The City of Bellingham takes the protection of environmentally sensitive areas very seriously. In all of our Community Planning, the environment is a consideration. In addition to existing county, state and federal regulations, the documents below are key to Bellingham's local environmental regulations.
Shoreline Master Program: The Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) is currently conducting their final review of the City's updated Shoreline Master Program (SMP), which was adopted locally in December, 2009. They are following the procedural steps for approving local SMP's specified in WAC 173-26-120.
Critical Areas Ordinance: Rules that protect wetlands, streams and other sensitive environmental resources.
Silver Beach Ordinance (PDF): An ordinance that regulates development in the Lake Whatcom Watershed.
Stormwater Comprehensive Plan: Plan to manage stormwater in the various watersheds inside Bellingham.
Stormwater Management Program: How the City of Bellingham meets the requirements of its municipal stormwater permit.
Comprehensive Sewer Plan (PDF): Recognizing the importance of planning, developing, and financing sewer system facilities
2004 Environmental Impact Statement: Done as part of the update to the Comprehensive Plan, this document analyzed the potential impact of various methods (infill, sprawl, combination) for how Bellingham might accommodate projected growth over the next 20 years.
