Chapter 20.42 RURAL FORESTRY (RF) DISTRICT

The primary purpose of this district is to implement the forestry designation of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan, established pursuant to RCW 36.70A.170, by providing the opportunity for nonindustrial landowners to manage their land for long-term productivity and sustained use of forest resources. In addition, the district encourages the management of land for wildlife, aesthetics, and other noncommodity values. It also provides for uses that are compatible with these activities, while maintaining water quality and soil productivity. Lummi Island Scenic Estates shall be administered under the RR-I zone district regulations. A secondary purpose of this district is to serve as a holding district within the urban growth area Comprehensive Plan designations to allow forestry uses in the near term while protecting the area from suburban sprawl and preserving the potential for future urban development. (Ord. 2009-071 § 2 (Exh. B), 2009; Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2005-079 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2003-029 § 1 (Att. A § 6), 2003; Ord. 98-083 Exh. A § 66, 1998; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 91-023, 1991; Ord. 87-12, 1987; Ord. 87-11, 1987; Ord. 86-42, 1986).

20.42.050 Permitted uses.

Unless otherwise provided herein, permitted, accessory, and conditional uses shall be administered pursuant to the applicable provisions of Chapters 16.08 WCC (SEPA), 20.80 WCC (Supplementary Requirements), and 22.05 WCC (Project Permit Procedures), and WCC Titles 21 (Land Division Regulations) and 23 (Shoreline Management Program).

.051 The cultivation, harvest, and production of forest products or any forest crop, in accordance with the Forest Practices Act of 1974 and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto; and the cultivation, harvest and production of ferns, moss, boughs, bark, berries, nuts, tree fruits, tree seeds, nursery stock, and Christmas trees.

.052 Agriculture, floriculture, horticulture, beekeeping; raising, keeping and feeding of domestic animals, poultry and livestock; and structures accessory to animal husbandry.

.053 Operation of sawmills, chippers, shake and shingle mills, scaling stations; log dumps, sorting and storage areas; forest industry equipment maintenance buildings and storage yards, and forest industry residue dumps and other uses involved in the harvesting and primary processing of timber; provided, that all such uses within 1,000 feet of any existing Residential or Commercial Zone District as well as the Recreation and Open Space (ROS) District, or park, or recreation area shall be temporary and of less than 12 months’ duration.

(1) The intent of processing is initial reduction in bulk and/or to facilitate transport to secondary processing centers; and

(2) All uses within 1,000 feet of a park, recreation area or zone district other than Rural, Agriculture or Industrial shall be temporary and of less than 12 months’ duration.

.054 The management and propagation of fish and wildlife.

.055 Watershed management practices including erosion control measures, drainage control structures, vegetation management to improve runoff characteristics, weather stations, stream gauging stations, or watershed research facilities.

.056 One single-family dwelling per legal lot of record.

.057 Deleted by Ord. 2001-012.

.058 Surface mining, rock crushing, washing and sorting subject to the Forest Practices Act (Chapter 76.09 RCW); provided, that a conditional use permit is required for accessory rock crushing activities located within 2,000 feet from a rural or residential district.

.059 Repealed by Ord. 2000-006.

.060 Living quarters for trail crews, fire crews, nursery crews, logging crews, maintenance crews and watchmen.

.061 Hydroelectric power generation facilities using only diversion structures creating impoundments less than three acres, and cogeneration facilities; provided, that the power shall be to serve and will be associated with a permitted or conditional use situated in the Forestry Zone District.

.062 Storage of explosives operated in compliance with Chapter 70.74 RCW.

.063 Trails, trailheads, restroom facilities and associated parking areas for no more than 30 vehicles.

.064 Temporary dwelling units which have full living accommodations including sleeping, self-contained cooking, bathing, and toilet facilities where the plumbing is connected to permanent site sewage and water systems, including those travel trailers and recreational vehicles that meet the above description, for use by owners during the period of construction of a permanent dwelling while building permit is valid, not to exceed two years.

