Frequently Asked Questions

Ferndale is required by HB 1181 and the Growth Management Act to have a climate element as part of its local comprehensive plan. Ferndale, having a 2025 comprehensive plan periodic update deadline, is among the first cities in Washington to adopt this climate element. 

Planning helps Ferndale be prepared for future conditions and develop innovative solutions for the problems we face.

Ferndale received $500,000 from a WA Department of Commerce climate planning grant. Climate support from Commerce is provided with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

See the Community engagement heading in the Timeline section of this webpage.

The City planning staff, expert consultants, and the Climate Policy Advisory Team will review the public input collected in the community survey and apply it to the selection and customization of climate policies from Commerce’s Menus of Measures.

Cities in Washington State are not strictly required to achieve every policy outlined in their comprehensive plans; however, they are expected to make a good faith effort to implement these policies. Comprehensive plans serve as a guide for local government decisions on zoning, land use, and development regulations, ensuring that growth and development align with the community's long-term vision and goals.

See a short description of climate change impacts in WA state on pages 3-4 of Commerce’s Climate Planning guidance document. IntermediatePlanningGuidance_FINAL.pdf