The purpose of this chapter is to establish commute trip reduction (CTR) program requirements for affected employers within unincorporated Whatcom County. These requirements will promote alternative commute modes and reduce the drive-alone rate (DAR) at CTR-affected worksites, decreasing traffic congestion, automobile-related air pollution and energy use within Whatcom County.
(Ord. 97-011 § 1; Ord. 99-016 § 1; Ord. 2025-021 § 1 (Exh. A))
A. 
CTR Plan for Whatcom County. The CTR plan for Whatcom County is set forth in Attachment 1 attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter and is wholly incorporated herein by reference as and for the CTR plan for Whatcom County for 2025 through 2029.
B. 
Interlocal Agreement/Responsible Agency. In order to ensure consistency and flexibility, Whatcom County has determined that it is within the best interest of the public to enter into an interlocal agreement (pursuant to Chapter 39.34 RCW and RCW 70.94.527) with the Whatcom council of governments. The Whatcom council of governments is hereby designated as the lead agency responsible for implementing and administering the CTR plan of Whatcom County and CTR ordinance.
C. 
Administrative Procedures. Whatcom council of governments is hereby authorized to develop and adopt, in consultation with the affected local jurisdictions, such administrative rules and procedures as necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 97-011 § 3; Ord. 99-016 § 2; Ord. 2025-021 § 1 (Exh. A))
The requirements of this chapter shall apply to all affected employers at a single worksite within unincorporated Whatcom County.
(Ord. 97-011 § 4; Ord. 99-016 § 3; Ord. 2025-021 § 1 (Exh. A))
A notice of the availability of the CTR plan and this chapter shall be published at least once in the official Whatcom County newspaper within 30 days of passage of the ordinance codified in this chapter.
(Ord. 97-011 § 5; Ord. 99-016 § 4; Ord. 2025-021 § 1 (Exh. A))
The penalty for noncompliance with the requirements of the attached CTR plan shall be $100.00 per violation per day.
(Ord. 97-011 § 6; Ord. 99-016 § 5; Ord. 2025-021 § 1 (Exh. A))
A. 
CTR Appeals Board. The Whatcom County council will serve as the CTR appeals board for employers in unincorporated Whatcom County. The Whatcom council of governments will provide technical support to the Whatcom County council as needed to fulfill this duty.
B. 
Appeals Process. Any affected employer may appeal administrative decisions regarding exemptions, goal modifications, program element modifications, and violations to the CTR appeals board. In the event of a violation, the affected employer shall be notified of the intent to impose penalties and the manner in which penalties may be appealed.
(Ord. 97-011 § 7; Ord. 99-016 § 6; Ord. 2025-021 § 1 (Exh. A))