LAMIRDs
 GMA allows counties to designate limited areas of more intensive rural development (LAMIRDs), where more intensive uses can be contained to prevent the spread of sprawl development into the rural areas. GMA establishes three types of LAMIRDs, Type I for areas established with a variety of more intensive uses on July 1, 1990, Type II for isolated tourist and
recreational uses, and Type III for isolated businesses.
Whatcom County’s newly adopted Comprehensive Plan designation of Rural Community would be a Type I LAMIRD, while the Rural Tourism designation would be a Type II. The Rural Business designation would be a Type III LAMIRD.
Land within LAMIRD boundaries retains more intensive zoning, though some of the
commercial and industrial zones, such as GC and LII, have been changed to a classification more
compatible with rural areas. Zoning of the affected areas outside LAMIRD boundaries have been
changed to reflect rural densities and uses. The criteria for designating LAMIRDs and determining their
boundaries, based largely on GMA requirements, is contained in Comprehensive Plan
Policies 2HH(1) through (3).
Last updated May 11, 2011
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