(1) 
Building Size in Rural Communities. Within areas designated in the Comprehensive Plan as rural community, which are limited areas of more intensive development as described in RCW 36.70A.070(5)(d)(i), permitted maximum building sizes shall be in accordance with building sizes that existed in each area on July 1, 1990, as shown in the following table.
Maximum floor area per building, in square feet
(Maximum combined floor area for all buildings, in square feet)
Retail/Office/Restaurant/Lodging
Storage/Warehouse
Auto/Equipment Repair
Public/Community
Manufacturing/Fabrication
Acme
2,734
(2,734)
2,070
(2,070)
17,784
(21,896)
Axton & Guide Meridian
4,800
(4,800)
2,160
(2,160)
Birch Bay-Lynden & V.V.
2,784
(3,684)
Cain Lake
2,060
(2,060)
2,473
(4,825)
Custer
3,968
(3,968)
3,300
(3,300)
46,451
(46,451)
Deming
11,790
(18,757)
2,400
(2,400)
1,392
(1,392)
30,099
(79,512)
Diablo
513
(513)
10,872
(10,872)
Glacier
3,500
(7,888)
3,584
(3,584)
3,150
(3,150)
Hinotes Corner
6,636
(9,036)
1,500
(1,500)
19,856
(19,856)
Kendall
7,000
(7,000)
3,340
(3,340)
Laurel
10,700
(11,000)
10,260
(10,260)
21,950
(63,360)
17,670
(23,590)
Lummi Peninsula
7,800
(18,540)
7,280
(7,280)
Maple Falls
8,020
(8,020)
4,620
(4,620)
8,822
(10,082)
Newhalem
3,218
(3,218)
4,810
(12,981)
16,284
(28,924)
Nugents Corner
18,221
(19,499)
3,240
(3,240)
Point Roberts
34,704
(34,704)
3,286
(3,286)
6,732
(6,732)
11,246
(11,246)
Pole & Guide Meridian
6,400
(6,400)
4,548
(5,556)
4,000
(4,000)
Sandy Point
1,428
(1,428)
Smith & Guide Meridian
5,866
(7,068)
5,900
(5,900)
9,600
(17,100)
22,042
(22,042)
Sudden Valley
6,348
(10,320)
30,140
(44,945)
Van Wyck
3,480
(3,480)
1,904
(1,904)
Wiser Lake
24,690
(24,690)
11,222
(12,374)
2,130
(2,130)
6,368
(6,368)
(2) 
Within areas designated in the Comprehensive Plan as rural community, a public community facility that serves a predominantly rural area may exceed the maximum floor area and maximum combined floor area given for public/community uses in subsection (1) of this section, subject to a conditional use permit per WCC § 22.05.026.
(3) 
Within a rural business designation, a larger building size for new nonresidential development is permitted if a conditional use permit is granted per WCC § 22.05.026. A conditional use permit for a larger building size shall be subject to a finding that:
(a) 
The larger building size will not cause the need for additional public facilities to be provided in the area;
(b) 
The proposal is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan policies regarding the rural business designation; and
(c) 
The proposed small-scale business conforms to the rural character of the area.
(Ord. 2012-032 § 2 Exh. B, 2012; Ord. 2015-048 § 1 Exh. A, 2015; Ord. 2018-035 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 2020-045 § 1 Exh. A, 2020; Ord. 2023-078 § 1 (Exh. A § 5), 2023)
(1) 
All structures, including accessory structures, shall be placed on their lots in compliance with the requirements of the setback table (subsection (5)(b) of this section), except as may otherwise be provided in this title.
(2) 
Waterfront Lots. Waterfront lots shall comply with the building setback requirements set forth in the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program. (See WCC § 20.80.230(2).)
(3) 
Vision Clearance. Notwithstanding any other setback requirements of this title, and unless specifically provided otherwise, a clear vision area shall be maintained on the corners of all property at the intersection of two streets, a street and an alley, or a street and a railroad.
(a) 
A clear vision area shall consist of a triangular area, two sides of which are lot lines measured from the corner intersection of the street lot lines for a distance specified in subsection (3)(c) of this section (where the lot has rounded corners, the distance shall be measured from the intersection of those lot lines extended), and the third side of which is a line across the corner of the lot joining the nonintersection ends of the other two sides.
(b) 
A clear vision area shall contain no planting, fence, wall, obstruction, or temporary or permanent obstruction exceeding two and one-half feet in height, measured from the top of the curb or, where no curb exists, from the established street center line grade; except that trees exceeding this height may be located in this area; provided all branches and foliage are removed to a height of 10 feet above the grade.
(c) 
The following measurements shall establish clear vision areas:
(i) 
In a residential zone, the minimum distance shall be 30 feet, or at intersections including an alley, 10 feet;
(ii) 
In all other zones, the minimum distance shall be 15 feet, or at intersections including an alley, 10 feet, except when the angle of intersection between a street other than an alley is less than 30 degrees, the distance shall be 25 feet;
(iii) 
Structures including buildings may be constructed within the clear vision area; provided, that any portion of the structure within the clear vision area is more than eight feet above the top of the curb or street center line grade and is supported by not more than two columns each of which is no more than eight inches in diameter.
(4) 
Repealed by Ord. 2020-045.
(5) 
Setbacks. For the purposes of this chapter, the road classification used to determine setback requirements shall be as set forth in this section. In the event a particular road is not listed in this section, the department of public works shall determine the classification, which classification shall be based on the Whatcom County Development Standards or such other local, state or federal roadway standards as the department of public works deems appropriate. Dead-end or loop streets providing access to 16 or fewer lots shall be classified as minor access streets.
(a) 
Setback Requirements of All Districts.
(i) 
No manure lagoon or other open pit storage shall be located closer than 150 feet from any property line, or in a manner which creates any likelihood of ground water pollution or other health hazard.
(ii) 
All manure storage shall be protected from a 25-year flood and shall be located 50 feet from irrigation ditches and waterways, 50 feet from the ordinary high water line of any lake or waterway; provided, that best management practices as determined by the Whatcom County Conservation District are in place. If the best management practices are not in place, 300 feet shall be substituted for 50 feet.
(iii) 
In all districts where a single-family residence is a primary permitted use, a building permit may be issued for the construction of a replacement dwelling on the same lot; provided, that the owner agrees by filing a statement with the building official that the old dwelling will be demolished, removed or converted to another permitted use upon completion of the new dwelling.
(iv) 
A 10-foot setback from the international border between Canada and the United States shall be maintained as an open space vista. The 10-foot setback area may be used for landscaping, agriculture, and natural vegetation. Structures may only be built within the 10-foot setback area after approval from the International Boundary Commission.
(v) 
Roof overhangs or other architectural features shall not project further than 18 inches into the side or rear yard setbacks. Such overhangs may extend six feet into the front yard setback; however, in no case will they extend more than one-half the depth of the front yard setback; except as provided in WCC § 20.51.342 and § 20.71.402.
(b) 
Setbacks Table.
Zoning District
Setback (in feet) from:
Right-of-Way Classification
Other
I-5, State Highways, Urban Principal, and Urban Minor Arterials
Urban Collector Arterials and Rural Major Collectors
Minor Collectors
Local Access Streets
Minor Access Streets
Side Yard
Rear Yard
Residential Setbacks
Rural Residential (RR)
45
35
25
25
20
5
5
– If in a WRPO1 or LWWO2
30
30
20
20
20
5
5
Note: Depending on circumstances, some RR setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.80.210(5)(a)(iv) and § 20.80.251(2).
Rural Residential-Island (RR-I)
–
–
25
25
20
5
5
Note: Depending on circumstances, some RR-I setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.80.251(4).
Point Roberts Transitional Zone (TZ)
45
35
25
25
20
5
5
Urban Residential Mixed Use (UR-MX)
45
35
25
10
10
5
5
– If in a WRPO1 or LWWO2
30
30
20
20
20
5
5
Urban Residential Medium (URM)
45
35
25
25
20
5
5
– If in a WRPO1 or LWWO2
30
30
20
20
20
5
5
Note: Depending on circumstances, some URM setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.80.251(3).
Note: Single-family attached in UR, URM, and UR-MX may have a zero-foot interior side yard setback.
Urban Residential (UR)
45
35
25
25
20
51
5
– If in a WRPO1 or LWWO2
30
30
20
20
20
5
5
Note: Depending on circumstances, some UR setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.80.251(1).
Rural Setbacks
Rural (R)
45
45
35
25
20
5
5
– If in a WRPO1 or LWWO2
30
30
20
20
20
5
5
Note: Depending on circumstances, some R setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.38.060(7), § 20.80.210(5)(a)(iv), and § 20.80.252.
Commercial Setbacks
General Commercial (GC)
30
30
25
25
20
0
10
Note: Depending on circumstances, some GC setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.62.550.
Rural General Commercial (RGC)
30
30
25
25
20
0
10
Note: Depending on circumstances, some RGC setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.59.600.
Tourist Commercial (TC)
30
30
25
25
20
0
10
Note: Depending on circumstances, some TC setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.63.550 and § 20.80.253(3).
Small Town Commercial (STC)
30
30
25
25
20
0
10
Note: Depending on circumstances, some STC setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.59.600, § 20.61.400(1), and § 20.61.600.
Resort Commercial (RC)
30
30
25
25
20
5
5
Note: Depending on circumstances, some RC setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.64.550 and § 20.80.253(4).
Neighborhood Commercial (NC)
25
25
25
25
20
0
10
– If in a WRPO1 or LWWO2
30
30
20
20
20
0
10
Note: Depending on circumstances, some NC setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.80.253 and § 20.60.550.
Industrial Setbacks
Heavy Impact Industrial (HII)
100
100
100
100
30
30
30
Note: Depending on circumstances, some HII setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.68.552 and § 20.80.254(3).
Light Impact Industrial (LII)
30
30
30
30
20
10
10
Note: Depending on circumstances, some LII setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.80.254(1).
General Manufactur-ing (GM)
30
30
30
30
20
10
10
Note: Depending on circumstances, some GM setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.80.254(2).
Airport Operations (AO)
30
30
30
30
20
10
10
Note: Depending on circumstances, some AO setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.70.550 and § 20.80.254(4).
Rural Industrial – Manufacturing (RIM)
30
30
30
30
20
10
10
Note: Depending on circumstances, some RIM setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.69.350 and § 20.69.550.
Resource Lands Setbacks
Agricultural (AG)
– parcels ≥ 5 acres
50
50
50
50
50
20
20
– parcels < 5 acres
– Habitable structures
45
35
25
25
20
30
30
– Nonhabitable, accessory structures
45
35
25
25
20
5
5
Note: Depending on circumstances, some AG setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.38.060(7) and § 20.80.255.
Rural Forestry (RF)
45
35
25
25
20
20
20
– If in a WRPO1 or LWWO2
30
30
20
20
20
20
20
Note: Depending on circumstances, some RF setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.80.210(5)(a)(iv) and § 20.80.256.
Commercial Forestry (CF)
45
35
25
25
20
100
100
– If in a WRPO1 or LWWO2
30
30
20
20
20
100
100
Note: Depending on circumstances, some CF setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.80.256(2).
Other Setbacks
Recreation Open Space (ROS)
100
100
50
50
50
50
50
Note: Depending on circumstances, some ROS setbacks may differ pursuant to WCC § 20.80.257.
Notes:
1 Water Resources Protection Overlay District.
2 Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District.
(Ord. 82-58, 1982; Ord. 84-38, 1984; Ord. 85-31, 1985; Ord. 85-38, 1985; Ord. 85-100, 1985; Ord. 87-11, 1987; Ord. 87-65, 1987; Ord. 88-29, 1988; Ord. 89-117, 1989; Ord. 94-010, 1994; Ord. 96-056 Att. A § S1, 1996; Ord. 97-046 § 3, 1997; Ord. 99-012 § 1(3), 1999; Ord. 99-080, 1999; Ord. 2001-024 § 1, 2001; Ord. 2001-062 § 1, 2001; Ord. 2003-048 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2009-023 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 2010-019 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2011-013 § 2 Exh. B, 2011; Ord. 2013-040 Exh. 1, 2013; Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2015-006 Exh. A, 2015; Ord. 2016-011 § 1 (Exhs. E, P), 2016; Ord. 2016-035 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 2017-030 § 1 (Exh. V), 2017; Ord. 2017-038 § 1 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 2019-013 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 2020-045 § 1 Exh. A, 2020; Ord. 2024-046 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024)
No subdivision, commercial development or conditional uses shall be approved without a written finding that:
(1) 
All providers of water, sewage disposal, schools, and fire protection serving the development have issued a letter that adequate capacity exists or arrangements have been made to provide adequate services for the development.
(2) 
No county facilities will be reduced below applicable levels of service as a result of the development.
(Ord. 98-083 Exh. A § 58, 1998)
Off-premises advertising signs shall be subject to the following setbacks. WCC § 20.80.210 shall not apply.
(1) 
No portion of a sign shall be placed within 15 feet of any right-of-way except as provided in subsection (3) of this section.
(2) 
Minimum side and rear yard setbacks shall be 10 feet except where they abut a right-of-way.
(3) 
Off-premises advertising signs oriented towards Interstate 5 may be up to within five feet of the interstate right-of-way when approved by all agencies having jurisdiction.
(4) 
No off-premises advertising sign shall be within 500 feet of any residence or residential zoning or within 1,000 feet of any church, school, cemetery, park, open space designation or historical landmark.
(5) 
No off-premises advertising sign shall be within 50 feet of any intersection.
(Ord. 90-66 § 1, 1990; Ord. 99-080, 1999)
All setback measurements are minimum requirements. All front yard and rear yard setback areas shall be open from side-to-side of the lot except as otherwise provided by the following:
(1) 
Front Yards.
(a) 
Appurtenances, including but not limited to: uncovered patios and decks less than 30 inches in height; driveways and walkways; pools and other recreation equipment; utilities, including HVAC equipment, electric vehicle charging station, septic systems, and propane tanks with fuel capacities up to 500 gallons; and fences, walls, and vegetative hedges up to four feet in height may be placed in this front yard setback area subject to the limitations of WCC § 20.80.210(3) (Vision Clearance); and provided, that:
(i) 
The location of propane tanks with fuel capacities up to 500 gallons is restricted to the rear 50 percent of front yard setbacks. All such propane tanks shall be:
(A) 
Inspected and approved by the Whatcom County fire marshal for compliance with the most currently adopted International Fire Code and, when required by the fire marshal, isolated from other uses by a noncombustible wall or fence; and
(B) 
Screening by a fence or with shrub vegetation planted to a minimum height of six inches above the top surface of the propane tank is encouraged.
(b) 
Signs approved for use in a front yard area shall be subject to the limitations of WCC § 20.80.215 and/or § 20.80.410 as applicable.
(c) 
Outside of urban growth areas fences, walls, and vegetative hedges up to a maximum of six feet in height may be located within the front yard setback area subject to the limitations of WCC § 20.80.210(3) (Vision Clearance).
(2) 
Rear Yards. Uncovered patios, driveways, walkways, vegetation, pools, electric vehicle charging station, HVAC equipment placed adjacent to the primary structure and extending no more than three feet into the rear yard, recreation equipment, open parking spaces, fences and walls up to seven feet in height, and structures housing accessory uses in Urban Residential, Residential Rural, Rural and Agricultural Zone Districts may be placed in the rear yard; provided, that an open space of at least 10 feet is maintained between any structure housing such accessory use and any other building on that lot.
(3) 
Side yards must be kept open; provided, that uncovered patios and decks less than 30 inches in height; driveways, walkways, and parking areas; pools, electric vehicle charging station, and other recreational equipment; HVAC equipment placed adjacent to the primary structure and extending no more than three feet into the side yard; and fences, walls, and vegetative hedges up to seven feet in height may be placed in the side yard.
(Ord. 99-080, 1999; Ord. 2001-002 § 1, 2001; Ord. 2019-013 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 2023-018 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 2026-001, 1/13/2026)
(1) 
Front Yard. The requisite minimum front yard setback line shall be measured from the edge of the abutting road right-of-way (front property line). For corner lots, the appropriate abutting road right-of-way shall be determined as provided in subsection (3) of this section. The property owner shall bear the responsibility for correctly locating the edge of the abutting road right-of-way from which the measurement is to be taken.
(2) 
Reduction of Setbacks. In situations where a property is so encumbered by shoreline setbacks, critical areas, and/or their buffers that a typical structure for that zone cannot be built due to dimensional requirements, the zoning administrator or hearing examiner, whichever is the decision maker on the permit, may reduce the standard front yard setback to 20 feet.
(3) 
Corner Lots. For corner lots, the front yard shall be that yard which abuts a collector or arterial road. In the case of two or more roads being designated collectors or arterials, the front yard shall abut the road with the higher classification. If neither of the roads are designated collectors or arterials or if they have equal classifications, the owner/builder shall have the option of selecting the front yard. The zoning administrator may override this decision in special circumstances involving public safety. Yards on the other flanking roads may be considered side yards except that for collectors or arterials the minimum setback shall be no less than one-half of the road setback required for the road type in WCC § 20.80.210.
