Frequently Asked Questions

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All property inside the Blaine city limits receives all services provided by the City of Blaine.  This includes police and fire protection (by North Whatcom Fire and Rescue), access to Blaine water and sewer services, road maintenance/repair, and all city administrative services.   

The decision to de-annex the Grandis Pond property is an independent decision on that specific property.  The new owners want their land to be rural, not in the City.  In accordance with State law, the City Council placed the decision on the ballot because de-annexation can only be approved by the voters.  Other areas adjacent to Blaine can pursue annexation regardless of the outcome of the de-annexation vote.  

The City has an obligation under the State Growth Management Act (GMA) to provide for urban densities within the City limits.  This is generally recognized to be residential neighborhoods between 4 houses/acre (10,000 sq ft lots) or 6 houses/acre (7,000 sq ft lots) or more.  Some people speculated the City could place an aquifer protection zone on the Grandis Pond property.  However, that would remove the GMA-required density from Blaine and must be provided elsewhere.  The City would also be responsible for inspecting the protection zone to ensure compliance.  The best alternative is to return the property to County jurisdiction because the GMA requires County land to be zoned rural.  The rural designation is requested by the new owners and County rural zoning prohibits urban development.