Work sessions focus on rural zoning issues

Published Jan. 29, 2010

by the Foothills Gazette

COUNTY – During the Jan. 26 meeting of the Whatcom County Council, council members discussed the process by which they will begin working on proposed rezones in rural areas.  The proposed rezones, recommended as possible changes by the Whatcom County Planning Commission, take place in rural areas that contain too much development to be considered rural. Specific boundaries must be outlined around these areas; Whatcom County has a total of 46 areas, including Acme, Glacier, Nugents Corner, and Hinotes Corner. The Planning Commission forwards recommendations to the Council, which ultimately approve or make changes to the proposals. Some Council members have stated they want significant changes. The Council will hold two work sessions about the rezones, starting Tuesday, Feb. 9.  Whatcom County has not yet received a date by which this rural zoning work must be completed, but officials said this week they expect one will come soon. Meanwhile, anti-sprawl group Futurewise plans to file a motion requesting a state growth board give Whatcom County a deadline. State law mandates that counties review rural areas to prevent sprawl. In 2005, a state growth hearing board ruled Whatcom County was out of compliance regarding its review.