Whatcom County  
Council Special Committee of the Whole  
COUNTY COURTHOUSE  
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105  
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038  
(360) 778-5010  
Committee Minutes - Draft Minutes  
Tuesday, June 2, 2026  
1 PM  
Hybrid Meeting - Council Chambers  
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REVIEW - HYBRID MEETING - ADJOURNS BY 4:30  
P.M. (PARTICIPATE IN-PERSON, SEE REMOTE JOIN INSTRUCTIONS AT  
www.whatcomcounty.us/joinvirtualcouncil, OR CALL 360.778.5010); AGENDA  
REVISED 5.27.2026  
COUNCILMEMBERS  
Elizabeth Boyle  
Barry Buchanan  
Ben Elenbaas  
Kaylee Galloway  
Jessica Rienstra  
Jon Scanlon  
Mark Stremler  
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL  
Cathy Halka, AICP, CMC  
Call To Order  
Roll Call  
Council Vice Chair Jon Scanlon called the meeting to order at 1:08 p.m. in  
a hybrid meeting.  
7 -  
Present:  
Elizabeth Boyle, Barry Buchanan, Ben Elenbaas, Kaylee Galloway, Jessica  
Rienstra, Jon Scanlon, and Mark Stremler  
Announcements  
Public Comment (Comprehensive Plan)  
AB2026-422  
1.  
Public comments on all items related to the draft Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan  
The following people spoke:  
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Ryan Bowman  
Lisa Adam  
Charlie Brown  
Bill Craven  
Bill Geyer  
Josephine Bond  
Peter Condyles  
Perry Eskridge  
Hearing no one else, Scanlon closed public comment.  
This agenda item was RECEIVED.  
Committee Discussion  
AB2026-186  
1.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan Chapter 2, Land Use  
Scanlon introduced discussion of Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2.  
Rienstra moved to begin review of Chapter 2 using the Preliminary Council  
Draft dated 6.2.2026, which is the current version of the chapter with  
Planning Commission recommendations from January 2026 and additional  
edits proposed and motions passed by councilmembers as listed in the  
Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 6.2.2026.  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Out of Meeting: 1 - Galloway  
Scanlon turned discussion to Item 168 in the Chart of Proposed Council  
Changes for 6.2.2026, which adds Policy 2CC-19. He clarified that if there  
is no motion to amend, then Council will be preliminarily approving the text  
as is.  
Boyle asked for Councilmember Elenbaas to explain the goal of the  
amendment.  
Elenbaas stated that the amendment aims to provide greater permitting  
certainty.  
Stremler moved to approve Item 168.  
Kirsten Smith, Council Staff, clarified that councilmembers do not need to  
make motions to approve items, as they are considered part of the current  
working draft.  
Stremler withdrew his motion.  
Rienstra asked for clarification about permitting for modernization and  
reinvestment projects.  
Elenbaas stated that permits are required for these projects.  
Scanlon asked whether the policy would require anything be docketed.  
Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services (PDS) Director,  
stated that the policy just informs and affirms the code that Council already  
adopted with the 2021 Cherry Point amendments.  
Satpal Sidhu, County Executive, stated that there was a limit for conditional  
use permits if the project is more than $5 million.  
Personius stated that that provision is in the major project permit provision,  
which triggers an environmental impact statement (EIS). He said most  
safety and environmental improvements made by refineries are covered in  
the existing code. Expansion of capacity is what triggers a conditional use  
permit.  
Councilmembers continued to discuss Policy 2CC-19.  
Scanlon turned discussion to Item 169, which adds Policy 2CC-20. He  
asked whether the policy would change any current practices around storage  
tanks.  
Elenbaas provided information about the intent of Policy 2CC-20.  
Personius stated that this policy supports existing code requirements for  
storage tanks.  
Scanlon turned discussion to Item 170, which adds Policy 2CC-21.  
Elenbaas provided information about the intention of Policy 2CC-21.  
Sidhu stated that the point of capacity limitations is to not increase  
greenhouse gases or sulfur.  
