Chapter 20.51 LAKE WHATCOM WATERSHED OVERLAY DISTRICT

The Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District is an overlay zone that covers the entire geographic area of the Lake Whatcom watershed within Whatcom County's jurisdiction, and applies to all land disturbing or conversion projects, work, or activities within the overlay zone.

In the event that the provisions of this chapter conflict with the provisions of the Shoreline Management Program (WCC Title 23), Chapter 16.16 WCC, Critical Areas, the Whatcom County Development Standards, the provisions of the underlying zoning district, or other applicable county policies or regulations, then the most restrictive shall apply; provided, that the minimum setback provisions established in WCC § 20.51.340 shall prevail.

(Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)

§ 20.51.040 Conformance.

The provisions of this chapter overlay other permit and approval requirements of the Whatcom County Code. All use and development shall conform to all relevant requirements and standards of:

This title, Zoning, except as modified by this chapter;

The International Building and Fire Codes;

Whatcom County Critical Areas Ordinance, Chapter 16.16 WCC;

Flood damage prevention, WCC Title 17;

Subdivision, WCC Title 21, except as modified by this chapter;

The current Stormwater Manual, as amended and modified by this chapter;

WCC Title 23, Shoreline Management Program;

(8)

WCC Title 24, Health Code; and

(9)

All other applicable official controls.

(Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2016-045 § 1 Att. A, 2016; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)

§ 20.51.050 Permitted uses.

All permitted uses in the underlying zone districts are permitted except as expressly prohibited, made conditional, or further conditioned by this chapter.

.051

Private noncommercial greenhouses less than 250 square feet.

(Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)

§ 20.51.060 Accessory uses.

All accessory uses in the underlying zone districts are permitted except as expressly prohibited or made conditional, or further conditioned by this chapter.

(Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)

§ 20.51.070 Conditional uses.

All conditional uses in the underlying zone districts shall remain conditional uses unless expressly prohibited, made conditional, or further conditioned by this chapter. In addition, the following uses shall only be conditionally permitted:

.071

On-site storage facilities for hazardous wastes associated with permitted uses or conditional uses, other than home-based businesses as described in WCC § 20.51.095, subject to the most current siting criteria under Chapter 173-303 WAC within the Rural, Rural Forestry, Commercial Forestry, Neighborhood Commercial and Resort Commercial Zone Districts only.

.072

Retail or wholesale plant nurseries or greenhouses for storage, propagation and culture of plants, provided:

Greenhouses shall not be larger than 1,000 square feet.

Greenhouses and cultivated ground shall not be located within 250 feet of Lake Whatcom or streams subject to the Shoreline Management Program; or 200 feet from fish-bearing streams or 150 feet from non-fish-bearing streams and their tributaries that flow into Lake Whatcom.

A monitoring program has been established to ensure that chemical and pesticide quantities in stormwater runoff do not exceed state water quality standards. Complete control of drainage from the operation shall be in effect. Such runoff will be tested for pollutants bimonthly by a licensed water quality testing agency. All requirements will be met at the owner's expense.

No person shall apply a commercial fertilizer, either liquid or granular, that is labeled as containing more than zero percent phosphorus or other compound containing phosphorus, such as phosphate; provided, that such fertilizers may be used for establishment of new vegetation in the first growing season.

.073

Type I solid waste handling facilities, except:

Moderate risk waste facilities; and

Facilities in the Recreation and Open Space District.

.074

Bed and breakfast establishments and inns.

.075

Vacation rental units.

(Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2023-041 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 2025-020 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)

§ 20.51.080 Prohibited uses.

In addition to the uses prohibited in the underlying zone districts, the following uses are prohibited, except as per Chapter 20.83 WCC:

.081

Dry cleaning establishments.

.082

Gas stations, service stations, combustion engine repair garages and automotive wrecking yards.

.083

Sod farming.

.084

Aquaculture and mariculture projects.

.085

Fur farms.

.086

Confinement feeding operations.

.087

Asphalt and concrete batch plants.

.088

Gravel bar scalping projects within the jurisdiction of the Shoreline Management Program.

.089

Application of sewage sludge on land.

.090

On-site treatment facilities for hazardous wastes.

.091

Type I solid waste handling facilities, except those specified in WCC § 20.51.073.

.092

Type II, Type III, and Type IV solid waste handling facilities.

.093

Golf courses.

.094

Cemeteries.