(4) 
Through Lots. For through lots, the front yard shall be determined the same way as for corner lots per subsection (3) of this section except as provided:
(a) 
If a plat note, county code, or county development regulation prohibits vehicular access from a through lot onto one of the roads, the front yard setback shall be taken from the road where vehicular access is obtained. The yard on the other flanking non-accessed road shall be considered the rear yard for setback measurements except when the road is a collector or arterial, in which case the minimum setback shall be no less than one-half of the setback required for the road type in WCC § 20.80.210. The zoning administrator may reduce the rear yard setback along a non-accessed collector or arterial to less than one-half the front yard setback distance required for the road type in WCC § 20.80.210 if:
(i) 
The reduced setback is no less than the smallest setback for existing residences on nearby lots along the same frontage,
(ii) 
The reduced setback is no less than 10 feet, and
(iii) 
The public interest, safety and health are protected. The zoning administrator shall recognize input provided by other officials, departments, and divisions having appropriate expertise prior to approving a reduced setback.
(Ord. 99-080, 1999; Ord. 2014-030 § 1 Exh. A, 2014; Ord. 2017-030 § 1 (Exh. O), 2017; Ord. 2019-013 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019)
(1) 
Urban Residential District. Setbacks shall be increased to 100 feet for those parcels situated adjacent to Forestry Zone Districts, except that such parcels which are less than 20,000 square feet in a subdivision approved prior to January 1, 1987, and whose owners have filed an agreement with the county auditor as specified in WCC § 20.20.651 shall be subject to the standard setback in WCC § 20.80.210.
(2) 
Residential Rural District. Setbacks shall be increased to 100 feet for those parcels situated adjacent to Forestry Zone Districts, except that such parcels whose owners have filed an agreement with the county auditor as specified in WCC § 20.32.651 shall be subject to the standard setback in WCC § 20.80.210.
(3) 
Urban Residential Medium Density District. Setback requirements for mobile home parks shall be 20 feet from the perimeter of the park for side and rear yards and shall be screened from neighboring uses in accordance with WCC § 20.80.345.
(4) 
Residential Rural-Island District. Setbacks shall be increased to 100 feet for those parcels situated adjacent to Forestry Zone Districts, except that such parcels whose owners have filed an agreement with the county auditor as specified in WCC § 20.34.651 shall be subject to the standard setback in WCC § 20.80.210.
(Ord. 99-058, 1999; Ord. 99-080, 1999; Ord. 2015-006 Exh. A, 2015)
(1) 
Rural District Setbacks. Setbacks shall be increased to 100 feet for those parcels situated adjacent to the Commercial Forestry Zone District, except that such parcels whose owners have filed an agreement with the county auditor as specified in WCC § 20.36.651 shall be subject to the standard setback in WCC § 20.80.210.
(2) 
A marijuana production or processing facility shall not be located within 1,000 feet of a community center. The distance shall be measured as the shortest straight line distance from the property line of the proposed building/business location to the property line of the community center. The zoning administrator may waive this spacing requirement from community centers if the authorized representatives of all existing community centers within 1,000 feet provide a notarized written agreement as provided by the department consenting to the facility.
(3) 
A marijuana production or processing facility shall not be located within 300 feet of any existing residential unit not located on the same parcel as the facility. The distance shall be measured as the shortest straight line distance from the closest point of a single-family dwelling (structure) to any structure or fence used for the production or processing of marijuana. The zoning administrator may waive this spacing requirement from residential units if the owners of all existing residential units within 300 feet provide a notarized written agreement as provided by the department consenting to the facility, and the waiver is approved through an administrative approval process per WCC § 22.05.028.
(Ord. 99-080, 1999; Ord. 2015-006 Exh. A, 2015; Ord. 2017-038 § 1 (Exh. A), 2017)
(1) 
Neighborhood Commercial District. Setbacks for those parcels situated adjacent to Urban Residential, Residential Rural and Rural Zone Districts shall be administered pursuant to WCC § 20.60.550 (Buffer area).
(2) 
General Commercial District. Setbacks for those parcels situated adjacent to Urban Residential, Rural Cluster Development and Rural Zone Districts shall be administered pursuant to WCC § 20.62.550 (Buffer area).
(3) 
Tourist Commercial District.
(a) 
Setbacks for those parcels situated adjacent to Urban Residential, Urban Residential Medium Density, Residential Rural and Rural Zone Districts shall be administered pursuant to WCC § 20.63.550 (Buffer area).
(b) 
Setback requirements for recreational vehicle parks shall be 30 feet for side and rear yards.
(c) 
Front yard setback requirements for service islands of service stations shall be 25 feet to the center line of the driveway of the closest service island.
(4) 
Resort Commercial District.
(a) 
Except for single-family residences, when a parcel situated within this district adjoins an Urban Residential, Urban Residential Medium Density, Residential Rural, or Rural district, the project shall also meet the requirements of WCC § 20.64.550 (Buffer area).
(b) 
For recreational vehicle parks and resort-oriented hotels and motels, front yard setbacks shall be 45 feet.
(c) 
For non-resort-oriented hotels and motels and nonhabitation commercial development, side yard setbacks shall be zero feet and rear yard setbacks shall be 10 feet.
(d) 
Commercial uses shall be allowed to reduce the front yard setback to 15 feet and the side yard setback to zero feet where the site and landscape plans promote pedestrian access to the building.
(e) 
For internal lots in a single-family development, the side yard setback may be reduced to zero feet when the lot line setback on the opposite side yard is 10 feet; however, side yard setbacks adjacent to parcels not being developed under this exception shall be those provided in WCC § 20.80.200 (Setback requirements).
(f) 
An additional five feet shall be added to each side and rear yard for each 10 feet of building height, or fraction thereof, in excess of 15 feet.
(Ord. 99-080, 1999; Ord. 2020-045 § 1 Exh. A, 2020; Ord. 2023-036 § 6 (Exh. F))
(1) 
Light Impact Industrial District.
(a) 
All setbacks shall be increased by one foot for each foot of building height which exceeds 35 feet.
(b) 
The building setbacks of WCC § 20.80.210 shall not apply to utility or security structures such as poles, meters, fences, guard structures and the like. In addition, the zoning administrator may reduce side and rear yard setbacks for other structures as provided by subsection (1)(d) of this section.
(c) 
Setbacks for parcels adjoining a nonindustrial district(s) shall be administered pursuant to WCC § 20.66.550 (Buffer Area).
(d) 
The zoning administrator may reduce or eliminate side and rear yard setbacks from side and rear property lines that are adjoining an industrial district; provided, that the administrator finds that all of the following provisions are met:
(i) 
Screening will be provided to protect adjacent uses from unsightliness or visual distraction;
(ii) 
A site plan has been submitted that shows that all structures and improvements including roof overhangs will not cross property boundaries, and a stormwater management plan has been provided that shows that runoff will be diverted to on-site drainage facilities;
(iii) 
A reduction in setbacks will not reduce solar access on adjacent properties or if a setback reduction will result in reduced solar access, all parties having an ownership interest in the property adjacent to the side or rear yards to be reduced stipulate in writing, on forms provided by the zoning administrator, to the reductions. The zoning administrator may require a title report to establish the ownership interests in the adjacent property;
(iv) 
Adjoining properties will be shielded from light sources;
(v) 
The use and storage of toxic or hazardous materials or processes will not be located within what would otherwise be the setback area unless adequate facilities to contain accidental spills on-site consistent with state regulations are provided;
(vi) 
The reduced setbacks will not interfere with existing sewer, water and other easements; and
(vii) 
Reduced setbacks will not result in the creation of a traffic hazard nor will the reduced setback create a circumstance that does not comply with WCC § 20.80.210(3), Vision Clearance.
(2) 
General Manufacturing District.
(a) 
All setbacks shall be increased by one foot for each foot of building height which exceeds 35 feet.
(b) 
The building setbacks of WCC § 20.80.210 shall not apply to utility or security structures such as poles, meters, fences, guard structures and the like.
(c) 
Setbacks for parcels adjoining a nonindustrial district(s) shall be administered pursuant to WCC § 20.67.550 (Buffer Area).
(d) 
The provisions of subsection (1)(d) of this section may be applied to side and rear yard setbacks in the General Manufacturing District.
(e) 
The zoning administrator may reduce setbacks for nonindustrial buildings to those of Light Impact Industrial if the reduced setbacks would not interfere with existing sewer, water and other easements. A greater reduction in setback requires approval under subsection (2)(d) of this section.
(3) 
Heavy Impact Industrial District.
(a) 
All setbacks shall be increased by one foot for each foot of building height (excluding tanks and similar structures) that exceeds 50 feet in height.
(b) 
The building setbacks of WCC § 20.80.210 shall not apply to utility or security structures such as poles, meters, fences, guard structures and the like, nor to structures relating to shipment on railroad rights-of-way; provided, that no traffic hazards are created. For nonindustrial buildings, the provisions of subsection (3)(e) of this section shall apply.
(c) 
Setbacks for parcels adjoining a nonindustrial district(s) shall be administered pursuant to WCC § 20.68.550 (Buffer area).
(d) 
The setback requirements of the Heavy Impact Industrial District shall apply to the storing and handling of hazardous materials; provided, that if federal and/or state regulations require different setbacks, the greater setback (county, federal, or state) shall be used.
(e) 
The zoning administrator may reduce setbacks for nonindustrial buildings to those of Light Impact Industrial if the reduced setbacks would not interfere with existing sewer, water and other easements.
(4) 
Airport Operations District.
(a) 
Setbacks for parcels adjoining a nonindustrial district shall be administered pursuant to WCC § 20.70.550 (Buffer Area).
(b) 
The provisions of subsection (1)(d) of this section may be applied to side and rear yard setbacks in the Airport Operation District.
(Ord. 99-080, 1999; Ord. 2003-029 § 1 (Att. A § 7), 2003; Ord. 2019-013 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019)
(1) 
The 50-foot front yard setback requirement for new buildings or additions may be waived if the zoning administrator finds the new building or addition is located along the same building line(s) of existing structures and will result in no additional encroachment, and the public interest, safety and health are protected; provided, that for a new building the applicant shall also demonstrate that the proposed location is necessary for the economic viability and the continued operation of the agricultural use.
(2) 
The minimum separation between new residences not located on the same property and farm uses such as barns, pens, milking sheds, packinghouses and slaughterhouses, or areas used to contain, house or feed animals or store manure or feed, shall be 300 feet. New farm uses such as barns, pens, milking sheds, or areas used to contain, house or feed animals or store manure or feed shall be situated at least 150 feet from existing residences not located on the same property. Expansion of existing facilities within the 150-foot buffer, providing such expansion is not closer to a neighbor's residence, and pastures are excluded from this section's requirements.
(3) 
The minimum separation between packinghouses/slaughterhouses and schools shall be 500 feet.
(4) 
The minimum separation between packinghouses/slaughterhouses and adjacent property lines shall be 150 feet.
(5) 
A marijuana production or processing facility shall not be located within 1,000 feet of a community center. The distance shall be measured as the shortest straight line distance from the property line of the proposed building/business location to the property line of the community center. The zoning administrator may waive this spacing requirement from community centers if the authorized representatives of all existing community centers within 1,000 feet provide a notarized written agreement as provided by the department consenting to the facility and the waiver is approved through an administrative approval process per WCC § 22.05.028.
(6) 
A marijuana production or processing facility shall not be located within 300 feet of any existing residential unit not located on the same parcel as the facility. The distance shall be measured as the shortest straight line distance from the closest point of a single-family dwelling (structure) to any structure or fence used for the production or processing of marijuana. The zoning administrator may waive this spacing requirement from residential units if the owners of all existing residential units within 300 feet provide a notarized written agreement as provided by the department consenting to the facility, and the waiver is approved through an administrative approval process per WCC § 22.05.028.
(Ord. 99-080, 1999; Ord. 2001-020 § 1 (Exh. 1 § 2), 2001; Ord. 2013-040 Exh. 1, 2013; Ord. 2013-051 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2014-041 Exh. A, 2014; Ord. 2015-006 Exh. A, 2015; Ord. 2017-038 § 1 (Exh. A), 2017)
(1) 
Setbacks shall be increased to 100 feet for those parcels in the Rural Forestry Zone situated adjacent to the Commercial Forestry Zone, except that such parcels whose owners have filed an agreement with the county auditor as specified in WCC § 20.42.651 shall be subject to the standard setback in WCC § 20.80.210. Forest industry buildings, stationary equipment or storage areas excluding scaling stations and watchman's stations shall not be located within 100 feet of any other zone district.
(2) 
Parcels utilized solely for community centers shall observe the following minimum setback requirements: front yard: 50 feet; side yard: 25 feet; rear yard: 25 feet.
(3) 
Where a parcel had been created pursuant to the rural forestry district's clustering provision or when a permitted residence (WCC § 20.42.056), adjoins an existing parcel of 20 acres or more in size or a parcel that is being cultivated for commercial forestry production, a minimum building setback of 100 feet shall be established from the common property line.
(4) 
For parcels of less than five nominal acres, unless the provisions of subsection (2) of this section are applicable, the zoning setback established by the zoning district shall be observed.
(5) 
In the Rural Forestry Zone, a marijuana production or processing facility shall not be located within 1,000 feet of a community center. The distance shall be measured as the shortest straight line distance from the property line of the proposed building/business location to the property line of the community center. The zoning administrator may waive this spacing requirement from community centers if the authorized representatives of all existing community centers within 1,000 feet provide a notarized written agreement as provided by the department consenting to the facility and the waiver is approved through an administrative approval process per WCC § 22.05.028.
(6) 
In the Rural Forestry Zone, a marijuana production or processing facility shall not be located within 300 feet of any existing residential unit not located on the same parcel as the facility. The distance shall be measured as the shortest straight line distance from the closest point of a single-family dwelling (structure) to any structure or fence used for the production or processing of marijuana. The zoning administrator may waive this spacing requirement from residential units if the owners of all existing residential units within 300 feet provide a notarized written agreement as provided by the department consenting to the facility, and the waiver is approved through an administrative approval process per WCC § 22.05.028.
(Ord. 99-058, 1999; Ord. 99-080, 1999; Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2015-006 Exh. A, 2015; Ord. 2016-011 § 1 (Exh. N), 2016; Ord. 2017-038 § 1 (Exh. A), 2017)
(1) 
Parcels utilized solely for community centers shall observe the following minimum setback requirements: front yard: 50 feet; side yard: 25 feet; rear yard: 25 feet.
(2) 
Shoreline setbacks shall be administered consistent with the Shoreline Management Program of Whatcom County; provided, that a 25-foot setback is maintained from the ordinary high water mark of all water bodies and a 50-foot setback is maintained from the ordinary high water mark of fish spawn streams.
(Ord. 99-080, 1999)
(1) 
No manure lagoon or other open pit storage shall be located closer than 150 feet from any property line, or in a manner which creates any likelihood of ground water pollution or other health hazard.
(2) 
All manure storage shall be protected from a 25-year flood; and shall be located 50 feet from irrigation ditches and waterways, 50 feet from the ordinary high water line of any lake or waterway; provided, that best management practices as determined by the Whatcom County Conservation District are in place. If the best management practices are not in place, 300 feet shall be substituted for 50 feet.
(Ord. 99-080, 1999; Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013)
The purpose of this section is to provide minimum landscape development and buffering requirements in order to maintain and protect property values, enhance the appearance of development by softening the impact of structures, protect the aesthetic assets of the community, provide screening between incompatible land uses, reduce erosion and stormwater runoff, provide pervious surfacing to allow natural ground water recharge, promote energy conservation and use of solar energy, reduce heat and air and noise pollution, and promote safety through reduced glare and reduction of congestion and visual separation of traffic movement. The landscaping standards in this chapter are minimum requirements.
(Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013)
This section shall apply to all permitted and conditional uses except as specifically listed below. It will apply to mobile home parks and recreational vehicle parks to augment the standards found in WCC § 20.80.950; in the case of conflicts the more restrictive regulations shall apply. Remodeling projects representing 50 percent of the assessed valuation of the structure are also covered by this section, but with the requirements modified as needed to fit the existing situation. Major conversions of use such as bed and breakfast establishments from single-family houses if five or more parking stalls are required are also included.
This section does not apply to:
(1) 
Farms and accessory uses associated with farming;
(2) 
Single-family houses and duplexes and their accessory uses when not developed as part of an overall complex;
(3) 
Subdivision(s), short subdivision(s) and binding site plans;
(4) 
Remodels representing less than 50 percent of the assessed valuation of the structure;
(5) 
Conversions of uses requiring less than five parking stalls.
