Port of Bellingham’s options for Point Roberts revitalization enhanced by recent legislation

The Port of Bellingham is reviewing economic revitalization strategies for Point Roberts, including infrastructure requirements and the potential public acquisition of the Point Roberts Marina. Recent legislation is providing new options.

Whatcom County’s “2026 Whatcom County LAMIRDs Report” outlines legislative changes and planning recommendations for Limited Areas of More Intensive Rural Development (LAMIRD) as part of the Whatcom County Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update.

Point Roberts Marina

The Port of Bellingham (Port) plans for the marina are governed by Point Roberts’ designation as a “Rural Community” LAMIRD. Recent legislative updates provide the regulatory framework for the Port’s strategy by allowing for larger commercial footprints that were previously restricted. Senate Bill 6140, passed in 2024, amended RCW 36.70A.070 to allow “essential rural retail services” to occupy up to 10,000 sf in a LAMIRD. Point Roberts is 1 of 3 areas in Whatcom County that qualify for this expansion because it is located at least 10 miles from an existing urban growth area. Diablo and Newhalem also qualify.

This new flexibility addresses previous constraints where the county could only permit buildings of the same size and character as existed in 1990. Essential rural retail services allowed under the 10,000 sf provision include:

Grocery
Pharmacy
Hardware
Automotive parts

The Port’s economic strategy is further supported by Senate Bill 5275, which allows for the development of up to 2,500 sf of new “retail and food” uses per lot, even if the use did not exist in 1990. All redevelopment within the LAMIRD is subject to confirmation from all existing providers showing there is sufficient capacity to serve any new or additional demand. Infrastructure projects are currently being evaluated to meet these capacity requirements.

Public Utility District No. 1 of Whatcom County recently scheduled a special meeting to discuss developments in their Point Roberts broadband project.