearing examiner received testimony and made a
recommendation of approval to the Whatcom County Council of the major project
permit on June 18, 2024; and
WHEREAS, WCC 22.05.120(6) requires any deliberation or decision of the
County Council shall be solely based upon consideration of the record established
by the hearing examiner, the recommendation of the hearing examiner and the
criteria set forth in applicable county code, the county Comprehensive Plan,
compliance with SEPA, Chapter 197-11 WAC as adopted and modified in the county
code and the county's adopted SEPA policies; and
WHEREAS, on July 9, 2024, the Whatcom County Council approved the major
project permit, subject to the conditions of approval identified in the Whatcom
County hearing examiner's recommendation to council, and
WHEREAS, the major project permit conditions of approval required final
signature on the mitigation banking agreement within two (2) years of the approval
by council, and
WHEREAS, the COB has been working to complete the final banking
instrument, however the final document is unlikely to gain full signature approval
prior to the expiration date of July 9, 2026. The COB has requested a one-year
extension.
WHEREAS, WCC 22.05.140(2) allows the decision maker to extend project
permit approval status for up to one year from the date of the original expiration
upon written request by the applicant.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Whatcom County Council that the
major project permit be granted a one-year extension to comply with the conditions
of approval identified in the Whatcom County hearing examiner's recommendation
to council. The new expiration date will be July 9, 2027.
APPROVED, this 26th day of June , 2026.
ATTEST:
COUNTY
Cathy Halms t
Clerk,of theC�VngiL,
APPROVub as to form:
puty Prosecutor
Whatcom County Council
Whatcom County, Washington
J��A
Kaylee 6alloway,
Council Chair