The city’s draft Shoreline Master Program (SMP) is now available for public review and comment, with Bellingham Planning Commission public hearings scheduled for April 27 and June 8, 2006. The April 27 public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Bellingham City Hall.
Shoreline management regulations are designed to protect shoreline ecology, provide public access to the shorelines, and preserve shorelines for appropriate uses. Bellingham’s shorelines include Bellingham Bay, Lake Whatcom, and Lake Padden, as well as Chuckanut, Whatcom and Squalicum Creeks and adjacent land within 200 feet of these water-bodies.
“The SMP works in conjunction with the City’s Critical Areas Ordinance to protect and improve shoreline and marine areas,” said city planner Steve Sundin. “For example, the draft regulations implement the critical area buffers along Whatcom Creek, and provide further requirements for restoring and enhancing areas adjacent to the creek.” The draft SMP also details a wide variety of low-impact development techniques for site development projects within shoreline areas.
The Bellingham Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on April 27 at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, with a follow-up public hearing and work session on June 8. The Bellingham City Council ultimately will review and take action on the program prior to submittal to the State Department of Ecology for final approval.
The public is invited to review the ** 2006 DRAFT SMP. Hard copies are also available at the Planning Department in City Hall, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225. Public comment can be sent via email to smpupdate@cob.org.
Posted: April 20, 2006
