Urban Growth info session

County invites public to UGA open houses

Whatcom County Executive Pete Kremen’s administration is inviting the public to several open houses that run through the third week of September to learn more about his proposal for revising the county’s urban growth areas. In all, the proposal would rezone about 7,815 acres of urban-zoned land to allow only rural growth. That’s more than the land inside Blaine, Lynden and Sumas city limits combined.

The revisions are required under the state’s Growth Management Act.

The meeting dates are:

Aug. 31 – Ferndale WECU, 5659 Barrett Road (4:00-7:00)
Sept. 1 – Birch Bay Bible Community Church, 7039 Jackson Rd (4:00-7:00)
Sept. 3 – Lynden Community Center, 401 Grover St (4:00-7:00)
Sept. 17 – Whatcom County Courthouse Rotunda, 311 Grand Ave, Bellingham (3:00-6:00)

County planners will be there to explain to members of the public how Kremen’s proposal affects each UGA. There is no formal presentation planned.

The proposal and supporting materials can be found over here.

County spokesman Joe Bates says the public will have an opportunity to provide input on the proposal at a joint hearing of the Planning Commission and the County Council at 6 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Whatcom County Council Chambers in the County Courthouse, 311 Grand Ave.

Written comments should be submitted no later than that day for consideration by the Whatcom County Planning Commission. Send written comments to Whatcom County PDS, or by email to PDS_Planning_Commission@co.whatcom.wa.us.

For more information, please see the website above or contact Kate Blystone, via email at kblyston@co.whatcom.wa.usor phone at (360) 676-6907.