Planning Commission

Upcoming Meeting

The Whatcom County Planning Commission will host a virtual meeting and work session on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. regarding: 

Proposed amendments to the Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District (WCC 20.51), Water Resource Protection Overlay District (WCC 20.71), and the code-referenced stormwater manual throughout WCC Title 20 (Zoning). The amendments would: 

(1) lower the threshold of how much new hard surface area is exempt from installing a permanent stormwater management system in the Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay district; 

(2) reduce the amount of tree canopy that can be removed (when not associated with development activity) in both watershed overlay districts; 

(3) exempt public stormwater improvement projects from having to install permanent stormwater management systems in the Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay district; and, 

(4) amend the definition of "current stormwater manual" to state that the County Engineer must approve new versions of the Dept. of Ecology stormwater manuals. 

For additional information contact Cliff Strong at 360.778.5942 or cstrong@co.whatcom.wa.us

For information on how to watch or participate in the meeting in real time, please visit page:  https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3436/Participate-in-Virtual-Planning-Commissi 

Individuals who require special assistance to participate in the meetings are asked to contact PDS_Planning_Commission@co.whatcom.wa.us at least 96 hours in advance.


Meeting materials are posted on the County website at: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/AgendaCenter/Search/?term=&CIDs=9,&startDate=&endDate=&dateRange=&dateSelector= 

Meetings

  • The Whatcom County Planning Commission generally schedules meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. in the Northwest Annex Conference Room, 5280 Northwest Drive, Bellingham, WA 98225.    
  • The commission does not meet on the 4th Thursday of August, November, and December.  
  • Special meetings may be scheduled with 24 hours' notice.
  • Meeting times and locations may vary.  Confirm Agenda for specific meeting information.  Meetings may be cancelled at any time.
  • Meeting agendas will note if there is an opportunity for public comment during the meeting.

Members

The Planning Commission has 9 members appointed by the County Council, with no more than 2 members from one council district.  All terms end January 31:

  • Stephen Jackson, District 1, Term ends 2025
  • Kimberley Lund, District 1, Term ends 2025
  • Robert Bartel, District 2,Term ends 2023
  • Jim Hansen, District 2, Term ends 2024
  • Dominic Moceri, District 3, Term ends 2023
  • Atul Deshmane, District 3, Term ends 2025
  • Alvin Scott Van Dalen, District 4, Term ends 2026
  • Kelvin Barton, District 5, Term ends 2026
  • Julie Jefferson, District 5, Term ends 2026

Specifications

The council encourages representation from the following:

    • Development community
    • Environmental community
    • Business and industry
    • Agricultural, forestry, mineral, or aquatic resource lands representatives
Vacancies

Term Information

  • 4-year terms, 2 full term limit, 1 year separation required after term limit before being eligible to reapply

Duties

The Planning Commission shall assist the Planning and Development Services Department in carrying out its duties, including assisting in the preparation and execution of the Comprehensive Plan and recommendations to the department for the adoption of official controls and/or amendments thereto.

The Planning Commission shall conduct such hearings as may be required under RCW Chapter 36.70 and shall make findings and conclusions therefrom which shall be transmitted to the Planning and Development Services Department. 
 
The Planning and Development Services Department shall transmit the recommendations of the Planning Commission to the County Council with such comments and recommendations the department deems necessary.

Authority