.065 Private, noncommercial, recreation occupancy of a recreational vehicle; provided, that the following minimum requirements and standards are met and/or followed:

(1) Maximum length of stay of any recreational vehicle on a lot shall not exceed a total of 120 days per calendar year; provided, that no accessory guest RV shall remain on the subject lot for more than 14 consecutive days nor more than 30 days total per calendar year.

(2) One recreational vehicle and one accessory guest RV per lot shall be allowed. If such lot is greater than five nominal acres, one additional guest RV may be allowed per each additional two acres of the subject lot. The total number of recreational vehicles on a single lot at one time shall not exceed five.

(3) In the case of a special event or occasion:

(a) Any proponent of a temporary special event which requires a total allowable number of RVs that exceeds the standard maximum allowed shall file an affidavit with the department of planning and development services which specifies the nature of the special event, location, specified days of the proposed use and the sanitation and wastewater disposal facilities proposed for the event.

(b) The duration of the temporary special event shall include the days the use is being set up and established as well as when the event actually takes place.

(c) A parcel shall host no more than three temporary special events within a calendar year; provided, that the time periods specified in subsection (1) of this section are not exceeded.

(4) All recreational vehicles that remain on the site for more than 14 consecutive days shall be connected to a permitted on-site sewage system or public sewer or shall provide documentation that wastewater was removed by a licensed sanitary disposal service.

(5) All recreational vehicles shall be screened from neighboring properties not using RVs and from public roads. Such screening may consist of landscaped buffer areas, suitable native vegetation or a fence.

(6) Lots shall not be leased or rented out on a daily or overnight basis for recreational use.

(7) The locations of parked RVs on vacant lots shall observe normal building setback standards for a single-family residence.

(8) All recreational vehicles shall be supported by their own wheels or camper jacks, and not be fastened to accessory structures. Placement of a recreational vehicle on a foundation or removal of the wheels of a recreational vehicle, except for temporary purposes for repair, is prohibited.

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

.067 Light industrial manufacturing uses that were legal under concomitant agreement filed under Auditor File No. 940107190 (as revised under Auditor File No. ____) prior to the effective adoption date of the county’s Comprehensive Plan, May 20, 1997, will be considered permitted uses. Expansion will be allowed as a permitted use but will be limited to the land area zoned Light Impact Industrial on May 20, 1997, and must comply with applicable conditions and with the requirements of the Light Impact Industrial Zone where there is conflict with the requirements of the Rural Forestry Zone.

.068 One one-story detached accessory storage building per lot; provided, that the floor area shall not exceed 200 square feet and shall only be used for personal storage and not for habitation or business; and provided further, that the storage building shall contain no indoor plumbing but may be served with electrical power for lighting.

.069 Public forest preserves, wildlife reserves, natural systems education, and/or interpretive areas.

.070 Repealed by Ord. 2022-011.

.088 Adult family homes as defined in Chapter 70.128 RCW.

.089 Boarding homes that are similar in size, facilities and occupancy to other residential structures permitted in the zoning district.

.090 Mental health facilities that provide residential treatment and are similar in size, facilities and occupancy to other residential structures permitted in the zoning district.

.091 Substance abuse facilities that provide residential treatment and are similar in size, facilities and occupancy to other residential structures permitted in the zoning district. (Ord. 2022-011 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2017-038 § 1 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 2015-016 Exh. A, 2015; Ord. 2015-006 Exh. A, 2015; Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2005-079 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2004-026 § 1, 2004; Ord. 2004-014 § 2, 2004; Ord. 2001-012 § 1, 2001; Ord. 2000-040 § 1, 2000; Ord. 2000-006 § 9, 2000; Ord. 99-062, 1999; Ord. 98-078 Exh. A, 1998; Ord. 97-069, 1997; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 92-079, 1992; Ord. 88-29, 1988; Ord. 87-23, 1987; Ord. 86-42, 1986).