.095

Any home-based business that would require on-site hazardous waste storage facilities.

.096

Surface mining outside of designated Mineral Resource Lands (MRL) Special Districts; provided, that surface mining, rock crushing, washing and sorting subject to the Forest Practices Act (Chapter 76.09 RCW) are permitted.

.097

Major passenger intermodal terminals.

.098

Freight railroad switching yards and terminals.

.099

Agriculture, including animal husbandry, horticulture, viticulture, floriculture, and the cultivation of crops.

.100

Animal hospitals and accessory kennels and stables.

.101

Kennels and stables.

.102

Cannabis production or processing facility.

(Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2015-006 Exh. A, 2015; Ord. 2022-012 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2025-020 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)

§ 20.51.300 Open space.

Open space requirements shall be as follows:

Open space areas shall be maintained in natural vegetation or landscaped per WCC § 20.80.325.

For properties within the jurisdiction of the Shoreline Management Program (WCC Title 23), submerged lands and/or tidelands within the boundaries of any waterfront parcel that are located waterward of the ordinary high water mark shall not be used in open space calculations.

(Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)

§ 20.51.310 Cluster subdivisions.

The purpose of a cluster subdivision is to provide a method of creating building lots with spatially efficient sizes. Clustering is intended to consolidate development and associated infrastructure, reduce development costs, and increase infrastructure efficiency. Clustering is also intended to help preserve open space and the character of areas, reduce total hard surface area, and minimize development effects on critical areas and associated buffers, as defined in Chapter 16.16 WCC, and resource lands. Preservation of open space is thereby intended to reduce potential stormwater runoff and associated impacts while assuring protection of viable, undeveloped, and naturally vegetated corridors for wildlife habitat, protection of watersheds, preservation of critical areas, preservation of aesthetic values including view corridors, and preservation of trail and/or recreation areas.

(Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)

§ 20.51.320 Cluster design standards.

The creation of new building lots within the Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District shall be subject to the following design standards:

Cluster subdivisions shall be required for all land divisions resulting in lots less than five acres in size, with the exception of boundary line adjustments.

A cluster subdivision shall include a permanent open space reserve area meeting the criteria established in WCC § 20.51.330.

The minimum cluster lot size requirements of the underlying zone district shall apply.

The maximum number of building lots in a lot cluster shall be 10.

Clusters containing two or more lots of less than one acre within a proposed development shall be separated by at least 80 feet.

Clustered building lots may only be created through the subdivision, short subdivision or binding site plan process pursuant to WCC Title 21.

Building lots shall be designed and located to be compatible with, and avoid disturbance of, critical areas or known archaeological sites, as well as physical constraints of the site.

(8)

Building lots shall be arranged in a cluster/concentrated pattern.

(9)

A cluster subdivision shall have no more than two common encroachments on existing county roads unless site constraints require additional road access. The arrangement of clustered building lots shall be designed to avoid development forms commonly known as linear, straight-line or highway strip patterns.

(10)

As applicable, interior streets shall be designed to allow future vehicular access to any portion of the reserve tract which may be divided into future building lots; provided, that the required permanent open space reserve area, pursuant to WCC § 20.51.330, shall not be further subdivided.

(Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)

§ 20.51.330 Open space reserve area.

For purposes of this title, an "open space reserve area" shall be defined as that portion of a subdivision or short subdivision set aside in accordance with this chapter, and permanently dedicated for active or passive recreation, critical area protection, natural resource or archaeological site preservation, wildlife habitat and/or visual enjoyment, and shall be consistent with the definition of "open space" pursuant to Chapter 20.97 WCC.

The open space reserve area shall be subject to the following provisions:

The minimum open space reserve area shall be determined by the minimum cluster subdivision reserve area requirements of the underlying zone district.

A permanent open space reserve area shall be protected using one of the following mechanisms:

Placement in a separate nonbuilding tract owned in common by all lots within the subdivision; or

Covered by a protective easement or public or private land trust dedication; or

Otherwise preserved through a county-approved permanent protective mechanism that provides the same level of permanent protection.

The boundaries of the open space reserve area may be altered if the county finds that in dedicating adjacent reserve areas it would further the objectives listed in WCC § 20.51.310 by increasing the area of reserve proportionately on the adjacent land being subdivided so that there is no net reduction in open space reserve area.

The purpose of the open space reserve area as defined in subsection (1) of this section shall be recorded on the face of the final plat or short plat.

