Planning Commission

Upcoming Meeting

The Whatcom County Planning Commission will host a virtual public hearings on October 28, 2021, at 6:30 p.m., regarding:


  1. The draft Whatcom County Review and Evaluation Program Methodology, which addresses a number of program elements including State requirements, data collection, evaluation of land suitable for development, and the Buildable Lands Report format.
  2. A proposal to repeal the Cherry Point Ferndale Subarea Plan, which was adopted in 1981.  The proposal would also delete a reference to the Subarea Plan in the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan (File #PLN2018-00003).

For information on how to watch or participate in the virtual meeting in real time, please visit the County website at: 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.


Materials provided to the Planning Commission will be posted on the County website at: http://wa-whatcomcounty.civicplus.com/1660/Planning-Commission-Meeting-Materials. For additional information contact Cliff Strong at (360)778-5942 or cstrong@co.whatcom.wa.us

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
  • Jon Maberry, District 4, Term ends 2022 
  • Kelvin Barton, District 5, Term ends 2022
  • Natalie McClendon, District 5, Term ends 2022


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