Elenbaas stated that when you make diesel fuel out of fossil fuel feedstock,  
a certain size of reactor is required to remove impurities with a volume of  
catalyst, which is usually a precious metal. He said that it would appear that  
bio fuels are cleaner than fossil fuel; however, they are harder to hydro  
treat, and a larger reactor or heater might be required.  
Scanlon asked what would change if the policy is adopted.  
Personius stated that the item provides a policy rationale for current code,  
which is helpful in determining whether a permit meets the intent of the  
code.  
Scanlon turned discussion to Item 171, which adds a new policy to Chapter  
2.  
Elenbaas stated that the proposed amendment aims to provide a pathway for  
new types of renewable energy generation and storage projects where  
appropriate.  
Scanlon stated that the Public Utilities District (PUD) recommended  
changing "renewable" to "non-carbon resource."  
Elenbaas amended his proposal to include "non-carbon or renewable  
resource," so that the proposed policy reads:  
The County may adopt or amend land use designations, zoning  
classifications, development regulations, conditional use  
procedures, performance standards, or other implementing  
regulations to accommodate non-carbon or renewable resource  
energy generation, storage, transmission, and related infrastructure,  
including location-dependent energy resources where appropriate  
and consistent with environmental review, public safety, and  
resource protection goals.  
Scanlon asked where the policy should be placed.  
Personius suggested adding it to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5 Utilities.  
Elenbaas stated he wants the policy to be about county land use, which is  
why he initially thought it should fit into Chapter 2 Land Use.  
Personius stated that the policy could be placed in multiple chapters. He  
suggested Council provisionally approve the policy so that PDS staff can  
find the best place for it.  
Councilmembers continued to discuss placement of the proposed policy.  
Elenbaas moved to amend Item 171 (from the Chart of Proposed Council  
Changes for 6.2.2026) as presented and assign it a place in the  
Comprehensive Plan per PDS staff's recommendation, to be determined.  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Out of Meeting: 1 - Galloway  
Scanlon turned discussion to Item 172, which would add a new policy.  
Elenbaas amended the proposal so that it reads as follows:  
Non-carbon or renewable resource energy generation, storage,  
transmission, and supporting utility infrastructure may serve  
essential public functions and should not be categorically precluded  
from consideration within the County where impacts can be  
appropriately mitigated.  
Elenbaas moved to include Item 172 (from the Chart of Proposed Council  
Changes) as presented (on screen) to be placed pursuant to PDS staff's  
recommended placement, to be determined.  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Out of Meeting: 1 - Galloway  
Boyle stated that she has an amendment she would like to make, which  
aligns with amendments proposed by the business community. She asked  
when it should be considered.  
Scanlon stated that the business community submitted 151 potential  
amendments. He stated that Council will discuss the schedule later in the  
agenda, including potentially adding a new meeting date.  
Kiana Oos, Council Staff, stated that agenda items would be due Monday,  
June 8 in order for the public to have time to review them.  
Boyle suggested returning to the 151 proposed amendments if there is time  
leftover in today's meeting.  
Scanlon asked about holding the chapter open.  
Kirsten Smith, Council Staff, stated that they could vote to hold the chapter  
as amended open.  
Scanlon moved to hold Chapter 2 as amended open until the next meeting.  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
Councilmembers continued to discuss the schedule.  
Cathy Halka, Clerk of the Council, stated that Galloway confirmed that June  
16 would work for an additional Special Committee of the Whole meeting.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Out of Meeting: 1 - Galloway  
Halka asked for clarification about the date.  
Scanlon moved to reconsider the previous motion.  
Rienstra seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Out of Meeting: 1 - Galloway  
Scanlon moved to hold Chapter 2 as amended open until a future meeting.  
Rienstra seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Out of Meeting: 1 - Galloway  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.  
MOTION 1:  
Motion approved to begin review of Chapter 2 using the Preliminary Council Draft dated 6.2.2026, which is the  
current version of the chapter with Planning Commission recommendations from January 2026 and additional edits  
proposed and motions passed by councilmembers as listed in the Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 6.2.2026.  
