Update Requirements
Beginning in 2002, every county and city planning under the Growth Management Act (GMA, RCW 36.70A) is required to review and update its comprehensive plan and associated development regulations every seven years to make sure that they comply with the provisions of the GMA. Deadlines to complete review and update of comprehensive plans and critical area ordinances vary throughout the state. Whatcom County’s deadline is December 1, 2004.
State Requirements for Critical Areas Ordinance Updates:
- Must include Best Available Science to protect critical area functions and values (RCW 36.70A.172)
- Must give special consideration to preservation and enhancement of anadromous fisheries (RCW 36.70A. 172)
- Wetlands must be delineated according to the Washington State Department of Ecology Manual (RCW 36.70A.175)
- Reflect that fish habitat enhancement projects which are not subject to local government permits, inspections, or fees are considered consistent with the Shoreline Management Act and exempt from shoreline substantial development permits (RCW 36.70A.460)
- Must address no net loss of ecological function (RCW 36. 70A. )
Whatcom County Objectives of the CAO Update:
Fair and Inclusive Process – Throughout the update process, Whatcom County Planning and Development Services will be working with citizen advisory groups; hosting stakeholder meetings, workshops, public meetings and hearings; posting website and e-mail newsletters; and so on. Check the Update Process page to see what will be happening next.
Policy Integration – An objective of the process is to update and streamline these regulations to address unnecessary overlaps, inconsistencies and gaps; integrate information from other natural resource planning processes, such as WRIA 1 Planning and Salmon Recovery efforts; as well as integrate these regulations with other regulatory and policy documents.
Compliance with State Guidelines – It is important to keep in mind there are State mandated updates necessary to comply with changes to the Washington State Shoreline Master Program Guidelines and the Washington State Growth Management Act. |