20.42.100 Accessory uses.

.101 Utilization of sewage sludge on land when regulated by a utilization permit issued by the Bellingham-Whatcom County district department of public health in accordance with WAC 173-304-300. This would apply to any land owned or leased by the same operator. Utilization of sludge in the Lake Whatcom watershed is not allowed.

.102 Uses incidental to the primary permitted uses.

.103 (1) The usual wholesale marketing activities associated with the agricultural, aquacultural, forestry, and mineral resource uses permitted in this district.

(2) Retail marketing, by the operator, of Whatcom County products which originate from the permitted uses stated in WCC 20.42.050; provided:

(a) Only one stand containing not more than 500 square feet of floor area shall be permitted;

(b) Such stand shall be subject to the setback requirements of WCC 20.80.200; and

(c) Such stand shall be provided with a sufficient area to permit at least five automobiles to park safely off the road right-of-way and to re-enter the traffic in a forward direction.

.104 On-site treatment and storage facilities for hazardous wastes associated with outright permitted uses or approved conditional uses subject to the most current siting criteria under Chapter 173-303 WAC. On-site treatment and storage facilities for hazardous wastes are not allowed in the Lake Whatcom watershed.

.105 Home occupations pursuant to WCC 20.80.970.

.106 Vacation rental units. (Ord. 2023-041 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 2022-011 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2017-038 § 1 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 2016-011 § 1 (Exh. D), 2016; Ord. 2015-006 Exh. A, 2015; Ord. 2010-030 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2003-029 § 1 (Att. A § 13), 2003; Ord. 96-056 Att. A § J1, 1996; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 91-023, 1991; Ord. 89-10, 1989; Ord. 88-29, 1988; Ord. 87-84, 1987).

20.42.130 Administrative approval uses.

The following uses are permitted subject to administrative approval pursuant to WCC 22.05.028:

.131 A temporary second dwelling unit of no more than 1,248 square feet in floor area, in the form of a manufactured home, a fully serviced travel trailer, park model trailer, or motor home, to provide:

(1) A temporary dwelling space for family members who, due to professionally documented physical or mental disorders, or risks of such disorders, require supervision and care where such care is provided by members of the family who reside on the property; or

(2) A temporary dwelling space for a person providing care for the resident owner of the subject property when said owner needs supervision and care as described in subsection (1) of this section.

Approval Requirements:

Administrative approval for temporary second dwelling units shall be approved if it is determined that the proposal meets the following requirements:

(1) Temporary second dwelling units shall only be permitted on fully serviced parcels on which the applicant can meet setback, ingress, egress, height restrictions, and lot coverage requirements.

(2) The size of the temporary dwelling shall be appropriate to the use and size of the parcel and shall be limited so as to comply with the standards set forth in subsection (1) of this section.

(3) The temporary home shall be connected to an approved water supply and adequate capacity sewage disposal system approved by the Whatcom County health department.

(4) When care is no longer necessary, the temporary home shall be removed within 60 days.

(5) The permit shall be valid for one year. The permit may be extended on a yearly basis; provided, that an affidavit is furnished by the permittee affirming that the circumstances allowing the original permit remain in effect.

(6) A covenant shall be filed that restricts sale of the property while the temporary dwelling is in place.

(7) The use will not be hazardous or disturbing to existing or future neighboring uses.

(8) Evidence of adequate off-street parking space shall be provided.

(9) There shall be no occupancy of the temporary dwelling outside the conditions under which the temporary dwelling is permitted pursuant to this section.

(10) All mobile homes must demonstrate compliance with minimum HUD Fire Safety Standards and compliance with the current Washington Administrative Code (WAC).

Penalties: False statements on supporting documentation submitted with the application or failure to comply with any of the approval requirements may be cause for revocation of the permit and prosecution.

.132 Accessory dwelling units, when consistent with WCC 20.80.910.

.133 Repealed by Ord. 2015-016.

