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:
  • 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.
Drayton Harbor Watershed
Protected Native Growth Area at Birch Bay