Title
Approval of Amended Critical Areas Ordinance
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend Council adoption of the proposed Amended Critical Areas Ordinance.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to adopt the proposed amended Critical Areas Ordinance on second reading.
Report
Issue:
Whether to adopt the amended Critical Areas Ordinance.
Staff Contact:
Linda Bentley, Senior Planner, Community Planning & Development, 360.570.3746
Presenter(s):
Linda Bentley, Senior Planner, Community Planning & Development
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
Under the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA), the City is required to include Critical Areas in its development regulations and update the Critical Areas Ordinance periodically as part of the City's Comprehensive Plan update. 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 18.20, and Storm and Surface Water Utilities in OMC 13.16.
There are two substantive statutory requirements in 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 addi...
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