The remaining unused development density and/or hard surface allowances remaining on the parcel containing the open space reserve area, based on the gross density of the parent parcel, may be assigned to that portion of the reserve tract not subject to the minimum area requirements of subsection (2)(b) of this section. The density shall be recorded on the face of the final plat or short plat. The development rights assigned to the reserve tract in accordance with this subsection may not be transferred if the area associated with the reserve tract has been transferred to the other building lots within the subdivision.

§ 20.51.340 Building setback/buffer areas.

The requirements stated in subsections (2)(c) and (d) of this section shall be recorded as a restriction on the face of the final plat or short plat, and shall constitute an agreement between Whatcom County and the current/future owner(s) of record that shall run with the land. Said restriction(s) may be amended by mutual agreement between said parties after review for consistency and compliance with this title (Zoning) and WCC Title 21 (Land Division Regulations) and the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan.

(Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2023-042 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023)

Setbacks for all properties within the overlay district shall be as follows: roads classified as state highways, principal arterials, minor arterials, and collector arterials or major collectors shall have a minimum setback of 30 feet; and roads classified as minor collectors, local access streets, neighborhood collector or minor access streets shall have a minimum setback of 20 feet; provided, that the road right-of-way meets the minimum standard for road rights-of-way pursuant to the Whatcom County Development Standards.

Roof overhangs or other overhanging architectural features shall not project further than 18 inches into the side or rear yard setbacks. Such overhangs may extend three feet into the front yard setback; however, in no case shall they extend more than one-half the depth of the front yard setback.

(Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2016-011 § 1 (Exh. O), 2016; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)

§ 20.51.350 Development criteria.

(Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)

§ 20.51.360 Parking space dimensions.

A standard parking space shall have the rectangular dimensions of nine feet in width and 18 feet in length; provided, that for any parking area of six or more spaces, 50 percent of all spaces may have the rectangular dimensions of eight feet in width and 15 feet in length; and further provided, that these spaces are marked for use by compact automobiles. Except in single-family residential areas, all dimensions shall be exclusive of driveways, aisles, and other circulation areas required under WCC § 20.80.500 et seq.

(Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2023-018 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023)

§ 20.51.370 Parking requirements.

Parking shall conform to the requirements of WCC § 20.80.500 through § 20.80.590 unless otherwise specified in this section. Minimum parking requirements may be reduced through any of the following methods:

A shared parking agreement has been filed with the county auditor establishing a shared parking lot for land uses with noncompeting hours of operation, or for multitenant retail and commercial facilities; provided, the parking lot is not located further than 700 feet from any of the uses it is intended to serve.

The minimum required parking in shared facilities shall be based on the land use with the highest parking demand.

Mixed use developments with similar operating hours may be required to submit a parking demand study to determine if parking can be combined.

A 20 percent reduction may be approved if an establishment is located within 1,000 feet of any regularly scheduled bus stop.

§ 20.51.400 Roads, curbs, gutters and sidewalks.

The director determines that a reduced requirement will reduce overall hard surfaces while maintaining consistency with this title.

(Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)

§ 20.51.390 Vehicular access.

Driveways and curb cuts shall be minimized along all arterial and collector roads. Each existing lot shall be allowed only one driveway or curb cut; adjacent lots are encouraged to share access points. In new developments, lots or leased sites shall be oriented toward internal driveways, parking areas, or roads with limited access to arterial or collector roads.

(Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)

The intent of this section is to reduce hard surfaces and stormwater runoff. Innovative street sections that do not compromise public safety shall be encouraged in the watershed. Narrow streets and reduced sidewalk standards that satisfy pedestrian and vehicular circulation requirements may be implemented with the approval of the Whatcom County public works department. Unless specifically required, roads shall not be wider than the minimum applicable standard. A rural road standard may be approved for urban density residential areas where the developer provides adequate off-street parking and pedestrian walkways.

(Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)

§ 20.51.410 Seasonal clearing activity limitations.

The intent of seasonal clearing activity limitations is to establish a more stringent standard for clearing activity in highly valued water resource areas, environmentally sensitive areas, or areas where natural conditions are so unstable that clearing activity in the areas can result in hazardous conditions. Implementation of best management practices, including phased clearing, tree retention and seasonal clearing limitations, is intended to limit the amount of exposed soils on site that are susceptible to erosion at any one time, thereby improving site stability during development and reducing potential for transport of dissolved pollutants and sediments off site. Preservation of existing trees on site also reduces the quantity and maintains the quality of stormwater leaving a site during and after development activities by encouraging interception, infiltration and evapotranspiration of rainfall and surface runoff.

