Planning Commission

Purpose



The purpose of the Planning Commission is to provide citizen review and recommendations on planning related matters to the County Council.

Meetings


  • The Whatcom County Planning Commission generally schedules meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. in the Northwest Annex Conference Room, 5280 Northwest Drive, Bellingham, WA 98225.    
  • The commission does not meet on the 4th Thursday of August, November, and December.  
  • Special meetings may be scheduled with 24 hours' notice.
  • Meeting times and locations may vary.  Confirm Agenda for specific meeting information.  Meetings may be cancelled at any time.
  • Meeting agendas will note if there is an opportunity for public comment during the meeting.

Members



The Planning Commission has 9 members appointed by the County Council, with no more than 2 members from one council district.  All terms end January 31:
  • Stephen Jackson, District 1, Partial term ends 2021
  • Kimberley Lund, District 1, Term ends 2021
  • Robert Bartel, District 2,Term ends 2023
  • Jim Hansen, District 2, Term ends 2024
  • Dominic Moceri, District 3, Term ends 2023
  • Atul Deshmane, District 3, Term ends 2021
  • Jon Maberry, District 4, Term ends 2022 
  • Kelvin Barton, District 5, Term ends 2022
  • Natalie McClendon, District 5, Term ends 2022
Specifications
The council encourages representation from the following:
    • Development community
    • Environmental community
    • Business and industry
    • Agricultural, forestry, mineral, or aquatic resource lands representatives
Vacancies
Term Information
    • 4-year terms, 2 full term limit, 1 year separation required after term limit before being eligible to reapply

Duties



The Planning Commission shall assist the Planning and Development Services Department in carrying out its duties, including assisting in the preparation and execution of the Comprehensive Plan and recommendations to the department for the adoption of official controls and/or amendments thereto.

The Planning Commission shall conduct such hearings as may be required under RCW Chapter 36.70 and shall make findings and conclusions therefrom which shall be transmitted to the Planning and Development Services Department.

The Planning and Development Services Department shall transmit the recommendations of the Planning Commission to the County Council with such comments and recommendations the department deems necessary.

Authority