.135 Cottage industries employing no more than two people on site, other than family members residing on the premises; provided, that in addition to the criteria found in WCC 22.05.026 and 20.80.980:

(1) The zoning administrator, at his or her discretion, may place limitations on the square footage in an existing or new structure used for a cottage industry and construction of new buildings to house said activity shall not, in any case, exceed 2,500 square feet of total floor area. The total land area used for buildings and outside storage or other uses related to the cottage industry shall not exceed 10,000 square feet or 25 percent of the site, whichever is less.

(2) The parcel size shall not be less than one acre.

(3) In the event materials will be stored outdoors, the zoning administrator shall require adequate landscaping, screening, or other devices in order that the material will not be visible by surrounding uses or roads.

(4) One nonilluminated sign, not to exceed 16 square feet in size, mounted on the property, is permitted. A larger sign up to 32 square feet may be approved by the hearing examiner as a conditional use.

(5) 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.

.136 Forestry related/wood based cottage industries which employ no more than 10 onsite people other than family members residing on the premises, including primary or low intensity secondary processing of timber not permitted in WCC 20.42.053, including fabrication of furniture and fixtures, partitions, shelves and lockers, manufacture, processing, treatment and fabrication of lumber, millwork, miscellaneous wood products, and other wooden building and roofing materials, excluding pulp, paper or plywood mills, conducted in structure(s) other than the dwelling unit; provided, that:

(1) The administrator, at his discretion, in consideration of the surrounding development patterns, property uses and size of the lot on which the proposed cottage industry is locating, may place limitations on the square footage used in an existing or new structure used for a cottage industry. The construction of new buildings to house said activity shall not, in any case, exceed 4,000 square feet of total floor area.

(2) The parcel must access from a collector arterial or higher standard street (this could include shared access).

(3) Minimum parcel size is one acre. Minimum lot size is five acres for buildings which exceed 2,500 square feet of total floor area and/or are constructed of materials which are not of similar materials or scale to a single-family residence.

(4) Minimum open space requirement is 40 percent. Adequate buffering is required for both visual screening and noise reduction and must comply with WCC 20.80.345. The administrator may modify the required buffer widths, either reduction or enlargement, on a site-specific basis. A finding regarding the rationale for such modification will be entered into the record. Site development should maintain the existing natural vegetation to the greatest extent possible.

(5) All work is conducted within a building, except that uses which are complementary to the Rural Forestry District and which are determined to be harmonious with adjacent parcels may be allowed outdoors.

(6) In the event materials will be stored outdoors, the administrator may require adequate landscaping, screening or other devices in order that the material will not be visible by surrounding uses or roads.

(7) For parcels visible from a state scenic highway, the administrator shall, at his discretion, require additional measures or restrictions to protect scenic vistas.

(8) The operation of the business must comply with county/state noise, air quality and all other applicable regulations.

(9) There is no polluting or hazardous industrial discharge to a public sewer or septic system.

(10) One nonilluminated freestanding sign, visible from the road, and not exceeding six feet in height, may be permitted. One additional nonilluminated sign may be attached to the building for a maximum total signage of 16 square feet. No portion of any sign shall extend above the lowest portion of the roof.

(11) Not more than 10 nonfamily members not residing on the premises can be employed on site.

(12) An application packet shall be submitted on forms provided by the county and must provide a site plan, drawn to scale, which shows the location of existing and proposed structures, includes dimensions of new and proposed structures to property lines, distance to adjacent structures, uses of adjacent parcels, existing vegetative cover and proposed modifications to vegetative cover of proposed site, location of permanent buffers and proposed plant materials for the permanent buffer, including species, sizes and spacing. (Ord. 2023-018 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 2019-013 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 2016-011 § 1 (Exh. D), 2016; Ord. 2015-016 Exh. A, 2015; Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2010-016 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2006-061 § 1 (Att. A)(7), 2006; Ord. 2005-079 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2001-012 § 1, 2001; Ord. 98-078 Exh. A, 1998; Ord. 98-018 § 1, 1998; Ord. 97-069, 1997).

