Public Works

2023 Stormwater Management Plan Update

Each year, the City of Ferndale updates the Stormwater Management Program Plan as a response to specific special conditions within the “Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit” that authorizes the City of Ferndale to discharge stormwater.

Per the Permit, this program summary will be updated each year and will be available to the public. Participation and comments are welcome and may be directed to City of Ferndale Stormwater staff stormwater@cityofferndale.org. Comment period begins February 1, 2023 and ends March 3, 2023.

The draft plan can be found by clicking here or on our “Stormwater Planning” page.

February 1, 2023

So, you want to build an ADU— What is it and what is the process?

So, you want to build an ADU— What is it and what is the process?

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a small, self-contained residential unit located on the same lot as an existing single-family home and subordinate to a single-family dwelling unit. An ADU has all the basic facilities needed for day-to-day living independent of the main home, such as a kitchen, sleeping area, and a bathroom.

ADUs can expand the range of housing choices for residents in the city, as well as helping residents age in place, adding space to house extended family, offering an avenue for rental income, and more. Developing an ADU can seem daunting, but you are not alone. We have outlined the process in four easy steps below.

Step 1: Check the map.                                                                       
ADUs are permitted in all residential single-family zones (Ferndale Municipal Code 18:33— RS low, RS medium, and RS high). These zones are highlighted on the City GIS maps (www.cityofferndale.org/maps) in three shades of yellow on the “Official Zoning” layer.

Step 2: Check the code.

Ferndale Municipal Code 18.34 outlines a number of criteria for the construction of an ADU. Each must be met before an ADU
application is approved. Most importantly:

  • Only one ADU is allowed per lot as an accessory use to a single-family home.
  • The ADU maximum size shall be no more than 50 percent of the square footage of the existing residence or 800 square feet, whichever is less.
  • The ADU may not be segregated in ownership from the principal dwelling unit.

Step 3: Apply for a permit.
Before any construction can commence, the property owner must obtain a building permit and indicate on the application form that the use is an ADU. All the City’s permits are applied for online through the permit portal, which is available here.

How much does it cost? The final permit cost will depend on the size of the ADU and the total project valuation. Typically, an ADU permit is $3,000-$8,000 including ALL relevant impact fees with the average permit ending up less than $5,000.

Step 4: Build it and Enjoy!
For more information about the ADU process, and online application forms, please explore the City website or contact the Community Development Department at 360-685-2379 or  ruthhohman@cityofferndale.org.

 

January 10, 2023

Public Works to Begin Water Line Flush Starting Next Week

City crews will be conducting their annual water main flush starting next week. Water main flushing cleans the mains of mineral deposits that build up naturally inside pipe walls. If the mains are not periodically flushed, the build-up can reduce the capacity and the efficiency of the City’s water distribution system. This is an important part of maintaining our water infrastructure and provides a cleaner, more reliable water supply to your home or business.

While the flush program is taking place, the City will do everything possible to minimize any negative influence on the water system. It is not uncommon for the flushing activity to cause temporary discoloration of the water. If the water in your residence is discolored, run a cold water tap in the bathtub for a few minutes and this should clear the lines in your house.  Water customers should not wash white clothes or use their hot water taps when crews are flushing in their area as mineral deposits may stain white laundry.

Please continue to check the City’s web page for notifications when we are planning to flush the water system in your area. The first section of town that will be impacted in the week of January 9th is the Northwest section of Ferndale, adjacent to Horizon Middle School. We will also have signs set out in the areas we intend to flush.

For more information or questions, please contact Ferndale Public Works at (360) 685-2379.

January 6, 2023

Notice of Traffic Revision: Monday, January 9th, 2023 7am to 7pm

Near 5127 LaBounty Drive, between Smith Road and Slater Road

Drivers should expect delays as traffic is reduced to single lane alternating traffic near 5127 LaBounty Drive between Smith Road and Slater Road. This traffic revision is scheduled for Monday, January 9th, 2023. The traffic revision is in effect from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Flaggers will be onsite to direct traffic.

This one-day revision is for utility work associated with a private development project.

January 6, 2023

Nooksack River to Reach Flood Stage Tuesday, December 27th

The river is rising again and currently predicted to peak at 19.5 feet in Ferndale Tuesday evening. Emergency response staff with the City and County are monitoring conditions and are ready to respond.

In the meantime, please be patient on the roads (especially Main St.), obey all road closure signs and be ready in case things take a sudden turn for the worse.

You can follow the County Sheriff’s Facebook page here for the latest updates and see the river forecast here: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=nksw1&wfo=sew

December 26, 2022

Nooksack River Set to Reach Minor Floor Stage Sun. Dec. 26th

The Nooksack river is set to reach minor flood stage Sunday morning. City staff is monitoring conditions and is ready to respond as needed. Please obey all road closure signs, and do not drive through water over the road.

For more information on flood response, see www.cityofFerndale.org/flood

 

December 24, 2022

Ferndale Deploys Renamed Snowplows as Community Braces for Winter Weather

Ferndale Deploys Renamed Snowplows as Community Braces for Winter Weather

With cold weather in the forecast, Ferndale Public Works has been applying de-icer, sand and salt to Ferndale streets and preparing our four snowplows for deployment. In 2020, the City asked for help naming their plows and receiving over 2,000 votes and suggestions. After consulting with Public Works staff, the City is proud to announce that Golden Eagle, Plowtallica, SanderYacht and Jam On are ready to hit the streets.

“Thank you to everyone who helped us name our snowplows but don’t stop there,” said Mayor Greg Hansen. “You can also help us by moving your vehicle into your driveway. When cars are parked along the street, some neighborhoods become too narrow for our plows to navigate. Help us help you by moving your vehicle before the snow needs clearing.”

Once the snow arrives, residents can assist by clearing the sidewalk in front of their property, staying home if they don’t need to be out and if they do have to drive, proceeding slowly and carefully.

Public Works staff will be monitoring the snowy conditions and clearing the snow priority routes throughout the weather event. For more information and the snow priority routes, visit www.cityofferndale.org/snow.

November 29, 2022

Ferndale Launches Online Open House and Survey to Develop ADA Transition Plan

Ferndale Launches Online Open House and Survey to Develop ADA Transition Plan

The City of Ferndale is in the process of developing an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Transition Plan to guide when and where mobility improvements need to be made. City staff are conducting an inventory of current pedestrian facilities throughout the entire city to find gaps in and barriers to accessibility.

To assist with this effort, the City is hosting an online open house and community survey to gather input from residents as to what needs to be improved. Regardless of whether or not someone has difficulty moving through Ferndale, the City wants to hear their voice as part of this process. 

Online open house and survey are available here: www.cityofferndale.org/FerndaleADA

November 15, 2022

Girders Arrive at Thornton Overpass Site

You may have seen the arrival of several girders for the Thornton Overpass project yesterday.
These concrete structures provide the primary support for the bridge and are a critical component for the final construction. Each girder weighs a little less than 130,000 lbs – that’s almost as heavy as the space shuttle, two bulldozers or eighty-five cows!
Thank you for your patience on the roads as the girders make their way through our city. You can find more information and a live webcam of the project at www.cityofferndale.org/Thornton
November 9, 2022