County review and approval shall be required for all clearing activities associated with a fill and grade permit, building permit, or other development proposal.

Clearing activity, as defined in Chapter 20.97 WCC, or forest practices regulated by Whatcom County that will result in land disturbance exceeding 500 square feet shall be prohibited from October 1st through May 31st; provided, that the director may approve an exemption to this requirement for the following activities:

Routine maintenance and repair of erosion and sediment control measures;

Activities located at or waterward of the ordinary high water mark subject to state, federal, and/or local (per Chapter 16.16 WCC and/or WCC Title 23) conditions of approval requiring commencement of clearing activity between October 1st and May 31st for purposes of minimizing surface water disturbance and site inundation by high water or wave action;

Activities necessary to address an emergency that presents an unanticipated and imminent threat to public health, safety or the environment that requires immediate action within a time too short to allow full compliance with this section. Upon abatement of the emergency situation, the clearing activity shall be reviewed for consistency with this chapter and may be subject to additional permit requirements; provided, that the applicant shall make a reasonable attempt to contact the director prior to the activity. When prior notice is not feasible, notification of the action shall be submitted to the director as soon as the emergency is addressed and no later than two business days following such action. Emergency construction does not include development of new permanent protective structures where none previously existed;

The proposed activity does not involve the conversion of forest land, is outside critical areas and associated buffers, and is exclusively related to agriculture as defined in this title; or

The proposed activity consists of non-conversion forest practices regulated by the Department of Natural Resources.

To ensure compliance with subsection (2) of this section, all permits authorizing more than 500 square feet of land disturbance located within the Lake Whatcom watershed shall be conditioned on such work not being authorized from September 15th through May 31st.

Soil disturbance associated with an exempt clearing activity shall be minimized to the maximum extent practicable. The director shall have the authority to condition an exempt activity to ensure that temporary erosion and sediment control measures will be implemented.

An exemption from the seasonal land clearing requirements of this section does not grant authorization for any work to be done in a manner that does not comply with other provisions of this chapter or other applicable development regulations.

Within the Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District, clearing activity must conform to the following conditions:

Temporary erosion and sediment control shall be installed and inspected prior to any clearing activity. The director shall conduct periodic inspections to ensure the integrity of temporary erosion and sediment controls. Temporary erosion and sediment control measures include, but are not limited to, installation of silt fencing, installation of check dams, covering of excavation piles, and mulching of exposed soils, as specified in the Whatcom County Development Standards.

Phased Clearing. Construction activities and clearing activities shall be phased to limit the amount of exposed soil that occurs at any one time, if determined to be appropriate by the director, based on site characteristics or constraints including, but not limited to, slopes, proximity to shorelines and wetlands. A phased clearing plan may be required. A phased clearing plan, if required, shall be submitted for review and approval by the director prior to any clearing activity and shall contain a detailed construction schedule or timeline.

§ 20.51.420 Permanent stormwater management systems.

Soil Stabilization. All disturbed areas shall be provided with soil stabilization within two days of the time of disturbance. The director may approve an exemption to this requirement when a tree canopy area retention plan includes a soil stabilization plan. This plan component must specifically detail erosion and sediment control and stormwater runoff measures that provide runoff control equal to or greater than the protection provided by the standard two-day soil stabilization requirements of this section.

(Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2023-042 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 2024-046 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024)

Exemptions. This section does not apply to any of the following projects, work, or activities, though other stormwater related regulations and/or standards that might still apply; however, projects that exceed these thresholds must obtain an applicable development permit even when the application thresholds for that permit are not met:

Installation, repair, or replacement of any of the following facilities:

Below grade pipe, conduit, ductwork, or cabling and wiring (direct burial or conduit encased);

Above grade utility or light poles or communication and/or data transmission systems pedestals;

Below, at, and/or above grade appurtenances to any of the above respective facilities.

Land disturbing activities (per Chapter 20.97 WCC definition) of less than 5,000 square feet in total area, excluding any hard surface area work within the land area disturbed.

Projects, work, or activities that will create less than:

Two hundred one square feet of previously nonexistent hard surface area and/or replaced hard surface area (per Chapter 20.97 WCC definitions).

