Chapter 25.15
ENVIRONMENT DESIGNATIONS

Sections:

25.15.010    Purpose.

25.15.020    Names of environment designations.

25.15.030    Limits of environment designations.

25.15.040    Establishment of designations.

25.15.050    Location of boundaries.

25.15.010 Purpose.

The purpose of these designations is to differentiate between areas whose geographical, hydrological, topographical or other features imply differing objectives regarding the use and future development of the shorelines of the state.

Each environment designation represents a particular emphasis in the type of uses and the extent of development that should occur within it. The environmental designation system is designed to encourage uses in each environment that enhance or are compatible with the character of the environment while at the same time requiring reasonable standards and restrictions on development so that the character of the environment is not adversely impacted. (Ord. O99-29 § 1)

25.15.020 Names of environment designations.

In order to accomplish the purpose of this title, environmental designations have been established to be known as follows:

(1) Conservancy environment;

(2) Rural environment;

(3) Urban environment. (Ord. O99-29 § 1)

25.15.030 Limits of environment designations.

Each environment designation shall consist of:

(1) The entire water body from its centerline or point, including all water below the surface;

(2) The associated wetlands, provided, in those cases where a floodplain or other severe biophysical limitation to development does not cover the entire associated wetland, one environment designation may be placed on the floodplain portion of the wetland or the portion of the wetland with severe biophysical limitations and another on the remaining portion of the wetland;

(3) In shoreline areas where severe biophysical constraints such as floodplains, steep slopes, slide hazard areas and/or marshes, bogs, or swamps do not cover the entire associated wetland, proposed development in the remaining area may be permitted consistent with the character of the surrounding land use, the physical capabilities of the associated wetland and applicable City land use plans and policies. (Ord. O99-29 § 1)

25.15.040 Establishment of designations.

(1) The written descriptions of the boundaries of the shoreline environment designations as adopted by ordinance in the possession of the department shall constitute the official legal descriptions of the boundaries of those environment designations.

(2) The official maps prepared pursuant to Chapter 173-22 WAC in the possession of the department shall constitute the official descriptions of the limits of all wetlands in the City of Sammamish as defined by RCW 90.58.030 and Chapter 25.10 SMC.

(3) The department may, from time to time as new or improved information becomes available, modify the official maps described in subsection (2) of this section consistent with state guidelines to more accurately represent or clarify or interpret the true limits of the wetlands defined herein. (Ord. O99-29 § 1)

25.15.050 Location of boundaries.

(1) Boundaries indicated as following streets, highways, roads and bridges shall be deemed to follow the centerline of such facilities unless otherwise specified.

(2) Boundaries indicated as following railroad lines and transmission lines shall be deemed to follow the centerline of such rights-of-way or easements unless otherwise specified.

(3) Where different environmental designations have been given to a tributary and the main stream at the point of confluence, the environmental designation given to the main stream shall extend for a distance of 200 feet up the tributary.

(4) In case of uncertainty as to a wetland or environment boundary, the director shall determine its exact location pursuant to the criteria of WAC 173-22-055 and RCW 90.58.030 and the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. O99-29 § 1)