MOTION 2:  
Motion approved to include Item 171 (from the Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 6.2.2026) as amended and  
assign it a place in the Comprehensive Plan per PDS staff's recommendation, to be determined.  
MOTION 3:  
Motion approved to include Item 172 (from the Chart of Proposed Council Changes) as presented to be placed  
pursuant to PDS staff's recommended placement, to be determined.  
MOTION 4:  
Motion approved to hold Chapter 2 as amended open until the next meeting.  
MOTION 5:  
Motion approved to reconsider the previous motion.  
MOTION 6:  
Motion approved to hold Chapter 2 as amended open until a future meeting.  
AB2026-217  
2.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan Chapter 5, Utilities  
Scanlon introduced discussion of Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5 Utilities.  
Boyle moved to begin review of Chapter 5 using the Preliminary Council  
Draft dated 6.2.2026, which is the current version of the chapter with  
Planning Commission recommendations from January 2026 and additional  
edits proposed and motions passed by councilmembers as listed in the  
Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 6.2.2026.  
Stremler seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Out of Meeting: 1 - Galloway  
Scanlon turned discussion to Items 31 through 34 in the Chart of Proposed  
Council Changes.  
Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services (PDS) Director,  
suggested adding the Items 171 and 172 from the Chart of Proposed  
Council Changes for Chapter 2 in Chapter 5 under Goal 5H. He stated that  
Council could also add Items 31 through 34 from the Chart of Proposed  
Council Changes for Chapter 5 under Goal 5H as Policies 5H-11 through  
5H-14.  
Elenbaas provided an overview of the policies’ intent.  
Satpal Sidhu, County Executive, asked a question about battery storage.  
Scanlon stated that there was a previously amended item in 5H-4, which  
encouraged support for low-carbon or renewable energy projects including  
anaerobic digesters, solar, battery energy storage systems, etc. He  
suggested incorporating "non-carbon or" after "renewable" in Policy 5H-11  
(Item 31) so that it reads:  
Support reliable, affordable, resilient, and environmentally  
responsible energy systems, including renewable, non-carbon or  
low-carbon, and emerging energy technologies, while ensuring  
appropriate protection of natural resources, treaty rights, cultural  
resources, public safety, and rural character.  
Elenbaas accepted the suggestion as a friendly amendment to the proposed  
policy.  
In Policy 5H-13 (Item 33), Scanlon suggested adding “non-carbon or”  
before “renewable energy sources” so that the policy reads as follows:  
Recognize that certain non-carbon or renewable energy resources,  
including geothermal resources, may be geographically constrained  
and may require case-specific siting considerations based on  
geology, thermal resource location, transmission availability,  
environmental constraints, and public safety considerations.  
Elenbaas accepted the suggestion as a friendly amendment to the proposed  
policy.  
In Policy 5H-14 (Item 34), Scanlon suggested adding “non-carbon,” so the  
policy reads as follows:  
The County should periodically evaluate and update development  
regulations, permitting procedures, definitions, and environmental  
review processes related to non-carbon, renewable, and emerging  
energy technologies to ensure regulations remain effective,  
scientifically informed, and consistent with state law, technological  
advances, and regional energy needs.  
Elenbaas accepted the suggestion as a friendly amendment to the proposed  
policy.  
Elenbaas moved to include Items 31-34 as presented on screen.  
Stremler seconded the motion.  
Councilmembers discussed the motion.  
Rienstra suggested changing "periodically evaluate" in Policy 5H-14 to  
"should evaluate."  
Scanlon stated that there are some periodic updates currently in place for  
other items, so this could be similar.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Out of Meeting: 1 - Galloway  
Personius stated that Council could consider putting Items 171 and 172  
from the Chart of Proposed Council Amendments for Chapter 2 in Chapter  
5 Goal 5H. He said it would be easy for people to find if all the related  
policies are located together.  
Scanlon asked if there would be differences in how the policy is applied  
depending on what chapter it is in.  