20.42.150 Conditional uses.

The conditional uses listed herein shall be administered pursuant to the applicable provisions of Chapters 16.08 WCC (SEPA), 20.80 WCC (Supplementary Requirements) and 22.05 WCC (Project Permit Procedures), and WCC Titles 21 (Land Division Regulations) and 23 (Shoreline Management Program).

.151 Construction and operation of water diversion structures, impoundment dams and hydroelectric generating facilities not permitted under WCC 20.42.061.

.152 Bed and breakfast establishments.

.153 Surface mining, rock crushing, and accessory washing and sorting, subject to the conditions in WCC 20.36.159.

.154 Operation of indoor or outdoor parks and recreation facilities including camps, community centers, campgrounds, activity centers, marinas, riding academies, developed trailheads with more than 30 parking spaces and off-road vehicle parks; provided, that in the Lake Whatcom watershed riding academies, marinas, recreational vehicle and offroad vehicle parks are not allowed.

.155 The operation of facilities intended to provide education related to forestry, natural resource and wildlife and the purpose of this district, including but not limited to demonstration forests and conservation laboratories, educational meeting facilities and related uses including rental cabins or other lodging structures, cooking and dining facilities, retail sales or meeting supplies and gifts, in the Foothills subarea, South Fork Valley, the Newhalem exclave, the Baker Lake exclave, and the Nooksack Falls exclave, provided the following standards are met:

(1) Density shall not exceed one sleeping unit per one gross acre or a maximum for 50 beds for the entire development.

(2) Each cabin shall have a maximum of three sleeping units.

(3) Must be located with vehicular access fronting on paved county roads or private roads improved to county standards.

(4) Front yard setback shall be 75 feet, with 100-foot side and rear yard setbacks to adjacent properties.

(5) Lot coverage for all facilities, including the rental cabins, shall not exceed 20 percent, clustered on no more than 50 percent of the property.

.156 Aircraft landing areas when solely for personal (aircraft based at those landing areas are owned or controlled by the landowner or tenant and subject to any limitations deemed necessary by the hearing examiner) or forest management uses; provided the centerline of any such landing area shall not be located within 500 feet of any zone boundary other than a Commercial Forestry Zone, property line, building, or structure; except that a legal affidavit from adjacent property owner(s) allowing all, or a portion, of that 500 feet as a recorded easement on their property, presented as part of a conditional use permit application, shall be acceptable. The surface of any such landing area shall be grass or sod and not longer than 2,500 feet. It shall be unlighted and for daytime use only.

Handling and storage of fuel and bulk chemicals associated with forest management on or near the landing area, and fuels and lubricants associated with the operation of personal use aircraft, will be stored and handled in accordance with pertinent state and county codes. Notification of conditional use permit application hearing shall go, by first class mail, to residents within 1,000 feet from any point on a proposed aircraft landing area; the applicant shall pay the cost of such mailings.

.157 Fur farms and kennels.

.158 Major utility and communication facilities.

.159 Primary or low intensity, secondary processing facilities of timber not permitted in WCC 20.42.053, including fabrication of furniture and fixtures, partitions, shelves and lockers, manufacture, processing, treatment and fabrication of lumber, millwork, miscellaneous wood products, and other wooden building, roofing and construction materials and building material yards, if screened by a fence and/or vegetation as specified in WCC 20.80.355; excluding pulp or paper mills. The conditional use provisions are applicable for proposals which include structures that exceed 4,000 square feet and employ more than 10 nonfamily members.

.162 Asphalt and concrete batch plants, when within an MRL Special District.

.163 Repealed by Ord. 2023-018.

.164 Cottage industries per the criteria in WCC 20.80.980, excluding those allowed in WCC 20.42.135, and which employ not more than four people outside the family conducted in structure(s) other than the dwelling unit. Such activities will comply with all other provisions of WCC 20.36.161(1) through (5).

