Building Services
Code Enforcement
Fire Marshal
GIS Data
Natural Resources
Permit Center
Planning
Whatcom 2031
Contact Us

Applications / Forms
Calendar
Reports

Director:
David Stalheim

Assistant Director:
J.E. “Sam” Ryan, CBO

5280 Northwest Drive
Bellingham, Washington 98226
Telephone: (360) 676-6907
E-mail: pds@co.whatcom.wa.us

Planning - Long Range

The Planning Division processes applications for land use development management under laws and policies to protect the public interest. The Long Range Planning Section maintains the Comprehensive Plan, staffs the Planning Commission agenda, and takes the Planning Commission recommendations to the County Council. These include mid- and long range planning activities that are often area wide considerations. The division activities include Comprehensive Plan Amendments, rezones, and creating and updating sub-area plans, staffing related public committees of the Planning Commission and particular land use related public interest groups such as the farm community. 

2010-2011 Long Range Work Program

Whatcom County has released a draft long range planning work program for public review and comment. The Whatcom County Council is scheduled to review the work program and 2010 comprehensive plan and zoning docket requests at the February 23, 2010 Planning and Development Committee. The Council will be requested to act (by resolution) on the 2010 docket at their March 16, 2010 meeting. The work program includes more tasks than resources available (staff, planning commission and council). It is necessary to set priorities for the work program. The public is encouraged to provide Whatcom County with your input. Please send comments to the Whatcom County Council and to Planning and Development Services within the timeframes of Council action identified above.

Draft Work Program and PDS Recommendations (February 11, 2010)

Attachment A, 2010 Comprehensive Plan Docket Requests:

Attachment B, 2010 Zoning Docket Requests:

Attachment C, 2010 Suggested Zoning Amendments:

Public/Agency Comments:

City of Bellingham letter
City of Bellingham resolution
City of Blaine letter

Kathy Berg (2/18/10)
Heather Wolf (2/19/10)
Donna Macomber (2/23/10)
Bradley Swanson (2/23/10)

Active Projects
Agricultural Program
Countywide Housing Affordability Task force
Open Space
Rural Element Update
Transportation
Whatcom 2031

Subarea Plans
Bellingham
Birch Bay
Foothills
Lummi Island- May 2009
Point Roberts

Codes/Comprehensive Plan
Comprehensive Plan
Whatcom County Code

Please note: The Whatcom County Code document is updated quarterly. There may be ordinances and or resolutions that have been adopted that are not included in the most updated printed version of the Whatcom County Code.

Ordinances/Resolutions which have been adopted after the latest printed version of the Zoning Ordinance (Title 20), Land Division Ordinance (Title 21), and Critical Areas Ordinance (Title 16.16) can be obtained from the Whatcom County Council webpage