Chapter 18.06
ENVIRONMENTALLY CRITICAL AREAS
Sections:
Article I. Purpose and General Provisions
18.06.110 Purpose.
18.06.120 Intent.
18.06.130 Findings.
18.06.140 Identification and mapping of critical areas.
18.06.150 Protection of critical areas.
18.06.160 Density calculations for critical areas and buffers.
Article II. Definitions
18.06.210 Definitions.
Article III. Applicability/Regulated Activities
18.06.310 Applicability of provisions.
18.06.320 Regulated activities.
18.06.330 Nonconforming uses.
Article IV. Exemptions and Exceptions
18.06.410 Exempt activities.
18.06.420 Public agency and utility exception.
18.06.430 Reasonable use permitted.
18.06.440 Exception for minor new developments in buffers.
Article V. Critical Area Reporting Requirements and Permit Process
18.06.510 Preapplication conference.
18.06.520 Critical area identification form – Initial determination.
18.06.530 General critical area report requirements.
18.06.540 Professional qualifications – City review.
18.06.550 Permit process.
18.06.560 Appeals.
Article VI. Mitigation
18.06.610 General mitigation requirements.
18.06.620 General mitigation plan requirements.
18.06.630 Mitigation monitoring.
18.06.640 Innovative mitigation.
18.06.650 Surety to ensure implementation, maintenance, and monitoring.
Article VII. Enforcement
18.06.710 Unauthorized critical area alterations.
18.06.720 Penalties.
Article VIII. Critical Area Protective Measures
18.06.810 Critical area signs and fencing.
18.06.820 Notice on title.
18.06.830 Critical area tracts.
18.06.840 Building setbacks.
Article IX. Wetlands
18.06.910 Designation, mapping, and rating.
18.06.920 Performance standards – Alteration of wetlands.
18.06.930 Performance standards – Wetland buffer widths.
18.06.940 Performance standards – Wetland buffer uses.
18.06.950 Critical area report requirements for wetlands.
18.06.960 Wetland mitigation – General requirements.
18.06.970 Wetland mitigation – Replacement ratios.
18.06.980 Wetlands mitigation – Types and ratios.
Article X. Fish and Wildlife Habitat Areas
18.06.1010 Designation, mapping, and rating.
18.06.1020 Performance standards – Alteration of fish and wildlife habitat areas.
18.06.1030 Performance standards – Alteration of streams, lakes, ponds and riparian habitats.
18.06.1040 Performance standards – Alteration of nonriparian habitats.
18.06.1050 Performance standards – Stream, lake, pond and riparian buffer widths.
18.06.1060 Nonriparian habitat area buffer widths.
18.06.1070 Critical area report requirements for fish and wildlife habitat areas.
18.06.1080 Mitigation standards for fish and wildlife habitat areas.
Article XI. Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas
18.06.1110 Designation, mapping and rating.
18.06.1120 Performance standards – Alteration of critical aquifer recharge areas.
18.06.1130 Performance standards – Specific uses.
18.06.1140 Performance standards – Prohibited uses.
18.06.1150 Critical area report requirements for critical aquifer recharge areas.
Article XII. Geologically Hazardous Areas
18.06.1210 Designation, mapping, and classification.
18.06.1220 General standards – Alteration of geologically hazardous areas.
18.06.1230 Performance standards – Alteration of landslide and erosion hazard areas.
18.06.1240 Performance standards – Landslide and erosion hazard area buffers.
18.06.1250 Performance standards – Seismic hazard areas.
18.06.1260 Critical area report requirements for geologically hazardous areas.
Legislative history: Ord. 92-273.
Article I. Purpose and General Provisions
18.06.110 Purpose.
A. The city of Mill Creek is required to comply with the Washington State Growth Management Act (Chapter 36.70A RCW) to designate natural resource lands and environmentally critical areas and to adopt development regulations to assure the conservation of such areas. In compliance with this mandate, the city finds that environmentally critical areas characterize certain portions of Mill Creek and its urban growth area. These critical areas include wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat areas, critical aquifer recharge areas, geologically hazardous areas, and frequently flooded areas.
B. The purpose of this chapter is to designate and classify environmentally critical areas and to protect these areas and their functions and values, while also allowing for reasonable use of private property.
C. By limiting development and alteration of critical areas, the city seeks to:
1. Protect members of the public and public resources and facilities from injury, loss of life, or property damage due to landslides, steep slope failures, erosion, seismic events, or flooding;
2. Protect citizens and the unique, fragile, and valuable elements of the environment, including ground and surface waters, wetlands, anadromous fish species, and other fish and wildlife and their habitats;
3. Prevent adverse and cumulative environmental impacts to critical areas, direct activities not dependent on critical area resources to less ecologically sensitive sites, and mitigate unavoidable impacts to critical areas by regulating alterations in and adjacent to critical areas and requiring specific mitigation measures to compensate for unavoidable impacts;
4. Protect species listed as threatened or endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 USC 1531 – 1534) and their habitats by prohibiting activities that kill, harass, harm, trap, collect, wound, hunt, or pursue such species/habitats. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.120 Intent.
A. The intent of this chapter is to avoid impacts from alteration of critical areas where such avoidance is feasible and reasonable. In appropriate circumstances, and consistent with the requirements of this chapter, unavoidable impacts to critical areas shall be minimized, rectified, restored and/or compensated for through appropriate levels of study and analysis, application of best available science, engineering, and planning principles, and regulation and limitation of land uses.
B. It is the further intent of this chapter to:
1. Implement the goals, objectives, and policies of the city of Mill Creek comprehensive plan;
2. Serve as a basis for exercise of the city’s substantive authority under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and the city’s SEPA regulations (Chapter 18.04 MCMC);
3. Comply with the requirements of the Growth Management Act (Chapter 36.70A RCW) and implementing rules and guidelines and through the application of best available science, as determined according to WAC 365-195-900 through 365-195-925, and in consultation with state and federal agencies and other qualified professionals;
4. Coordinate Mill Creek’s critical area protection activity and programs with those of other jurisdictions;
5. Coordinate environmental review and permitting of development proposals to avoid duplication and delay; and
6. Use flexibility permitted by this chapter in establishing buffer width and area standards and reasonable use on a case-by-case basis, considering the functions and values of the critical area and particular constraints on a parcel of land that make compliance with the strictest standards of this chapter unreasonable.
C. The city’s enactment or enforcement of this chapter shall not be construed for the benefit of any individual person or group of persons but only for the general public. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.130 Findings.
The city finds that critical areas contain valuable natural resources, provide natural scenic qualities important to the character of the community, perform important ecological functions and processes, and/or present a hazard to life and property. Identification, management, and protection of these areas is, therefore, necessary to protect the public health, safety and general welfare of Mill Creek’s citizens and comprise a public purpose. Beneficial biological and physical functions that critical areas provide include, but are not limited to, water quality protection and enhancement; fish and wildlife habitat; food chain support; flood storage; stormwater conveyance and attenuation; ground water recharge and discharge; erosion control; protection from hazards; historical and archaeological and aesthetic value protection; and recreation. These beneficial functions are not listed in order of priority. With respect to particular critical areas, the city finds as follows:
A. Wetlands.
1. Wetlands perform numerous important functions, including but not limited to provision of wildlife and fish habitat, water quality enhancement, flood and erosion control, ground water recharge and discharge, shoreline stabilization, research and education opportunity, and recreation. Protection of these systems is necessary to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare.
2. To achieve the goal of "no net loss" of wetland functions and values within the city, the regulations of this chapter are intended to discourage or prohibit:
a. Activities that block water flows, or damage or destroy flood storage areas or storm barriers, thereby resulting in greater potential flood damages;
b. Disposal of wastewater or solid wastes, or creation of unstable fills inappropriate to the function of wetlands, which may result in water pollution;
c. Application of pesticides, herbicides and algaecides on wetlands unless warranted to protect the ecological functions of the wetland;
d. Activities that limit the function of a wetland to control erosion or runoff; provide water storage; or provide wildlife breeding, spawning, nesting, wintering, or feeding grounds; and
e. Activities that detract from a wetland’s value in providing educational experiences, recreational uses, and/or open space.
B. Fish and Wildlife Habitat Areas.
1. Streams and other fish and wildlife habitats perform many important biological and physical functions that benefit the fish and wildlife species inhabiting the region. These functions include, but are not limited to: providing cover, breeding/spawning habitat, and food for fish and wildlife species; maintaining water quality; storing and conveying storm and flood water; and recharging ground water.
2. Habitat areas also serve as a valuable resource for city residents by providing areas for recreation, education, scientific study, and aesthetic appreciation. Protection of these systems is necessary to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare.
C. Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas.
1. Areas that have a critical recharging effect on ground water are essential for maintaining public water supplies including supplies of potable drinking water. These areas are susceptible to contamination from certain land use activities. Protection of these systems is necessary to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare.
2. Critical aquifer recharge areas have prevailing geologic conditions associated with infiltration rates that create or contribute significantly to the replenishment of ground water.
D. Geologically Hazardous Areas.
1. Geologically hazardous areas pose a risk to public property, welfare, and to the natural systems that make up the environment of the city. Natural processes make these areas susceptible to landslides, erosion, and seismic events. Regulation of these areas to avoid or minimize geologic hazards is necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
2. Areas subject to topographic variation – such as hillsides and ravines – provide natural scenic qualities, aesthetic resources, and community character as well as important ecological functions and values. Removal of vegetation and development in such areas can result in loss of soil and slope stability, increased erosion, increased surface water runoff, and reduced aesthetic value. These areas should be protected and enhanced consistent with their natural functions, visual qualities, and inherent development limitations.