If a legal nonconforming structure is unintentionally destroyed (e.g., from fire, wind, falling trees or limbs, flooding), the nonconforming structure may be reconstructed using the existing footprint. Damage repairs to existing hard surface areas and/or permeable pavement areas within their same respective existing footprints are allowed. Expansion of nonconforming hard surfaces shall be subject to this chapter.

For a single-family dwelling that meets all of the following:

To be located within the platted boundaries of, and in general belonging to, an incorporated homeowners association; and

Which association has a stormwater runoff management and phosphorus mitigation plan that provides at least the same level of overall protection from and/or treatment of phosphorus runoff to Lake Whatcom as would the application of subsection (2) of this section to any of the individual parcels therein that may be developed; and

Which plan is in effect through an ongoing implementation program, applicable to all newly developed parcels within that association's boundaries, as well as to the association as a whole; and

(iv)

Which plan and program have been agreed to by a memorandum of agreement between Whatcom County and the incorporated homeowners association; and

(v)

Permanent best management practices shall follow the NPDES standards in WCC § 20.80.630.

Public stormwater improvement projects intended to implement total maximum daily load (TMDL) requirements.

Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Unless otherwise exempt per subsection (1) of this section, all projects, work, or activities, including subdivisions, binding site plans, and nonexempt new short subdivision parcels, proposed to occur within the Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District shall incorporate presumptive BMPs and/or demonstrative BMPs, per subsection (2)(c) and/or (2)(d) of this section, respectively, to:

All projects, work, or activity affected:

Land disturbing activities; and/or

New and replaced hard surfaces.

Existing off-parcel phosphorus-unmitigated areas and/or on-parcel phosphorus-unmitigated areas within the entire Lake Whatcom watershed at a 2:1 ratio of phosphorus-unmitigated area to the corresponding project, work, or activity affected area(s) that subsections (2)(a)(i)(A) and (B) of this section outline.

The developable areas and infrastructure as required for long and short subdivision approval. A stormwater management plan for developable areas and required infrastructure, consistent with the current Stormwater Management Manual, is required prior to preliminary plat approval. Installation of required BMPs for infrastructure is required prior to final plat approval.

The development stormwater runoff (per Chapter 20.97 WCC definition) phosphorus loading profile from each phosphorus-mitigated area noted in subsections (2)(a)(i) and (ii) shall not exceed the corresponding natural stormwater runoff (per Chapter 20.97 WCC definition) phosphorus loading profile from each respective phosphorus-mitigated area.

Presumptive BMPs (per Chapter 20.97 WCC Definition). Presumptive BMPs, which are combinable with each other and with demonstrative BMPs, follow:

Downspout Full Infiltration. See the current Stormwater Management Manual, BMP T5.10A. Use of these BMPs may require an engineered design.

Full Dispersion. See the current Stormwater Management Manual, BMP T5.30. This BMP may require an engineered design. Where this BMP refers to native vegetation retention, such requirements shall be consistent with WCC § 20.51.440 (Tree retention associated with development activity).

Demonstrative BMPs (per Chapter 20.97 WCC Definition). Demonstrative BMPs, which are combinable with each other and with presumptive BMPs, use engineered designs that, once constructed or installed, and presuming that system preservation activities occur as prescribed by the design engineer, will satisfy the current Stormwater Management Manual, Minimum Requirements 3 through 9, disregarding any Minimum Requirement applicability thresholds therein, while also conforming to at least one of the following:

The engineered design limits the estimated phosphorus loading in development stormwater runoff to less than 0.1875 lb. of P/acre/year. Engineered designs shall cite and use only WSDOE-approved references for estimated phosphorus loading information and criteria.

The monthly development stormwater runoff volume does not exceed the monthly natural stormwater runoff volume of the project, work, or activity affected areas, as determined by a WSDOE-approved continuous runoff model.

Development stormwater runoff does not occur.

System Recording, Protection, and Maintenance. A declaration of covenant shall be recorded for each property where permanent stormwater BMPs exist. The covenant is used to protect the stormwater management facilities from cover by hard surfaces, soil compaction, and damage by soil removal and grade alteration, and ensure required maintenance occurs according to the schedule in subsection (3)(c) of this section. A draft of the proposed covenant must be reviewed and approved by Whatcom County prior to recording. All required covenants must be recorded prior to final permit issuance for the proposed project.