(Ord. 99-045 § 1, 1999; Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013)
Prior to the issuance of a building permit a scaled landscape site plan shall be submitted to and approved by the land use division of planning and development services consistent with the provisions herein. This plan shall specify species name, size and location of all proposed plant materials and all existing trees over eight inches in caliper including those to be removed which shall be indicated. Existing trees which are part of a cluster of trees need not be individually identified. An irrigation plan or specified method of watering and the type and location of all proposed lighting shall also be included. Existing plants or native species which may need no watering should be so noted. The plan shall specify the treatment of the soil to protect its structure including method of protecting existing trees to remain and their root zones. The preferred scale of a plan shall be one inch equals 20 feet; but other scales may be used if approved by the zoning administrator, adequate detail can be conveyed and the scales correlate to other required site plans.
(Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013)
All required open space or any areas of the property not committed to a use requiring pervious surface must be landscaped. This may consist of any combination of trees, lawn, ground cover and shrubs and up to 20 percent of a nonvegetative decorative pervious material such as washed rock, bricks or paving stones. However, at least one tree will be required for every 2,000 square feet of open space including walkways in addition to screening or planting along the property lines. Existing vegetation may be used to meet the standards of this chapter. Deciduous trees will also be required parallel to all public rights-of-way. Small trees will be spaced approximately 25 feet on center; medium trees, 35 feet on center; and large trees, 45 feet on center. Alternatively, informal clusters of coniferous or broad-leaved evergreen trees and/or deciduous trees may be used in an amount equivalent to a row of trees spaced 25 feet on center. Small, medium and large trees, shrubs and ground cover approved for use in county rights-of-way are listed in the Whatcom County Development Standards, Chapter 5, Road Standards, Appendix I. Additional landscaping and screening is required as noted in other sections of this chapter.
(Ord. 2005-079 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2016-045 § 1 Att. A, 2016)
(1) 
Evergreen trees shall be a minimum height of five feet with an average height of six feet above the finished planting bed.
(2) 
Deciduous trees shall be at least two inches in caliper measured four and one half feet above ground level.
(3) 
Shrubs shall be at least 21 inches in height above finished grade.
(4) 
Ground cover shall provide an immediate coverage of at least 50 percent, and result in total coverage of the required landscape areas within three years as follows:
(a) 
Four-inch pots at 18 inches on average; or
(b) 
One-gallon or greater sized containers at 24 inches on average.
(5) 
In cases where they might interfere with vehicle or pedestrian traffic, deciduous trees should have a clear trunk area of at least seven feet above the ground.
(Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2016-045 § 1 Att. A, 2016)
(1) 
New landscaping materials shall include species native to the coastal region of the Pacific Northwest or noninvasive non-native species that have adapted to the climatic and soil conditions of the coastal region of the Pacific Northwest in the following amounts:
(a) 
Seventy-five percent of groundcover and shrubs; and
(b) 
Fifty percent of trees.
(2) 
Trees with weeping or contorted branching structures may be used as accent planting but should generally not be included as part of a screen planting or in plantings parallel to property lines.
(3) 
The county may require the applicant to modify the plant choice to:
(a) 
Eliminate undesirable species which may conflict with power lines or sewers because of their growth or invasive root systems; or
(b) 
Provide a desired diversity of species; or
(c) 
Make the plantings more in scale and compatible with the uses in the immediate vicinity of the subject property; or
(d) 
Provide plant materials that will fulfill the buffering or landscaping purpose of that planting on a year-round basis; or
(e) 
Provide visual relief on long facades.
(4) 
A list of desirable and undesirable trees with tree sizes is maintained on file with the land use division of planning and development services and may be used for reference.
(Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2016-045 § 1 Att. A, 2016)
(1) 
Applicants shall be encouraged to retain existing vegetation as appropriate.
(2) 
Existing vegetation may be used to meet all or part of the landscaping requirements of this chapter.
(Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013)
Buffers are required when the proposed use is in a commercial or industrial zone and is directly adjacent to and shares a common boundary with property in a rural or residential zone. They are normally 25 feet wide unless otherwise approved by the administrator upon receipt of a detailed planting plan prepared by a landscape architect or qualified landscape designer. Buffering plantings are intended to provide an all-season visual screen between commercial or industrial uses on one side, and rural or residential uses on the other side. Landscape buffers may be required on road frontages as a condition of development for commercial or industrial development that includes outside storage of materials, outside parking of equipment or vehicles other than vehicles for sale on the site, and similar uses that can be a visual distraction or unsightly to persons on the public right-of-way. Plant materials that have minimal irrigation needs and are native or have a demonstrated suitability for Whatcom County are required. Vegetation-based LID BMPs (such as bioretention facilities and rain gardens) may be used within buffers where the primary screening and buffering functions are not compromised. Twenty-five-foot planted buffers shall, at a minimum, consist of two offset rows of predominantly coniferous trees at an average spacing of 15 feet triangulated on center or an equivalent effect. Some deciduous trees shall be included and shrubs may be interspersed to provide interlocking root structures to reduce windthrow. Fifty-foot planted buffers will require four rows of trees in the same triangulated pattern as required in 25-foot buffers. Existing natural buffers are encouraged but may need additional width or be augmented with additional landscaping or fencing to provide the required sight barrier.
The buffer requirements for the Neighborhood Commercial Zone when abutting the Urban Residential Medium Density Zone (except as otherwise provided in WCC § 20.60.552) can be met with a six-foot-high sight-obscuring fence or a dense hedge of sight-obscuring plantings.
(Ord. 2006-061 § 1 (Att. A)(2), 2006; Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2016-045 § 1 Att. A, 2016)
A minimum five-foot-wide landscape strip shall be provided around the perimeter of all parking areas. Natural or planted buffers may be considered to meet this requirement. Tree spacing will be as required parallel to rights-of-way. Whenever a nonresidential parking lot containing more than 10 parking spaces is located in or adjacent to a residential zone, it shall also be screened on any side facing residential uses or zones where there is no intervening street. This screen shall consist of a fence, wall or acceptable planting screen at least four feet in height. The visual impact of parking areas shall be minimized by separating the area into modules that contain no more than 12 vehicles in a row. Each module shall be separated from other areas by a five-foot-wide planting strip containing trees, shrubbery, or other ground cover in such substantial density as to break up long sight lines and overviews of parked cars. Adjacent uses on separate parcels may combine their parking lots to enhance circulation without the necessity for intervening landscaping except for maintaining the module pattern. Vegetation-based LID BMPs (such as bioretention facilities and rain gardens) may be used within landscape strips and modules provided they meet the other applicable landscaping requirements such as screening or buffering. These shall be designed in accordance with the Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington (Ecology Manual), as amended.
(Ord. 2016-045 § 1 Att. A, 2016)
Garbage disposal facilities shall be provided in accordance with applicable Whatcom County board of health rules and regulations (Chapter 8.10 WCC). All trash or garbage collection storage areas must be screened from view from adjacent streets and properties using a solid fence or wall a minimum of six feet high. The garbage collection service provider shall be provided opportunity to approve the location prior to permit approval.
(Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2023-078 § 1 (Exh. A § 4), 2023)
References to front yard landscaping in subsections (1) through (5) of this section shall be based on the property line except where the county engineer determines the road is developed at its ultimate width, then the back of the sidewalk can be used.
(1) 
Urban Residential Medium Density (URM), Neighborhood Commercial (NC), Resort Commercial (RC), and for nonresidential uses in the Residential and Rural districts: 15 feet within the front yard setback and situated adjacent to the road shall be landscaped with vegetative material, except for driveways, walkways and signs. The remainder of the front yard setback may be used for parking.
(2) 
Tourist Commercial (TC), Rural General Commercial (RGC) and General Commercial (GC): 10 feet within the front yard setback and situated adjacent to the road shall be landscaped with vegetative material, except for driveways, walkways and signs. The remainder of the front yard setback may be used for parking.
(3) 
Rural Industrial and Manufacturing (RIM), Light Impact Industrial (LII) and Airport Operations (AO): 15 feet within the front yard setback and situated adjacent to the road shall be landscaped with vegetative material, except for driveways, walkways and signs. The remainder of the front yard setback may be used for parking. When the Light Impact Industrial Zone fronts a minor or local access street the requirements for the General Manufacturing Zone may be used.
(4) 
General Manufacturing (GM): Five feet within the front yard setback and situated adjacent to the road shall be landscaped with vegetative material, except for driveways, walkways and signs. The remainder of the front yard setback may be used for parking. Subject to approval of the county, street trees may be placed in the right-of-way and the five-foot landscaping strip provided contiguous to the building with the front yard setback used for circulation of trucks and heavy equipment. In this situation to provide visual relief open space should be primarily concentrated in the side yards unless natural habitat in the rear such as wetlands or streams is present which should take precedence.
(5) 
Heavy Impact Industrial (HII): For heavy industrial uses refer to the buffering requirements in WCC § 20.68.550. For all other uses the front yard landscaping shall be 15 feet, similar to the requirement for the Light Impact Industrial Zone.
(Ord. 96-046 § 1, 1996; Ord. 97-057 § 1, 1997; Ord. 2011-013 § 2 Exh. B, 2011; Ord. 2020-045 § 1 Exh. A, 2020)
The requirements of this section may be modified by the zoning administrator under the following circumstances:
(1) 
The existing or finished grade of the subject property or adjoining property decreases or eliminates the need for the required landscaping or requires additional landscaping; or
(2) 
The modification will be more beneficial to the adjoining property than the required landscaping by causing less impairment of view or sunlight; or
(3) 
It is reasonable to anticipate that the adjoining property will be rezoned in the near future to a zone which would require no buffer or a less intensive buffer; or
(4) 
The modification is necessary to allow for maximum efficiency of an active or passive solar energy system on the subject property or a nearby adjoining property; or
(5) 
The required landscaping would conflict with existing utility lines; or
(6) 
If the required landscaped area is adjacent to angle parking, the minimum required width may be reduced to two feet if the average required width is maintained;
(7) 
A plan is prepared by a landscape architect licensed in the state of Washington which achieves the objectives of this section without necessarily complying with all of the specific standards.
(1) 
The applicant shall follow accepted nursery standards and practices in the planting and maintenance of vegetation required by this chapter. During site development, care shall be taken not to compact the planting areas and compacted soils shall be loosened. Care shall also be taken to protect the root zone of existing trees.
(2) 
An irrigation system or hose bibs shall be provided with adequate water pressure and spacing to serve all landscaped areas, except for areas planted with native materials and other methods are provided for watering.
(3) 
All plant materials used in the landscaping shall be maintained in a healthy growing condition. Guy materials shall be installed in such a manner as to prevent girdling of trees. Dead shrubs or trees shall be replaced, and the planting area shall be maintained reasonably free of weeds and trash. Fences and walls shall be kept in good repair and their appearance well maintained. If the zoning administrator determines the maintenance required under this paragraph has not been performed, the county shall perform the work and bill the property owner.
(4) 
Planting areas shall be clearly delineated from parking areas and driveways by a raised curb or other suitable formal separation. Planting areas shall not have artificial impervious material underlying the topsoil. Required distances shall be measured from the inside of the curbs or other separators.
The county may require the applicant to plant street trees, shrubs and/or ground cover within county right-of-way adjacent to the subject property if there is an adopted street tree plan for the adjacent street(s).
(Ord. 89-117, 1989)
(1) 
No sign or any portion of a sign shall be located on or over public property, such as road rights-of-way and easements, transmission line corridors or utility easements. Standard building height limits and setbacks shall apply to all signs unless otherwise provided elsewhere in this title or in other county codes or regulations including the county's Shoreline Management Program. All freestanding signs advertising on-premises operations may be located within required landscaping areas, except that no such sign shall be closer than 10 feet to the road right-of-way. This distance shall be increased if it can be shown to present a traffic hazard.
(2) 
On-premises signs meeting the requirements of WCC § 20.80.420 to § 20.80.465 are permitted. Other than exempt signs under WCC § 20.80.470, all other signs in the Recreation and Open Space District are prohibited and all other signs in other districts conditionally permitted subject to meeting the requirements of WCC § 22.05.026.
(3) 
Off-premises advertising signs are prohibited in all districts except adjacent to arterial roads or Interstate 5 in General Commercial or Industrial Districts where they require a conditional use permit. Maximum sign size shall be 288 square feet and not more than 25 feet high. Minimum separation between off-premises advertising signs shall be a 500-foot radius. All off-premises advertising signs shall meet the setback requirements found in WCC § 20.80.215. Off-premises signs may be back to back only; no V-type signs are allowed. Off-premises signs may display at most two advertisements per side. The number of off-premises advertising signs within the county shall not exceed 18, which is the total of existing off-premises advertising sign structures that as of April 30, 1990 (a) had a county conditional use permit and (b) those facing Interstate 5 within Commercial or Industrial Districts with a valid state permit. Permit holders for the existing 18 signs may replace any sign they remove with a new sign subject to obtaining conditional use approval for the new sign. By no later than April 30, 1996, all conforming off-premises advertising signs which became nonconforming as a result of new regulations adopted the seventh day of August, 1990, shall meet all requirements of said regulations or be abated; provided, that those signs holding valid conditional use permits need not conform to the setback from residence requirement of WCC § 20.80.215(4).
(4) 
Signs shall not depict or describe "specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical areas" as defined in Chapter 20.97 WCC.
(5) 
Marijuana retail facility license holders shall abide by WAC 314-55-155 (as amended) regarding signage.
(Ord. 82-58, 1982; Ord. 87-11, 1987; Ord. 87-12, 1987; Ord. 88-100, 1988; Ord. 90-66 § 1, 1990; Ord. 90-85, 1990; Ord. 96-056 Att. A § S5, 1996; Ord. 99-070 § 2, 1999; Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2015-006 Exh. A, 2015; Ord. 2016-035 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 2023-042 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023)
(1) 
Single-faced signs placed on walls or eaves of business establishments shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(2) 
One freestanding sign is permitted for each Neighborhood Commercial Zone District. Each sign shall not exceed 64 square feet with a maximum height of 10 feet.
(3) 
Lighted signs shall only be internally or indirectly illuminated.
(4) 
Reader board signs shall be allowed for tenant identification only, and merchandise or price special advertising shall be prohibited.
(5) 
Off-premises advertising signs are prohibited.
(Ord. 82-58, 1982; Ord. 87-11, 1987; Ord. 87-12, 1987; Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013)
(1) 
Single-faced signs placed on walls or eaves of business establishments shall not exceed 100 square feet in area. Freestanding signs shall not exceed 64 square feet in area. Roof signs shall not extend laterally beyond the roof they are located on and shall not exceed 100 square feet in area.
(2) 
Freestanding signs shall not exceed 25 feet in height and wall-mounted signs shall not exceed the actual building height. Roof signs shall not extend more than five feet above the peak of the roof.
(3) 
Lighted signs shall only be internally or indirectly illuminated.
(Ord. 87-11, 1987; Ord. 87-12, 1987; Ord. 2011-013 § 2 Exh. B, 2011; Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013)
(1) 
Signs shall be located on the premises with the use they are identifying.
(2) 
Single-faced signs placed on walls or eaves of business establishments shall not exceed eight percent of the facade area where the sign will be located plus eight square feet. No more than one wall sign shall be permitted per facade. The facade area includes any one side of a building composed of walls, windows and doors.
(3) 
Elevated signs shall not exceed 250 square feet in area on any one face, nor exceed four faces per sign, and shall be located no closer than 200 feet apart regardless of ownership or number of businesses.
(4) 
Signs shall not exceed 40 feet in height except as provided for in subsection (7) of this section.
(5) 
Off-premises advertising signs are prohibited.
(6) 
Lighted signs shall only be internally or indirectly illuminated.
(7) 
One of the freestanding on-premises signs shall be permitted additional sign height subject to the following criteria:
(a) 
The sign identifies a business with a significant freeway orientation such as a business offering lodging, food, fuel or automobile service.
(b) 
The sign is within 1,500 feet of a freeway interchange, measured from the intersection of the center line of a freeway and the center line of the intersecting roadway.
(c) 
The permitted sign height shall not exceed 50 feet above the elevation of the overpass or freeway (whichever is higher) at the intersection of the freeway center line and the center line of the intersecting roadway.
(Ord. 84-38, 1984; Ord. 87-11, 1987; Ord. 87-12, 1987; Ord. 88-30, 1988; Ord. 90-66 § 1, 1990; Ord. 91-013, 1991; Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013)
(1) 
All uses shall be allowed on-premises signs in connection with any permitted, accessory or conditional use, subject to the following provisions:
(2) 
One freestanding sign for each road frontage, not to exceed 10 feet in height, and one wall sign; with total surface area of all signs not to exceed:
(a) 
Twelve square feet for each road frontage for multiple-family and rooming houses with less than or equal to 20 units;
(b) 
Forty square feet for each road frontage for hotels and motels; provided, that on any road frontage exceeding 160 feet, 60 square feet shall be allowed; and
(c) 
Twenty-four square feet for each road frontage for all other uses.