Personius said that there is no difference.  
Councilmembers continued to discuss placement of the items.  
Elenbaas moved to add Items 171 and 172 (from the Chapter 2 Chart of  
Proposed Council Changes for 6.2.2026) to Chapter 5 Utilities under Goal  
5H as Policy 5H-15 and Policy 5H-16.  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Councilmembers discussed whether there are any other proposed  
amendments to Chapter 5.  
Scanlon moved to request staff prepare Chapter 5 - Preliminary Council  
Draft as amended on June 2, 2026 for inclusion in a future agenda bill file  
for Council introduction and public hearing.  
Galloway seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.  
MOTION 1:  
Motion approved to begin review of Chapter 5 using the Preliminary Council Draft dated 6.2.2026, which is the  
current version of the chapter with Planning Commission recommendations from January 2026 and additional edits  
proposed and motions passed by councilmembers as listed in the Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 6.2.2026.  
MOTION 2:  
Motion approved to include Items 31-34 as presented on screen.  
MOTION 3:  
Motion approved to add Items 171 and 172 (from the Chapter 2 Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 6.2.2026)  
to Chapter 5 Utilities under Goal 5H as Policy 5H-15 and Policy 5H-16.  
MOTION 4:  
Motion approved to request staff prepare Chapter 5 - Preliminary Council Draft as amended on June 2, 2026 for  
inclusion in a future agenda bill file for Council introduction and public hearing.  
AB2026-250  
3.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan Chapter 8, Resource Lands  
Scanlon introduced discussion of Comprehensive Plan Chapter 8 Resource  
Lands.  
Boyle moved to begin review of Chapter 8 using the Preliminary Council  
Draft dated 6.2.2026, which is the current version of the chapter with  
Planning Commission recommendations from January 2026 and additional  
edits proposed and motions passed by councilmembers as listed in the  
Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 6.2.2026.  
Stremler seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Scanlon introduced discussion of Item 99 in the Chart of Proposed Council  
Changes for 6.2.2026, which adds a new policy.  
Elenbaas provided background on the purpose of the new policy, which he  
said would be to provide enabling language that provides guardrails for  
limited siting of renewable energy facilities. He amended the proposed  
policy to add “non-carbon or” so that the policy reads as follows:  
The County may consider limited siting of non-carbon or renewable  
energy facilities…  
Elenbaas asked for clarification about the potential impacts of the policy.  
Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services (PDS) Director,  
stated that the policy gives some flexibility and discretion for how staff  
could craft those regulations.  
Elenbaas asked if he should remove "location is dependent on the  
underlying resource."  
Personius stated that it might be true for geothermal but not necessarily  
solar or wind. He suggested changing "is dependent" to "may be dependent."  
Elenbaas accepted the suggestion as a friendly amendment to the proposed  
policy. He asked where they should place the proposed policy.  
Personius stated that he does not have a recommendation. He said that most  
other counties facing these questions have encountered issues with locating  
solar arrays and wind farms on agricultural lands.  
Elenbaas stated that the high cost of agricultural land in Whatcom County  
would likely stop the location of solar or wind farms on those lands. He  
said the policy could apply to commercial forestry or agricultural lands.  
Lauren Clemens, Public Works, stated that there is a section toward the end  
of the chapter that is specific to climate and HB1181 where the policy  
might fit.  
Elenbaas suggested locating the new policy as amended as 8Y-6.  
Rienstra stated that she does not see most of the bullet points as optional.  
Elenbaas said he agrees.  
Elenbaas moved to approve Policy 8Y-6 (Item 99 in the Chart of Proposed  
Council Changes for 6.2.2026) as amended and presented on screen.  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
Boyle suggested adding "when all the following conditions are met" before  
the list.  
Elenbaas accepted the suggestion as a friendly amendment.  
Personius stated that he thinks the language is fine. He said that Council has  
already docketed amendments for solar, geothermal, and hydrogen, and this  
policy language will provide guidance for when they approach that work.  
Elenbaas stated that he wants for there to be guardrails, but he does not want  
the policy to be so prescriptive that it stops any consideration of a project.  