Notice on Title. For all permanent stormwater facilities, the type of stormwater system and location shall be recorded with the county auditor real estate records. The recording document provides notice to future owners of the presence of stormwater system on the lot, and shall contain:

A site plan to scale, showing the location and descriptions of stormwater facilities, treatment BMPs, terrain features, protective native growth areas, and stormwater flowpaths.

Notice of the property owner's responsibility to retain, uphold, and protect the devices, features, pathways, protective native growth areas, and operate and maintain BMPs at the owner's expense.

Protected Native Growth Area (PNGA). For projects that utilize dispersion for their stormwater system, a protected native growth area covenant shall be required to:

Include native plant species including, but not limited to, those on approved lists provided by Whatcom County common to this region.

Be described in the recorded documents as "a Protected Native Growth Area established for the purposes of dispersing and treating stormwater flows."

Retain all vegetation and trees within the PNGA at the time of permit application aside from approved timber harvest activities and the removal of hazardous and diseased trees (as defined in Chapter 20.97 WCC), an evaluation and determination by an ISA licensed arborist may be required.

(iv)

The PNGA can include on-site critical areas and its buffer.

(v)

Limit uses in the PNGA to those specified in Chapter 16.16 WCC.

(vi)

Provide a notice of activity, consistent with WCC § 16.16.235, to remove trees within a PNGA when a permit is not required by subsection (1) of this section, under the following circumstances:

Fire prevention methods when supported by the county fire marshal;

Hazard trees, as defined in Chapter 20.97 WCC, are identified (an evaluation and determination by a licensed arborist may be required);

(C)

Encroachments where the trunk, branches, or roots would be or are in contact with main or accessory structures; or

(D)

Where installation and/or maintenance of roads or utilities would unavoidably require removal or cutting through the root system.

Inspections and Maintenance.

Inspections shall occur on at least an annual basis for all stormwater treatment and flow control BMPs and facilities that were permitted in accordance with requirements adopted pursuant to the 2013-2018 Ecology municipal stormwater permits, or later.

Inspections of all permanent stormwater treatment and flow control BMPs/facilities and catch basins in new residential developments shall occur every six months until 90 percent of the lots are constructed.

For every deficiency identified by inspection, said deficiency shall be addressed:

Within one year for typical maintenance of facilities, except catch basins.

§ 20.51.430 Tree removal not associated with development activity.

Within six months for catch basins.

(C)

Within two years for maintenance that requires capital construction of less than $25,000.

(Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2016-045 § 1 Att. A, 2016; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)

Permit Required for Removal of Trees. No person, directly or indirectly, shall remove any significant tree(s) on any property within the Lake Whatcom watershed without first obtaining the appropriate permit as provided in this section, unless the activity is exempted below:

Removal of any hazard trees considered an emergency pursuant to the definition of "hazard tree" in Chapter 20.97 WCC. Within 30 days after the emergency is abated the landowner shall submit photo documentation with a form provided by Whatcom County.

Pruning and maintenance of trees of up to 25 percent of the foliage.

The removal of trees located within the shoreline jurisdiction or within critical areas or their buffers is subject to additional regulations pursuant to WCC Title 23 (Shoreline Management Program) and Chapter 16.16 (Critical Areas). Where additional regulations conflict the more stringent regulation shall apply.

Permit Application. At a minimum the following shall be submitted by the applicant:

A complete permit application.

A sketch for this purpose may be prepared by the homeowner or other lay person and shall depict:

The approximate location of significant trees, indicating those to be removed;

The species and canopy area (as determined pursuant to WCC § 20.51.440(4));

The location of structures, driveways, access ways, and known easements.

Canopy calculations (existing and proposed).

For required replacement trees, a planting plan showing location, species, and 20-year canopy area of the new trees in accordance to standards set forth in WCC § 20.51.440(4) for calculating 20-year canopy coverage.

Other information as required by the applicable permit application.

Tree Removal Permit Application Procedure and Appeals. Applicants requesting to remove any significant trees must submit a completed permit application on a form provided by the county.

Applicable Permit.

The permit application to remove trees within the shoreline jurisdiction is a shoreline permit (WCC Title 23).

The permit application to remove trees within a critical area or a critical area buffer is an activity allowed with notification (WCC § 16.16.235).

The permit application to remove trees in other areas is a tree removal permit.