(3) 
Lighted signs shall only be internally or indirectly illuminated.
(4) 
Reader board signs shall be allowed for tenant identification only, and merchandise or price special advertising shall be prohibited.
(5) 
Signs shall be nonmoving, nonfluttering, and nonrotating, with pennants, banners, small lights and similar decorations of a seasonal or holiday or special event character allowed for up to 90 days per year.
(6) 
Off-premises advertising signs are prohibited.
(Ord. 82-58, 1982; Ord. 87-65, 1987; Ord. 2011-013 § 2 Exh. B, 2011; Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013)
(1) 
Unlighted temporary building signs not to exceed 64 square feet in area, with message limited to the name, address and phone number of the project, contractor, architect, and financial source, shall be permitted.
(2) 
Real estate signs shall be limited to one sign per street frontage, shall be unlighted and shall not exceed 64 square feet in area.
(3) 
The following regulations shall apply to permanent signs for industrial uses:
(a) 
All signs must be an integral and coordinated part of a site design plan for the entire complex.
(b) 
One freestanding sign shall be permitted at the entrance to each individual site; provided, that total sign area for any one face does not exceed 64 square feet.
(c) 
One freestanding sign not higher than 25 feet shall be permitted at each main entrance to an industrial park. The message of said sign shall be limited to the name of the park and its occupant(s). Sign area of any one face shall not exceed 275 square feet.
(d) 
Wall signs shall be flush against the building and shall not exceed 25 percent of the total wall area on which they are located less windows and doors.
(e) 
Roof signs not greater than five feet above the peak of the roof and not extending beyond the roof they are located on shall be permitted.
(4) 
For nonindustrial uses the following regulations shall apply:
(a) 
One freestanding sign not to exceed 64 square feet in surface area per sign face. A maximum of two sign faces shall be allowed. Height of this sign shall not exceed 25 feet.
(b) 
Single-faced signs on walls or eaves not to exceed a cumulative total of 100 square feet in area.
(c) 
Roof-mounted signs with a maximum of two faces per sign not to exceed a cumulative total of 100 square feet in surface area per face (or faces visible from one direction). These signs shall not extend laterally beyond the roof nor more than five feet above the highest point of the roof.
(Ord. 88-29, 1988; Ord. 2011-013 § 2 Exh. B, 2011; Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013)
(1) 
One freestanding sign for each road frontage shall be permitted; provided the sign does not exceed six feet in height and surface area does not exceed 24 square feet. Sign setbacks shall be at least 20 feet from the edge of a county or state road right-of-way, or 25 feet from adjacent nonpublic property lines.
(2) 
One wall sign for each accessory or conditionally permitted structure shall be permitted; provided total sign area does not exceed 12 square feet.
(3) 
Signs demarcating public property boundaries shall be permitted; provided total sign area for each individual sign does not exceed three square feet. Said signs may be located at property lines.
(Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013)
(1) 
Not more than two identification signs with a maximum of 32 square feet total area for each storefront shall be permitted; provided, that said sign(s) shall not project above any part of the roof line. Signs may extend 24 inches from the wall or to the edge of a permanent canopy or awning of the building to which they are attached. At least one of the signs for an individual business must be readable to pedestrians on the adjacent sidewalk.
(2) 
Said signs shall be harmonious and compatible with the character of the surrounding area.
(3) 
Signs may only be illuminated by an indirect external source.
(Ord. 2001-023 § 1, 2001; Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013)
The following types of signs shall be exempt from the regulations of this section and zoning districts; provided, that such signs shall conform to the general provisions of this section.
(1) 
Addresses (internal lighting permitted), family names, cottage names, entrance and exit signs, up to two square feet; provided, that they are on premises.
(2) 
Temporary on-premises real estate sales signs, up to 14 square feet for each road frontage; provided, that for sites in excess of five acres, the area may be increased to 64 square feet per road frontage (single sign only permitted) on a one-year permit basis. Signs announcing construction of a facility shall be considered to be real estate sales signs.
(3) 
Small window signs up to three square feet in business uses; provided, that such signs do not cover more than 25 percent of the area of any window.
(4) 
Community identification signs of up to 64 square feet on entrance roads to community areas; provided, that such signs shall not be spaced at intervals of less than one mile along such a road.
(5) 
Private directional signs up to 12 square feet in Business, Commercial or Industrial Districts, and up to six square feet in other districts; provided, that:
(a) 
No single use may have more than four such signs;
(b) 
No single use shall have signs occurring more frequently than one per mile;
(c) 
Signs shall meet off-premises advertising sign (WCC § 20.80.215) setback requirements unless they are four feet or less in height, in which case setback shall be five feet from any right-of-way and 30 feet from any driveway;
(d) 
No sign shall violate the clear vision section (WCC § 20.80.210(3)); and
(e) 
Existing signs that do not comply with all provisions above may continue to exist until May 1, 1991, at which time all nonconforming signs shall be abated.
(6) 
Public agency directional signs; provided, that paragraphs (a), (b) and (d) same as (5) above; (e) eliminated; and (c) to read: signs may be located in the public right-of-way subject to obtaining a revocable encroachment permit from the county.
(7) 
Noncommercial temporary signs in public rights-of-way subject to the following:
(a) 
Such signs are only allowed in non-hard surface areas of the right-of-way.
(b) 
No sign shall obstruct or impair access to a public sidewalk, public or private street or driveway, traffic control sign, bus stop, fire hydrant, bench, or any type of street furniture, or otherwise create a hazard, including a trip hazard.
(c) 
Such signs shall meet the requirements of WCC § 20.80.200(3) (Vision Clearance).
(d) 
Such signs shall only be installed on stakes that can be manually pushed or hammered into the ground; all other installation signs are prohibited unless specifically allowed by a right-of-way use permit.
(e) 
Such signs shall not be located in rights-of-way adjacent to county or other government-owned facilities or properties.
(f) 
Signs are limited to four square feet total per side and three feet in height, from the ground to the top of the sign.
(g) 
Such signs shall be removed if in need of repair, worn or dilapidated, or create a public nuisance.
(8) 
Home-based business (all types; see WCC § 20.80.970) signs; provided, that there shall be no more than one sign, not to exceed eight square feet, and it shall be nonilluminated.
(Ord. 87-11, 1987; Ord. 87-12, 1987; Ord. 90-66 § 1, 1990; Ord. 2010-030 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2023-078 § 1 (Exh. A § 3), 2023; Ord. 2025-020 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)
(1) 
No building or structure shall be erected, substantially altered, or its use changed unless permanently maintained off-street parking and loading spaces have been provided in accordance with the provisions of this title.
(2) 
The provisions of this section, except where there is a change of use, shall not apply to any existing building or structure. Where the new use involves no additions or enlargements there shall be provided as many of such spaces as may be required by this title.
(3) 
Whenever a building or structure constructed after the effective date of this ordinance is changed or enlarged in floor area, number of employees, number of housing units, seating capacity or otherwise to create a need for an increase in the number of existing parking spaces, additional parking spaces shall be provided on the basis of the enlargement or change; provided whenever a building or structure existing prior to the effective date of this ordinance is enlarged to the extent of 50 percent or more in floor area, number of employees, number of housing units, seating capacity or otherwise, said building or structure shall then and thereafter comply with the full parking requirements set forth herein.
(1) 
A parking space shall have minimum rectangular dimensions of not less than nine feet in width and 18 feet in length; provided, however, that for any parking area of 12 or more spaces, 35 percent of all spaces may have minimum rectangular dimensions of not less than eight feet in width and 15 feet in length; provided, that these spaces are marked for use by compact automobiles. All dimensions shall be exclusive of driveways, aisles, and other circulation areas. The number of required off-street parking spaces is established in WCC § 20.80.580.
(2) 
The following off-street parking diagram indicates the dimensions necessary to achieve the dimensions of subsection (1) of this section at various angles. Note that:
(a) 
If a parking lot section is designated for compact vehicles the stall may be eight feet by 15 feet for a 90-degree parking angle.
(b) 
Stalls should be larger for commercial vehicle parking.
(c) 
Applicant may provide larger spaces to accommodate their customers/tenants that have larger personal vehicles.
(d) 
Bumper overhang should be considered in placing lighting, railings, etc. These appurtenances should be placed beyond dimension "I" in the diagram.
(e) 
Only two-way traffic should be used with 90-degree parking angles.
Off-Street Parking Diagram
Dimension
Diagram Location
Parking Angle
45°
60°
75°
90°
Stall width, parallel to aisle
A
12.5
10.5
9.2
9.0
Stall length of line
B
27.6
23.6
21.0
18.0
Stall depth to wall
C
19.4
20.3
20.0
18.0
Aisle width between stall lines
D
12.1
12.8
23.0
20.0
Stall depth, interior
E
16.4
18.0
19.0
18.0
Module, wall to interior
F
47.9
55.1
62.0
63.0
Module, interior
G
44.9
53.1
61.0
63.0
Module, interior to curb face
H
45.9
52.5
59.4
60.0
Module, interior to curb face
I
2.0
2.3
2.5
2.5
Offset
J
6.6
2.5
0.7
0
Setback
K
13.1
9.2
4.9
0
Cross aisle, one-way
L
14.1
14.1
14.1
14.1
Cross aisle, two-way
---
20.0
20.0
20.0
22.0
(Ord. 2023-018 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023)
(1) 
Appropriate wheel and bumper guards shall be provided to protect landscaped areas, to define parking spaces, and to clearly separate the parking area from any abutting street rights-of-way and property lines. Vehicles may overhang landscaped areas up to two feet when wheel stops or curbing is provided.
(2) 
Where sufficient area is available to allow safe and efficient overhang of a vehicle, the planning department may permit the standard parking stall length to be reduced by two feet with corresponding increase in adjacent landscaping width.
(Ord. 2016-045 § 1 Att. A, 2016)
A loading space shall have minimum dimensions of not less than 14 feet in width, 60 feet in length, exclusive of driveways, aisles, and other circulation areas, and a height of clearance of not less than 15 feet. One off-street loading space shall be provided and maintained on the same lot for every separate occupancy requiring delivery of goods and having a gross floor area of at least 5,000 square feet in the case of manufacturing, warehouse or terminal buildings, and 10,000 square feet for commercial, hotel, institutional and public buildings. One loading space shall be provided for each additional 10,000 square feet for retail and restaurant buildings; and one for each additional 30,000 square feet for manufacturing, warehouse and service uses.
Required off-street loading spaces are not to be included as off-street parking space in computation of required off-street parking space. All off-street loading spaces shall be located totally outside of any street or alley right-of-way.
(Ord. 2005-079 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2023-018 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023)
The required number of parking and loading spaces as set forth in WCC § 20.80.515 and § 20.80.580, together with driveways, aisles and other circulation areas, shall be improved with a material acceptable to the county engineer. In some instances, gravel rather than paving may be acceptable.
(Ord. 87-11, 1987; Ord. 87-12, 1987)
All parking and loading areas shall provide for proper drainage of surface water to prevent the drainage of such water onto adjacent properties or walkways. Off-site drainage improvements and maintenance easements shall be secured as necessary to prevent damage to downstream property and prevent degradation of water quality.
(Ord. 99-086, 1999; Ord. 2001-021 § 1, 2001)
The owner of property used for parking and/or loading shall maintain such area in good condition without holes and free of all dust, trash and other debris.
Any parking area which is intended to be used primarily during nondaylight hours shall be properly illuminated to avoid accidents. Any lights used to illuminate a parking lot shall be so arranged as to direct the light away from the adjoining property and the public road.
The following regulations shall govern the location of off-street parking spaces and areas:
(1) 
Parking spaces for all one and two-family dwellings shall be located on the same lot as the dwelling which they are intended to serve with no more than two parking spaces included within the front yard setback; unless otherwise approved by the zoning administrator. Use of shared parking spaces for overflow parking is encouraged.
(2) 
Parking spaces for commercial, industrial or institutional uses shall be located not more than 700 feet from the principal use. Parking lots further than 700 feet from the principal use may be approved by the zoning administrator.
(3) 
Parking space for apartments, dormitories or similar residential uses shall be located not more than 300 feet from the principal use.
(4) 
Parking spaces and locations established in new land subdivisions approved by Whatcom County prior to the enactment of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall be exempt from the requirement of approval by the zoning administrator.
(5) 
In special districts, parking locations and standards shall be established so as to minimize the overall impervious surface area of the proposed development.
(Ord. 87-11, 1987; Ord. 87-12, 1987; Ord. 99-086, 1999; Ord. 2001-021 § 1, 2001)
(1) 
Bicycle parking facilities shall be provided in all developments within an urban growth area (UGA) or limited area of more intensive rural development (LAMIRD) requiring 10 or more parking stalls pursuant to and as identified in WCC § 20.80.505 (General requirements), except for single-family and two-family residential dwellings and agricultural uses or where these requirements are waived per subsection (5) of this section.
(2) 
Each such development shall provide a number of bicycle parking spaces in accordance with the following:
(a) 
Short-Term Bicycle Parking. If a land use or development project is anticipated to generate visitor traffic, the project must provide permanently anchored bicycle racks within 100 feet of the visitor's entrance. To enhance security and visibility, the bicycle racks shall be readily visible to passersby. The bicycle capacity of the racks must equal an amount equivalent to five percent of all required off-street vehicle parking, as identified in WCC § 20.80.580 (Parking space requirements) and WCC § 20.80.590 (General interpretations). There shall be a minimum of one rack with capacity for two bicycles.
(b) 
Long-Term Bicycle Parking. Such developments shall provide secure bicycle parking for five percent of all required off-street vehicle parking spaces, as identified in WCC § 20.80.580 (Parking space requirements) and WCC § 20.80.590 (General interpretations). There shall be a minimum of one long-term bicycle parking space. Acceptable parking facilities shall be convenient from the street and include one or a combination of the following:
(i) 
Covered, lockable enclosures with permanently anchored racks for bicycles.
(ii) 
Lockable bicycle rooms with permanently anchored racks.
(iii) 
Lockable, permanently anchored bicycle lockers.
(iv) 
In the case of multifamily residential development, a standard garage is sufficient, if available.
(c) 
Reduction of Vehicular Parking Spaces. The number of vehicular parking spaces required by WCC § 20.80.580 may be reduced by the number of bicycle parking spaces required by subsections (2)(a) and/or (b) of this section, though may not be reduced by more than that required even if the applicant provides additional bicycle parking spaces.
(3) 
Bicycle Racks. Required bicycle parking may be provided in floor, wall, or ceiling racks. Where required bicycle parking is provided with racks, the racks must meet the following requirements:
(a) 
The bicycle frame and one wheel can be locked to the rack with a high-security U-shaped shackle lock if both wheels are left on the bicycle.
(b) 
A bicycle of six feet in length can be securely held with its frame supported so that the bicycle cannot be pushed or fall in a manner that will damage the wheels or components.
(4) 
Parking and Maneuvering Areas.
(a) 
Bicycle parking facilities shall be installed in such a way as to not impede pedestrian or vehicular movement.
(b) 
Each required bicycle parking space must be accessible without moving another bicycle. There must be an aisle at least five feet wide adjacent to all required bicycle parking to allow room for bicycle maneuvering. Where the bicycle parking is adjacent to a sidewalk, the maneuvering area may extend into the right-of-way. The area devoted to bicycle parking must be hard surfaced.
(c) 
If required bicycle parking is not visible from the street or main building entrance, a durable sign must be posted at the main building entrance indicating the location of the bicycle parking.
(5) 
The director may waive the requirements of this section for individual applications if it can be shown that the use would not attract nor serve cyclists, whether customers or employees.
(6) 
Developments not required to provide bicycle parking per subsection (2) of this section, but voluntarily choose to do so, may avail themselves of the reduced vehicular parking standards allowed by subsection (3) of this section so long as they meet all the requirements of this section. However, in no instance shall vehicular parking be reduced by more than 25 percent.
(Ord. 2023-018 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023)
Whenever a nonresidential parking lot containing more than 10 parking spaces is located in or adjacent to a residential district, it shall be effectively screened on all sides which adjoin or face any property used for residential purposes, by an acceptably designed wall, fence or planting screen. Such fence, wall or planting screen shall be not less than four feet nor more than six feet in height and shall be maintained in good condition. The space between such fence, wall or planting screen, and the lot line of the adjoining premises in any residential district shall be landscaped with grass, hardy shrubs or evergreen ground cover, and maintained in good condition. In the event that terrain or other natural features are such that the erection of such fence, wall or planting screen will not serve the intended purpose, then no such fence, wall or planting screen and landscaping shall be required.
All commercial, industrial and multifamily residential uses comprising 10 or more units that provide trash and/or garbage collection areas shall enclose such areas on at least three sides by a solid wall or fence of at least four feet in height if such area is not within an enclosed building or structure. Provisions for adequate vehicular access to and from such area or areas for collection of trash and/or garbage as determined by the zoning administrator shall be required.
