Title
Critical Areas Ordinance, Amendments to OMC 18.32, 18.02.180, and 18.37.070
Recommended Action
Conduct a public hearing to receive comments on amendments to OMC 18.32 Critical Areas; 18.02.180 Definitions; and 18.37.070 Nonconforming Structures and Uses Within Critical Areas Buffers.
Report
Issue:
Whether to conduct a public hearing to receive comments on amendments to the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO).
Staff Contact:
Linda Bentley, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8046
Presenter(s):
Linda Bentley, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8046
Ilon Logan, Project Manager, ESA-Environmental Science Associates
Background and Analysis:
In 1990, with passage of the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA), comprehensive planning for critical areas became a requirement for cities.
The Olympia Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), found primarily in Olympia Municipal Code (OMC), Chapter 18.32, is the main set of development regulations that protects critical areas in the City of Olympia.
Other protections for critical areas include: Frequently flooded areas in OMC 16.70, marine and freshwater shorelines as defined by the Shoreline Management Act in OMC 14.08, and Storm and Surface Water Utilities in OMC 13.16.
There are two substantive statutory requirements to address as part of this CAO update:
Critical Areas Review for Best Available Science
The city hired ESA Associates to do a Best Available Science (BAS) review to ensure that our policies and development regulations are based on the most current science and best management practices for designating and protecting critical areas.
Anadromous Fish
Cities are required to give special consideration in their development regulations to preserve or enhance anadromous fish population and habitat. Anadromous fish, such as salmon, are those that spawn and rear in fresh water and mature in marine waters.
In addition to the ...
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