Ever wonder why most new homes in Whatcom County pop up inside and near our cities while large parts of the county stay unchanged for years? If you have tried to buy, sell, or build here, you have felt that pattern. Washington’s Growth Management Act sets the rules for where growth can go and how fast it can happen. In this guide, you will learn what the GMA is, how Urban Growth Areas work, and what it all means for your next move, investment, or project. Let’s dive in.
GMA basics you should know
Washington’s Growth Management Act, or GMA, is a statewide law adopted in 1990 that guides how communities plan for growth. The statute, found at RCW 36.70A, directs growth to urban areas, protects rural and resource lands, and requires local plans that look about 20 years out. Cities and counties must adopt comprehensive plans, zoning, and development rules that align with these goals.
The GMA matters for housing because it shapes:
- Where urban growth can happen, inside designated Urban Growth Areas (UGAs).
- The long-range Comprehensive Plan and the zoning rules that set allowed housing types and densities.
- The Buildable Lands Program, which checks whether there is enough capacity inside UGAs to meet projected demand.
- Periodic plan updates that can change densities, timelines, and where new housing is feasible.
For an overview of how the state supports and reviews local planning, see the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Growth Management Services.
How UGAs shape where homes go
UGAs are boundaries around cities where urban growth is planned and serviced. Inside a UGA, local governments plan for higher densities and urban utilities like sewer and water. Outside a UGA, land is intended to remain rural or in resource use, and urban-style subdivisions are not the norm.
In Whatcom County, UGAs ring our cities, with Bellingham’s UGA being the largest. Most new subdivisions, townhome communities, and multifamily projects are located within these areas. Cities often have authority to annex land inside their UGA, which allows them to extend city services and manage urban development.
Why UGA boundaries affect price
Concentrating growth into UGAs puts pressure on the limited supply of buildable land within those boundaries. If zoning is low density or utilities are tight, fewer homes can be produced, and that supports higher prices in the most in-demand locations. When allowed densities increase or infrastructure expands, capacity rises, and more homes can reach the market.
Whatcom County’s planning framework
Several local tools work together under the GMA:
- Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and Countywide Planning Policies (CWPPs). These set countywide rules for UGA coordination, densities, and growth targets. You can find county planning resources by starting at the Whatcom County website and searching for Comprehensive Plan, Buildable Lands, or planning maps.
- City comprehensive plans and zoning. Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine, Everson, Nooksack, and Sumas each plan for growth inside their city limits and their UGAs.
- Buildable Lands Program. Because of population size, Whatcom County must assess whether existing zoning yields enough “buildable” capacity. Learn more from the state’s Buildable Lands Program.
Buildable Lands in action
The Buildable Lands analysis compares future housing need to what current zoning and land availability can deliver. If the report shows a capacity shortfall, local governments can respond by:
- Increasing allowed densities and housing types inside existing UGAs.
- Rezoning targeted areas to enable more units, like townhomes or multifamily.
- Expanding a UGA boundary, with a formal plan process and public hearings.
- Coordinating on annexation and utility expansions where needed.
Zoning and density set your options
Inside UGAs, zoning and development standards determine the number and type of homes a site can support. Lot size minimums, height limits, and use allowances are key. If zoning limits density, a site may produce only a few homes. If code allows townhomes or apartments, that same land could yield many more units.
Practical levers that influence capacity in Whatcom’s UGAs include:
- Upzoning to allow more units per acre.
- Middle housing options like duplexes and townhomes in appropriate zones.
- Multifamily zoning along corridors with transit and services.
- Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) where permitted by local code.
- Infrastructure investments that unlock parcels currently limited by sewer, water, or roadway capacity.
Even when zoning allows more homes, infrastructure can be the gating factor. Sewer, water, stormwater, and roads must be in place or funded. Timelines for these upgrades affect how quickly new homes can be delivered.
How the GMA affects you
The GMA does not set home prices, but it shapes supply. That ripple effect shows up differently depending on your goals.
Buyers: what to watch
- Focus searches inside UGAs if you want move-in ready new construction or proximity to services.
- Consider infill and multifamily options near employment centers like Bellingham, where density tends to be higher.
- Track code updates that add middle housing or streamline permitting; those shifts can expand choices over the next few years.
- Use population and housing baselines, such as U.S. Census QuickFacts for Whatcom County and Washington OFM projections, to gauge long-term demand.
Sellers: timing and positioning
- If your property sits inside a UGA and near utilities, buyer demand may be stronger due to limited buildable land.
- Highlight zoning, allowed uses, and any recent code changes when marketing. Buyers and investors value clarity on capacity.
- If your land is outside a UGA, urban-scale development is less likely without a formal UGA change. Market the property for its permitted rural uses unless a plan amendment is in play.
Investors and builders: feasibility checklist
- UGA status: Is the parcel inside a UGA or within city limits?
- Zoning and density: What housing types and heights are allowed? Any minimum density standards?
- Utilities: How close are sewer and water lines? Are upgrades planned?
- Critical areas and resource lands: Are there wetlands, shorelines, or agricultural/forest designations that reduce buildable acreage? Check state guidance from the Washington Department of Ecology.
- Policy horizon: Any pending comprehensive plan updates, rezones, or Buildable Lands findings pointing to capacity changes?
- Process and timeline: Account for SEPA review, public hearings, impact fees, and potential appeals.
When and how UGAs change
UGA expansions do not happen overnight. They typically require a comprehensive plan amendment, environmental review under SEPA, coordination between the county and the affected city, and public hearings. Proposals must meet GMA criteria, show a need for additional capacity, and lay out how urban services will be provided. Changes can also face appeals, which can add time and uncertainty. For project planning, build conservative timelines and watch for plan cycles and hearings calendars.
Signals to watch in Whatcom County
- Buildable Lands reports showing capacity shortfalls or surpluses.
- Comprehensive plan updates that propose targeted upzones or UGA adjustments.
- Zoning amendments enabling middle housing, townhomes, or multifamily in key corridors.
- Planned investments in sewer, water, or transportation that unlock development.
- State-level guidance updates from the Department of Commerce.
Move forward with local insight
Understanding the GMA is not just a policy exercise. It is a practical way to improve your timing, site choices, and pricing strategy in Whatcom County. Whether you are buying a first home, selling land inside a UGA, or weighing a small infill project, a clear read on zoning, utilities, and plan cycles can save time and money.
If you want help mapping your options, comparing neighborhoods, or screening parcels for feasibility, the team at Flannery Group is here to guide you. Our local, owner-led approach pairs deep neighborhood knowledge with hands-on transaction management, so you can make confident decisions.
FAQs
What is a UGA in Whatcom County?
- A UGA is the area planned for urban growth where cities and the county focus housing, utilities, and roads, as outlined under the GMA.
Can I create a subdivision outside a UGA?
- Rural lands are intended for rural uses, so urban-density subdivisions generally are not allowed outside UGAs without a formal plan change.
How does the GMA affect home prices?
- By limiting urban growth to UGAs, the GMA concentrates demand on finite buildable land; prices can rise if zoning and infrastructure do not provide enough capacity.
Who decides UGA expansions in Whatcom County?
- The county and the relevant city decide through comprehensive plan amendments that include environmental review and public hearings consistent with the GMA.
How do I know if a parcel is buildable soon?
- Check UGA status, zoning, utility proximity, critical-area constraints, and whether plan updates or Buildable Lands findings point to capacity near your site.