Scanlon asked how the PDS team would treat an application for a  
non-carbon or renewable energy facility on or near a resource land.  
Personius stated that if there are no regulations or that particular use, policy  
in the Comprehensive Plan would provide guidance.  
Councilmembers continued to discuss the proposed policy.  
Eddy Ury, Whatcom Public Utility District (PUD) commissioner, provided  
information about the proposed policy and consideration of proposed new  
powerlines. He suggested softening the second bullet point to read  
"alternative locations may not be feasible."  
Elenbaas amended his motion to incorporate the suggested amendment so  
that the policy reads as follows:  
The County may consider limited siting of non-carbon or renewable energy  
facilities or associated infrastructure on or near designated resource lands  
when all the following conditions are met:  
· the location may be dependent upon the underlying resource,  
· alternative locations may not be feasible,  
· impacts to long-term commercial resource use are minimized,  
· environmental impacts are mitigated,  
· and the proposal is consistent with applicable state and federal law.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Scanlon turned discussion to Items 100, 101, and 102, which are PDS  
recommendations that are already incorporated into the draft under  
consideration and, as such, do not require a motion.  
Matt Aamot, PDS, stated that there is a problem with the citation in Item  
100 (Policy 8A-6) and the citation should read as follows: WAC  
365-196-310(5)(e)(v).  
Rienstra asked for clarification about staff’s recommended change to  
Policy 8A-15.  
Personius stated that they have been working with staff from Nooksack and  
Sumas on Policy 8A-15 regarding mitigation required for the  
de-designation of agricultural resource lands of long-term commercial  
significance.  
Councilmembers discussed mitigation requirements with Director  
Personius.  
Rollin Harper, city planner for the small cities, stated that there are  
multiple competing interests that have to be balanced, but the proposal they  
have worked on with county staff seems reasonable.  
Elenbaas stated that the policy assumes that people want to be part of the  
UGA, but that might not always be the case. He stated that there is also an  
assumption that buying development rights is beneficial to long-term  
agricultural viability, but that is not always the case because banks don't  
want to lend on land that doesn't have development rights.  
Scanlon suggested revisiting this item at a future meeting.  
Harper stated that the policy is voluntary, as property owners are able to  
decide whether they want to be annexed into the city and if and when they  
want to develop.  
Councilmembers continued to discuss the proposed policy regarding  
mitigation.  
Scanlon asked a question about the change in the number of days to record  
the covenant with the Auditor following approval of de-designation.  
Personius stated that Growth Hearings Board decisions have to be appealed  
within 30 days, so they wanted to give a little bit of extra time before those  
covenant agreements would have to be recorded with the county auditor in  
case of an appeal.  
Aamot stated that the parties of record would have 60 days to appeal the  
ordinance to the Growth Hearings Board, so this would give the landowner  
30 days after that. It would make sure that the UGA expansion was approved  
before an agreement is signed.  
Scanlon moved to hold Chapter 8 as amended open until a future meeting.  
Rienstra seconded the motion.  
Kiana Oos, Council Staff, asked whether Items 100-102 should be  
considered preliminarily approved.  
Scanlon said yes, as approved.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Abstain: 1 - Galloway  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.  
MOTION 1:  
Motion approved to begin review of Chapter 8 using the Preliminary Council Draft dated 6.2.2026, which is the  
current version of the chapter with Planning Commission recommendations from January 2026 and additional edits  
proposed and motions passed by councilmembers as listed in the Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 6.2.2026.  
MOTION 2:  
Motion approved to approve Policy 8Y-6 (Item 99 in the Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 6.2.2026) as  
amended and presented on screen so that the policy reads as follows:  
The County may consider limited siting of non-carbon or renewable energy facilities or associated infrastructure on or  
near designated resource lands when all the following conditions are met:  
• the location may be dependent upon the underlying resource,  
• alternative locations may not be feasible,  
• impacts to long-term commercial resource use are minimized,  
• environmental impacts are mitigated,  
• and the proposal is consistent with applicable state and federal law.  