For the protection of the quality of residential and commercial areas, and to maintain individual property values, the indiscriminate deposition of discarded vehicles, used building materials, equipment, appliances and assorted junk shall be prohibited in all Residential and Commercial Zone Districts.
.541 
Derelict or abandoned vehicles and trailers (or parts thereof) shall be removed at the property owner's expense 14 days after official notification. This shall include vehicles and trailers parked on private property, public streets, roads or rights-of-way adjacent to the property owner's property. It shall also be unlawful to retain inoperative abandoned farm implements, mechanical or structural apparatus. Said farm implements, logging equipment, industrial machinery and other apparatus shall be removed at the property owner's expense (see exception in WCC § 20.80.542).
.542 
Property owners, or owners of derelict or abandoned vehicles, trailers, farm implements, logging equipment, industrial machinery or similar apparatus shall have the right to retain the above which is visually screened from public roads or private roads open to public use or trails open to public use or surrounding residential or commercial property.
(Ord. 87-11, 1987; Ord. 87-12, 1987)
Two or more nonresidential uses may jointly provide and use parking spaces when their hours of operation do not normally overlap; provided, that a written agreement approved by the zoning administrator shall be filed with the application of a building permit.
Whenever a parking lot extends to a property line, wheel blocks or other suitable devices shall be installed to prevent any part of a parked vehicle from extending beyond the property line.
Any parking area shall be designed in such a manner that any vehicle leaving or entering the parking area from or into a public or private street shall be traveling in a forward motion. Access of driveways for parking areas or loading spaces shall be located in such a way that any vehicle entering or leaving such lot shall be clearly visible for a reasonable distance to any pedestrian or motorist approaching the access or driveway from a public or private street. This requirement shall apply to parking areas of two or less required spaces only when exits are on state highways and major county arterials and collectors. Clear vision areas shall be maintained at exits to the same specifications as alley-street intersections in WCC § 20.80.210(3). No building permit shall be issued until an access plan is approved by the county engineer.
(Ord. 87-11, 1987; Ord. 87-12, 1987; Ord. 2003-029 § 1 (Att. A § 1), 2003)
The entrances and exits to the parking area shall be clearly marked. Interior vehicular circulation by way of access roads shall maintain the following minimum standards: For one-way traffic, the minimum width of 14.1 feet. Access roads for two-way traffic shall have a minimum width of 20 feet. Parking areas having more than one aisle or driveway shall have directional signs or markings in each aisle or driveway.
(Ord. 87-11, 1987; Ord. 87-12, 1987; Ord. 2023-018 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023)
All paved parking areas with a capacity over 12 vehicles shall be striped between stalls to facilitate the movement into and out of the parking stalls.
(Ord. 96-056 Att. A § S6, 1996)
For the purpose of this chapter, the following parking space requirements shall apply (See also WCC § 20.97.140):
(1) 
Administration buildings (public or private): 1 for each 200 square feet of floor area.
(2) 
Apartments: 3 for each 2 units.
(3) 
Apartment hotels: 3 for each 2 units.
(4) 
Art galleries: 1 for each 300 square feet of floor area.
(5) 
Auditoriums: 1 for each 4 seats.
(6) 
Automobile service stations (which also provide repair): 1 for each gasoline pump and 2 for each service bay.
(7) 
Banks: 1 for each 200 square feet of floor area.
(7.1) Bed and breakfast establishments and inns: 1 for each rented sleeping unit in addition to the parking spaces required for the single-family dwelling.
(8) 
Boarding houses: 1 for each bed.
(9) 
Co-living: 0.25 off-street parking spaces are required per sleeping unit.
(10) 
Bowling alley: 4 for each alley or lane plus one additional space for each 100 square feet of the area used for restaurant, cocktail lounge or similar use.
(11) 
Business and commercial (general): 1 for each 300 square feet of floor area.
(12) 
Business schools: 1 for each 2 classroom seats.
(13) 
Cartage, express and parcel delivery: 1 for every employee (on the largest shift for which the building is designed) and 1 for each motor vehicle maintained on the premises.
(14) 
Child care centers: 2 for each classroom but not less than 6 for the building.
(15) 
Children's homes: 1 for each 3 beds.
(16) 
Churches: 1 for each 4 seats.
(17) 
Colleges: 1 for each 3 students.
(18) 
Dance floors: 1 for each 100 square feet of floor area used for the activity.
(19) 
Dental clinics: 1 for every 200 square feet of floor area of examination.
(20) 
Dining rooms: 1 for each 100 square feet of floor area.
(21) 
Dormitories: 1 for each bed.
(22) 
Duplex: 2 for each unit, plus for any duplex development of more than 4 units within a UGA or LAMIRD: 1 overflow space for every 2 units.
(23) 
Elementary school: 1 for each teacher and 1 for every 8 seats in auditoriums or assembly halls.
(24) 
Financial institutions: 1 for each 200 square feet of floor area.
(25) 
Fraternities: 1 for each bed.
(26) 
Freight terminals: 1 for every employee (on the largest shift for which the building is designed) and 1 for each motor vehicle maintained on the premises.
(27) 
Funeral parlors: 1 for each 100 square feet of floor area in slumber rooms, parlors or service rooms.
(28) 
Homes for the aged: 1 for each 3 beds.
(29) 
Hospitals: 1 1/2 for each bed.
(30) 
Hotels: 1 per each sleeping room plus 1 space for each 2 employees.
(31) 
Junior high schools: 1 for each teacher and 1 for every 8 seats in auditoriums or assembly halls.
(32) 
Kindergartens: 2 for each classroom but not less than 6 for the building.
(33) 
Libraries: 1 for each 300 square feet of floor area.
(34) 
Manufacturing uses: 1 for every employee (on the largest shift for which the building is designed) and 1 for each motor vehicle maintained on the premises.
(35) 
Medical clinic: 1 for every 200 square feet of floor area of examination, treating room, office and waiting room.
(36) 
Mobile homes: 2 for each unit.
(37) 
Mortuaries: 1 for each 100 feet of floor area in slumber rooms, parlors or service rooms.
(38) 
Motels: 1 per each sleeping room plus 1 space for each 2 employees.
(39) 
Multifamily dwelling: 3 for each 2 units, plus for any multifamily development of more than 4 units within a UGA or LAMIRD: 1 overflow space for every 2 units.
(40) 
Museums: 1 for each 300 square feet of floor area.
(41) 
Night club: 1 for each 100 square feet of floor area.
(42) 
Nursing homes: 1 for each 3 beds.
(43) 
Nursery schools: 2 for each classroom but not less than 6 for the building.
(44) 
Offices: 1 for each 200 square feet of floor area.
(45) 
Parks, golf courses, cemeteries and other uses consisting primarily of open space: 1 for each acre of land; provided, that this requirement may be increased or decreased by the zoning administrator or hearing examiner, as appropriate, based on anticipated intensity of use of the property.
(46) 
Retail stores: 1 for each 250 square feet of floor area.
(47) 
Restaurants: 1 for each 100 square feet of floor area.
(48) 
Rooming houses: 1 for each bed.
(49) 
Sanitariums: 1 for each 3 beds.
(50) 
Service building: 1 for each 200 square feet of floor area.
(51) 
Single-family dwelling (except accessory dwelling units): 2 for each unit, plus for any single-family development of more than 4 units within a UGA or LAMIRD: 1 overflow space for every 2 units.
(52) 
Skating rinks: 1 for each 100 square feet of floor area used for the activity.
(53) 
Sports arenas: 1 for each 4 seats.
(54) 
Storage uses: 1 for every employee (on the largest shift for which the building is designed) plus 1 for each motor vehicle used in the business.
(55) 
Swimming pools (outdoor-public, community or club): 1 for each 5 persons capacity plus 1 for each 4 seats or 1 for each 30 square feet of floor area used for seating purposes, whichever is greater.
(56) 
Taverns: 1 for each 100 square feet of floor area.
(57) 
Technical schools: 1 for each 2 classroom seats.
(58) 
Theaters: 1 for each 4 seats.
(59) 
Trade schools: 1 for each 2 classroom seats.
(60) 
Universities: 1 for each 3 students.
(59.1) Vacation rental units: 1 for each sleeping unit.
(61) 
Wholesale uses: 1 for every employee (on the largest shift for which the building is designed) plus 1 for each motor vehicle used in the business.
(62) 
Type IV home-based businesses (see WCC § 20.80.970): 1 for every 3 guests plus 1 space for every employee.
(63) 
Accessory dwelling unit: 2 for each unit, except:
(a) 
For lots smaller than 6,000 square feet, and located within an Urban Growth Area, 1 parking stall per unit is required; this exception does not apply to the Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District.
(Ord. 87-11, 1987; Ord. 87-12, 1987; Ord. 2023-018 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 2023-041 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 2023-042 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 2023-078 § 1 (Exh. A § 8), 2023; Ord. 2025-020 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 2025-060, 12/9/2025)
Parking shall be installed in accordance with federal and state regulations for ADA accessibility. In the event there is a conflict between the state and the federal regulation(s), the state regulation(s) shall apply.
(Ord. 96-056 Att. A § S7, 1996; Ord. 99-063, 1999)
In the interpretation of WCC § 20.80.500 et seq., the following rules shall govern:
(1) 
Parking spaces for other permitted or conditional uses not listed in this section shall be determined by the director or hearing examiner, whichever has jurisdiction for the permit applied for.
(2) 
Fractional numbers shall be increased to the next whole number.
(3) 
Where there is an adequate public transit system, or where for any other reason parking requirements are unusually low, the parking space provisions cited above may be reduced proportionately by the decision maker with jurisdiction.
(Ord. 87-11, 1987; Ord. 87-12, 1987; Ord. 2023-018 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023)
No development shall exceed the maximum environmental noise level established by Chapter 173-60 WAC. More rigorous standards may be specified in regulations of specific zoning districts. The use of exhaust brakes in residential areas may be restricted as authorized under the provisions of RCW 36.75.270 and 46.44.080.
(Ord. 91-075, 1991; Ord. 92-079, 1992)
(1) 
Unless exempted in WCC § 20.80.631 (stormwater and drainage, exemptions), all development activity on lands within Whatcom County shall be subject to stormwater management requirements as follows:
(a) 
NPDES Phase II Permit Area. Except in the Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District, development activity inside the NPDES Phase II permit area shall comply with:
(i) 
The current Stormwater Manual;
(ii) 
Appendix 1, Minimum Technical Requirements, of the Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit; and
(iii) 
Appendix 7, "Determining Construction Site Damage Transport Potential," of the Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit.
(b) 
Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District. All development activity inside the Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District shall comply with Chapter 20.51 WCC, Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District, which satisfies all 2013 Western Washington Municipal Stormwater Permit development and redevelopment requirements.
(c) 
Stormwater Special Districts. Except for areas within or that overlap with the NPDES Phase II permit area (see subsection (1)(a) of this section), development activity inside stormwater special districts (as defined by WCC § 20.80.635) shall comply with the current Stormwater Manual, using the following modified minimum requirements in the table below, and using the current Stormwater Manual's definitions of terms for "stormwater site plan," "impervious surface," "hard surface," "land disturbing activity," "project," "site," and "replaced hard surface":
Within Special Stormwater Districts – Modified Thresholds for Stormwater Management Table
Minimum Requirement (MR)1
When Required
MR1 Stormwater Site Plan
> 500 sq. ft. of new impervious surface, or Renovation projects where the estimated cost exceeds 50% of the assessed value
MR2 Construction SWPPP
Always required
MR3 Source Control
Always required
MR4 Preserve Natural Drainage
> 500 sq. ft. of new impervious surface, or Renovation projects where the estimated cost exceeds 50% of the assessed value
MR5 On-Site Stormwater Management
• Property ≥ 2 acres meeting MR1, provide dispersion
• Property < 2 acres meeting MR1 where soils are suitable for infiltration, provide infiltration
• Property < 2 acres meeting MR1 where soils are not suitable for infiltration and project does not increase the 24-hour, 100-year peak flow rate by ≥ 0.1cfs; provide dispersion
MR6 Treatment
Always required
MR7 Flow Control
Property < 2 acres meeting MR1 where project increases the 24-hour, 100-year peak flow rate by ≥ 0.1cfs; provide detention
MR8 Wetlands Protection
> 500 sq. ft. of new impervious surface, or Renovation projects where the estimated cost exceeds 50% of the assessed value
MR9 O&M
Required only if stormwater facility installed
Notes:
1 Minimum requirements MR5 – MR9 likely require preparation by a professional engineer.
(d) 
Outside (i) the NPDES Phase II Permit Area, (ii) the Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District, and (iii) the Stormwater Special Districts. Development activity outside the NPDES Phase II permit area, Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District, and stormwater special districts (as defined by WCC § 20.80.635) shall comply with the current Stormwater Manual, using the following modified minimum requirements in the table below, the definitions for land use intensity in subsection (e) of this section, and using the current Stormwater Manual's definitions of terms for "stormwater site plan," "impervious surface," "hard surface," "land disturbing activity," "project," "site," and "replaced hard surface":
Outside the NPDES Phase II Permit Area, the Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District, and the Stormwater Special Districts – Modified Thresholds for Stormwater Management Table
Minimum Requirement (MR)1
Land Use Intensity2
Low
Medium
High
MR1 Stormwater Site Plan
≥ 7,000 sq. ft. of new plus replaced hard surface, or
≥ 14,000 sq. ft. land disturbing activity
≥ 4,000 sq. ft. of new plus replaced hard surface, or
≥ 14,000 sq. ft. land disturbing activity
Per manual3
MR2 Construction SWPPP
Always required
MR3 Source Control
Not required
≥ 4,000 sq. ft. of new plus replaced hard surface, or ≥ 14,000 sq. ft. land disturbing activity
Per manual3
MR4 Preserve Natural Drainage
≥ 7,000 sq. ft. of new plus replaced hard surface, or ≥ 14,000 sq. ft. land disturbing activity
MR5 On-Site Stormwater Management
Not required
MR6 Treatment
Not required
MR7 Flow Control
Not required
MR8 Wetlands Protection
≥ 7,000 sq. ft. of new plus replaced hard surface, or ≥ 14,000 sq. ft. land disturbing activity
MR9 O&M
Required only if stormwater facility installed
Notes:
1 Minimum requirements MR5 – MR9 likely require preparation by a professional engineer.
2 See subsection (1)(e) of this section to determine land use intensity.
3 Application of the stormwater manual is not required where a county-, state-, or federal-approved farm plan, or equivalent document, demonstrates stormwater is being effectively managed to the standards equivalent to an NPDES Phase II permit.
(e) 
The land use intensities in the above table have the following meanings:
Land Use Intensity for Stormwater Management Table
Note: Any project that results in new plus replaced hard surface greater than or equal to 10 percent of the gross parcel size or 20,000 sq. ft., whichever is greater, converts 1.5 acres of vegetation to lawn or five acres of vegetation to pasture, or results in cumulative impervious surface exceeding the threshold set below, is subject to the thresholds for "high intensity" land uses.
Low
• Single-family residential and accessory uses on lots of record of 25,000 sq. ft. or larger;
• Construction of agricultural buildings, including those used in the processing and wholesale of agricultural products, on agricultural land as defined by RCW 84.34.020(2);
• Seasonal roadside stands; or
• Roads (other than those exempt as pavement maintenance).
Medium
• Single-family residential and accessory uses on lots of record smaller than 25,000 sq. ft.;
• Short subdivisions of land into four or fewer lots;
• Minor utility developments; or
• Trails and trailheads.
High
• All other uses, including all commercial, industrial, institutional, and urban or multifamily residential uses;
• Subdivisions of land into more than four lots;
• All uses on parcels bisected by the NPDES Phase II permit area boundary;
• Any project that results in new plus replaced hard surface greater than or equal to 10 percent of the gross parcel size or 20,000 sq. ft., whichever is greater, or converts 1.5 acres of vegetation to lawn or five acres of vegetation to pasture;
• In the Rural and Residential Rural Districts, any project on a parcel smaller than 2.95 acres that results in the parcel having a cumulative impervious surface exceeding 10,000 sq. ft. or 35 percent of gross parcel size, whichever is greater; or
• In the Rural and Residential Rural Districts, any project on a parcel of 2.95 acres or larger that results in the parcel having a cumulative impervious surface exceeding 45,000 sq. ft. or 5 percent of gross parcel size, whichever is greater.
Note: For purposes of determining high intensity land use, the calculation of cumulative impervious surface shall not include roadways or driveways in public rights-of-way or in easements that serve other parcels.
(2) 
No project permit shall be issued prior to meeting the stormwater requirements of this section and/or the current Stormwater Manual. Advisory Note: Certain stormwater discharges to natural receiving waters are subject to state water quality standards and the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Hydraulic project approval (HPA) may also be required if stormwater is discharged to a water body or stream that provides, or could provide, habitat for fish.
