Whatcom County Planning Commission

**Emergency Meeting Protocols** The meeting opened with significant debate about whether it was appropriate to conduct public hearings during active flooding. Commissioner Moceri called it "inappropriate" to hold the meeting during a natural disaster, with Commissioners Browne and Jefferson concurring. Chair Barton defended the decision, noting remote access was available and "the work of the county doesn't stop." Director Personius mentioned he might need to leave for emergency management duties related to flooding. This exchange highlighted tensions between maintaining government continuity and ensuring meaningful public participation during emergencies. The issue gained additional gravity as Commissioner Dunne noted this could be the second 100-year flood in four to five years, emphasizing climate impacts on community planning decisions. **Food Access on Lummi Island** The RRI code amendment sparked substantial discussion about food security on geographically isolated Lummi Island. Public testimony from Galley restaurant owners Rianna and Simon described the island as having "only one restaurant that operates 4 days a week" with very limited capacity, creating food desert conditions. The septic system challenge emerged as a key infrastructure constraint. Lucas Clark explained that restaurant uses are "hard on septic systems" and The Gathering Place has "some of the best soils on the island" with a modern septic system capable of supporting commercial kitchen use. This highlights how infrastructure limitations in rural areas create barriers to basic services. Commissioner Grafe's suggestion to add restaurants as a conditional use broadened the discussion beyond the immediate amendment. Staff noted this would require additional public notice and hearing, but commissioners un…

**Rianna and Simon (The Galley Restaurant owners, Lummi Island)** Described Lummi Island as a food desert with very limited dining options. Emphasized they are "lifelong Islanders, born and raised here" who saw a need to fill. Their business serves "a broad economic spectrum" rather than just high-end tourist dining. Noted multiple businesses rely on The Gathering Place kitchen including coffee trailer, fish and chips truck, and other food services. Stressed the kitchen is "well under the threshold" of septic capacity and "vital to our community." **Director Mark Personius (Planning and Development Services)** Provided update that County Council approved ADU and co-living amendments with some changes. Outlined remaining comprehensive plan schedule through January with goal to finish before new commissioners take office in February. Mentioned emergency management duties due to flooding might require early departure. Supported staff recommendations on RRI amendment and Commissioner Dunn's Chapter 10 motions. **Lucas Clark (Planner II)** Presented RRI amendment as specifically tailored to The Gathering Place due to its unique septic system capabilities and soil conditions. Emphasized geographic barriers to food access on Lummi Island. Explained that broader re…

**Commissioner Moceri, on meeting during flooding:** "I just want to say I think it's a little inappropriate that we didn't cancel this meeting with everything that's going on with the flooding, especially since we have public hearings. Obviously, there's a lot of people that aren't going to be able to make it here. So, I just think it was inappropriate to do this, but we have an active natural disaster going on." **Chair Barton, on continuing county work:** "Well, I worked hard to be here, so…

**Lummi Island zoning expanded** - Rural Residential Island district now allows commercial kitchen rental for off-site food preparation when part of approved community center, opening new business opportunities for island food services. **Paratransit definition clarified** - Glossary now specifies that attendants are only required "if any," eliminating potential confusion about paratransit accessibility requirements. **Chapter 10 Environment finalized** - Commissioner Dunne's amendments approved, including new policy requiring identification of naturally occurring asbestos locations and health hazard assess…

--- ### Meeting Overview The Whatcom County Planning Commission held a hybrid public hearing and work session on December 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting covered three main areas: a code amendment for Lummi Island that would allow a community center kitchen to be rented for commercial food preparation, a detailed review of appendices and glossary terms for the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update, and completion of unfinished motions on Chapter 10 (Environment) of the same plan. The meeting took place during an active flooding event in Whatcom County, which prompted comments from several commissioners about the appropriateness of proceeding. --- ### Key Terms and Concepts **Rural Residential Island (RRI) District:** A special zoning designation under Whatcom County Code that applies only to the northern portion of Lummi Island. It is a distinct rural zone that reflects the island's geographic isolation and limits on commercial activity. **Conditional Use:** A land use that is not permitted by right in a given zone, but may be allowed after a formal review process. The applicant must show that specific criteria are met before approval is granted. **Commissary Kitchen / Prep Kitchen:** A licensed commercial kitchen used exclusively for preparing food that will be sold or consumed off-site — for example, by food trucks or meal delivery services. These are distinct from restaurant kitchens where food is also consumed on the premises. **Comprehensive Plan:** A long-range policy document required under Washington State's Growth Management Act (GMA) that guides how a county will grow over a 20-year planning period. It addresses land use, housing, transportation, capital facilities, utilities, and other topics. **Capital Facilities Plan (CFP):** A component of the comprehensive plan that identifies public facilities (roads, water, sewer, parks, schools) needed to serve projected growth and establishes a financing strategy. Whatcom County is currently using a 7-year CIP (Capital Improvement Program) as a one-time measure to align with the 2025 plan update. **CIP (Capital Improvement Program):** A shorter-range (typically 6-year) list of specific capital projects with cost estimates and funding sources. It implements the longer-range Capital Facilities Plan. **Growth Management Act (GMA):** A Washington State law requiring counties and cities of certain sizes to develop and periodically update comprehensive plans. Whatcom County is completing a required 2025 update cycle. **EDI Program (Economic Development Initiative):** A rural sales tax program authorizing the county to retain a portion of sales and use tax to finance public facilities and — as amended this meeting — affordable housing projects, under RCW 82.14. **Preliminary Approval:** In the Planning Commission's process, this is the formal step of recommending a chapter or document to the County Council for its review and final decision. The commission does not adopt the plan; the council does. --- ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Kelvin Barton | Chair, Whatcom County Planning Commission | | Rud Browne | Planning Commissioner | | Nicholas Greif | Planning Commissioner | | Julie Jefferson | Planning Commissioner | | Daniel Dunne | Planning Commissioner | | Dominic Moceri | Planning Commissioner | | Scott Van Dalen | Planning Commissioner | | Jim Hansen | Planning Commissioner (arrived at 6:03 p.m.) | | Suneeta Eisenberg | Planning Commiss…