The following discusses the next Land Use Changes concerning Urban Growth Areas proposed by County Executive Pete Kremen. Published here Sept 15th
Whatcom CAPR Member:
YOU MAY BE AFFECTED BY YET ANOTHER COUNTY LAND USE CHANGE: Is your property located within a County Urban Growth Area (UGA)? If you own property nearby (but not within the limits of) Bellingham, Blaine, Ferndale, Everson, Nooksack, and Sumas, or within the environs of Birch Bay, Cherry Point or Colombia Valley, you and your neighbors may be adversely impacted by another major land use decision the County is scheduled to make THIS MONTH. In order to meet a December 1 deadline, the County MUST complete and submit this proposal by October 1 so that other regulatory agencies can have their required review period.
YES, THIS MONTH! Time is running short to take action to protect your rights.
What is this all about? Whatcom County government is preparing to change the zoning (the type of use and density of use of land) in some of the Urban Growth Areas. This looming decision could adversely impact the uses that are allowed on your property, and the market value of your property.
PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD: Many property owners are unaware of these looming changes. YOU CAN HELP, by calling any of your neighbors and friends who might have land in the current UGAs and alerting them to take action.
How can someone tell if his or her property is affected? Below we provide the hyperlinks to that portion of the County’s web site that has the relevant maps. Click on the link for your area.
You might specifically want to look at the proposal made by the County Executive Proposal:
that contains information about the number of acres to be changed (mostly removed) in each UGA.
Why should I participate? In order to protect all of your rights, and the uses and market value of your property, you should insure that you have legal standing before the County, and before the courts should this decision become the subject of litigation. To attain legal standing, you must have “participated orally or in writing before the county … regarding the matter on which a review is being requested.” If you do not achieve standing, you will not have any further opportunity to directly address this important land use policy decision if it is challenged or appealed.
How do I participate? The County Planning Commission and Council have scheduled a joint public hearing on Thursday, September 17. This is likely to be your LAST CHANCE to gain standing on a decision that could drastically devalue your property. Make sure your voice is heard! To insure your standing you need to submit a letter to the Planning Commission no later than September 17 at 6 PM. You may also testify during the public hearing.
WE CAN HELP YOU PREPARE TO PARTICIPATE: We can help you compose a written letter of testimony to the Joint Commission/Council hearing, or an oral presentation, or both. For further details, please contact Tim Surratt, CAPR Secretary, at: tsurratt@q.com or 303-8160.
Here is a simple letter you might use:
Whatcom County Planning Commission
c/o Whatcom County Planning Department
5280 Northwest Drive
Bellingham, Washington 98226
RE: Urban Growth Area Proposal
Commission Members:
My address is given above. I own property with the Parcel Number of nnnnnn.
I am concerned that the changes under the current UGA proposal will adversely impact my property, its value, future use and my taxes. I urge you to retain the existing boundaries until a better study of the issue and more realistic growth projections can be used.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Please send this notice to EVERY person you know who might be remotely impacted by this decision.
Please forward this to your entire email list. It is important this message reaches as many people as possible.