E. Frequently Flooded Areas. Areas subject to frequent flooding provide valuable habitat for many fish and wildlife species and also pose a risk to public health and safety. Protection of floodplains and areas subject to frequent flooding is necessary to protect human life and property. The provisions of this chapter seek to prevent damage to public facilities, minimize the need for flood relief or flood control projects, and protect the natural resource functions and values provided by frequently flooded areas. Protection and management of frequently flooded areas shall be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 15.20 MCMC and shall protect the public health, safety, and welfare. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.140 Identification and mapping of critical areas.
A. The city has identified portions of the Mill Creek planning area, based on studies and field investigations, where critical areas, or the conditions under which critical areas typically occur, are believed to exist. The approximate location and extent of critical areas within the city’s UGA are shown on the Mill Creek comprehensive plan environmental element (as amended) maps adopted by reference as part of this chapter. These maps are intended to be used as a general guide for the assistance of property owners and as information for the public. Critical area locations and boundaries are approximate; field investigation and analysis by a qualified professional are required to confirm the existence and boundaries of a critical area. In the event of any conflict between the location, designation, or classification of a critical area shown on the city’s maps and the criteria or standards of this chapter, the criteria and standards and the determination of any field investigation shall prevail. All areas within the city meeting the definition of one or more critical areas, regardless of any formal identification, are hereby designated critical areas and are subject to the provisions of this chapter.
B. Areas adjacent to critical areas shall be considered to be within the jurisdiction of these requirements and regulations to support the intent of this chapter and ensure protection of the functions and values of critical areas. Adjacent shall mean any activity located:
1. On a site immediately adjoining a critical area;
2. A distance equal to or less than the required critical area buffer width plus building setback;
3. Within the floodway, floodplain, or channel migration zone; or
4. A distance equal to or less than 200 feet from a critical aquifer recharge area or geologically hazardous area. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.150 Protection of critical areas.
A. Any action taken pursuant to this chapter shall result in equivalent or greater functions and values of the critical areas associated with the proposed action, as determined by the best available science. All actions and developments shall be designed and constructed to avoid and/or minimize all adverse impacts. Applicants must first demonstrate the inability to avoid or minimize impacts before restoration and compensation of impacts will be allowed. No activity or use shall be allowed that results in a net loss of the functions or values of critical areas within the city and its UGA.
B. These critical area regulations shall apply as an overlay and in addition to zoning and other development regulations adopted by the city, and/or other agencies that may have jurisdiction over an area or activity. In the event of an irreconcilable conflict between these regulations and any other regulations of the city, the regulations that provide greater protection for critical areas shall apply.
C. Compliance with the provisions of this chapter does not necessarily constitute compliance with other federal, state, and local regulations and permit requirements. The applicant is responsible for complying with all applicable regulations and requirements.
D. Areas characterized by a particular critical area may also be subject to other regulations established by this chapter due to the overlap or multiple functions of some critical areas. Any individual critical area adjoined by another type of critical area shall have the buffer and meet the requirements that provide the most protection to the critical areas involved.
E. The provisions of this chapter shall be minimum requirements in their interpretation and application and shall be liberally construed to serve the purposes of this chapter. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.160 Density calculations for critical areas and buffers.
On-site density transfers are permitted for critical area buffers and Category IV wetlands. The density may be transferred to the noncritical area/buffer portion of the site, (a) subject to applicable policies, setbacks and other standards of the city, (b) if it is compatible with the character of the area and adjacent uses, and (c) the area to which density is transferred is not constrained by other critical areas. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
Article II. Definitions
18.06.210 Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply. Other applicable definitions may be located in MCMC Title 14 or elsewhere in the development code.
"Actively farmed" means land that has a documented history of ongoing agricultural use and that is currently used primarily for the production of crops and/or raising or keeping livestock.
"Adaptive management" means using scientific methods to evaluate how well regulatory and nonregulatory actions protect the critical area. An adaptive management program is a formal and deliberate scientific approach to taking action and obtaining information in the face of uncertainty.
"Advance mitigation" means compensation, in the form of creation, re-establishment, rehabilitation, or enhancement, for an anticipated critical area impact that is completed prior to the impact for which it compensates. The compensation must be in accordance with a city-approved plan.
"Agricultural land" is land primarily devoted to the commercial production of horticultural, viticultural, floricultural, dairy, apiary, or animal products or of berries, grain, hay, straw, turf, seed, Christmas trees not subject to the excise tax imposed by RCW 84.33.100 through 84.33.140, or livestock.
"Alteration" means any human-induced change in an existing condition of a critical area or its buffer. Alterations include, but are not limited to grading, filling, channelizing, dredging, clearing (vegetation), draining, construction, compaction, excavation, or any other activity that changes the critical area.
"Anadromous fish" means those species that migrate up rivers from salt water to spawn in fresh water.
"Aquifer" means a geological formation, group of formations or part of formation that is capable of yielding a significant amount of water to a well or spring.
"Aquifer recharge areas" are areas that, due to the presence of certain soils, geology, and surface water, act to recharge ground water by percolation.
"Aquifer susceptibility" means the ease with which contaminants can move from the land surface to the aquifer based solely on the types of surface and subsurface materials in the area. Susceptibility usually defines the rate at which a contaminant will reach an aquifer unimpeded by chemical interactions with the vadose zone media.
"Aquifer vulnerability" is the combined effect of susceptibility to contamination and the presence of potential contaminants.
"Artificial wetland or surface water system" means a wetland or surface water system that was intentionally created from a nonwetland site through human activity and for a specific purpose. This includes stormwater detention ponds, bioswales, irrigation canals, wastewater treatment ponds, landscape amenities, stock ponds, and similar areas. Artificial wetlands or surface water systems do not include wetlands created as compensation for development impacts or wetlands that have inadvertently become established as a result of changing environmental conditions or land use.
"Best available science" means information from research, inventory, monitoring, surveys, modeling and assessments that is used to designate, protect, or restore critical areas. As defined by WAC 365-195-900 through 365-195-925, best available science is derived from a process that includes peer reviewed literature, standard methods, quantitative analysis and documented references to produce reliable information.
"Best management practices (BMPs)" means conservation practices or systems of practices and management measures that:
1. Control soil loss and reduce water quality degradation caused by high concentrations of nutrients, animal waste, toxics, and/or sediment;
2. Minimize adverse impacts to surface water and ground water flow, circulation patterns, and to the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of wetlands and streams;
3. Protect trees and other vegetation designated to be retained during and following site construction; and
4. Provide standards for proper use of chemical herbicides and pesticides within critical areas.
"Buffer" or "buffer area" means the area or zone contiguous to a critical area that protects the integrity or functions and values of a critical area from potential adverse impacts.
"City" means the city of Mill Creek.
"Clearing" means the removal of timber, brush, grass, ground cover or other vegetative matter from a site, which exposes the earth’s surface of the site.
"Compensatory mitigation" means replacing, to an equivalent or greater level, critical areas or buffers after all appropriate and practicable impact avoidance and minimization measures have been implemented. Compensatory mitigation includes but is not limited to: wetland creation, rehabilitation, re-establishment, enhancement, and preservation; stream restoration and relocation; and buffer enhancement and restoration.
"Conservation easement" means a legal agreement or dedication by the property owner to restrict uses of the land. Conservation easements shall be recorded in the Snohomish County real property records, shall run with the land, and are legally binding on all present and future owners of the property.
"Creation" means the manipulation of a non-wetland (upland) site for purposes of establishing wetland functions and characteristics where none previously existed. Activities could include, but are not limited to, excavation of upland soils to elevations that will produce a wetland hydroperiod, create hydric soils, and support the growth of wetland plant species. Creation results in a net increase in wetland area.
"Critical aquifer recharge area" means areas designated by WAC 365-190-080(2) that are determined to have a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water as defined by WAC 365-190-030(2).
"Critical area report" means a report prepared by a qualified professional based on best available science, and the specific methods and standards for technical study required for each applicable critical area. Geotechnical reports and hydrogeological reports are critical area reports specific to geologically hazardous areas and critical aquifer recharge areas, respectively.
"Critical area tract" means land held in private ownership and retained in an open condition in perpetuity for the protection of critical areas.
"Critical areas" include any of the following areas or ecosystems: aquifer recharge areas, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, frequently flooded areas, geologically hazardous areas, and wetlands, as defined in Chapter 36.70A RCW and this chapter.
"Critical habitat" means habitat areas with which endangered, threatened, or sensitive plant or wildlife species has a primary association (e.g., feeding, breeding, rearing of young, migrating). Such areas are identified herein with reference to lists, categories, and definitions promulgated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife as identified in WAC 232-12-011 or 232-12-014; in the Priority Habitat and Species (PHS) program of the Department of Fish and Wildlife; or by rules and regulations adopted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, or any other agency with jurisdiction for such designations.
"Department" means the city of Mill Creek department of community development.
"Disturbance" means alteration (see definition of "alteration") of a critical area or associated buffer.
"Ditch" means any graded (manmade) channel specifically installed to collect and convey runoff from properties and roadways. Ditches include drains, outfalls, channels, stormwater runoff facilities or other wholly artificial watercourses, except those that directly result from the manmade modification to a natural watercourse.
"DRASTIC" means a model developed by the National Water Well Association and Environmental Protection Agency to measure aquifer susceptibility.
"Emergency activities" are those activities necessary to prevent an immediate threat to public health, safety, or welfare, or that pose an immediate risk of damage to private property and that require remedial or preventative action in a timeframe too short to allow for compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
"Emergent wetland" means a wetland with at least 30 percent of the surface area covered by erect, rooted, herbaceous vegetation extending above the water surface as the uppermost vegetative stratum.