The director shall review the application within 21 calendar days and either approve, approve with conditions or modifications, deny the application, or request additional information.

The removal shall be completed within one year from the date of permit approval.

The decision of the director is appealable pursuant to WCC § 22.05.160 (Appeals).

Tree Removal Allowances. With the appropriate permit, any property owner may remove up to 20 percent but not to exceed 14,000 square feet, and as measured cumulatively from January 1, 2017, of the existing canopy area, as defined by the dripline of the significant trees on their property; provided, that:

There is no active application for development activity for the site;

No other Whatcom County regulation is more restrictive; and

The tree(s) are not required to be retained or planted as a condition of previous development activity.

At the director's discretion, and on a case-by-case basis, additional canopy may be removed for:

Firewise Management. When prescribed by a Firewise professional (e.g., Whatcom Conservation District, Washington Department of Natural Resources, local fire districts, etc.), property owners may remove more canopy than that specified above if done near existing or proposed structures and it is the minimum necessary to reduce fire risk.

Pest and Disease Outbreaks. Additional tree canopy may be removed when prescribed by an ISA-certified arborist to control pest and disease outbreaks.

Removal of Hazard Trees Exceeding the Standard Tree Removal Allowance. Any property owner seeking to remove any number of hazard trees not considered an emergency pursuant to subsection (1) of this section and exceeding the standard tree removal allowance of subsection (5) of this section must submit a tree risk assessment using an approved Whatcom County method prepared by a qualified professional; provided, that removal of hazard trees in critical areas or their buffers shall be in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 16.16 WCC. Said trees shall be replaced with native species at a ratio of three trees for each tree removed.

Penalties and Enforcement. Any significant trees damaged or removed without a permit shall be replaced at a rate of three trees for each one damaged or removed and shall be subject to fines pursuant to Chapter 20.94 WCC (Enforcement and Penalties). Said replacement trees shall meet the following standards:

Replacement coniferous trees shall be at least eight feet in height;

Replacement deciduous trees shall be at least two and one-half inches in diameter (DBH);

Replacement trees shall be species native to western Washington in order to restore and enhance a site as nearly as practicable to its pre-removal character and function;

The condition of replacement trees shall meet or exceed current American Nursery and Landscape Association or equivalent organization's standards for nursery stock;

Financial sureties for replacement trees may be required;

§ 20.51.440 Tree retention associated with development activity.

Installation, maintenance, and care of required replacement trees shall be in accordance with the International Society of Arboriculture's best management practices for arboriculture including, but not limited to, soil assessment, sampling, amendments and conservation, and spacing, which ensure the tree's long-term health and survival. Replacement trees shall not be topped or otherwise be prohibited from their natural growth;

(g)

The director may consider smaller-sized replacement trees if the applicant can demonstrate that smaller trees are more suited to the species, the site conditions, and the purposes of this section, and that such trees will be planted in sufficient quantities to meet the intent of this section.

(Ord. 2016-045 § 1 Att. A, 2016; Ord. 2019-013 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 2019-057 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)

Tree Canopy Retention.

Tree canopy retention shall be required for all development applications and building permits within the Lake Whatcom watershed, unless the activity is exempted below:

Removal of any hazard trees pursuant to WCC § 20.51.430(1)(a).

Tree Risk Assessment. If the hazard condition is not obvious, a tree risk assessment prepared by a qualified professional explaining how the tree(s) meets the definition of a hazard tree is required. Removal of hazard trees does not count toward the tree removal limit if the hazard is supported by such a report and approved by the county.

Trees in Critical Areas or Critical Area Buffers. For hazard trees in critical areas or critical area buffers, tree removal shall be in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 16.16 WCC.

Construction or maintenance of public or private roads and public or private utilities including utility easements not related to development. Protection of trees shall be a major factor in the location, design, construction, and maintenance of streets and utilities. These improvements are subject to the purpose and intent of this section.

Pruning and maintenance of trees of up to 25 percent of the foliage.

Tree Retention Plan Required.

