Birch Bay / Drayton Harbor

Birch Bay and Drayton Harbor are locations which provide a whole host of beneficial water-related uses which have been designated as a Stormwater Special District by the Whatcom County Council. In general the regulations are consistent with low impact development standards that are intended to protect a valuable resource, whether it be drinking water or aquatic habitat. For a full list of requirements and standards related to the Birch Bay and Drayton Harbor watersheds please see Whatcom County Code (WCC) Title 20

Stormwater Special Districts

As described by WCC 20.80.635, the Birch Bay and Drayton Harbor watersheds are listed as Stormwater Special Districts:

Onsite Stormwater Facilities: Development projects are required to install permanent onsite stormwater quantity and quality facilities for:
- New construction or remodels that increase impervious surfaces by more than 500 square feet; or
- Renovation projects where the estimated cost of the work exceeds 50% of the assessed value of the existing structure.
  - For projects which meet the thresholds above, Dispersion or Full Infiltration in accordance with the 2012 Washington State Department of Ecology Stormwater Management Manual For Western Washington is required.
  - Treatment of Pollution Generating Impervious Surface (PGIS) in accordance with the 2012 Washington State Department of Ecology Stormwater Management Manual For Western Washington is always required.

Water Resource Special Management Areas: As described by WCC 20.80.735, these areas include the Birch Bay and Drayton Harbor watersheds. In these areas, the following actions are required:

Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control: Measures (e.g., silt fences, check dams, mulching) must be installed and inspected prior to any regulated clearing activity.
Soil Stabilization: All disturbed areas must be stabilized with approved erosion and sediment control measures within 2 days of disturbance.