Work on Rural Element Continues

Whatcom County Staff has just published a new round of rural element update changes.    The most recent updates can be found on the County’s website.  In reaction to public testimony from property owners, Staff has expanded some rural center and rural business areas, which will allow for a number of existing businesses to continue to operate in compliance with the proposed zoning regulations.

Specifically, Staff has designated Type I LAMIRDs along the Guide Meridian with a rural type of general commercial zoning.  Also in other areas, including the Birch Bay-Lynden I-5 area,Type III LAMIRDs have been designated with a rural industrial/manufacturing zoning designation.

Although further work needs to be done on building size limitations, setbacks, buffers, and other development regulations, the most recent changes are a big improvement over what was originally proposed.   The new LAMIRD designations will allow many existing businesses in the rural areas to continue to operate in compliance with existing zoning regulations.  By designating these areas as LAMIRDs the County also achieves a limitation on expansion of these areas further into rural Whatcom Couny.

Other areas, including the more densely developed residential areas of the County are still proposed to be rezoned to R10.  The Planning Commission will be holding a public hearing on the latest Rural Element revisions on September 8.