MOTION 3:  
Motion approved to hold Chapter 8 as amended open until a future meeting.  
AB2026-261  
4.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan Chapter 10, Environment  
Scanlon introduced discussion of Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10  
Environment.  
Boyle moved to begin review of Chapter 10 using the Preliminary Council  
Draft dated 6.2.2026, which is the current version of the chapter with  
Planning Commission recommendations from January 2026 and additional  
edits proposed and motions passed by councilmembers as listed in the  
Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 6.2.2026.  
Stremler seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Scanlon turned discussion to Item 83 in the Chart of Proposed Council  
Changes for 6.2.2026, which would add a new policy to Chapter 10.  
Elenbaas stated that he does not know where the policy should go in the  
chapter.  
Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services (PDS) Director,  
suggested that it could be added to 5H. He stated that Council could  
preliminarily approve the amendment and give PDS time to find a good  
location for it.  
Elenbaas moved to include Item 83 (from the Chart of Proposed Council  
Changes for 6.2.2026) in a location to be determined by PDS.  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
Eddy Ury, Whatcom Public Utilities District (PUD) commissioner, stated  
that the language could be applied in a way that could be discouraging for  
renewable energy development, but that might already be the case without  
the new policy. He said placement and context of the policy could  
determine its impact.  
Elenbaas amended his motion to add "non-carbon" and "where feasible" to  
the policy so that it reads as follows:  
Non-carbon, renewable energy, and geothermal development should  
avoid, where feasible, to minimize and mitigate significant impacts  
to:  
·
·
·
groundwater resources,  
instream flows,  
geologic stability,  
·
·
·
·
·
volcanic hazards,  
fish and wildlife habitat,  
treaty-protected resources,  
cultural and archaeological sites,  
critical areas.  
Site-specific studies, monitoring, adaptive management, and  
reclamation requirements may be required where appropriate.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Abstain: 1 - Rienstra  
Scanlon moved to hold Chapter 10 as amended open until a future meeting.  
Stremler seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.  
MOTION 1:  
Motion approved to begin review of Chapter 10 using the Preliminary Council Draft dated 6.2.2026, which is the  
current version of the chapter with Planning Commission recommendations from January 2026 and additional edits  
proposed and motions passed by councilmembers as listed in the Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 6.2.2026.  
MOTION 2:  
Motion approved to include Item 83 (from the Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 6.2.2026) as amended in a  
location to be determined by PDS.  
MOTION 3:  
Motion approved to hold Chapter 10 as amended open until a future meeting.  
AB2026-419  
5.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Urban Growth Area (UGA) and  
Rural Lands Zoning Map amendments  
Scanlon introduced discussion of Urban Growth Area (UGA) and Rural  
Lands Zoning Map amendments.  
Boyle moved to begin review of the draft ordinance of the Urban Growth  
Area (UGA) and Rural Lands Zoning Map using the Planning Commission  
recommendations from April 23, 2026.  
Rienstra seconded the motion.  
Maddie Schacht, Planning and Development Services (PDS), stated that the  
zoning map amendments align with Council's most up-to-date preliminary  
approvals of UGA boundaries and other Comprehensive Plan designations.  
She provided a high-level overview of rezone proposals.  
Scanlon asked which items are included.  
Schacht stated that all amendments are up for review, including the  
Bellingham UGA which did not have a consensus.  
Scanlon asked whether the amendments are considered included or whether  
motions need to be made to incorporate them into the draft.  
Kiana Oos, Council Staff, asked for clarification about the amendments.  
Schacht stated that Planning Commission and PDS recommendations are  
the same except for the Bellingham Urban Growth Area-related zoning map  
amendments, which did not have a consensus from Planning Commission.  
Stremler asked for more information about Planning Commission's lack of  
consensus related to the Bellingham UGA.  
Schacht stated that there were a number of topics that Planning Commission  
grappled with in regard to the Bellingham UGA, including light industrial  
area and rural area rezoning.  
