22.09.080 Recreational development.
Water-oriented recreational development can include but is not limited to parks, trails, open spaces, beaches, boat or other watercraft rentals, fishing piers, aquariums, view platforms and over-water boardwalks.
A. Policies.
1. Water-oriented recreational development is encouraged on shorelines provided it results in no net loss of ecological function and is a preferred use along shorelines of statewide significance (Bellingham Bay and Lake Whatcom).
2. Water-oriented recreational development on the shorelines should be consistent with the 2006 Comprehensive Plan and the City of Bellingham Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan (2005) in terms of satisfying future demand and design.
3. Water-oriented recreational development should take precedence over non-water-oriented recreational uses. Specifically:
a. Recreational development should not degrade the physical characteristics of the shoreline in terms of overall ecological function of the shoreline areas;
b. Recreational development should be consistent with the City of Bellingham Comprehensive Plan and of the City of Bellingham Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan (2005) to provide a variety of recreational needs and opportunities;
c. Wherever possible, shoreline recreational facilities should be linked to other adjacent recreational attractions by pedestrian and/or bicycle trails; and
d. Recreational development, where applicable, should include interpretive displays describing cultural, historical and scientific information.
4. Non-water-oriented recreational development uses should not be located on shorelines.
B. Regulations.
1. Water-oriented recreation facilities shall be located and designed such that there is no net loss of shoreline ecological function.
2. Development of water-oriented recreation facilities shall comply with the mitigation sequencing specified in BMC 22.08.020, Mitigation sequencing.
3. Water-oriented recreation facilities proposed in or over marine waters shall comply with the applicable requirements in this title.
4. Development of water-oriented recreation facilities shall not occur within areas designated as SMA floodways.
5. Development of recreation facilities shall implement, where applicable, the elements within the City of Bellingham Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan (2005), the Waterfront Futures Group Framework Plan and the Waterfront District Master Plan, upon adoption.
6. Recreational development shall be oriented towards the shoreline, shall provide the maximum possible amount of public access to the shoreline, and shall be subject to the applicable requirements in BMC 22.08.090, Public access.
7. Non-water-oriented recreational use should not be located on shorelines unless it complies with the applicable standards in Chapter 22.03 BMC. [Ord. 2013-02-005 § 2 (Exh. 1)].