An applicant for a development permit must submit a tree retention plan that complies with this section. A qualified professional may be required to prepare certain components of a tree retention plan at the applicant's expense. The tree retention plan shall contain the following information:

A site plan with the following components:

North arrow;

Property boundaries;

Existing structures;

Site access;

Tree canopy areas to be removed;

(F)

The outer dripline of tree canopy areas to be retained;

(G)

Critical areas including, but not limited to, slopes, wetlands, and habitat conservation areas;

(H)

Protection measures to be used for the critical root zone of retained trees; and

(I)

Areas to be replanted pursuant to subsection (4) of this section;

For required replacement trees, a planting plan showing location, species, and 20-year canopy area of the new trees and calculations of 20-year canopy coverage in accordance with the standards set forth in subsection (4) of this section;

Provisions for maintenance and monitoring.

Minimum Tree Canopy Retention. Development subject to the requirements of this section may only remove up to a certain percentage (as shown in Table 20.51.440(3)) or 5,000 square feet, whichever is greater, and as measured cumulatively from January 1, 2017, of the existing tree canopy area, as defined by the dripline of the tree(s) on their property. In the event that tree canopy areas in excess of the applicable threshold must be removed to facilitate reasonable use of the site, or to eliminate hazard trees, new on-site plantings of native species shall be required to attain the removed tree canopy coverage, calculated according to projected growth at 20 years maturity consistent with Table 20.51.440(4).

Tree canopy areas shall include all trees, excluding invasive species or noxious weeds, within the gross site area.

Existing or planted tree canopy may be located within buffer landscaping, site landscaping, critical areas and their buffers, open space reserve areas, reserve areas, reserve tracts or easements where permanent restrictions are recorded on the face of the plat ensuring their retention in perpetuity.

Table 20.51.440(3). Tree Canopy Removal Allowances When Associated With Development
Lot Size (acres)	Canopy Removal Allowance (percentage of existing canopy)
Less than 1	35%
1 to less than 3	30%
3 to less than 10	20%
10 or greater	15%

Measuring Tree Canopy. Site tree canopy shall be measured according to Table 20.51.440(4). Calculation of existing and new tree canopy shall be submitted in writing by a qualified landscape designer or a licensed land surveyor.

Table 20.51.440(4). Measuring Tree Canopy
Existing Canopy		New Canopy
Option 1 Tree Survey	Option 2 Aerial Estimation	20-Year Canopy Calculation
• Measure average canopy radius (r) for each tree to be retained • Calculate existing canopy area using the formula: Canopy Area (CA) = πr² • Total the sum of tree canopy areas and divide by gross site area to obtain canopy coverage percentage	• Obtain aerial imagery of site • Measure site boundaries • Measure canopies of individual trees or stand area using leading edges as the forest boundary • Divide total canopy measurement by the gross site area to obtain canopy coverage percentage	For each proposed species: • Calculate radius (r) of canopy at 20 years maturity • Calculate canopy coverage using the formula: CA = πr² • Multiply by the proposed quantity to be planted to obtain total species canopy area • Total the sum of species canopy area for all proposed species and divide by gross site area to obtain 20-year canopy coverage percentage

Tree Protection Measures. The following tree protection measures shall be taken during clearing or construction:

During construction tree protective fencing shall be installed and maintained along the outer edge of the drip line surrounding the trees retained in order to protect the trees during any land disturbance activities. Said fencing shall not be moved to facilitate grading or other construction activity within the protected area;

Tree protective fencing shall be a minimum height of three feet, visible, and of durable construction; orange polyethylene laminar fencing is acceptable; and

Signs must be posted on the fence reading "Tree Protection Area."

Significant Trees Retained as a Condition of Development Approval. Retained significant trees, trees planted as replacements for significant trees, and trees planted to meet requirements in subsection (3) of this section may not be removed except when determined in writing by a certified arborist to constitute a hazard. Any replacement or significant trees removed without proper documentation from a certified arborist shall be subject to a fine as determined under Chapter 20.94 WCC.

Penalties and Enforcement. Any significant trees identified in a landscape plan to be retained, and subsequently damaged or removed during site development shall be replaced at a rate of three trees for each one damaged or removed and shall be subject to fines pursuant to Chapter 20.94 WCC (Enforcement and Penalties). Said replacement trees shall meet the following standards:

Replacement coniferous trees shall be at least eight feet in height;

Replacement deciduous trees shall be at least two and one-half inches in diameter (DBH);

Replacement trees shall be species native to western Washington in order to restore and enhance a site as nearly as practicable to its pre-removal character and function;

The condition of replacement trees shall meet or exceed current American Nursery and Landscape Association or equivalent organization's standards for nursery stock;

Financial sureties for replacement trees may be required;