Mark Personius, PDS Director, stated that a primary concern was related to  
City of Bellingham's de-designation of the Geneva neighborhood, which  
would revert to R5 zoning. He said there was also discussion regarding Yew  
Street and whether it should be in UGA or UGA Reserve.  
Scanlon asked if the ordinance aligns with what the City of Bellingham has  
done in their own Comprehensive Plan.  
Chris Behee, City of Bellingham, stated that the proposal aligns with what  
Bellingham City Council approved in December.  
Stremler asked a question about the Yew Street area.  
Behee stated that Yew Street was included in the original UGA in the  
mid-1990s, and it was removed following an update to the county's  
Comprehensive Plan and based on land capacity needs and water quality in  
Lake Padden. It has been in reserve status since around 2009.  
Councilmembers continued to discuss Yew Street zoning with Chris Behee.  
Elenbaas asked about the Everson UGA.  
Matt Aamot, PDS, stated that mitigation policy 8A-15 would not require  
mitigation for Everson, as they are adding 34 acres to the UGA from  
agriculture, but they are also designating 60 acres from UGA and UGA  
reserve to agriculture.  
Elenbaas asked if Sumas, Everson, or Nooksack could swap.  
Aamot said that is not how the policy is currently envisioned.  
The motion to begin review carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Scanlon moved to request that staff prepare the draft ordinance of the UGA  
and Rural Lands Zoning Map amendments - Preliminary Council Draft as  
amended - for Council introduction and public hearing.  
Rienstra seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler  
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.  
MOTION 1:  
Motion approved to begin review of the draft ordinance of the Urban Growth Area (UGA) and Rural Lands Zoning  
Map using the Planning Commission recommendations from April 23, 2026.  
MOTION 2:  
Motion approved to request that staff prepare the draft ordinance the UGA and Rural Lands Zoning Map  
amendments – Preliminary Council Draft as amended – for Council introduction and public hearing.  
Items Added by Revision  
AB2026-188  
1.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan Chapter 3, Housing  
Scanlon introduced discussion of Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 Housing.  
Scanlon moved to begin review of Chapter 3 using the Preliminary Council  
Draft dated 6.2.2026, which is the current version of the chapter with  
Planning Commission recommendations from January 2026 and additional  
edits proposed and motions passed by councilmembers as listed in the  
Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 6.2.2026.  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Scanlon moved to approve changes to the Housing Needs Table in Chapter  
3 as recommended by Planning Commission.  
Rienstra seconded the motion.  
Matt Aamot, Planning and Development Services (PDS), provided an  
overview of the proposed changes.  
Scanlon asked if the capacity is present in what has already been approved  
for Birch Bay.  
Aamot stated that, in Birch Bay, one of the zoning changes was modifying  
the urban residential four dwelling unit per acre zone to allow duplex,  
triplex, and fourplexes. Currently, it only allows single family housing, so  
there will be increased capacity in Birch Bay for those units.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Scanlon moved to hold Chapter 3 as amended open until a future meeting.  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.  
MOTION 1:  
Motion approved to begin review of Chapter 3 using the Preliminary Council Draft dated 6.2.2026, which is the  
current version of the chapter with Planning Commission recommendations from January 2026 and additional edits  
proposed and motions passed by councilmembers as listed in the Chart of Proposed Council Changes for 6.2.2026.  
MOTION 2:  
Motion approved to approve changes to the Housing Needs Table in Chapter 3 as recommended by Planning  
Commission.  
MOTION 3:  
Motion approved to hold Chapter 3 as amended open until a future meeting.  
AB2026-263  
2.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan Appendices (Appendix A: Glossary, Appendix B: Acronyms, Appendix D:  
Bibliography, Appendix E: 20-Year Capital Facilities Plan, Appendix G: Airport  
Overlay Zones, Appendix H: Airport Imaginary Surfaces, Appendix I: Housing  
Needs Analysis, Appendix J: Subsidized Housing Needs and Funding) and Foothills  
Subarea Plan Amendments  
Scanlon introduced discussion of the Comprehensive Plan Appendices.  
