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1. How do I determine if this property has any critical areas, such as wetlands?

Please contact our Natural Resources Department to see if a wetlands study has been conducted on a property. In most cases, a Natural Resources Assessment may need to be applied for to determine by staff if wetlands and/or other critical areas exist on a property. For general inquiry about a property that you are interested in possibly buying, our predevelopment site inspection may be more applicable.

Natural Resources Assessment

2. What are critical areas and resource lands?

Critical Areas include all wetlands, frequently flooded areas, aquifer recharge areas, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, and geologically hazardous areas.

Resource Lands include areas designated as agricultural, forest, and mineral lands. Critical Areas

3. What are shoreline regulations?

Whatcom County's Shoreline Management Program governs uses and activities on all county marine shorelines, including lake, river, and stream channel shorelines, and their related wetlands. Shoreline Management Program

4. Am I in a "shoreline jurisdiction"?

The best way to find out if your property is within this regulated area is by visiting or calling Planning and Development Services. Make sure to have the parcel number and address and/or site directions available. regulated area

5. When do I need a shoreline permit?

Read about shoreline standards and jurisdiction on our Shoreline Management page. shoreline management page

6. What is the shoreline permit process?

Learn about the permit process here. permit process