(Ord. 94-022, 1994; Ord. 96-056 Att. A §§ A2, S9, 1996; Ord. 2002-034, 2002; Ord. 2002-075, 2002; Ord. 2003-032 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2003-049 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2010-003 Exh. A, 2010; Ord. 2013-050 § 1 Exh. A, 2013; Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2016-045 § 1 Att. A, 2016; Ord. 2017-045 § 1 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 2020-045 § 1 Exh. A, 2020; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)
(1) 
Forest practices regulated under WAC Title 222, except for Class IV general forest practices and nonconversion forest practices with approved conversion option harvest plans.
(2) 
Commercial agriculture practices (as defined in the current Stormwater Manual) involving working the land for production are generally exempt. However, the conversion from timberland to agriculture and the construction of impervious surfaces are not exempt.
(3) 
Development undertaken by the Washington State Department of Transportation in state highway right-of-way when regulated by Chapter 173-270 WAC, the Puget Sound Highway Runoff Program.
(Ord. 94-022, 1994; Ord. 2002-034, 2002; Ord. 2002-075, 2002; Ord. 2003-032 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2003-049 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2010-003 Exh. A, 2010; Ord. 2016-045 § 1 Att. A, 2016; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)
Repealed by Ord. 2016-045.
(Ord. 94-022, 1994; Ord. 99-086, 1999; Ord. 2000-066 § 1, 2000; Ord. 2001-021 § 1, 2001; Ord. 2002-034, 2002; Ord. 2002-075, 2002; Ord. 2003-032 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2003-049 § 1, 2003)
Repealed by Ord. 2016-045.
(Ord. 94-022, 1994; Ord. 99-086, 1999; Ord. 2000-066 § 1, 2000; Ord. 2001-021 § 1, 2001; Ord. 2002-034, 2002; Ord. 2002-075, 2002; Ord. 2003-032 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2003-049 § 1, 2003)
All development shall conform to the following requirements:
(1) 
General.
(a) 
Stormwater discharges must be controlled and treated as required by law.
(b) 
Best management practices (BMPs) shall be used to comply with the regulations in this chapter. If appropriate BMPs are not referenced in the current Stormwater Manual, experimental BMPs may be considered. However, experimental BMPs must be approved by the county prior to implementation.
(c) 
Development shall minimize impervious surface areas while maintaining project function and viability. Protection of ground water and aquifer recharge are important objectives which shall be incorporated in required surface water management facilities consistent with established BMPs.
(d) 
Stormwater systems shall not be constructed in such a manner that they materially degrade natural systems such as streams and their banks, wetlands, ponds or lakes.
(e) 
Natural drainage patterns shall be maintained and discharges from the site shall occur at the natural location, unless it can be shown that relocation will have no significant adverse impact to either built or natural systems as a result of the relocation.
(f) 
The design of stormwater systems shall be an integral part of the overall development design and, in addition to the primary storage and conveyance function, should incorporate multiple use provisions to enhance the project, such as the following:
(i) 
Recreation;
(ii) 
Public safety;
(iii) 
Economical maintenance;
(iv) 
Aesthetic integration into the landscape and project design;
(v) 
Wildlife habitat;
(vi) 
Education;
(vii) 
Open space.
(2) 
Erosion and Sediment Control.
(a) 
All proposed projects that will clear, grade, or otherwise disturb the site shall provide erosion and sediment control (ESC) that prevents the transport of sediment from the site to drainage facilities, water resources and adjacent properties.
(b) 
Erosion and sediment controls shall be selected and applied in accordance with the current Stormwater Manual.
(Formerly 20.80.635; Ord. 94-022, 1994; Ord. 96-056 Att. A § S10, 1996; Ord. 99-071, 1999; Ord. 99-086, 1999; Ord. 2000-066 § 1, 2000; Ord. 2001-021 § 1, 2001; Ord. 2002-034, 2002; Ord. 2002-075, 2002; Ord. 2003-032 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2003-049 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2016-045 § 1 Att. A, 2016; Ord. 2022-061 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)
(1) 
Whatcom County shall establish the following geographical areas as stormwater special districts:
(a) 
Drayton Harbor watershed.
(b) 
Lake Samish watershed.
(c) 
Birch Bay watershed.
(d) 
Lake Padden watershed.
(2) 
Requirements for these areas are contained in WCC § 20.80.630(1)(c).
(Ord. 2002-034, 2002; Ord. 2002-075, 2002; Ord. 2003-032 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2003-049 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2004-051 Exh. A, 2004; Ord. 2005-030 § 1 Exh. A, 2005; Ord. 2008-035 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2009-009 Exh. B, 2009; Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. B, 2013; Ord. 2016-045 § 1 Att. A, 2016)
Repealed by Ord. 2016-045.
(Ord. 2000-066 § 1, 2000; Ord. 2001-021 § 1, 2001; Ord. 2002-034, 2002; Ord. 2002-075, 2002; Ord. 2003-032 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2003-049 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2005-030 § 1 Exh. A, 2005; Ord. 2009-009 Exh. B, 2009; Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. B, 2013)
A permit shall be obtained from the county engineer or State Department of Transportation, as appropriate, prior to the construction of any driveways on a public right-of-way. The location of driveways adjacent to a property line functioning as one point of ingress and egress to both properties shall be encouraged and shall be considered as one driveway. The location of driveways shall be in accordance with standards adopted by the county or State Department of Transportation as appropriate and approved by the county council. These standards shall regulate location, width and alignment as they relate to safety and traffic congestion.
(Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013)
No development, including traffic generated directly by it, should generate air pollution exceeding the minimum permissible emission levels established by the Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) or the Environmental Protection Agency.
(Ord. 2019-013 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019)
In order to assure all-weather access, owners of property rezoned to GI, LII, GM or HII shall be required to attach a covenant to said property and file it with the county auditor stating that the owners of the property, their heirs, assigns and successors in interest will not oppose participation in a county road improvement district and latecomers' agreement as deemed necessary by the division of engineering and the county council pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 35.72 RCW and Chapter 12.44 WCC. No development of rezoned properties that requires all-weather road standards shall be permitted until an all-weather road access is provided.
(Ord. 87-11, 1987; Ord. 87-12, 1987; Ord. 87-65, 1987)
(1) 
No structure shall exceed the height of the imaginary surfaces defined in Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 77 around airports that have mapped such imaginary surfaces (airports that have mapped Part 77 imaginary surfaces are shown in Appendix H of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan). This restriction shall not apply to single-family residences and accessory structures that have a building height of 30 feet or less.
(2) 
Applicants for permits within the area covered by the FAR Part 77 imaginary surfaces map shall, upon application, submit correspondence from both the Federal Aviation Administration and an official representative of the airport providing their concurrence that the proposed development meets subsection (1) of this section and will not create a hazard to air navigation.
(3) 
The hearing examiner shall have the authority to grant a variance from the height limits of subsection (1) of this section upon finding that the below criteria are satisfied. Pursuant to Chapter 20.13 WCC, personal wireless eligible facilities are exempt from having to obtain a variance.
(a) 
The variance application shall be accompanied by letters from both the Federal Aviation Administration and an official representative of the airport evaluating the effects of the proposal on the operation of air navigation facilities and the safe, efficient use of navigable airspace. If neither agency responds to a written request by the applicant to evaluate the proposal within 45 days, the variance application may be submitted without the evaluation(s) required.
(b) 
The variance criteria of WCC § 22.05.024 shall not apply. Such variances may be granted if the hearing examiner finds that:
(i) 
The strict application of the height limit will result in unnecessary hardship; and
(ii) 
The height proposed will not be contrary to the public interest and will not create a hazard to air navigation.
(c) 
No variance shall be granted that authorizes a use that is not allowed by the underlying zoning.
(Ord. 84-38, 1984; Ord. 2005-004, 2005; Ord. 2023-018 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 2024-046 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024)
Land that is unsuitable for the development of permitted, accessory or conditional uses as defined by Chapter 20.97 WCC shall not be developed unless adequate safeguards are formulated by the developer and approved by the director. The safeguards shall be based on technical data and/or professional review as deemed necessary by the director. If no adequate safeguards are available, the unsuitable land area shall be retained for agricultural, forestry or open space purposes.
(Ord. 84-38, 1984; Ord. 2023-042 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023)
(1) 
General. Cannabis production or processing facilities shall comply with RCW Title 69, Chapter 314-55 WAC, and the following general standards:
(a) 
The WSLCB must approve a cannabis license for the subject property prior to issuance of the county's certificate of occupancy for buildings proposed for cannabis production or processing. Any permitting or construction work done prior to receiving said license is done so at the applicant's own risk.
(b) 
Consistent with WAC 314-55-015, cannabis production and processing shall not take place in a residence or other location where law enforcement access, without notice or cause, is limited.
(c) 
Cannabis production and processing are not allowed as a home-based business.
(d) 
Cannabis production and processing operations may not be located in critical areas or their buffers (Chapter 16.16 WCC, Critical Areas) or in the shoreline jurisdiction (WCC Title 23).
(e) 
Nonconforming Uses. This section applies to those cannabis facilities legally existing as of February 8, 2022, that, due to noncompliance with these standards, become nonconforming. Legally existing facilities that meet these standards are not considered nonconforming and may continue the use or they may expand with the proper permits.
(i) 
Continuation of Nonconforming Uses. Any legally existing cannabis production or processing facility that becomes nonconforming may continue operations as a nonconforming use within the terms of their permit(s) even when those facilities do not meet the standards of this section, pursuant to WCC § 20.83.010.
(ii) 
Expansion of Nonconforming Uses. Similarly, expansion may be allowed pursuant to WCC § 20.83.020, EXCEPT that:
(A) 
Expansion of nonconforming Type 2 cannabis production facilities is prohibited; and
(B) 
Any other expansion shall be limited to 10 percent (in area) unless the standards of this section are met.
(iii) 
Change to Another Nonconforming Use. WCC § 20.83.040 shall not apply; nonconforming cannabis production or processing facilities shall not be able to change to another nonconforming use.
(2) 
District Specific Standards.
(a) 
Facility Size.
(i) 
In the Rural district, production and/or processing facilities on parcels smaller than four and one-half acres shall not exceed a total of 2,000 square feet. On lots of four and one-half acres or greater, production and processing facilities shall not exceed one acre.
(ii) 
In the Agriculture district, production and/or processing facilities on parcels smaller than four and one-half acres shall not exceed a total of 2,000 square feet. On lots of four and one-half acres or greater, production and processing facilities shall not exceed two acres.
(b) 
Separation of Uses. In the Rural and Agriculture districts, no facility shall be located within 1,000 feet of a community center or within 300 feet of any residential dwelling unit not located on the same parcel as the facility and existing at the time of application. Said distance shall be measured as the shortest straight line distance from property lines (for community centers) or structures (for residences).
(c) 
Separation of Facilities. In the Rural and Agriculture districts, no cannabis production facilities shall be located within 1,000 feet of each other. Said distance shall be measured as the shortest straight line distance from such facilities.
(d) 
Limit on Number of Licenses per Lot. In the Rural and Agriculture districts, only one Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) cannabis production license may be used per legal lot (though may be combined with one processing license).
(e) 
Accessory Use Only. In the Rural and Agriculture districts, processing facilities are only allowed as an accessory use to a production facility.
(f) 
Hazardous Materials. Cannabis processing using hazardous or flammable solvents or gases is allowed only in the LII, HII, or RIM districts. Producers and processors that will use chemicals, industrial solvents, or other noxious or hazardous substances shall comply with all federal, state, and county safety, fire, structural, storage, and disposal standards. They shall describe the proposed use of hazardous substances, methods, equipment, solvents, gases, and mediums identified in WAC 314-55-104 on permit applications and site plans.
(3) 
Facility Design Standards.
(a) 
Lighting. For both Type 1 and 2 production facilities:
(i) 
Outdoor fixtures illuminating production or processing operations shall be designed and down-shielded to direct light away from adjoining properties, critical areas, shorelines, and public roads.
(ii) 
All structures using artificial lighting for aiding in the growth cycle of plants shall install and employ mechanisms (e.g., blackout shades) that prevent light from escaping production structures.
(b) 
Screening. Cannabis production and processing facilities shall be landscaped and screened consistent with WCC § 20.80.300 et seq. (Landscaping). Screening shall be located outside of the state's required security fence to provide a visual barrier.
(c) 
Security. Producers and processors shall install the security requirements of WAC 314-55-083 prior to issuance of the county's certificate of occupancy for a cannabis operation.
(d) 
Parking. Such facilities shall meet the off-street parking requirements of WCC § 20.80.500 et seq. (Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements).
(e) 
Water and Waste Disposal. Permit applications shall include documentation of compliance with the water system requirements and waste disposal regulations of WCC Title 24 (Health Code) and WAC 314-55-097.
(f) 
Noise. Producers and processors required to install odor control system per subsection (g) of this section shall comply with WCC § 20.80.620 (Noise). Fan noise from operations shall be minimized. A mechanical engineer licensed in the state of Washington shall design the noise control system, to be approved by the building official, using standard industry practices such as installing fans with components listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and a combination of the following techniques and components:
(i) 
Short and straight line vent runs;
(ii) 
Silencers and insulated vents, vent sleeves and mufflers;
(iii) 
Acoustic ducting;
(iv) 
Fan speed controllers;
(v) 
Soundproofing boxes;
(vi) 
Sound-muffling casing;
(vii) 
Padded foam cushions under the fans;
(viii) 
Intelligent programming motors and controllers; and
(ix) 
Hanging fans hung from bungee cords from hooks in ceiling.
(g) 
Odor.
(i) 
All Production and Processing. No odor, terpenes, or other similar volatile organic compounds (VOCs) shall be emitted that is detectable at or beyond the property boundaries of the facility in such a concentration or of such duration as to cause a public nuisance or threaten health or safety as defined by RCW 9.66.010.
(ii) 
Type 2 Production. Type 2 producers shall minimize odors emitted by using best management practices and technology, and all air must go through an odor control system before being vented outdoors. A mechanical engineer licensed in the state of Washington shall design the odor control system using guidance from the National Air Filtration Association and approved by the building official. The odor control plan must incorporate a combination of the following site design practices, tools, or other newly improved technologies to mitigate odors:
(A) 
Use of filters on exhaust air prior to dispersal;
(B) 
Placement of operations after consideration of predominant wind directions;
(C) 
Installation of additional vegetative buffers around grow areas;
(D) 
Reduction of passive odor escapes by tightening and sealing structures;
(E) 
Use of negative pressure techniques and air locks to reduce odors from escaping when doors open;
(F) 
Use of chillers that move water around the structure and leave air in place instead of air conditioning;
(G) 
Installation of carbon filter scrubbers to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems;
(H) 
Installation of dry vapor systems;
(I) 
Installation of ionizers;
(J) 
Use of mini-vapor screens on the interior, and Vapormatic and vapor screens on the exterior of structures;
(K) 
Installation of a piping system on perimeter fencing that neutralizes malodorous molecules;
(L) 
Installation of a gas phase filtration system; and/or
(M) 
Installation of a fog system to disperse mixed water- and odor-neutralizing chemicals.
(h) 
Building Permits Required. Building permits shall be required for any structures used in cannabis production facilities.
(Ord. 2015-006 Exh. A, 2015; Ord. 2022-011 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2025-020 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)
Cannabis retail sales facilities shall comply with RCW Title 69, WAC Chapter 314-55, and the following:
(1) 
The WSLCB must approve a cannabis retail sales license for the subject property prior to issuance of the county's certificate of occupancy for buildings proposed for cannabis retail sales. Any permitting or construction work done prior to receiving said license is done so at the applicant's own risk.
(2) 
Consistent with WAC 314-55-015, cannabis retail sales shall not take place in a residence or other location where law enforcement access, without notice or cause, is limited. Cannabis retail sales are not allowed as a home-based business.
(3) 
Retail sales facilities shall install the security requirements of WAC 314-55-083 prior to issuance of the county's certificate of occupancy for a cannabis operation.
(4) 
Such facilities shall meet the off-street parking requirements of WCC § 20.80.500 et seq. (Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements).
(Ord. 2015-006 Exh. A, 2015; Ord. 2022-011 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2025-020 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)
In all districts where a single-family residence is a primary permitted use, a building permit may be issued for the construction of a replacement dwelling on the same lot; provided, that the owner agrees by filing a statement with the building official that the old dwelling will be demolished, removed or converted to another permitted use upon completion of the new dwelling.
(Ord. 87-11, 1987; Ord. 87-12, 1987)
Minimum building site area and width requirements may be varied in the approval of new subdivisions and short subdivisions by means established in the Whatcom County Subdivision Ordinance; provided, that the gross density of the subdivision shall not exceed that of the applicable zone district; and provided, that no site shall be allowed to differ more than 10 percent in area or in average width from the standard requirement. Such variation in lot size shall not include land of 20 percent or greater slopes, tidelands and water areas and thus shall not be included in calculating the gross density of a site for purposes of determining the number of parcels eligible for the 10 percent lot area or width reduction allowed by this section.