Scanlon moved to begin review of Appendix I - Housing Needs Analysis (as  
updated 5.20.2026), which is the current version of Appendix I with  
additional edits by PDS as approved by the Planning Commission.  
Rienstra seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Scanlon moved to amend Appendix I by replacing the version from March  
30, 2026 with the version updated on May 20, 2026.  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
Matt Aamot, Planning and Development Services (PDS), provided an  
overview of the updates.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Scanlon moved to request that staff prepare all Appendices, including  
Appendix I as amended on June 2, 2026, for inclusion in a future agenda bill  
file for Council introduction and public hearing.  
Boyle seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.  
MOTION 1:  
Motion approved to begin review of Appendix I - Housing Needs Analysis (as updated 5.20.2026), which is the  
current version of Appendix I with additional edits by PDS as approved by the Planning Commission.  
MOTION 2:  
Motion approved to amend Appendix I by replacing the version from March 30, 2026 with the version updated on  
May 20, 2026.  
MOTION 3:  
Motion approved to request that staff prepare all Appendices, including Appendix I as amended on June 2, 2026, for  
inclusion in a future agenda bill file for Council introduction and public hearing.  
AB2026-231  
3.  
Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive  
Plan Chapter 7, Economic Development  
Scanlon introduced discussion of the remaining Comprehensive Plan update  
schedule. He proposed adding a new meeting on June 16 from 9:00 a.m. to  
4:30 p.m. for discussion of Chapters 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.  
Kiana Oos, Council Staff, stated that review of the findings of fact may need  
to be moved from June 9 because of changes resulting from amendments to  
the chapters. Zoning code amendments will remain on the schedule for June  
9.  
Scanlon moved to add a Special Committee of the Whole meeting on June  
16 from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  
Rienstra seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Scanlon stated that this would push introduction of the Comprehensive Plan  
ordinance back to June 23 and the public hearing to July 14.  
Boyle moved to add Chapter 12 to discussion on June 16 for Special  
Committee of the Whole.  
Scanlon seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.  
MOTION 1:  
Motion approved to begin review of Chapter 7 using the Preliminary Council Draft for 6.2.2026, which is the current  
version of the chapter with Planning Commission recommendations from January 2026, additional edits proposed and  
motions passed by councilmembers, and additional edits by PDS as listed in the Chart of Proposed Council Changes  
for 6.2.2026.  
MOTION 2:  
Motion approved to hold Chapter 7 as amended open until a future meeting.  
AB2026-249  
Discussion regarding schedule for Council review of the comprehensive plan update  
4.  
Scanlon introduced discussion of the remaining Comprehensive Plan update  
schedule. He proposed adding a new meeting on June 16 from 9:00 a.m. to  
4:30 p.m. for discussion of Chapters 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.  
Kiana Oos, Council Staff, stated that review of the findings of fact may need  
to be moved from June 9 because they may change depending on edits to  
chapters. Zoning code amendments will remain on the schedule for June 9.  
Scanlon moved to add a Special Committee of the Whole meeting on June  
16 from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  
Rienstra seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
Scanlon stated that this would push introduction of the comp plan ordinance  
to the June 23 and the public hearing to July 14.  
Boyle made a motion to add Chapter 12 to discussion on June 16 for  
Special Committee of the Whole.  
Scanlon seconded the motion.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, Elenbaas, and  
Stremler  
Nay: 0  
This agenda item was DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED.  
MOTION 1:  
Motion approved to add a Special Committee of the Whole meeting on June 16 from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00  
p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  
MOTION 2:  
Motion approved to add Chapter 12 to discussion on June 16 for Special Committee of the Whole.  
Other Business  
There was no other business.  
Adjournment  
The meeting adjourned at 4:37 p.m.  
ATTEST:  
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL  
WHATCOM COUNTY, WA  
______________________________  
Cathy Halka, Council Clerk  
___________________________  
Kaylee Galloway, Council Chair  
Meeting Minutes prepared by Jenna Gernand