<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1aerHI_1Guy5wqu00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1aerHI_1Guy5wqu00" width="1300" height="730" ></figure><h2>WHATCOM COUNTY SEEKS INPUT IN UPDATE TO CRITICAL AREAS ORDINANCE</h2><p>Whatcom County Planning and Development Services invites the community to participate in the 2026 update to the County’s Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO).</p><p>The Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), codified in Whatcom County Code Chapter 16.16, establishes land-use and development standards for properties in unincorporated Whatcom County that contain ecologically sensitive areas, known as critical areas. These include geologically hazardous areas, frequently flooded areas, critical aquifer recharge areas, wetlands, streams, ponds, and habitats for protected wildlife. View maps of critical areas in Whatcom County by clicking the link here.</p><p>The County is required to update these standards every 10 years and is seeking the public’s help with this process.</p><h2>Phases of the CAO Update</h2><h2>Phase 1: Required Updates</h2><ul><li>Items identified in the “<i>Best Available Science &amp; Gap Analysis Technical Memorandum</i>”, being prepared by Shannon &amp; Wilson, Inc., to address updated state standards and guidance, including the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife updated best available science and management recommendations for riparian ecosystems.</li><li>Minor amendments to improve clarity of language and correct any inaccuracies.</li></ul><h2>Phase 2: Additional Updates</h2><ul><li>Explore an In-Lieu Fee (ILF) Program as an option to offset unavoidable impacts to wetland buffers, as allowed under the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA).</li></ul><ul><li>Consider amendments to Article 8, the Conservation Program on Agricultural Lands, to simplify and clarify standards, including potential participation in Washington State’s Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP).</li></ul><ul><li>Ensure consistency with Whatcom County Title 23, the Shoreline Management Program, which incorporates the CAO by reference under WCC 23.05.050(A).</li></ul><ul><li>Ensure consistency with updated FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Whatcom County.</li></ul><ul><li>Explore climate-related development regulations consistent with Chapter 12 (Climate) of the updated Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and coordinate with the Washington State Department of Ecology’s pending updates to its Shoreline Master Program rulemaking.</li><li>Improve the critical areas permitting process by clarifying and streamlining requirements and exploring ways to make critical areas mapping data available online.</li></ul><ul><li>Address additional topics identified during Phase through community input and direction from Planning Commission and County Council.</li></ul><h2>How to Participate</h2><ul><li>The County will use community feedback to help guide this project. Participation opportunities include:</li></ul><ul><li>Town Hall meeting on December 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. You can join online or attend in person at Whatcom Planning and Development Services, 5280 Northwest Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226.</li><li>Attend a public event or community meeting to learn about proposed code changes and provide feedback.</li><li>Complete the public survey by November 13, 2026. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes.</li><li>Submit written comments to [email protected].</li></ul><p>The County’s project webpage includes background information, technical documents, proposed amendments, and the schedule of upcoming meetings.</p><p>Learn more at: whatcomcounty.us/2026CAO</p><p>Contact: Maddie Schacht, 360-778-5931</p></div></body>

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WHATCOM COUNTY SEEKS INPUT IN UPDATE TO CRITICAL AREAS ORDINANCE. Whatcom County Planning and Development Services invites the community to participate in the 2026 update to the County’s Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO). The Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), codified in Whatcom County Code Chapter 16.16, establishes land-use and development standards...

Whatcom County Seeks Input in CAO Update

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WHATCOM COUNTY SEEKS INPUT IN UPDATE TO CRITICAL AREAS ORDINANCE. Whatcom County Planning and Development Services invites the community to participate in 

Whatcom County Seeks Input in CAO Update

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