"Enhancement" means the manipulation of an existing degraded wetland site to heighten, intensify or improve existing functions or to change the growth stage or composition of the vegetation present. Activities could include, but are not limited to, planting vegetation, controlling non-native or invasive species, modifying site elevations or the proportion of open water to influence plant composition, or some combination of these. Enhancement improves some wetland functions but can lead to a decline in other wetland functions; it does not result in a net increase in wetland area.
"Erosion" means a process whereby wind, rain, water and other natural agents mobilize and transport soil particles.
"Erosion hazard areas" means lands or areas underlain by soils identified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) as having "severe" or "very severe" erosion hazards. These include, but are not limited to, Alderwood gravelly sandy loam and Everett gravelly sandy loam soils when they occur on slopes of 15 percent or greater.
"Excavation" means the mechanical movement or removal of earth.
"Existing and ongoing agricultural activities" means those activities conducted on lands defined in RCW 84.34.020(2), and those activities involved in the production of crops and livestock, including but not limited to operation and maintenance of existing farm and stock ponds or drainage ditches, irrigation systems, changes between agricultural activities, and maintenance or repair of existing serviceable structures and facilities. Activities that result in the filling of an area or bring an area into agricultural use are not part of an ongoing activity. An operation ceases to be ongoing when the area on which it was conducted has been converted to a nonagricultural use, or has lain idle for more than five years unless that idle land is registered in a federal or state soils conservation program. Forest practices are not included in this definition.
"Exotic" means any species of plant or wildlife that is not indigenous to the Puget Sound area.
"Fen" means a type of wetland similar to a bog that is wholly or partly covered with water and dominated by grass like plants, grasses, and sedges. Fens accumulate peat soil and are alkaline rather than acid.
"Fill material" means a deposit of earth material.
"Filling" means the act of transporting or placing by any manual or mechanical means fill material from, to, or on any soil surface, including temporary stockpiling of fill material.
"Fish and wildlife habitat areas" means areas necessary for maintaining species in suitable habitats within their natural geographic distribution so that isolated subpopulations are not created as designated by WAC 365-190-080(5). These areas include:
1. Areas with which state or federally designated endangered, threatened, and sensitive species have a primary association;
2. Habitats of local importance, including but not limited to areas designated as priority habitat by the Department of Fish and Wildlife;
3. Streams and surface waters within the jurisdiction of the state of Washington; and
4. Land essential for preserving connections between habitats and open spaces.
"Fish habitat" means habitat that is used by fish at any life stage at any time of the year, including potential habitat likely to be used by fish that could be recovered by restoration or management and includes off-channel habitat.
"Flood" or "flooding" means a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from:
1. The overflow of inland or tidal waters; and/or
2. The unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff of surface waters from any source.
"Floodplain" means the total land area adjoining a river, stream, watercourse, or lake subject to inundation by the base flood.
"Forested wetland" means a wetland with at least 30 percent of the surface area covered by woody vegetation greater than 20 feet in height that is at least partially rooted within the wetland.
"Frequently flooded areas" means lands in the floodplain subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year and those lands that provide important flood storage, conveyance and attenuation functions, as determined by the director in accordance with WAC 365-190-080(3). Classifications of frequently flooded areas include, at a minimum, the 100-year floodplain designations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Flood Insurance Program.
"Function and value" means the beneficial roles served by critical areas including, but not limited to, water quality protection and enhancement, fish and wildlife habitat, food chain support, flood storage, conveyance and attenuation, ground water recharge and discharge, erosion control, wave attenuation, protection from hazards, historical and archaeological and aesthetic value protection, noise and visual screening, open space, and recreation. These beneficial roles are not listed in order of priority.
"Function assessment" or "functions and values assessment" means a set of procedures, applied by a qualified professional, to identify the ecological functions being performed in a wetland or other critical area, usually by determining the presence of certain characteristics, and determining how well the critical area is performing those functions. Function assessments can be qualitative or quantitative and may consider social values potentially provided by the wetland or other critical area. Function assessment methods shall be consistent with best available science.
"Geologically hazardous areas" means areas that may not be suited to development consistent with public health, safety or environmental standards, because of their susceptibility to erosion, sliding, earthquake, or other geological processes as designated by WAC 365-190-080(4). Types of geologically hazardous areas include: erosion, landslide, and seismic hazards.
"Grading" means any excavating or filling of the earth’s surface or combination thereof.
"Ground water" means water in a saturated zone or stratum beneath the surface of land or a surface water body.
"Ground water management area" means a specific geographic area or subarea designated pursuant to Chapter 173-100 WAC for which a ground water management program is required.
"Ground water management program" means a comprehensive program designed to protect ground water quality, to assure ground water quantity, and to provide for efficient management of water resources while recognizing existing ground water rights and meeting future needs consistent with local and state objectives, policies and authorities within a designated ground water management area or subarea and developed pursuant to Chapter 173-100 WAC.
"Growth Management Act" means Chapters 36.70A and 36.70B RCW, as amended, together with administrative regulations adopted thereunder.
"Habitat management" means management of land to maintain species in suitable habitats within their natural geographic distribution so that subpopulations are not isolated. This does not imply maintaining all habitat or individuals of all species in all cases.
"Hazardous substance" means any liquid, solid, gas, or sludge, including any material, substance, product, commodity, or waste, regardless of quantity, that exhibits any of the physical, chemical or biological properties described in WAC 173-303-090 or 173-303-100.
"High impact land use" means land uses likely to have a significant adverse impact to critical areas because of the intensity of the use, levels of human activity, use of machinery or chemicals, presence of domesticated animals, or the presence of light and noise. Examples include parking lots; buildings and yard areas of residential, commercial and business park developments; private and public streets; active use parks and recreation facilities; and other uses/activities that are likely to significantly impact critical areas.
"Hydraulic project approval (HPA)" means a permit issued by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife for modifications to waters of the state in accordance with Chapter 75.20 RCW.
"Hydric soil" means a soil that is saturated, flooded or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part. The presence of hydric soil shall be determined following the methods described in the Washington State Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual under RCW 36.70A.175.
"Hydrologic soil groups" means soils grouped according to their runoff-producing characteristics under similar storm and cover conditions. Properties that influence runoff potential are depth to seasonally high water table, intake rate and permeability after prolonged wetting, and depth to a low permeable layer. Hydrologic soil groups are normally used in equations that estimate runoff from rainfall, but can be used to estimate a rate of water transmission in soil. There are four hydrologic soil groups:
1. Low runoff potential and a high rate of infiltration potential;
2. Moderate infiltration potential and a moderate rate of runoff potential;
3. Slow infiltration potential and a moderate to high rate of runoff potential; and
4. High runoff potential and very slow infiltration and water transmission rates.
"Hydrophytic vegetation" means macrophytic plant life growing in water or on a substrate that is at least periodically deficient in oxygen as a result of excessive water content.
"Hyporheic zone" means the saturated zone located beneath and adjacent to streams that contains some portion of surface waters, serves as a filter for nutrients, and maintains water quality.
"Impervious surface" means a hard surface area that either prevents or retards the entry of water into the soil mantle as under natural conditions prior to development or that causes water to run off the surface in greater quantities or at an increased rate of flow compared to natural conditions prior to development. Common impervious surfaces include, but are not limited to, roof tops, walkways, patios, driveways, parking lots or storage areas, concrete or asphalt paving, gravel roads, packed earthen materials, and oiled macadam or other surfaces which similarly impede the natural infiltration of stormwater. Impervious surfaces do not include surfaces created through proven low impact development techniques.
"Indigenous" means any species of plant or wildlife that occurs naturally on a particular site or area.
"Infiltration" means the downward entry of water into the immediate surface of soil.
"In-kind compensation" means to replace critical areas with substitute areas whose characteristics and functions closely approximate those destroyed or degraded by a regulated activity.
"Innovative mitigation" means mitigation that may occur off site and/or may be out of kind compared to the critical area being impacted.
"Isolated wetland" means a wetland that is not adjacent to or hydraulically connected via surface water, ground water, or other conveyance to another wetland, lake, or stream.
"Lake" means a naturally existing or artificially created body of standing water, which exists on a year-round basis and occurs in a depression of land or expanded part of a stream. A lake must be greater than one acre in size, greater than six and six-tenths feet in depth at the deepest point, and have less than 30 percent aerial coverage by trees, shrubs, or persistent emergent vegetation. A lake is bounded by the ordinary high water mark or the extension of the elevation of the lake’s ordinary high water mark with the stream where the stream enters the lake.
"Landfill" means a disposal facility or part of a facility at which solid waste is permanently placed in or on land including facilities that use solid waste as a component of fill.
"Landslide" means episodic downslope movement of a mass of soil or rock.
"Landslide hazard areas" means areas that, due to a combination of slope inclination and relative soil permeability, are susceptible to landsliding.
"Low impact land use" means land uses which are not likely to have a significant adverse impact to critical areas because of the intensity of the use, levels of human activity, limited use of machinery or chemicals, site design, and other factors identified in this chapter. Examples include passive open space tracts and detention/retention ponds.
"Mature forested wetland" means a forested wetland where the largest trees are at least 80 years old or have diameters at breast height of at least 21 inches.
"Mitigation" means individual actions that may include one or a combination of the following measures, listed in order of preference:
1. Avoiding an impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of actions;
2. Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of an action and its implementation;
3. Rectifying impacts by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment;
4. Reducing or eliminating an impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the action;
5. Compensating for an impact by replacing or providing substitute resources or environments; and
6. Monitoring the hazard or other required mitigation and taking remedial action when necessary.
"Monitoring" means evaluating the impacts of development proposals over time on the biological, hydrological, pedological, and geological elements of such systems and/or assessing the performance of required mitigation measures throughout the collection and analysis of data by various methods for the purpose of understanding and documenting changes in natural ecosystems and features, and includes gathering baseline data.
