Conditional Use Permit application for a new T-Mobile wireless facility in Ferndale.

WHATCOM COUNTY NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND INTENT TO ISSUE A SEPA DETERMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANCE
Notice is hereby given that on 1/26/2026, Chris DeVoist, TEAC on Behalf of Vertical Bridge & T-Mobile applied for a Conditional Use Permit under case number CUP2026-00002 and SEPA2026-00005 to build a new macro wireless facility to fill a significant gap in T-Mobile's coverage experienced by its customers in the area east of Interstate (I-5) between Bellingham and Ferndale. The new macro wireless facility consists of a new 150-foot monopole with a 10-foot lightning rod for a total of 160' in height. The fenced 50' x 50' graveled lease area will house T-Mobile antennas and ancillary equipment as well as the antennas and equipment of (3) future co-locating wireless carriers. The access is proposed off an existing private drive. The access driveway and utility easement is approximately 250 feet long with a gravel travel width of 20'-12'. There is a proposed turnaround and space for parking.  The equipment area will be fully screened with a 10' wide landscape buffer and a 6' chain-linked fence with barbed wire.. The application was determined complete on February 23, 2026. The project site is located at 5100 Byers Rd, Ferndale, WA 98248, within Section 34, Township 39 North, Range 02 East of W.M.; Assessor's Parcel No: 3902340332000000. The project will be reviewed under the Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance and Title 24, Title 22, Title 21, Title 20, Title 17, Title 16, International Building Code (IBC), Title 12, Whatcom County Development Standards, Washington State Stormwater Manual and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) as applicable. Mitigation may be required pursuant to these ordinances. Whatcom County Planning and Development Services has reviewed the proposal for probable adverse impacts and expects to issue a Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) for the project pursuant to the Optional DNS process per WAC 197-11-355. This may be your only opportunity to comment on the environmental impacts of the proposed project. A copy of the subsequent threshold determination for the specific proposal may be obtained upon request. The file and supporting documents may be viewed at the Whatcom County Planning and Development Services office at 5280 Northwest Drive, Bellingham, WA or at http://www.whatcomcounty.us/2914/Public-Notice. Any person may submit written comments to Craig Ostrom at the above address or at costrom@whatcomcounty.us within 14-days of the publication of this notice. Written comments must be received by 3/23/2026. Any person has the right to receive notice of and participate in any hearings, request a copy of the decision once made, and to appeal a decision when allowed by law. In addition, any person wishing to receive personal notice of any decisions or hearings must notify the department to receive such notice.   
IPL0319582
Mar 8 2026