Title
Public Hearing, Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), Phase 2, Locally Important Habitat and Species
Recommended Action
Conduct a public hearing on the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), Phase 2, Locally Important Habitat and Species
Report
Issue:
Whether to conduct a public hearing on the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), Phase 2, Locally Important Habitat and Species.
Staff Contact:
Linda Bentley, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.3746
Presenter(s):
Linda Bentley, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development
Background and Analysis:
In 2015, the Land Use and Environment Committee (LUEC) directed staff to review potential additional protections for locally important habitat and species after the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) mandated update to the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) was completed, which occurred in August 2016.
After working with consultant ESA, staff presented information on protections for locally important habitat and species to LUEC on September 15 and November 17, 2016 and to Planning Commission on August 8, 2016, and January 9, 2017. A public open house to discuss the proposed amendments was held January 18, 2017. A report of the open house will be available at the Planning Commission's January 23 meeting.
A SEPA Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) for the recommended changes was issued January 10, 2017. The 60-day notice of intent to adopt, as required by state statute, was sent to the Department of Commerce on January 11, 2017.
Proposed Protections
As suggested in ESA's October 31 memo (attached), staff and consultant believe that the city's existing CAO and SMP regulations will adequately protect most species and habitat but, based on community interest and Council direction, we are proposing new and amended regulations to give added protection to the great blue heron and its habitat.
Staff is also proposing a process by which additional locally important species and/or ...
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