(Ord. 87-11, 1987; Ord. 87-12, 1987; Ord. 2001-063 § 1, 2001)
(Ord. 2002-034, 2002; Ord. 2002-075, 2002; Ord. 2003-032 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2003-049 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2016-045 § 1 Att. A, 2016; Ord. 2022-035 Exh. A, 2022)
The purpose of this section is to avoid or minimize impacts of clearing activity to adjacent and downstream public or private property and to protect receiving water bodies. The regulations contained in this section implement this goal by providing a reasonable standard for clearing land in Whatcom County. It is also the purpose of this section to establish a county review process for larger clearing projects to ensure these regulations are met.
(Ord. 2002-034, 2002; Ord. 2002-075, 2002; Ord. 2003-032 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2003-049 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2022-035 Exh. A, 2022)
All clearing activities including clearing of forest land shall be subject to the provisions of the land clearing section unless specifically exempted in WCC § 20.80.733. No clearing activity approval shall be issued by the county prior to meeting the requirements set forth in this chapter and only when in compliance with federal, state and local regulations, including, but not limited to, Chapter 16.16 WCC (Critical Areas), Chapter 16.08 WCC State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Washington State forest practices pursuant to WAC Title 222, forest practices pursuant to Chapter 20.76 WCC, and WCC Title 23 (Shoreline Management Program). Administrative provisions and technical standards for implementing these regulations shall be contained in Chapter 22.05 WCC.
(Ord. 2002-034, 2002; Ord. 2002-075, 2002; Ord. 2003-032 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2003-049 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2022-035 Exh. A, 2022)
Any clearing activity that meets the following criteria shall be exempt from the clearing requirements of this chapter:
(1) 
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
(2) 
The proposed activity consists of nonconversion forest practices regulated by the DNR; or
(3) 
The proposed activity is surface mining regulated under Chapter 78.44 RCW.
(Ord. 2002-034, 2002; Ord. 2002-075, 2002; Ord. 2003-032 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2003-049 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2022-035 Exh. A, 2022)
County review and approval shall be required prior to a clearing activity when any of the following land clearing thresholds have been reached. If the clearing activity does not meet the threshold criteria, county review is not required. However, the owner is still subject to and must comply with the minimum requirements established in this chapter. Review thresholds and additional requirements for water resource special management areas are located in WCC § 20.80.735.
(1) 
Five Thousand-Square-Foot Threshold on 30 Percent Slopes. The county shall review all proposed clearing activities when a cumulative area of 5,000 square feet or greater of clearing activity is proposed to take place on slopes 30 percent or greater in gradient.
(2) 
One-Acre Threshold in Certain Areas. The county shall review all proposed clearing activities that are one acre or greater, including projects less than one acre that are part of a larger common plan of the development, in the following zoning districts where the slope is less than 30 percent in gradient:
• Urban Residential.
• Commercial.
• Rural Residential.
• Rural within the NPDES Phase II area boundaries, as delineated at the time that the county determines that the development application is complete.
• Industrial within the NPDES Phase II area boundaries, as delineated at the time that the county determines that the development application is complete.
(3) 
Two-Acre Threshold in Rural Zoning Districts Outside NPDES Phase II Area Boundaries. The county shall review all proposed clearing activities which are two acres or greater when the activities are proposed to take place in rural zoning districts outside NPDES Phase II area boundaries and the slope is less than 30 percent in gradient.
(4) 
Critical Areas and Associated Areas. The county shall review all clearing activities within a critical area or critical area buffer, and all clearing activity greater than 500 square feet within 200 feet of a water body regulated under WCC Title 23, or within 200 feet of a wetland habitat conservation area (HCA), frequently flooded area, or geological hazard regulated under Chapter 16.16 WCC.
(Ord. 2002-034, 2002; Ord. 2002-075, 2002; Ord. 2003-032 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2003-049 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2010-003 Exh. A, 2010; Ord. 2022-035 Exh. A, 2022)
The purpose of a water resource special management area 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.
Whatcom County shall establish the following geographic areas as water resource special management areas:
• Drayton Harbor watershed;
• Lake Padden watershed;
• Lake Samish watershed; and
• Birch Bay watershed.
(1) 
Water Resource Special Management Area Review Thresholds. County review and approval shall be required for clearing activities which exceed the following thresholds. If the clearing activity does not meet the threshold criteria, county review is not required. However, the owner is still subject to, and must comply with, the minimum requirements established in this chapter and the source control BMPs established in the most current version of the Department of Ecology Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington.
(a) 
Lake Samish and Lake Padden Watersheds. 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 activities which are not associated with a development permit shall require county review if they are:
(i) 
Five thousand square feet or greater during the dry season, June 1st through September 30th; or
(ii) 
Five hundred square feet or greater during the wet season, October 1st through May 31st.
(2) 
Within water resource special management areas, clearing activity must conform to the following conditions:
(a) 
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 most current version of the Department of Ecology Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington.
(b) 
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 and, if so, shall be submitted for review and approval by the director prior to any clearing activity and shall contain a detailed construction schedule or timeline.
(c) 
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.
(d) 
Seasonal Clearing Activity Limitations. In the Lake Samish and Lake Padden watersheds, 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:
(i) 
In addition to the clearing activities exempted under WCC § 20.80.733, the director may approve an exemption to this requirement for the following activities:
(A) 
Routine maintenance and repair of erosion and sediment control measures;
(B) 
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) requirements, including commencement of clearing activity during the wet season, as defined in subsection (1)(a)(ii) of this section, for purposes of minimizing surface water disturbance and site inundation by high water or wave action;
(C) 
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.
(ii) 
To ensure compliance with this section, all permits authorizing more than 500 square feet of land disturbance located within the Lake Samish or Lake Padden watersheds shall be conditioned on such work not being authorized from September 15th through May 31st.
(iii) 
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.
(iv) 
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.
(e) 
One Hundred Fifty Percent Violation Fines. When a violation occurs in an area designated as a water resource special management area, the total fine assessment shall be increased to 150 percent of the standard penalty as provided for in Chapter 20.94 WCC, Enforcement and Penalties.
(Ord. 2002-034, 2002; Ord. 2002-053, 2002; Ord. 2002-075, 2002; Ord. 2003-032 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2003-049 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2004-051 Exh. A, 2004; Ord. 2005-030 § 1 Exh. A, 2005; Ord. 2005-032 Exh. A, 2005; Ord. 2005-061 Exh. A, 2005; Ord. 2005-074 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2009-009 Exh. B, 2009; 2009-056 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2010-001 Exh. A, 2010; Ord. 2010-006 Exh. A, 2010; Ord. 2013-043 § 1 Exh. B, 2013; Ord. 2016-045 § 1 Att. A, 2016; Ord. 2022-035 Exh. A, 2022; Ord. 2023-018 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 2024-046 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024)
When county review and approval is required to clear land, the county shall establish conditions for approval through one of the following permits:
(1) 
Project Permit. When clearing activity is proposed as a part of a development proposal, the submittal requirements contained in Chapter 22.05 WCC, including temporary and permanent erosion control measures, must be submitted by the permit applicant and approved by the county as part of a project permit application prior to any clearing activity. Under this condition, a separate clearing permit shall not be required. Erosion control inspections shall be required as a condition of the building permit at the time of footing inspection sign-off. If the site is subject to WCC § 20.80.735, the provisions of WCC § 20.80.735(2)(a) shall apply.
(2) 
Clearing Permit. A clearing permit shall be required when a clearing activity meets the established threshold(s) and is the only activity taking place and when no other project permit is required by the county for the proposal. Under this condition, submittal requirements contained in Chapter 22.05 WCC must be submitted with the clearing permit application. Clearing activities that qualify as conversions require additional review pursuant to subsection (3) of this section.
(3) 
Forest practices permit consistent with Chapter 20.76 WCC.
(Ord. 2002-034, 2002; Ord. 2002-075, 2002; Ord. 2003-032 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2003-049 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2022-035 Exh. A, 2022)
(1) 
Site Containment. Erosion, sediment, and other impacts resulting from any clearing activity shall be contained on the site and may require temporary erosion/sedimentation control measures before, during, and immediately following clearing. All clearing activity requiring an approval must comply with the requirements of this chapter.
(2) 
Hazards. Clearing activities shall not result in off-site physical damage nor pose a danger or hazard to life or property on or off site.
(3) 
Site-Specific Requirements. Additional site-specific requirements may be established after a site visit by the county. These requirements shall be based on specific site conditions and are limited to timing limitations, additional temporary erosion and sedimentation control, and/or the mitigation of hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions that pose a physical or environmental threat on or off site.
(4) 
Slash Removal in Urban Zoning Districts. In urban zoning districts slash shall be removed from the site, or chipped and spread across the site within one year of project completion.
(5) 
Maintaining Established Buffers. Buffers as identified in the clearing permit, WCC § 20.80.736(1) or (2), or forest practices permit, WCC § 20.76.100, shall be left undisturbed unless express permission for clearing activity or tree removal is provided by the county. When approved by the county, tree removal from buffers should be kept to a minimum. Unauthorized tree removal from established buffers will result in an assessed penalty at a rate of twice the value of the merchantable timber. In the event of a dispute between the landowner and the county over the established value, an assessment will be made by a professional forester or arborist whose selection will be made by mutual agreement between the county and the landowner. The fee for the services of the professional forester or arborist shall be paid by the landowner or responsible party.
(6) 
A clearing activity will be considered to be complete once the site has been revegetated and stabilized.
(Ord. 2002-034, 2002; Ord. 2002-075, 2002; Ord. 2003-032 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2003-049 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2005-079 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2022-035 Exh. A, 2022)
Land clearing authorization must be posted by the permit applicant and clearly visible at the access to the site.
(Ord. 2002-034, 2002; Ord. 2002-075, 2002; Ord. 2003-032 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2003-049 § 1, 2003)
The county may require financial assurance for the proper performance and for the repair of site conditions; including but not limited to temporary erosion and sedimentation control facilities, vegetation restoration, and damage repair. During the defined wet season, a financial assurance of performance shall be required.
(Ord. 2002-034, 2002; Ord. 2002-075, 2002; Ord. 2003-032 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2003-049 § 1, 2003)
Violation of these requirements is punishable pursuant to WCC § 20.94.030.
(Ord. 2002-034, 2002; Ord. 2002-075, 2002; Ord. 2003-032 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2003-049 § 1, 2003)
Review fees will be assessed as established by the Whatcom County unified fee schedule.
(Ord. 2002-034, 2002; Ord. 2002-075, 2002; Ord. 2003-032 Exh. A, 2003; Ord. 2003-049 § 1, 2003)
The purpose of these livestock regulations is to establish standards for the number of animal units on relatively small acreage parcels where compatibility may become an issue. The restrictions imposed by these regulations shall only apply to parcels of less than 10 acres in size in the Urban Residential, Residential Rural, Rural Residential-Island, Rural or Forestry Districts when the parcel is located adjacent to a residential use and is not part of a larger agricultural operation on contiguous property.
(Ord. 82-58, 1982; Ord. 85-100, 1985; Ord. 87-11, 1987; Ord. 87-12, 1987; Ord. 96-056 Att. A § S11, 1996)
The number of animal units which are permissible in those zone districts that refer to this section shall be consistent with the following standards:
(1) 
Animal units shall be computed as set forth in Chapter 20.97 WCC; provided, that ponies and horses under one year, calves under six months, and sheep, goats and pigs under three months shall not be included when computing animal units.
(2) 
Lots which have an area of less than one-half acre may not keep an animal unit.
(3) 
Lots with an area of one-half acre or more and less than or equal to one acre may keep one animal unit.
(4) 
Lots exceeding one acre in size may increase the number of animals at the rate of one animal unit per one-half acre of land area in excess of one acre.
(5) 
Bulls and stallions over six months of age shall be prohibited, and the keeping of mink, foxes or other nondomestic fur-bearing animals shall be prohibited.
(6) 
All animal units shall be confined to the building lot or parcel unless otherwise provided.
(Ord. 87-11, 1987; Ord. 87-12, 1987; Ord. 96-056 Att. A § S11, 1996; Ord. 2023-042 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023)
Owners of all new and ongoing surface mining operations are required to submit completed registration forms with fee to the county on an annual basis.
Forms shall be submitted to the county by no later than February 9th of each year. Required information shall include, but is not limited to: (1) location and ownership of parcel, (2) current permit status of mining activity on parcel, and (3) material type(s) and quantities to be extracted (volume estimates will be confidential).
(Ord. 92-079, 1992)
Where allowed in the zoning district, all accessory dwelling units shall comply with the following standards and restrictions:
(1) 
Outside Urban Growth Areas.
(a) 
This subsection shall apply to all lots outside of designated Urban Growth Areas, as well as those lots within Urban Growth Areas and the Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District, General Commercial, Agriculture, Rural, and Rural Forestry zoning districts.
(b) 
In addition to an existing or permitted dwelling, there shall be no more than one accessory dwelling unit per lot.
(c) 
The owner(s) of the lot upon which the accessory dwelling unit is located shall occupy as their primary domicile at least one of the dwelling units on that lot.
(d) 
Minimum Lot Size. In the districts where accessory dwelling units are allowed:
(i) 
For attached accessory dwelling units there is no minimum lot size, except in the Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District as provided in subsection (1)(d)(iii) of this section and the Rural Residential-Island District as provided in subsection (1)(d)(iv) of this section.
(ii) 
For detached accessory dwelling units the minimum lot size shall be four and one-half acres unless the parcel is large enough to accommodate two dwelling units consistent with the gross density of the underlying zoning district; except:
(A) 
In the Agriculture District the minimum lot size for a detached accessory dwelling unit is 40 acres.
(B) 
In the Rural Forestry District the minimum lot size for a detached accessory dwelling unit is 20 acres.
(C) 
In the Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District as provided in subsection (1)(d)(iii) of this section.
(D) 
In the Rural Residential-Island district as provided in subsection (1)(d)(iv) of this section.
(iii) 
In the Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District the minimum lot size for any accessory dwelling unit is 10 acres, unless the underlying zoning district is Rural Forestry, in which case the minimum lot size is 40 acres.
(iv) 
In the Rural Residential-Island District the minimum lot size for attached accessory dwelling units is four and one-half acres, and for detached accessory dwelling units the minimum lot size is 10 acres.
Table 20.80.910(1) Minimum Lot Size Required for an ADU
District
Attached ADUs
Detached ADUs
UR
N/A
N/A
URM
N/A
N/A
UR-MX
N/A
N/A
RR
N/A
4.5 ac
RR-I
4.5 ac
10 ac
R
N/A
4.5 ac
TZ
N/A
4.5 ac
AG
N/A
40 ac
RF
N/A
20 ac
STC
N/A
4.5 ac
RC *For lots outside UGAs*
N/A
4.5 ac
LWWO
10 ac; 40 ac if underlying district is RF
(e) 
Because when a subdivision is platted, roads and certain utilities (water, septic, sewer) are sized for the proposed number of lots and do not account for accessory dwelling units:
(i) 
Accessory dwelling units are allowed (where permitted) in all subdivisions (both long and short plats) that received preliminary plat approval prior to January 25, 1994.
(ii) 
Except for UGAs, accessory dwelling units shall be prohibited in all subdivisions (both long and short plats) that received preliminary plat approval after January 25, 1994, except on those specific lots that are designating on the face of the final plat as allowing accessory dwelling units.
(iii) 
In no case shall an accessory dwelling unit be permitted in a reserve tract within plats created through the cluster subdivision method.
(f) 
Design and Construction.
(i) 
Accessory dwelling units shall be clearly subordinate to the primary residence;
(ii) 
The maximum size of an accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 1,248 square feet in floor area; except, when the density credit program (Chapter 20.91 WCC) is used, the size may be increased to a maximum of 1,748 square feet;
(iii) 
Only one access point off of a public road shall be allowed to serve both the primary residential unit and any accessory dwelling unit;
(iv) 
Accessory dwelling units shall be located so as to minimize visual impacts to adjacent properties and public rights-of-way, with location in immediate proximity to the primary residence being preferred. Location closer to property lines than to the primary residence may be considered when such location serves the goal of reducing overall visual impacts to public rights-of-way and adjacent properties, and such location still meets the setback requirements of this chapter.
(A) 
There shall be only one front entrance visible from the front yard and street for houses with attached accessory dwelling units and only one additional entrance visible from the front yard for detached accessory dwelling units;
(B) 
To minimize visual impacts fencing and/or landscaping to screen the unit from public rights-of-way and/or adjacent properties may be required;
(v) 
In the Agriculture District detached accessory dwelling units shall be located within the farmstead cluster and comply with siting criteria found in WCC § 20.80.255.