.165 Public facilities for emergency-related health and safety purposes, such as firehalls and Washington State Department of Transportation satellite road safety facilities.

.166 Shooting ranges.

.185 Type I solid waste handling facilities.

.186 Type II solid waste handling facilities.

.187 Mitigation banks as a form of compensatory mitigation for wetland and habitat conservation area impacts when permitted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 16.16 WCC; provided, applications for mitigation banks shall be processed as a major development project pursuant to Chapter 20.88 WCC.

.197 Surface mining subject to Washington State’s Surface Mining Act (Chapter 78.44 RCW), and accessory washing, sorting, and rock crushing, when within a Mineral Resource Land Special District subject to the requirements of Chapter 20.73 WCC and all other applicable regulations. (Ord. 2023-018 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 2022-014 Exh. B, 2022; Ord. 2022-012 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2016-011 § 1 (Exh. D), 2016; Ord. 2015-016 Exh. A, 2015; Ord. 2013-057 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2009-033 § 1 (Att. A), 2009; Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2005-068 § 2, 2005; Ord. 2004-041 § 1, 2004; Ord. 2004-026 § 1, 2004; Ord. 2004-014 § 2, 2004; Ord. 2001-012 § 1, 2001; Ord. 2000-064 § 1, 2000; Ord. 99-031, 1999; Res. 99-010 Exh. A, 1999; Ord. 98-078 Exh. A, 1998; Ord. 97-069, 1997; Ord. 96-056 Att. A §§ J2, J3, 1996; Ord. 93-076, 1993; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 92-079, 1992; Ord. 91-013, 1991; Ord. 88-29, 1988; Ord. 86-42, 1986).

20.42.200 Prohibited uses.

All uses not listed as permitted, accessory, administrative approval, or conditional uses are prohibited, including but not limited to the following, which are listed here for purposes of clarity:

.201 Reserved.

.202 Adult businesses.

.203 Aerial application of chemicals, including but not limited to pesticides and insecticides, previously regulated by the DNR as Class I, II, III or IV-Special forest practices, when located within an urban growth area.

.204 Slash burning, when located within an urban growth area. (Ord. 2022-035 Exh. A, 2022; Ord. 2016-011 § 1 (Exh. L), 2016; Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 99-070 § 2, 1999; Ord. 92-094, 1992).

20.42.250 Minimum lot size and width.

20.42.251 Minimum lot size.

(1) For the purpose of creating new residential building lots within the Forestry District, one land use density is provided. The minimum lot size requirements for new residential construction shall be 20 nominal acres or 1/32 of a section.

(2) Divisions of land for nonresidential purposes shall have a minimum lot size of 20 acres. (Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 96-056 Att. A § J4, 1996; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 86-42, 1986).

20.42.252 Maximum density and minimum lot size.

Gross Density	Minimum Lot Size – Conventional
1 dwelling unit/20 acres	20 acres

(Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 92-096, 1992; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 86-42, 1986).

20.42.253 Minimum lot width and depth.

Width at Street Line – Conventional	Minimum Mean Depth
535'	100'

Width at Building Line – Conventional	Minimum Mean Depth
270'	100'

(Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 92-096, 1992; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 86-42, 1986).

20.42.300 Lot clustering and reserve tract.

Deleted by Ord. 2008-018. (Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008).

20.42.310 Lot clustering.

Deleted by Ord. 2008-018. (Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2006-045, 2006; Ord. 2000-056 § 2, 2000; Ord. 92-096, 1992; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 86-42, 1986).

20.42.315 Exempt cluster tract.

Repealed by Ords. 2005-079 and 2008-018. (Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 98-083 Exh. A § 66, 1998; Ord. 92-096, 1992).

20.42.320 Reserve tract.

Deleted by Ord. 2008-018. (Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 92-096, 1992; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 86-42, 1986).

20.42.330 Planned unit development.

Deleted by Ord. 96-056. (Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 86-42, 1986).

