County outlines fall review of proposed critical-areas updates

Whatcom County is updating its Critical Areas Ordinance, which sets development standards for wetlands, flood-prone land, aquifer recharge areas, habitat and other regulated areas.

In a September 11 explanation, the county said the process will consider updated science and changes to state and federal standards since the previous update in 2016.

The county’s tentative schedule includes a September 29 presentation to County Council, discussion at the September 30 county open house, and October presentations to the Planning Commission. Proposed hearing dates include November 12 at the Planning Commission and December 8 at County Council.

The county explicitly labels these dates tentative. Residents should check the project page linked in the official announcement before attending or submitting comments. These are updates under consideration, not a report that new rules have been adopted.