"Native growth protection area (NGPA)" means an area where native vegetation is preserved for the purpose of preventing harm to property and the environment, including, but not limited to, controlling surface water runoff and erosion, maintaining slope stability, buffering and protecting plants and animal habitat.
"Native vegetation" means plant species that are indigenous to the Puget Sound area.
"No net loss" means the maintenance of the aggregate total of the city’s critical area functions and values as achieved through a case-by-case review of development proposals. Each project shall be evaluated based on its ability to meet the no net loss standard.
"Nonconformity" means a nonconforming use or nonconforming building as defined in MCMC 14.01.030(N).
"Off-site compensation" means to replace critical areas away from the site on which critical area impacts have occurred.
"On-site compensation" means to replace critical areas at or adjacent to the site on which critical area impacts have occurred.
"Ordinary high water mark (OHWM)" means that mark which is found by examining the bed and banks and ascertaining where the presence and action of waters are so common and usual, and so long continued in all ordinary years, that the soil has a character distinct from that of the abutting upland in respect to vegetation.
"Out-of-kind mitigation" means replacement of critical areas or buffers with substitute critical areas or buffers whose characteristics do not closely approximate those destroyed or degraded by a regulated activity.
"Permeability" means the capacity of an aquifer or confining bed to transmit water. It is a property of the aquifer or confining bed and is independent of the force causing movement.
"Pond" means a naturally existing or artificially created body of standing water that exists on a year-round basis and occurs in a depression of land or expanded part of a stream. A pond must be less than or equal to one acre and greater than 10,000 square feet in size, and greater than six and six-tenths feet in depth at the deepest point.
"Porous soil types" means soils, as identified by the National Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, which contain voids, pores, interstices or other openings which allow the passing of water.
"Potable water" means water that is safe and palatable for human use.
"Practical alternative" means an alternative that is available and capable of being carried out after taking into consideration cost, existing technology, and logistics in light of overall project purposes, and having less impact to critical areas.
"Preservation" means actions taken to ensure the permanent protection of existing, ecologically important critical areas and/or buffers that the city or another agency has deemed worthy of long-term protection.
"Priority habitat" means areas with one or more of the following attributes: comparatively high wildlife density; high wildlife species richness; significant wildlife breeding habitat; significant wildlife seasonal ranges; significant movement corridors for wildlife; limited availability; and/or high vulnerability. Priority habitats have unique or significant value to one or more species as classified by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. A priority habitat may consist of a unique vegetation type or dominant plant species, a described successional stage, or a specific structural element under WAC 173-26-020(34).
"Priority species" means wildlife species of concern due to their population status and their sensitivity to habitat alteration, as defined by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
"Project area" means a proposed development site and the lands within 50 feet of the area proposed to be disturbed, altered, or used by the proposed activity.
"Pruning" means mechanical removal of woody plant parts intended to maintain plant health by removing dead, injured or diseased wood or to control or direct vegetative growth. Pruning in a hillside and associated buffer area is an alteration activity subject to the provisions of this chapter.
"Qualified professional" or "qualified consultant" shall mean a person with experience and training in the pertinent scientific discipline, and who is a qualified scientific expert with expertise appropriate for the relevant critical area subject in accordance with WAC 365-195-905(4). A qualified professional must have obtained a B.S. or B.A. or equivalent degree in biology, soil science, engineering, environmental studies, fisheries, geomorphology or related field, and two years of related work experience, and meet the following criteria:
1. A qualified professional for habitats or wetlands must have a degree in biology or a related discipline and professional experience related to the subject species.
2. A qualified professional for geologically hazardous areas must be a professional engineer or geologist, licensed in the state of Washington.
3. A qualified professional for critical aquifer recharge areas means a hydrogeologist, geologist, engineer, or other scientist with experience in preparing hydrogeologic assessments.
"Recharge" means the process involved in the absorption and addition of water to ground water.
"Re-establishment" means the manipulation of a former wetland site with the goal of restoring natural or historic wetland characteristics and functions that are no longer present. Re-establishment activities could include, but are not limited to, grading/excavation, removing fill material, plugging ditches, breaking drain tiles, and planting. Re-establishment results in a net increase in wetland area and functions.
"Regulated activity" means activities occurring in or near and/or potentially affecting an environmentally critical area or associated buffer that are subject to the provisions of this chapter. Regulated activities generally include but are not limited to any filling, dredging, dumping or stockpiling, draining, excavating, flooding, constructing or reconstructing, driving pilings, obstructing, shading, clearing or harvesting.
"Rehabilitation" means the manipulation of the physical or hydrological characteristics of an existing degraded wetland for the purposes of repairing natural or historic functions and processes. Activities could involve, but are not limited to, breaching a dike to reconnect wetlands to a floodplain or other activities that restore the natural water regime. Rehabilitation results in a gain in wetland functions and processes but does not result in a net increase in wetland area.
"Repair" or "maintenance" means an activity that restores the character, scope, size, and design of a serviceable area, structure, or land use to its previously authorized and undamaged condition. Activities that change the character, size, or scope of a project beyond the original design and drain, dredge, fill, flood, or otherwise alter critical areas are not included in this definition.
"Restoration" means the repair of an altered or damaged wetland or other area through the manipulation of its physical, chemical, and/or biological characteristics. "Re-establishment" and "rehabilitation" are the specific forms of restoration that are utilized to mitigate impacts and to regulate critical areas, as defined in this section.
"Rills" means steep-sided channels resulting from accelerated erosion. A rill is generally a few inches deep. Rill erosion tends to occur on slopes, particularly steep slopes with poor vegetative cover.
"Riparian habitat" means areas adjacent to streams that contain elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems that mutually influence each other. The width of these areas extends to that portion of the terrestrial landscape that directly influences the aquatic ecosystem by providing shade, fine or large woody material, nutrients, organic and inorganic debris, terrestrial insects, or habitat for riparian-associated wildlife. Riparian habitat areas include those riparian areas severely altered or damaged due to human development activities.
"Scrub/shrub wetland" means a wetland with at least 30 percent of its surface area covered by woody vegetation less than 20 feet in height as the uppermost strata.
"Seismic hazard areas" means areas that are subject to severe risk of damage as a result of earthquake-induced ground shaking, slope failure, settlement, or soil liquefaction.
"SEPA" means the Washington State Environmental Policy Act, Chapter 43.21C RCW.
"Significant habitat" means areas with one or more of the following attributes: comparatively high wildlife density; high wildlife species diversity; important wildlife nesting or breeding areas; wildlife seasonal ranges or refuge areas along migratory routes; important movement corridors for wildlife; and limited availability or high vulnerability. These areas typically contain some feature that is particularly attractive to wildlife, in most instances water. To be considered a significant habitat, the area must be of sufficient size or functionally linked to another significant habitat or critical habitat to allow continued functioning of the area at the level described in this definition considering existing and proposed developments of noncritical areas in the vicinity.
"Site" means any parcel or combination of contiguous parcels, or right-of-way or combination of contiguous rights-of-way, under the applicant’s ownership or control.
"Slope" means an inclined earth surface, the inclination of which is expressed as the ratio of horizontal distance to vertical distance. In these regulations, slopes are generally expressed as a percentage. Percentage of slope refers to a given rise in elevation over a given run or distance. A 40 percent slope, for example, refers to a 40-foot rise in elevation over a distance of 100 feet.
"Slope buffer" means a designated area contiguous or adjacent to a slope that is required for the continued maintenance, function, and structural stability of the slope.
"Sphagnum bog" means a type of wetland dominated by mosses that form peat. Sphagnum bogs are very acidic, nutrient poor systems, fed by precipitation rather than surface inflow, with specially adapted plant communities.
"Stormwater conveyance facilities" means biofiltration swales, dispersal trenches, stormwater pipes, and other facilities that carry stormwater from a detention or treatment facility to a discharge location.
"Stormwater facility" means structures or lands used for the specific purpose of treating or managing storm runoff. Stormwater facilities include detention/retention ponds, wet ponds, media filtration facilities, vaults, lagoons, infiltration basins, and other approved facilities constructed in accordance with the city’s stormwater management regulations.
"Stream" means those areas where surface waters produce a defined channel or bed. A defined channel or bed is an area that demonstrates clear evidence of the passage of water and includes, but is not limited to, bedrock channels, gravel beds, sand and silt beds, and defined-channel swales. The channel or bed need not contain water year-round. Streams provide biological functions and habitat for aquatic organisms. This definition does not include artificially created irrigated ditches, canals, storm or surface water runoff devices or other entirely artificial watercourses unless they are used by anadromous or resident fish populations.
"Stream buffer" means a designated area contiguous or adjacent to a stream that is required for the continued maintenance, function, and structural stability of the stream.
"Structural diversity" means the relative degree of diversity or complexity of vegetation in a habitat area as indicated by the stratification or layering of different plant communities (e.g., ground cover, shrub layer and tree canopy); the variety of plant species; and the spacing or pattern of vegetation.
"Subdrainage basin" or "subbasin" means the drainage area of the highest order stream containing the subject property impact area. Stream order is used to define the position of a stream in the hierarchy of tributaries in the watershed. The smallest streams are the highest order (first order) tributaries. These are the upper watershed streams and have no tributaries of their own.
"Surface water systems" means aquatic resources including streams, lakes, and ponds and associated riparian habitat.
"Unavoidable" means adverse impacts that remain after all appropriate and practicable avoidance and minimization measures have been implemented.
"Utility line" means pipe, conduit, cable or other similar facility by which services are conveyed to the public or individual recipients. Such services shall include, but are not limited to, water supply, electric power with an associated voltage of 55,000 volts or less, natural gas, communications and sanitary sewer.