20.42.350 Building setbacks.

Building setbacks shall be administered pursuant to WCC 20.80.200 (Setback requirements). Building setbacks for parcels of less than five nominal acres shall be administered pursuant to WCC 20.80.256(4). (Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2003-029 § 1 (Att. A § 2), 2003; Ord. 99-0080, 1999; Ord. 99-0058; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 86-42, 1986).

20.42.400 Height limitations.

No residential structures or buildings accessory thereto with the exception of barns and silos shall exceed a height of 35 feet. (Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 92-094, 1992).

20.42.450 Lot coverage.

No structure or combination of structures, except for forest production structures, shall occupy or cover more than 5,000 square feet or 20 percent, whichever is greater, of the total lot area, not to exceed 25,000 square feet. (Ord. 2022-012 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 86-42, 1986).

20.42.455 Forestland retention.

No more than 20 percent of a lot’s area shall be permanently altered or removed from the production of forest products, unless authorized by a variance (WCC 22.05.024) or as a planned unit development (Chapter 20.85 WCC), in which case no more than 35 percent of the lot’s area shall be permanently altered or removed from the production of forest products. (Ord. 2022-012 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022).

20.42.550 Reforestation area.

Upon completion of forest harvest operations, the highest priority for reforestation shall be given to that land within 100 feet of another zone district. Reforestation shall utilize seedlings or whips and shall be consistent with the Forest Practices Act of 1974, as amended. (Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 86-42, 1986).

20.42.650 Development criteria.

(Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 96-056 Att. A § A1, 1996).

20.42.651 Plat language for proposed subdivisions.

When a proposed subdivision, binding site plan, short subdivision or exempt land division will be located adjacent to or across a right-of-way from an existing Forestry District, the developer and any subsequent purchasers or successors in interest shall agree to refrain from any legal action to restrain or collect damages from the owners of such adjacent properties, or from Whatcom County, arising out of any reasonable and lawful activity on said forestry lands which occurs in the normal course of their established use. The agreement shall appear as a covenant or deed restriction upon the plat, tract or instrument of conveyance and shall run with the land. (Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 99-058, 1999; Ord. 92-015, 1992; Ord. 87-12, 1987; Ord. 87-11, 1987).

20.42.652 Use of natural resources.

All discretionary project permits for land on or within one-half mile of the area designated as agriculture, rural, commercial forestry or rural forestry or within 500 feet of an area designated as mineral resource lands in the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan, or upon which farm operations are being conducted, shall be subject to the right to farm, right to practice forestry and mineral land disclosure policies contained in WCC Title 14, Use of Natural Resources. (Ord. 2022-012 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 98-083 Exh. A § 48, 1998; Ord. 96-056 Att. A § A2, 1996; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 92-015, 1992).

20.42.653 Landscaping.

Refer to WCC 20.80.300 for landscaping requirements. (Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 89-117, 1989).

20.42.654 Parking requirements.

Parking shall conform to the requirements of WCC 20.80.500. However, recreation vehicles and boat parking and storage shall be limited to side and rear yards. (Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 92-094, 1992).

20.42.655 Livestock regulations.

The keeping of livestock shall be administered pursuant to WCC 20.80.800 (Supplementary requirements). (Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 92-094, 1992).

20.42.656 Domestic water supplies.

Domestic water supply sources shall not be located within 100 feet of the property boundary or on an adjacent property without written consent of the adjacent property owner. (Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 92-094, 1992; Ord. 86-42, 1986).

20.42.657 Drainage.

All development activities are subject to the stormwater management provisions of WCC 20.80.630 through 20.80.635. No project permit shall be issued prior to meeting those requirements. (Ord. 2019-013 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 96-056 Att. A § A2, 1996; Ord. 94-022, 1994).

20.42.900 Conditional use permit criteria.

Repealed by Ord. 2022-012. (Ord. 2009-032 Exh. A, 2009; Ord. 2008-045 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 2008-018 Exh. A, 2008; Ord. 92-094, 1992).