Critical Area Review
Applicants are encouraged to meet with a Technical Administrator prior to submitting an application that may be subject to Critical Areas Review. The meeting is intended to discuss standards, review conceptual site plans, and to determine reporting requirements. An optional formal pre-application meeting can be requested.
Whatcom County does not have a critical areas permit, so critical area review of development activity is initiated through the application for a project permit (e.g., building permit, subdivision, etc). Development activities not related to other permits may need a land disturbance permit. Click here for the land disturbance application.
Development activities proposed within a critical area or critical area buffer are reviewed for:
- Consistency with the purpose and standards of the CAO
- Identification and implementation of protective or mitigating measures that are adequate enough to protect critical area function, as well as protect the public health, safety and welfare.
The County will use the following procedure for critical areas review upon submittal of a project or land use application:
Click here  for the Administrative Provisions code language, including exempt activities and those allowed with notification.
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- The technical administrator will determine if the project is located within a critical area or its potential buffer area.
- If the proposed activity is located within a critical area or its buffer, the technical administrator will confirm the presence or absence through site inspection or other appropriate means.
- A Critical Areas Assessment Report is required when any part of the project may impact a regulated critical area, and/or its buffer.
- A critical areas specialist (i.e., qualified consultant) shall prepare the report. A consultant list can be found here. (Compilation of this list in no way constitutes an endorsement of the individuals identified herein; rather, this serves only as a list of those persons having provided documentation of the required educational training and cumulative experience consistent with the definition of a qualified specialist in Article 8 of Title 16.16 of the Whatcom County Critical Areas Ordinance.)
- The recommendation and conclusions of the approved report will be used to assist the administrator in making a final decision concerning critical areas jurisdiction and appropriate mitigation measures.
Not all activities in Critical Areas or their buffers require a full review. Click here for an application for “activities allowed with notification.” Notifications will be approved, conditioned, or denied within 10 business days. Applicants should contact the county to discuss the project proposal prior to filling out applications. Click here for information on CPAL farm plans.
Cost – See the Planning and Development Services section of the Unified Fee Schedule for application and review fees.
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