"Water resources inventory area (WRIA)" means one of 62 watersheds in the state of Washington, each composed of the drainage areas of a stream or streams, as established in Chapter 173-500 WAC as it existed on January 1, 1997.
"Water table" means that surface in an unconfined aquifer at which the pressure is atmospheric. The water table is defined by the levels at which water stands in wells that penetrate the aquifer just far enough to hold standing water.
"Well" means a bored, drilled or driven shaft, or a dug hole whose depth is greater than the largest surface dimension for the purpose of withdrawing or injecting water or other liquids.
"Wellhead protection area (WHPA)" means the portion of a zone of contribution for a well, wellfield or spring, as defined using criteria established by the state Department of Ecology.
"Wetland" means those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas. Wetlands do not include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from nonwetland sites, including, but not limited to, irrigation and drainage ditches, grass-lined swales, canals, detention facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, farm ponds, and landscape amenities, or those wetlands created after July 1, 1990, that were unintentionally created as a result of the construction of a road, street, or highway. Wetlands may include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from nonwetland areas to mitigate the conversion of wetlands. For identifying and delineating a wetland, local government shall use the Washington State Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual.
"Wetland buffer" means a designated area contiguous or adjacent to a wetland that is required for the continued maintenance, function, and structural stability of the wetland.
"Wetland class" means the general appearance of the wetland based on the dominant vegetative life form or the physiography and composition of the substrate. The uppermost layer of vegetation that possesses an aerial coverage of 30 percent or greater of the wetland constitutes a wetland class. Multiple classes can exist in a single wetland. Types of wetland classes include forest, scrub/shrub, and emergent.
"Wetland edge" means the boundary of a wetland as delineated based on the definitions contained in this chapter.
"Wetland mitigation bank" means a site where wetlands and buffers are restored, created, enhanced, or in exceptional circumstances, preserved expressly for the purpose of providing compensatory mitigation in advance of authorized impacts to similar resources.
"Zone of contribution" means the area surrounding a well or spring that encompasses all areas or features that supply ground water recharge to the well or spring. (Ord. 2006-633 § 2; Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
Article III. Applicability/Regulated Activities
18.06.310 Applicability of provisions.
A. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all lands, all land uses and development activity, and all structures and facilities in the city, whether or not a permit or authorization is required, and shall apply to every person, firm, partnership, corporation, group, governmental agency, or other entity that owns, leases, or administers land within the city. No person, company, agency, or applicant shall alter a critical area or buffer except as consistent with the purposes and requirements of this chapter.
B. The city shall not approve any permit or otherwise issue any authorization to alter the condition of any land, water, or vegetation, or to construct or alter any structure or improvement in, over, or on a critical area or associated buffer without first ensuring compliance with the requirements of this chapter. Approval of a permit or development proposal pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall not discharge the obligation of the permit holder to comply with the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.320 Regulated activities.
Activities subject to this chapter include, but are not limited to, the following:
A. Removing, excavating, disturbing or dredging soil, sand, gravel, minerals, organic matter or materials of any kind;
B. Dumping, discharging or filling with any material;
C. Constructing, reconstructing, demolishing or altering the size of any structure or infrastructure, except where the existing square footage or foundation footprint is not altered and meets the definition of a nonconforming structure subject to the provisions of MCMC 14.01.030(N);
D. Destroying or altering vegetation through clearing, harvesting, cutting, trampling, intentional burning, shading or planting vegetation where these activities would alter the character of a critical area or buffer;
E. Draining, flooding or disturbing the water level, water flow pattern, or water table;
F. Activities that result in adverse changes in water temperature, physical or chemical characteristics of water sources to wetlands or streams;
G. Conversion of agricultural land to nonagricultural uses; and
H. Application of pesticides, fertilizers and/or other chemicals in amount or at times demonstrated as harmful to wetlands, streams, wildlife habitats, or riparian corridors. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.330 Nonconforming uses.
An established use or existing structure lawfully created prior to adoption of this chapter, but which is not in compliance with this chapter, may continue subject to the provisions of Chapter 17.32 MCMC. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
Article IV. Exemptions and Exceptions
18.06.410 Exempt activities.
A. Certain activities shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter; provided, that they are conducted using locally adopted best management practices and that they result in the least amount of impact to the critical areas. Best management practices shall be used for tree and vegetation protection, construction management, erosion and sedimentation control, water quality protection, and regulation of chemical applications. The city shall observe the use of best management practices to ensure that the activity does not result in degradation of the critical area or buffer. Exempt activities include the following:
1. Existing and ongoing agricultural activities as defined in this chapter; if established prior to 1992 and after that date do not cause permanent conversion of a critical area through actions such as ditching, draining, clearing, grading, and/or filling; provided, that:
a. The activity is conducted as part of normal agricultural activities. The exemption does not apply to the full or partial conversion of agricultural land to nonagricultural uses;
b. The activity does not destroy, kill, harass, or otherwise harm species listed as threatened or endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, or the habitats on which those species depend;
c. The property or portion of the property considered for exemption has been actively farmed since 1992, and not been idle for two consecutive years;
d. The agricultural activities comply with the flood hazard provisions of Chapter 15.20 MCMC and other applicable city regulations; and
e. The exemption is limited to specific areas upon which lawfully established agricultural activities are being conducted. A determination that a portion of a site is exempt shall not extend to other portions of the site that do not meet the requirements of this section.
2. Activities conducted pursuant to previous critical area review, including activities subject to previous development permits and approvals and construction approvals, provided all of the following conditions have been met:
a. The provisions of this chapter have been previously addressed as part of another approval;
b. There have been no material changes in the potential impact to the critical area or buffer since the prior review;
c. There is no new critical area information available for the site or adjacent areas and there have been no substantial changes to site conditions since the original study was prepared;
d. The permit or approval has not expired or, if no expiration date, no more than five years has elapsed since the issuance of that permit or approval or adoption of this chapter, whichever is later; and
e. Compliance with all standards or conditions placed upon the prior permit or approval has been achieved or secured.
3. Public and private pedestrian trails subject to the satisfaction of the following requirements as determined by the director:
a. The trail shall avoid critical areas to the greatest extent possible;
b. The trail shall be placed on the outside edge of the critical area buffer to the greatest extent possible; and
c. Fencing or other control mechanisms shall be installed at the edge of the trail closest to the critical area.
4. Select vegetation removal activities including the following; provided, that no vegetation shall be removed from a wetland, fish and wildlife habitat area, or erosion/landslide hazard area or their associated buffers without prior written approval; and provided, that disturbed areas are revegetated with native, noninvasive species approved by the city:
a. The removal of invasive weeds, such as Himalayan blackberry, using hand labor, city-approved light equipment, and/or authorized herbicides; provided, that all cut vegetation shall be left within the critical area or buffer unless removal is warranted due to the potential for disease transmittal to other healthy vegetation; and
b. If a tree to be removed provides critical habitat, such as an eagle perch, a qualified wildlife biologist shall be consulted to determine timing and methods of removal that will minimize impacts.
5. The removal of trees from critical areas and buffers, that are hazardous, posing a threat to public safety, or posing an imminent risk of damage to private property; provided, that written approval from the city is required before the removal of hazardous trees, and:
a. The applicant submits a report from a certified arborist, or registered landscape architect, that documents the hazard and provides a replanting schedule for the replacement trees. The director can waive this requirement if the hazard potential is readily apparent to city staff;
b. Tree cutting shall be limited to limbing and crown thinning, unless otherwise recommended and justified by a qualified professional;
c. The landowner shall replace any trees that are felled or limbed with new trees at a ratio of two replacement trees for each tree felled or limbed within one year in accordance with an approved restoration plan. The director may reduce the ratio when it can be demonstrated that a lower ratio is adequate to protect critical areas. Tree species that are native and indigenous to the site shall be used; and
d. Hazard trees determined to pose an imminent threat or danger to public health or safety, property, or cause serious environmental degradation may be removed by the landowner prior to receiving written approval from city; provided, that a reasonable attempt is made to contact the city prior to removal and within 14 days following such action, the landowner shall submit a restoration plan that demonstrates compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
6. The application of herbicides, pesticides, organic or mineral-derived fertilizers, or other hazardous substances, if necessary, as approved by the director; provided, that their use shall be restricted in accordance with Department of Fish and Wildlife Management Recommendations, and the regulations of the Department of Agriculture and/or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
7. Minor operation, maintenance, and/or repair of existing structures, infrastructure improvements, utilities, public or private roads, dikes, levees or drainage systems, if the activity does not require construction permits, does not further alter, impact, or encroach upon the critical area or buffer, and there is no increased risk to life or property as a result of the proposed operation, maintenance, or repair.
8. Normal maintenance of groundcover or other vegetation lawfully planted in a critical area or buffer area that was disturbed prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter; provided, that no further disturbance is created.
9. Minor site investigative work, such as surveys, soil logs, percolation tests and other related activities, when required by the city, or a state or federal agency, where such activity does not require construction of roads, significant excavation or grading, or use of heavy machinery; provided, that impacts on critical areas are minimized and disturbed areas are restored immediately to the preexisting level of function and value.
10. Passive outdoor activities such as recreation, education, and scientific research activities that do not alter or degrade the critical area or buffer, including fishing, hiking, and bird watching.
11. Activities involving artificial wetlands or surface water systems; provided, that wetlands, streams, lakes, or ponds created as mitigation for approved land use activities or that provide critical habitat shall be regulated under the provisions of this chapter.
