The Growth Management Act encourages development in urban areas where adequate public facilities and services exist or can be provided in an efficient manner. Whatcom County has 10 Urban Growth Areas: 7 cities (Bellingham, Blaine, Everson, Ferndale, Lynden, Nooksack, Sumas) and 3 unincorporated areas (Birch Bay, Cherry Point, Columbia Valley).
The Growth Management Act requires Whatcom County to review and revise Urban Growth Areas at least once every ten years to ensure that the Urban Growth Areas accommodate the projected urban growth over the next 20 years. Whatcom County completed the review in 2009.
Below are links to a number of documents which were used and created during this process.
November 2009, Ordinance Adopted
On November 24, 2009, the Whatcom County Council adopted the 2009 UGA ordinance.
Adopted 2009 Urban Growth Area Ordinance
October 22, 2009 Planning Commission Recommendations
On October 22, 2009, the Planning Commission passed a recommendation to the Whatcom County Council on proposed amendments to the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code.
Summary of Recommendations
Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
Comprehensive Plan Amendments
Zoning Amendments
County Executive Recommendations
Birch Bay -- County Executive Amends Recommendation (September, 9 2009)
Errata Sheet (August 28, 2009)
County Executive Recommendation with maps (12 MB)
County Executive Recommendation without maps (see maps in "Comprehensive Plan Amendments" section below) Comprehensive Plan Amendments
Chapter 1 -- Introduction
Chapter 2 -- Land Use (text)
Chapter 2 -- Land Use Maps
UGA -1, Bellingham
UGA - 2, Blaine
UGA - 3, Everson
UGA - 4, Ferndale
UGA - 5, Lynden
UGA - 6, Nooksack
UGA - 7, Sumas
UGA - 8, Birch Bay
UGA - 9, Columbia Valley
UGA - 10, Cherry Point
Map 8, Comprehensive Plan Designations
Map 10, Open Space Corridors
Chapter 3 -- Housing
Chapter 4 -- Capital Facilities
Chapter 5 -- Utilities
Chapter 6 -- Transportation Map 14a
Chapter 8 -- Resource Lands (maps only)
Appendix A -- Glossary
Appendix E -- 20-year Capital Facilities Plan (repeal of existing Appendix E)
Appendix G --Transportation Impact Fee Background
Zoning Amendments
Code
Official Zoning Maps
UGA -1a, Bellingham UGA and surrounding area
UGA - 2a, Blaine UGA and surrounding area
UGA - 3a, Everson UGA and surrounding area
UGA - 4a, Ferndale UGA and surrounding area
UGA - 5a, Lynden UGA and surrounding area
UGA - 6a, Nooksack UGA and surrounding area
UGA - 7a, Sumas UGA and surrounding area
UGA - 8a, Birch Bay UGA and surrounding area
UGA - 9a, Columbia Valley UGA and surrounding area
UGA - 10a, Cherry Point UGA
Appendices
Environmental Documents
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Final Environmental Impact Statement
Growth Management Coordinating Council
The purpose of the Growth Management Coordinating Council (GMCC) was to guide the development and adoption of a coordinated management strategy among all jurisdictions in Whatcom County that addresses growth and development over the next 20 years. While the recommendations of this Council were not binding on the individual jurisdictions, they provided a common basis and understanding that can be agreed to by the County and Cities. For more information about the efforts of the GMCC, click here. |
