A California-based landowner has submitted an application to Whatcom County Planning and Development Services (PDS) to subdivide a plot of land in east Birch Bay to make room for a 97-lot, single-family residential development called Birch Bay Meadows.

Paul Garrett submitted what's called a "preliminary long subdivision" application for the approximately 64-acre tract of land at the intersection of Birch Bay-Lynden and Blaine Roads, just east of the Anchor Manor development. Such an application is required when a landowner wants to divide land into five or more parcels. The land, which is zoned for four houses per acre (UR4), is valued at $323,950, according to the county assessor's office. The subdivision is proposed to be completed in four phases over the next six years, with final completion slated for 2017.

The website for the land development company Garrett owns, Garrett Real Estate Services, Inc., shows a number of properties in Arizona, California, Colorado and Texas, but not the land in Birch Bay. The company's holdings seem to represent a mix of higher-end residential and commercial properties.

The Birch Bay Meadows project is still a long way from construction. It still needs to undergo a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review and approvals from county PDS, fire and health departments. For instance, North Whatcom Fire and Rescue officials will have a say in this development because it could mean more homes in their coverage area.

The public has until August 25 to provide written comments on the preliminary long subdivision application to senior county planner Amy Keenan at akeenan@co.whatcom.wa.us or via snail mail to 311 Grand Avenue, Ste. 401, Bellingham, WA 98225.

Click here for the county assessor's map of the area.