12. Emergency actions that impact a critical area or its buffer provided such actions use reasonable methods to address the emergency and have the least possible impact to the critical area or its buffer. Prior to an emergency action, the director shall provide written determination on a case-by-case basis of the emergency action that satisfies the general requirements of this section. In the event a person or agency determines that the need to take emergency action is so urgent that there is insufficient time for review by the director, such emergency action may be taken immediately. Emergency actions that must be undertaken immediately or for which there is insufficient time for full compliance with this chapter include actions necessary to:
a. Prevent an imminent threat to public health or safety; or
b. Prevent imminent danger to public or private property; or
c. Prevent an imminent threat of serious environmental degradation.
B. The applicant shall obtain written confirmation from the city that the proposed activities meet the requirements for exemption as defined by the section before the activity is initiated. All exempted activities shall use reasonable methods to avoid potential impacts to critical areas. To be exempt from this chapter does not give permission to alter or degrade a critical area or ignore risk from natural hazards. Any incidental damage to, or alteration of, a critical area that is not a necessary outcome of the exempted activity shall be promptly restored, rehabilitated, or replaced at the responsible party’s expense to the director’s satisfaction. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.420 Public agency and utility exception.
A. If the application of this chapter would prohibit a development proposal by a public agency to install or provide streets or utilities, the agency or utility may apply for an exception pursuant to this section.
B. An application for a public agency and utility exception shall be made to the city and shall include a critical area identification form; critical area report and mitigation plan, if necessary; and any other pertinent project documents/studies. The director shall prepare a determination approving, approving with conditions, or denying the request. This determination shall be based on review of the submitted information, a site inspection, and the proposal’s ability to comply with all of the following criteria:
1. There is no other practical alternative to the proposed development with less impact on critical areas and all reasonable measures have been taken to minimize impacts to critical areas;
2. The application of this chapter would unreasonably restrict the ability to provide street or utility services to the public;
3. The proposal does not pose a significant threat to the public health, safety, or welfare on or off the site; and
4. The proposal includes measures to compensate for impacts to critical area function and values consistent with the requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.430 Reasonable use permitted.
A variance to the provisions of this chapter may be considered by the planning commission if application of this chapter would deny all reasonable use of the subject property and upon a showing by the applicant of all the following elements:
A. The proposed activity will result in minimal alteration of existing contours, vegetation, fish and wildlife resources, hydrological conditions, and geologic conditions and will have a minimal effect on critical area functions;
B. The proposed activity will not jeopardize the continued existence of endangered, threatened, sensitive, or monitored species as listed by the federal or state government;
C. The proposed activity will not cause material degradation of habitat, ground water or surface water quality;
D. The proposed activity will comply with all local, state, and general laws, including those related to environmental protection, sediment control, pollution control, floodplain restrictions, and on-site wastewater disposal;
E. There will be no damage to public or private property and no threat to the health or safety of people on or off the site; and
F. The inability to derive reasonable economic use of the property is not the result of actions by the applicant in segregating or dividing the property and/or creating or adding to the undevelopable condition. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.440 Exception for minor new developments in buffers.
A. Remodels and additions to an existing, legally established structure or impervious area that currently encroaches on a critical area buffer shall be exempt from compliance with regulations in this chapter; provided, that all of the following criteria are met to the director’s satisfaction:
1. The proposed development is a minor development and is consistent with the existing use of the site;
2. The impacts on critical area functions and values are avoided and minimized to the maximum extent possible consistent with this chapter;
3. The affected area is located at least 20 feet from the critical area boundary;
4. The minor development does not intensify the use or cause the existing structure/impervious surface to encroach any closer to the critical area;
5. There are no changes in slope stability or drainage; and
6. The minor development does not increase the affected site structural/impervious surface footprint by more than 25 percent.
B. This exception shall not be allowed more than once for any individual site unless a variance for reasonable use is granted pursuant to MCMC 18.06.430. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
Article V. Critical Area Reporting Requirements and Permit Process
18.06.510 Preapplication conference.
All applicants are encouraged to meet with the department prior to submitting an application subject to this chapter. The purpose of this meeting shall be to discuss the city’s critical area standards and procedures; to review any conceptual site plans prepared by the applicant; to discuss appropriate investigative techniques and methods; and to identify potential impacts and mitigation measures. Such conference shall be for the convenience of the applicant and any recommendations shall not be binding on the applicant or the city. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.520 Critical area identification form – Initial determination.
A. Prior to the city’s consideration of any proposed activity not found to be exempt under MCMC 18.06.410, the applicant shall submit to the department a completed critical area identification form provided by the city. The requirement for a critical area identification form may be waived if the applicant and the director determine during a preapplication conference that a critical area study/report will be prepared for the proposal and agree on the scope and timing of such critical area study/report.
B. Upon receipt of a completed critical area identification form, submitted in advance or concurrently with a project application, the director may conduct a site inspection to review critical area conditions on site.
C. The director shall review the critical area identification form and other information available pertaining to the site and the proposal and make a determination as to whether any critical areas may be affected by the proposal and whether a more detailed critical area report shall be required. The director shall use his/her own observations of the site conditions and any of the following indicators to assist in determining the need for a critical area report:
1. Indication on the city’s critical areas maps of a critical area that may be affected by the proposed activity;
2. Information and scientific opinions from appropriate agencies, including but not limited to the Departments of Fish and Wildlife, Natural Resources, and Ecology;
3. Documentation from a scientific or other credible source of the possible presence of a critical area; or
4. A finding by a qualified professional or a reasonable belief by the director that a critical area may exist on or adjacent to the site of the proposed activity.
D. Following the site visit and review of information, the director shall make one of the following determinations:
1. The project area is not within or adjacent to a critical area or buffer and the proposed development is unlikely to degrade the functions or values of a critical area or buffer. If so, the director shall rule that the critical area review is complete and no further review is required.
2. There are critical areas within or adjacent to the project area but the proposed development will avoid the critical area and/or buffer so as not to alter or degrade the functions or values of the critical area or buffer. If so, the director may waive the requirement for a critical area report.
3. A critical area or buffer may be affected by the proposal. If so, the director shall notify the applicant that a critical area report must be submitted prior to further review of the project and shall indicate each of the critical area types that should be addressed in the report. A determination by the director regarding the apparent absence of one or more critical areas is not a certification regarding the presence or absence of critical areas, and the determination is subject to reconsideration by the director and reopening if new information or analysis is received.
E. The city shall notify the public of the initial critical area determination as part of the notice of application issued for the proposal. The notice shall include information as to the specific critical areas that are, or are not, determined to be affected by the proposed activity. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.530 General critical area report requirements.
A. The intent of this section is to require a level of technical study and analysis commensurate with the value or sensitivity of a particular critical area. If the proposed project is within, adjacent to, or is likely to impact a critical area or buffer pursuant to the provisions of MCMC 18.06.520, the city shall require from the applicant a critical area report that has been prepared by a qualified professional.
B. The critical area report shall contain all of the information listed below:
1. A detailed description of the critical areas and buffers on or adjacent to the project site, including the size, type/classification, condition, disturbance history, and functions and values;
2. A site plan for the development proposal showing the proposed development footprint and clearing limits, and all critical areas and buffers;
3. A description of the proposed stormwater management plan (both temporary and permanent) for the development and evaluation of impacts to proposed or actual drainage alterations;
4. The names and qualifications of the persons preparing the report, and documentation of the dates and all fieldwork performed on the site;
5. A detailed assessment of the potential impacts to critical areas and buffers resulting from site development;
6. An analysis of site development alternatives and measures taken or to be taken to avoid and minimize critical area impacts; and
7. Any additional information for the critical area as required by the subsequent sections of this chapter.
C. The applicant may consult with the director prior to or during preparation of the critical area report to obtain city approval of modifications to the required contents of the report where, in the judgment of a qualified professional, more or less information is required to adequately address the potential critical area impacts.
D. The report will be used to assist the city in determining the appropriate classification of any critical area present, the functions and values of critical areas, the potential adverse impacts of proposed activities, appropriate buffering requirements, and any recommended mitigation conditions relating to site planning, development density, and construction or post-construction practices.
E. Once accepted, the report shall be one of the factors utilized to perform environmental review pursuant to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and in determining whether to approve, conditionally approve or deny a land use application; provided, that such reports may be supplemented with additional information from any source that the director or any subsequent decision-maker determines to be credible and pertinent. Future land use applications shall require additional critical area reports unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the director that the previously prepared report is adequate for current analysis or new information is found demonstrating to the satisfaction of the director that the study is in error.
F. To avoid duplication, the reporting requirements of this chapter shall be coordinated for all critical areas located on the site.
G. Applicants shall provide reports and maps to the city in hard copy and electronic format that allows site data to be incorporated into the city’s geographic information system database. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.540 Professional qualifications – City review.
A qualified professional shall prepare all reports and studies required by this chapter. The city will conduct a peer review of the critical area report, including any mitigation plan and if necessary a legal review, at the applicant’s expense, unless the director determines that such peer review or legal review is unwarranted. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.550 Permit process.
A. To the extent possible, the city shall consolidate and integrate the review and processing of issues and approvals related to critical areas with other land use and environmental considerations and approvals.
B. Any alteration to a critical area or buffer, unless otherwise provided for in this chapter, shall be reviewed and approved, approved with conditions, or denied based on the proposal’s ability to comply with all of the following criteria:
1. The proposal avoids or minimizes the impact on critical areas and buffers;
2. The proposal does not pose a material threat to the public health, safety, or welfare on or off the development proposal site;
3. The proposal is consistent with the general purposes of this chapter, the public interest, and the public health, safety, and welfare;
4. All alterations permitted to a critical area or buffer are mitigated in accordance with MCMC 18.06.610 and all other applicable regulations; and
5. The proposal maintains the critical area functions and values consistent with the best available science and other applicable regulations and standards.
