Chapter 17.110
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
Sections:
17.110.030 Relationship to regional siting process.
17.110.040 Conditional use permit required.
17.110.060 Preclusion of essential public facilities.
17.110.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide a mechanism for the review, evaluation and permitting of essential public facilities in a manner consistent with the provisions of state law and in the best interests of the residents of Blaine. (Ord. 2628 § 2, 2006)
17.110.020 Location.
No essential public facility shall be located immediately across the street from, immediately across a parking lot from, immediately adjacent to the following pre-existing uses, as measured from the nearest property line of the essential public facility to the nearest property line of the pre-existing use:
A. Public playground, sports field, recreational center, community center, park, publicly dedicated trail.
B. Public or private school and its grounds, preschool to twelfth grade.
C. Places of worship, such as churches, mosques, temples and synagogues.
D. Secure community transition facilities. (Ord. 2628 § 2, 2006)
17.110.030 Relationship to regional siting process.
Before applying for a conditional use permit, the applicant for an essential public facility shall have complied with all applicable requirements for the siting of such a facility in accordance with state, regional and local laws and policies, including the Whatcom countywide planning policies for the siting of essential public facilities. (Ord. 2628 § 2, 2006)
17.110.040 Conditional use permit required.
Secure community transition facilities shall obtain conditional use permit approval prior to applying for building or occupancy permits. The conditional use permit shall be subject to the material and procedural requirements contained in Chapter 17.92 BMC and the essential facilities siting element of the comprehensive plan. Conditional use permits for secure community transition facilities may include operational or design-related conditions to address concerns related to ensuring adequate sex offender treatment, continued community safety and public education and outreach. (Ord. 2628 § 2, 2006)
17.110.050 Appeals.
Appeals of a final decision shall be submitted pursuant to BMC 17.06.180, Appeals. (Ord. 2673 § 2, 2007)
17.110.060 Preclusion of essential public facilities.
Nothing in this chapter shall preclude the siting of essential public facilities within the city of Blaine, if consistent with the Washington State Growth Management Act and other statutes and regulations applicable to the siting of essential public facilities. For the purposes of this chapter, preclusion occurs if the combined effects of these development regulations would make the siting of an essential public facility impossible or impracticable.
When reviewing an application for siting an essential public facility, the city will comply with the requirements of the Growth Management Act and the guidelines established in WAC 365-196-550(6). (Ord. 2883 § 1 (Att. A), 2016)