(g) 
Prior to building permit issuance, the owner shall record with the Whatcom County auditor a deed restriction stating:
(i) 
Detached accessory dwelling units and associated land cannot be financed or sold separately from the original dwelling, except in the event the zoning district allows such a land division; and
(ii) 
The owner(s) of the lot upon which the accessory dwelling unit is located shall occupy as their primary domicile at least one of the dwelling units on that lot.
(2) 
Within Urban Growth Areas.
(a) 
This subsection shall apply to all lots within designated Urban Growth Areas, except those lots within the Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District, General Commercial, Agriculture, Rural, and Rural Forestry zoning districts.
(b) 
In addition to an existing or permitted dwelling, there shall be no more than two accessory dwelling units per lot.
(c) 
Minimum Lot Size, Design and Construction.
(i) 
No minimum lot size for either attached or detached accessory dwelling units;
(ii) 
New or existing detached accessory dwelling units may be located on a lot line, if said lot line abuts a public alley;
(iii) 
Existing detached structures, including garages, barns and any other accessory buildings, may be converted into accessory dwelling units even if the structure does not meet current setback or lot coverage standards;
(iv) 
The maximum size of an accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 1,248 square feet in floor area; except, when the density credit program (Chapter 20.91 WCC) is used, the size may be increased to a maximum of 1,748 square feet.
(d) 
Whatcom County will not prevent the sale, or other conveyance, of a structure originally built as an accessory dwelling unit as a condominium unit independently of the existing or permitted dwelling unit.
(Ord. 2023-018 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 2025-060, 12/9/2025)
All mobile home parks shall meet the following standards:
(1) 
Mobile home parks shall be developed through either a binding site plan pursuant to WCC Title 21 (Land Division) or by condominium pursuant to Chapter 64.34 RCW (Condominium Act). In either case:
(a) 
An organization or individual with proper funding to maintain common facilities and operate the parks shall be provided.
(b) 
A declaration of covenants addressing and ensuring long-term compliance with the appropriate requirements herein shall be submitted for review and approval.
(c) 
Each rental or lease space shall be numbered on the site plan and the number shall be prominently displayed on the site.
(2) 
Where not specified by the applicable zoning district, mobile home parks shall have:
(a) 
A maximum density of seven lease spaces per acre when public water and sewer are provided;
(b) 
A maximum density of three lease spaces per acre when public water and sewer are not provided;
(c) 
A minimum parcel size of two acres.
(3) 
Mobile home parks shall provide storage area for boats, recreational vehicles, and other large items. Said storage areas shall be screened consistent with these standards.
(4) 
Within a mobile home park, no mobile home, other major structure, or outdoor storage shall be located closer than 20 feet to the perimeter of the site.
(5) 
Along the edges of mobile home parks, walls or vegetative screening shall be provided where needed to protect residents from undesirable views, lighting, noise, or other off-site influences, or to protect occupants of adjoining property from potentially adverse influences within the mobile home park. In particular, extensive off-street parking areas and service areas for loading and unloading other than passenger vehicles, and for storage and collection of trash and garbage, shall be screened.
(6) 
There shall be landscaping developed consistent with WCC § 20.80.300 (Landscaping) within open areas of mobile home parks not otherwise used for park purposes. Such open areas and landscaping shall be continually and properly maintained.
(7) 
Mobile home parks shall keep 40 percent of the site free of buildings, structures, parking areas, and other impervious surfaces.
(8) 
On-site recreational amenities with at least one substantial facility serving the users of a park or identified area shall be provided. Such substantial facilities may include tennis courts, children's play areas with equipment, or a swimming pool. The type and size of facility shall be appropriate to the type and amount of clientele being served.
(9) 
Interior roads within mobile home parks shall be private, unless the county engineer determines that the development of public roads is necessary.
(10) 
For each mobile home space there shall be provided and maintained at least two parking spaces conforming to the requirements of WCC § 20.80.500 et seq. (Off-street parking and loading requirements). In addition to occupant parking, guest and service parking shall be provided within the boundaries of the park at a ratio of one parking space for each two mobile home spaces.
(11) 
There shall be a minimum of 10 feet of separation maintained between all mobile homes on the site. Accessory structures may be located no closer than 10 feet to any mobile home or five feet to other accessory structures.
(12) 
All mobile home parks shall comply with WCC Chapter 24.04 (Recreational Vehicle Park and Subdivision Rules) regarding utility provision. Utility (wastewater, water, electricity) hook-ups shall be provided for each rentable or leasable space.
(Ord. 99-045 § 1, 1999; Ord. 2022-013 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)
All recreational vehicle parks shall meet the following standards:
(1) 
Recreational vehicle parks shall be developed through either a binding site plan pursuant to WCC Title 21 (Land Division) or by condominium pursuant to Chapter 64.34 RCW (Condominium Act). In either case:
(a) 
An organization or individual with proper funding to maintain common facilities and operate the parks shall be provided.
(b) 
A declaration of covenants addressing and ensuring long-term compliance with the appropriate requirements herein shall be submitted for review and approval.
(c) 
Each rental or lease space shall be numbered on the site plan and the number shall be prominently displayed on the site.
(2) 
Where not specified by the applicable zoning district, recreational vehicle parks shall have:
(a) 
A maximum density of 15 lease spaces per acre when public water and sewer are provided;
(b) 
A maximum density of seven lease spaces per acre when public water and sewer are not provided;
(c) 
A minimum parcel size of two acres.
(3) 
Recreational vehicles set up for occupancy shall be at least 10 feet from each other and any structures on the property. Whether or not intended for occupancy, they shall be at least 10 feet from all structures not on the same property.
(4) 
Recreational vehicle parks may provide storage area for boats, recreational vehicles, and other large items.
(5) 
A 30-foot landscaped buffer area or screening composed of suitable native vegetation shall be placed around all common storage areas and at all perimeters of any recreational vehicle park. The purpose of said buffer is to protect on a year-round basis the adjacent property or roadways from unsightliness, visual distraction, and/or noise impacts. The buffer area may be reduced where it can be demonstrated that alternative screening can adequately accomplish the purposes stated in this subsection. Perimeter buffers shall be supplemented by a fence or other device where trespass is a potential problem. No structures, development, or other activities shall occur within any buffer areas; provided, that trails that are at least five feet in width may be located within those buffer areas.
(6) 
There shall be landscaping developed consistent with WCC § 20.80.300 (Landscaping) within open areas of recreational vehicle parks not otherwise used for park purposes. Such open areas and landscaping shall be continually and properly maintained.
(7) 
Recreational vehicle parks shall keep 40 percent of the site free of buildings, structures, parking areas, and other impervious surfaces.
(8) 
On-site recreational amenities with at least one substantial facility serving the users of a park or identified area shall be provided. Such substantial facilities may include tennis courts, children's play areas with equipment, or a swimming pool. The type and size of facility shall be appropriate to the type and amount of clientele being served.
(9) 
Maximum length of stay in recreational vehicle parks shall not exceed 180 days for any one-year time period.
(10) 
Interior roads within recreational vehicle parks shall be private, unless the county engineer determines that the development of public roads is necessary.
(11) 
All recreational vehicle parks shall comply with Chapter 24.04 WCC (Recreational Vehicle Park and Subdivision Rules) regarding utility provision. Utility (wastewater, water, electricity) hook-ups shall be provided for each rentable or leasable space designated for park model trailers and type 1 THOWs. Spaces designated solely for self-contained recreational vehicles may use communal facilities.
(Ord. 2022-013 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)
(1) 
There are four types of home-based businesses: Type I, Type II, Type III, and Type IV, as distinguished below.
(2) 
Prohibited Uses. The following uses and activities are prohibited as home-based businesses: mortuaries and funeral homes; live commercial entertainment; postal services; shooting ranges; coffee roasters; semitruck storage; self-service storage facilities; automobile, truck, heavy equipment repair or auto body work and painting; cannabis production, processing, or retail sales; primary manufacture of petroleum products, rubber, plastics, chemicals, asbestos or metal products; or similar activities.
(3) 
Exemptions. The following uses and activities are not considered home-based businesses:
(a) 
Day care homes (regulated pursuant to Chapter 110-300 WAC).
(b) 
Type I and II agritourism activities (see WCC § 20.80.972).
(4) 
General Standards. All Type I, II, III, and IV home-based businesses shall be subject to the following requirements, which shall be regarded as cumulative regardless of the number of home-based businesses on the site:
(a) 
The use of the property for home-based businesses shall be clearly incidental to its use as a residence.
(b) 
The size and scale of the operation shall be compatible with the character of the surrounding neighborhood, and any impacts may not exceed the intensity to those generated by other uses allowed in the zone.
(c) 
There shall be no change in the outside appearance of the building(s) or premises or other visible evidence of a home-based business inconsistent with the character of the dwelling or neighborhood.
(d) 
The home-based business may be conducted within any legal principal or accessory dwelling unit or structure. Home-based businesses may be conducted by residents of a principal dwelling unit and/or an accessory dwelling unit. The presence of one home occupation does not preclude a resident of another legally established dwelling unit on the property from also conducting a home occupation.
(e) 
Any need for parking generated by the conduct of such home-based businesses shall generally comply with the off-street parking requirements of WCC § 20.80.500. In addition, parking shall be provided for nonresident employees. Parking of vehicles associated with the home-based business is permitted anywhere that parking is permitted on the lot.
(f) 
The home-based business shall be conducted so that noise, fumes, odor, smoke, dust, light, glare, vibration, electrical interference, and other similar impacts are not detectable by sensory perception at or beyond the property line of the lot where the home occupation is located.
(g) 
On-site sales in connection with home-based businesses are limited to merchandise handcrafted on site or items accessory to a service (i.e., hair care products for a beauty salon). In no case shall home-based businesses consist only of on-site retail sales. Telephone, mail order catalog, e-commerce, or other electronic commerce sales are allowed if merchandise is delivered (i.e., not picked up by the buyer on site).
(h) 
Commercial deliveries and pickups to the dwelling unit are limited to one per day, Monday through Friday. No commercial deliveries or pickups are permitted on Saturday, Sunday or federal holidays.
(i) 
Home-based businesses engaged in manufacturing shall be limited to the manufacture and assembly of finished products and shall not include the primary manufacture of petroleum products, rubber, plastics, chemicals, asbestos products, or primary metal industries.
(j) 
The portion of the structure(s) housing the home-based business shall comply with applicable life/safety regulations.
(k) 
Signage for home-based businesses shall comply with WCC § 20.80.470(8).
(l) 
Seasonal employees working less than 21 days per year will not be counted as employees if they are engaged in work directly related to agriculture or forestry.
(5) 
Type I Home-Based Businesses. In addition to the requirements of subsection (4) of this section, Type I home-based businesses shall be subject to the following requirements:
(a) 
No more than two people at any one time, other than household members residing on the premises, shall be engaged in the businesses.
(b) 
Customers/clients are prohibited on the premises prior to 7:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m. unless an exception is specifically granted by the director.
(c) 
Type I home-based businesses shall not exceed a total of 500 square feet of building floor area in the EI, UR, URM, and UR-MX Districts, or 1,250 square feet in the other districts where allowed, whether located in the primary dwelling, accessory structure(s), or combination thereof.
(d) 
The maximum nameplate horsepower rating of the electrical motors of any single piece of machinery operating shall be five horsepower. The electrical service shall not exceed 200 amps.
(e) 
One business-related vehicle up to 18,000 pounds gross vehicle weight is allowed for use on site.
(f) 
There shall be no outside display or storage of materials, merchandise, or equipment.
(g) 
Clients are limited to one at any one time, not to exceed five clients per day.
(h) 
The number of trips related to the business shall not exceed five per day.
(6) 
Type II Home-Based Businesses. In addition to the requirements of subsection (4) of this section, Type II home-based businesses shall be subject to the following requirements:
(a) 
The parcel size shall not be less than one acre.
(b) 
No more than two people at any one time, other than household members residing on the premises, shall be engaged in the businesses.
(c) 
Customers/clients are prohibited on the premises prior to 7:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m. unless an exception is specifically granted by the director.
(d) 
Type II home-based businesses shall not exceed a total of 500 square feet of building floor area in the EI, UR, URM, and UR-MX Districts, or 1,750 square feet in the other districts where allowed, whether located in the primary dwelling, accessory structure(s), or combination thereof.
(e) 
If materials are to be stored outdoors, adequate landscaping, screening, or other screening devices shall be required so the material will not be visible from surrounding uses or roads.
(f) 
Two business-related vehicles up to 18,000 pounds gross vehicle weight are allowed for use on site.
(g) 
Clients are limited to one at any one time, not to exceed 10 clients per day.
(h) 
The number of trips related to the business shall not exceed 10 per day.
(7) 
Type III Home-Based Businesses. In addition to the requirements of subsection (4) of this section, Type III home-based businesses shall be subject to the following requirements:
(a) 
No more than four people at any one time, other than household members residing on the premises, shall be engaged in the businesses.
(b) 
Customers/clients are prohibited on the premises prior to 7:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m. unless an exception is specifically granted by the director.
(c) 
Type III home-based businesses shall not exceed a total of 2,500 square feet of building floor area whether located in the primary dwelling, accessory structure(s), or combination thereof.
(d) 
The parcel size shall not be less than five acres.
(e) 
If materials are to be stored outdoors, adequate landscaping, screening, or other screening devices shall be required so the material will not be visible from surrounding uses or roads.
(f) 
Three business-related vehicles up to 18,000 pounds gross vehicle weight are allowed and one vehicle in excess of 18,000 pounds gross vehicle weight is allowed for use on site.
(g) 
Clients are limited to one at any one time, not to exceed 20 clients per day.
(h) 
The number of trips related to the business shall not exceed 20 per day.
(8) 
Type IV Home-Based Businesses (or Event Facilities). Properties commercially used for hosting social events such as wedding receptions, seminars, private parties, or similar activities are considered Type IV home-based businesses. In addition to the requirements of subsection (4) of this section, Type IV home-based businesses shall be subject to the following:
(a) 
The parcel size shall not be less than 10 acres, though said "parcel" may be comprised of contiguous smaller parcels. These parcels must have common ownership, be leased, or be licensed to the applicant. However, if the total parcel(s) size drops so that a minimum of 10 contiguous acres no longer exists, then the permit issued for the Type IV home-based business shall become null and void.
(b) 
The use shall be limited to a maximum of 36 events per year.
(c) 
A maximum of 300 guests per day shall be permitted for any one event. The trip limits and restriction on the number of clients for Type I through III home-based businesses shall not apply to this use.
(d) 
Amplified music for events shall comply with the Class A Residential Source to Residential Receiving Property Standards of WAC 173-60-040. Amplified music is only permitted between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Amplified music may be permitted outside of these hours if requested; however, a noise study may be required.
(e) 
Events are prohibited before 9:00 a.m. and after 11:00 p.m.
(f) 
The operator shall be present during all events.
(g) 
Parking shall generally conform to the requirements of WCC § 20.80.500. Off-site parking may be permitted if an off-site parking and shuttle plan is approved.
(h) 
Minimum buffering shall be required as established in WCC § 20.80.345; provided, that minimum side and rear yard buffers are at least 50 feet. Existing vegetation may be used as buffers. Buffer widths can be decreased from 50 feet if the objectives of this section can be accomplished through additional vegetative screening.
(i) 
If access to the event facility is from a private, shared driveway/road, the applicant shall submit letters from all owners in interest stating that they approve of the use of the road for this purpose.
(j) 
A parking and traffic control plan shall be submitted for approval.
(k) 
Applicants shall submit plans describing how adequate sanitation and potable water facilities will be provided.
(Ord. 2025-020 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)
(1) 
Classifications.
(a) 
Type I agritourism activities are those that are:
(i) 
Primarily outdoors; and
(ii) 
Have no more than:
(A) 
Five hundred square feet of building space used for the activity in the Rural or Rural Forestry Districts; or
(B) 
Two thousand square feet of building space used solely for the activity, or within a building of any size that has the dual use of other agricultural activity, in the Agriculture District.
(b) 
Type II agritourism activities are those that exceed the Type I thresholds.
(i) 
Activities such as farm festivals, barn parties, and camping may be considered Type II agritourism activities only if limited to eight weekends per year; otherwise, they are considered and regulated as a Type IV home-based business (see WCC § 20.80.970).
(2) 
General Standards. All Type I and II agritourism activities shall be subject to the following requirements:
(a) 
Adequate facilities shall be provided, if necessary, for parking, traffic control, sanitation, potable water, and public health and safety.
(b) 
If the activity includes retail sales, only agricultural or forestry products produced on the subject property may be sold.
(c) 
No traffic shall be generated by such cottage industry in greater volume than would normally be expected in the applicable zoning district and appropriate for the road classification which serves the property.
(Ord. 2025-020 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)