C. Except as expressly provided for by this chapter, any project that cannot adequately mitigate its impacts to critical areas shall be denied.
D. The director shall make a determination as to whether the proposed activity and mitigation, if any, are consistent with the provisions of this chapter:
1. If the director determines that the proposed activity meets the criteria of subsection (B) of this section, the director shall prepare a written notice of determination and identify the required conditions of approval. Said conditions shall be incorporated into any mitigated determination of nonsignificance (MDNS), planned action, or environmental impact statement (EIS) as appropriate.
2. If the director determines that a proposed activity does not comply with subsection (B) of this section, the director shall prepare written notice of the determination that includes findings of noncompliance. Following notice of determination that the proposed activity does not meet the review criteria and/or does not comply with the applicable provisions of this chapter, the applicant may prepare and request consideration of a revised critical area report. If the revised report is found to be substantial and relevant to the critical area review, the director may reopen the critical area review, conduct additional peer and/or legal review, and make a new determination based on the revised report.
E. The city’s final determination regarding critical areas pursuant to this chapter shall be made concurrent with the final decision to approve, condition, or deny the development proposal or other activity involved. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.560 Appeals.
Any decision to approve, condition, or deny a development proposal or other activity based on the requirements of this chapter may be appealed only according to, and as part of, the appeal procedure for SEPA threshold determinations. In the event that the development permit subject to this chapter is exempt from SEPA, the appeal procedures of Chapter 14.11 MCMC shall apply. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
Article VI. Mitigation
18.06.610 General mitigation requirements.
A. When an alteration to a critical area is proposed, the applicant shall first demonstrate that all reasonable efforts have been taken to avoid or minimize impacts in that order (consistent with MCMC 18.06.210).
B. Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, compensatory mitigation shall be provided for all unavoidable alterations of a critical area or buffer in accordance with an approved critical area report and mitigation plan, and consistent with best available science, to ensure no net loss of critical area functions and values. Mitigation shall not be implemented until final city approval of the critical area report and a mitigation plan prepared in accordance with MCMC 18.06.530 and 18.06.620 is granted.
C. Mitigation shall be in-kind and on-site whenever possible. The director may approve exceptions to this requirement for proposals prepared in accordance with the innovative mitigation standards in MCMC 18.06.640.
D. All areas at which mitigation is performed shall be permanently protected and managed to avoid degradation and ensure protection of critical area functions and values into perpetuity. Permanent protection shall be achieved through deed restriction or other protective covenant in accordance with MCMC 18.06.820. Management shall be specified in a manner acceptable to the director. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.620 General mitigation plan requirements.
A. When compensatory mitigation is required, the applicant shall develop a mitigation plan that provides for construction, maintenance, monitoring, and contingencies of the compensation as required by conditions of approval and consistent with the requirements of this chapter.
B. The mitigation plan shall identify and demonstrate sufficient restoration, creation, enhancement, and or preservation measures to maintain the functions and values of the critical area and its buffer, and/or to prevent risk from a hazard posed by a critical area.
C. The mitigation plan shall be prepared by a qualified professional and shall contain at a minimum the following:
1. A description and detailed drawings of the activities proposed to compensate for critical area impacts, including all clearing, grading/excavation, planting, weed management, installation of habitat structures, irrigation, and other site treatments;
2. Specific information on construction or the proposed mitigation activity, including timing, sequence, equipment needs, and best management practices;
3. Documentation that the restoration, creation, enhancement and/or preservation areas shall be of the same or greater quality and endurance as the critical area(s) being replaced;
4. A description of the functions and values that the proposed compensation area(s) shall provide;
5. The goals, objectives, and performance standards that the proposed compensation action(s) shall achieve;
6. A description of how the compensation area(s) will be evaluated to determine if the performance standards are being met;
7. A program and schedule for construction and post-construction monitoring and management of the compensation project;
8. Identification of potential courses of action, and any corrective measures to be taken if monitoring or evaluation indicates project performance standards are not being met;
9. Financial guarantees to ensure that the mitigation plan is fully implemented. Financial guarantees shall be in accordance with MCMC 18.06.650;
10. An assessment of the project’s consistency with applicable local, state and federal regulations, including the need for permits from state and/or federal agencies; and
11. Any additional information for the critical area as required by the director or subsequent sections of this chapter. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.630 Mitigation monitoring.
A. All compensatory mitigation projects shall be monitored for the period necessary to establish that performance standards have been met, but in no event for a period less than five years following the acceptance of the installation/construction by the director.
B. Monitoring reports on the current status of the mitigation project shall be submitted to the department. The reports shall be prepared by a qualified consultant and shall include monitoring information on wildlife, vegetation, water quality, water flow, stormwater storage and conveyance, and existing or potential degradation. Reports shall be submitted in accordance with the following schedule:
1. At the time of construction;
2. Thirty days after planting;
3. Early in the growing season of the first year;
4. End of the growing season of the first year;
5. Twice the second year (at the beginning and end of the growing season);
6. Annually thereafter, for at least five growing seasons.
C. The director shall have the authority to extend the monitoring and surety period and require additional monitoring reports and maintenance activities beyond the initial five-year monitoring period for any project that involves creation or restoration of forested wetland or buffer communities, does not meet the performance standards identified in the mitigation plan, does not provide adequate replacement for the functions and values of the impacted critical area, or otherwise warrants additional monitoring. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.640 Innovative mitigation.
A. The city may facilitate and approve innovative mitigation projects as compensation for impacts, including off-site and/or out-of-kind mitigation projects that allow linkages between natural systems and have the potential to restore ecological processes or provide unique and beneficial ecological functions.
B. The director may approve innovative mitigation projects, including mitigation projects occurring outside city boundaries, when all of the following can be clearly demonstrated by the applicant:
1. The mitigation occurs in the same watercourse basin as the impacts and if possible in the same subbasin as the impacts;
2. The proposed mitigation site will provide greater improvement of critical area functions and values compared to other sites within city boundaries;
3. The proposed mitigation is approved by the local jurisdiction wherein the site is located, by state resource agencies, and other agencies and tribes that have jurisdiction over the proposed activity; and
4. The proposed mitigation is consistent with the general purposes of this chapter and the public health, safety, and welfare.
C. Innovative mitigation projects allowed under the provisions of this section include projects wherein one or more applicants, or an organization with demonstrated capability, may undertake a mitigation project together if it is demonstrated by the applicant that all of the following circumstances exist:
1. The applicant and other proponents demonstrate the organizational and fiscal capability to act cooperatively;
2. The applicant and other proponents demonstrate that long-term management of the mitigation area will be provided;
3. There is a clear potential for success of the proposed mitigation project at the identified mitigation site; and
4. Performing mitigation as part of a cooperative process results in greater protection and conservation of critical areas than would be achieved using traditional mitigation approaches. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.650 Surety to ensure implementation, maintenance, and monitoring.
A. If the development proposal is subject to compensatory mitigation, the applicant shall enter into an agreement with the city to complete the mitigation plan approved by the city and shall post a mitigation surety to ensure mitigation is fully functional.
B. The surety shall be in the amount of 125 percent of the estimated cost of the uncompleted actions or the estimated cost of restoring the functions and values of the critical area that are at risk, whichever is greater. The surety shall be based on a detailed itemized cost estimate of the mitigation activity including clearing and grading, plant materials, plant installation, irrigation, weed management, and all other costs.
C. The surety shall be in the form of an assignment of funds, bond, security device, or other means acceptable to the city attorney.
D. The performance surety authorized by this section shall remain in effect until the city determines, in writing, that the standards bonded for have been met. Once the mitigation installation has been accepted by the director, the bond may be reduced to 25 percent of the original mitigation cost estimate and shall become a maintenance surety. Said maintenance surety shall generally be held by the city for a period of five years to ensure that the required mitigation has been fully implemented and demonstrated to function, and may be held for longer periods under MCMC 18.06.630(C).
E. Depletion, failure, or collection of surety funds shall not discharge the obligation of an applicant to complete required mitigation, maintenance, monitoring, or restoration.
F. Public development proposals shall be relieved from having to comply with the bonding requirements of this section if public funds have previously been committed for mitigation, maintenance, monitoring, or restoration.
G. Any failure to satisfy critical area requirements established by law or condition including, but not limited to, the failure to provide a monitoring report within 30 days after it is due or comply with other provisions of an approved mitigation plan shall constitute a default. Upon notice of any default, the city may demand immediate payment of any financial guarantees or require other action authorized by the city code or any other law.
H. Any funds paid or recovered pursuant to this section shall be used to complete the required mitigation or other authorized action.
I. The director may authorize a one-time temporary delay, up to 120 days, in completing mitigation activities when environmental conditions could produce a high probability of failure or significant construction difficulties. The delay shall not create or perpetuate hazardous conditions or environmental damage or degradation. The request for the temporary delay shall include a written justification documenting the environmental constraints that preclude implementation of the mitigation plan and shall include a financial guarantee. The justification shall be verified by the city before approval of any delay.
J. The provisions of Chapters 16.20 and 17.44 MCMC shall also apply if necessary to ensure adequate protection of the public interest. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
Article VII. Enforcement
18.06.710 Unauthorized critical area alterations.
A. When the director determines that a critical area or its buffer has been or may be altered in violation of this chapter, all ongoing development work shall immediately stop and the critical area shall be promptly restored. The city shall have the authority to issue a stop work order to cease all ongoing development work, and order restoration, rehabilitation, or replacement measures at the applicant’s, owner’s or other responsible party’s expense, to compensate for or correct any violation of provisions of this chapter. Such stop work order shall be effective immediately upon posting at the site and/or personal service on the applicant, owner or other responsible party.
B. All development work shall remain stopped until a restoration plan is prepared by the applicant and approved by the city. Such plan shall be prepared by a qualified professional and shall describe how the actions proposed meet the minimum requirements of this chapter. The director shall, at the violator’s expense, obtain expert advice, including legal advice, in determining the adequacy of the plan. Inadequate plans shall be returned to the applicant or violator for revision and resubmittal.
C. For unpermitted alterations to critical areas the following minimum performance standards shall be met for the restoration; provided, that if the violator can demonstrate to the director’s satisfaction that greater functions and habitat values can be obtained, these standards may be modified:
1. The preexisting structural and functional values shall be restored or replicated at the location of the alteration, including water quality and habitat functions;
2. The preexisting soil types and configuration shall be replicated; and
3. The critical area and buffers shall be replanted with native vegetation that replicates the vegetation historically found on the site in species types, sizes, and densities.
D. For alterations to flood and geological hazards, the following minimum performance standards shall be met for the restoration of a critical area; provided, that if the violator can demonstrate to the director’s satisfaction that greater safety can be obtained, these standards may be modified:
1. The hazard shall be reduced to a level equal to, or less than, the predevelopment hazard;
2. Any risk of personal injury or property damage resulting from the alteration shall be eliminated or minimized; and
3. The hazard area and buffers shall be replanted with native vegetation sufficient to minimize the hazard.
E. The director is authorized to make site inspections and take such actions as are necessary to enforce this chapter.
F. This section is in addition to the authority provided by Chapter 14.13 MCMC. The director may proceed under either or both authorities at the director’s discretion. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.720 Penalties.
Any or all of the following penalties may be applied at the director’s discretion:
A. Any person, party, firm, corporation, or other legal entity violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day or portion of a day during which a violation of this chapter is committed or continued shall constitute a separate offense.
B. Any development (in whole or in part) carried out contrary to the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a public nuisance and may be enjoined as provided by this code or the statutes of the state of Washington.
C. The city may also levy civil penalties and take enforcement action pursuant to Chapter 14.13 MCMC against any person, party, firm, corporation, or other legal entity for violation of any of the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
Article VIII. Critical Area Protective Measures
18.06.810 Critical area signs and fencing.
The boundary at the outer edge of the critical area or buffer shall be identified with signs or markers every 100 feet, or as approved by the director, to clearly indicate the location of the critical area. The edge of the critical area and buffer area shall be clearly staked, flagged, and fenced prior to any site clearing and construction. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.820 Notice on title.
A. The owner of any property containing a critical area or buffer on which a development proposal is approved shall file a notice with the Snohomish County auditor according to the direction of the city. The notice shall at a minimum state the general presence of the critical area or buffer on the property, the application of this chapter to the property, that limitations on actions in or affecting the critical area or buffer may exist, and list all applicable conditions or restrictions imposed under the authority of this chapter. The notice shall run with the land.
B. The notice on title shall not be required for a development proposal by a public agency or public or private utility:
1. Within a recorded easement or right-of-way;
2. Where the agency or utility has been adjudicated the right to an easement or right-of-way; or
3. On the site of a permanent public facility.
C. The applicant shall submit proof that the notice has been filed for public record before any occupancy or use of the approved development. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.830 Critical area tracts.
A. All development proposals for subdivisions, short subdivisions, planned unit developments, and binding site plans shall use separate critical area tracts to delineate and protect the following contiguous critical areas and buffers comprising 1,000 square feet or more of area:
1. All landslide and erosion hazard areas and buffers;
2. All wetlands and buffers;
3. All fish and wildlife habitat areas and buffers; and
4. All other lands to be protected from alteration as conditioned by the development approval.
B. Critical area tracts shall be designated as native growth protection areas ("NGPA") and shall be recorded on all documents of title for all affected lots or land areas.
C. Critical area tracts shall be designated on the face of the plat, binding site plan or recorded drawing in a format approved by the city attorney. The designation shall at a minimum include the following restrictions:
1. An assurance that native vegetation will be preserved for the purpose of preventing harm to property and the environment, including, but not limited to, controlling surface water runoff and erosion, maintaining slope stability, buffering, and protecting plants, fish, and animal habitat;
2. The right of the city to enforce the terms of the restriction; and
3. The city may require that any required critical area tract be held in an undivided interest by each owner of a building lot within the development with the ownership interest passing with the ownership of the lot, or held by an incorporated homeowner’s association or other legal entity (such as a land trust), which assures the ownership, maintenance, and protection of the tract. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.840 Building setbacks.
A. Unless otherwise provided in MCMC Title 17, buildings and other structures shall be set back a distance of 10 feet from the edges of all critical area buffers. The following may be allowed in the building setback area:
1. Landscaping;
2. Uncovered decks not more than 30 inches above grade;
3. Building overhangs if such overhangs do not extend more than 18 inches into the setback area; and
B. Impervious ground surfaces less than 2,500 square feet, such as driveways and patios; provided, that such improvements may be subject to city and state water quality regulations. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
Article IX. Wetlands
18.06.910 Designation, mapping, and rating.
A. Wetlands shall be identified in accordance with the Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual as required by RCW 36.70A.175 (Ecology Publication No. 96-94). All areas within the city meeting the criteria in the Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual, regardless of any formal identification, are hereby designated critical areas and shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter.
B. The approximate location and extent of known or suspected wetlands are shown on the city’s adopted critical area maps as contained within the environmental element of the comprehensive plan. These maps shall be used as a guide for the city, applicants and/or property owners, and may be updated as new wetlands are identified. The exact location of a wetland boundary shall be determined through field investigation by a qualified professional applying the Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual methods and procedures.
C. Wetlands shall be rated and regulated according to the categories defined by the Washington Department of Ecology Wetland Rating System for Western Washington (Ecology Publication No. 04-06-014). This document contains the methods for determining the wetland category based on the following criteria:
1. Category I. Category I wetlands are rare and irreplaceable in terms of their function and value to Mill Creek’s natural aquatic systems. All wetlands with one or more of the following criteria shall be considered a Category I wetland:
a. Wetlands that are designated as natural heritage wetlands by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
b. High quality, regionally rare wetland communities with irreplaceable ecological functions, including sphagnum bogs and fens, and mature forested wetlands as defined in MCMC 18.06.210.
c. Wetlands that provide a very high level of functions as evidenced by a score of 70 points or more on the Western Washington Wetland Rating System form.
2. Category II. Category II wetlands are ecologically important and provide high levels of function. A wetland is considered a Category II wetland if it meets the following criteria:
a. Wetlands that do not meet the criteria of Category I wetlands; and
b. Wetlands performing significant wildlife habitat and/or hydrologic functions, which cannot be replicated through creation or restoration as determined by a critical area report; or
c. Wetlands with significant functions and values as indicated by a score of 51 to 69 points on the Western Washington Wetland Rating System form.
3. Category III. Category III wetlands provide a moderate level of functions. They are typically more disturbed, smaller, and/or more isolated in the landscape than Category I or II wetlands. Category III wetlands include all wetlands that score 30 to 50 points on the Western Washington Wetland Rating System form.
4. Category IV. Category IV wetlands provide the lowest level of function, but still provide important functions as demonstrated by a score of less than 30 points on the Western Washington Wetland Rating System form.
D. All wetlands shall be regulated and subject to the provisions of this chapter regardless of size, except that Category IV wetlands less than 1,000 square feet shall be exempt from this chapter if a critical area report prepared pursuant to this chapter demonstrates all of the following:
1. The wetland does not provide suitable habitat for amphibian species; and
2. The wetland does not possess unique characteristics that would be difficult to replicate through standard mitigation practices. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.920 Performance standards – Alteration of wetlands.
A. All activities and uses shall be prohibited in wetlands and wetland buffers except as expressly provided for in this chapter. All feasible and reasonable measures shall be taken to avoid and minimize impacts to wetlands. These actions may include consideration of alternative site plans and layouts, reductions in the density or scope of the proposal, and implementation of the performance standards contained in this chapter. Alteration of wetlands shall be permitted only in accordance with an approved critical area report and mitigation plan. The burden of proof shall be on the applicant.
B. All significant adverse impacts to wetland functions and values and to associated buffers shall be avoided. Where such impacts cannot be avoided, the applicant shall implement appropriate compensatory mitigation according to the provisions of MCMC 18.06.610 and 18.06.960.
C. Alteration of Category I wetlands is prohibited.
D. Alteration of Category II, III, and IV wetlands may be permitted in accordance with an approved critical area report and mitigation plan, and only when the applicant demonstrates that:
1. The basic project purpose cannot reasonably be accomplished without the wetland alteration; and
2. There are no reasonable or practical alternatives to the alteration, including without limitation on-site design or acquisition of additional area. (Ord. 2004-603 § 2)
18.06.930 Performance standards – Wetland buffer widths.
A. Wetland buffer areas shall be established for all development proposals and activities adjacent to wetlands to protect the integrity, function and value of the wetland. The department shall determine appropriate buffer widths based upon the approved critical area report. Wetland buffers shall be measured perpendicular to the wetland edge as marked in the field and shall not include wetlands. Except as otherwise permitted by this chapter, buffers shall consist of an undisturbed area of native vegetation.
B. The standard buffer widths required by this chapter shall presume the existence of a relatively intact native vegetation community in the buffer zone adequate to protect the wetland functions and values at the time of the proposed activity. If the existing vegetation is inadequate then the buffer width shall be increased or the buffer planted or enhanced to maintain or improve the buffer functions. The following standard buffer width requirements are established as the minimum buffer width:
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High Impact Land Use |
Low Impact Land Use |
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1. Category I Wetland |
300 feet |