9908 18TH AVE W 2024-12-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

Chapter 1. Regulatory Considerations In February of 2021 and 2022, SVC identified two regulated wetlands (Wetland A and Wetland B) on the subject property and one wetland (Offsite Wetland 1) offsite, across the existing paved access road, to the north of the subject property. No other potentially regulated wetlands,waterbodies, fish and wildlife habitat, or priority species were identified on or within 300 feet of the subject property. 1.1 Local Critical Area Requirements 1.1.1 Buffer Requirements EMC 19.37.090.0 has adopted the current wetland rating system for western Washington (Hruby, 2014). Category III wetlands generally provide moderate levels of function; they are typically more disturbed, smaller, and/or more isolated in the landscape than Category I or II wetlands. Category III wetlands score between 16 and 19 out of 27 points on the Revised Wlashington State Wetland Dating System for Western Washington. Wetland A,Wetland B,and Offsite Wetland 1 are classified as Category III wetlands with a low habitat score of 4 points. Per EMC 19.37.110.A.1 Table 37.2, Category III wetlands with low habitat scores (3-5 points) are subject to a standard 80-foot protective buffer. An additional 10-foot setback for principal buildings and 5-foot setback for other structures and improvements is also required from the outer edge of the wetland buffer per EMC 19.37.220.B. The standard buffer width assumes an intact, vegetated community containing native tree, shrubs and groundcover. The buffer projecting onsite from Offsite Wetland 1 is interrupted by a paved driveway, mowed and maintained lawns, and ornamental landscaping, therefore, the Offsite Wetland 1 buffer terminates at the edge of the paved driveway and does not project onto the subject property per EMC 19.37.110.A.2 and EMC 19.37.070.B.2. 1.1.2 Mitigation Sequencing The proposed residential development will result in the unavoidable fill of the onsite portion of Wetland A and Wetland B. Per EMC 19.37.120.A.2.b, where impacts to a Category III wetlands cannot be avoided, the Applicant must demonstrate through mitigation sequencing that a reduction in the size, scope, configuration, or density of the project as proposed and all alternative designs of the project as proposed that would avoid or result in less adverse impact on a regulated wetland or its buffer are not feasible and will not accomplish the basic purpose of the project. Mitigation sequencing per EMC 19.37.085.A is outlined below for the proposed project: 1. Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action orparts of an action; Wetland A, Wetland B, and the associated buffers encumber the majority of the subject property,which severely limits any practical development of the site to meaningfully increase housing availability on the subject property. In addition, Wetland A extends across both subject parcels, resulting in a lack of non-wetland connections to install required utility connections.Due to these encumbrances and to fulfill the applicant's development objectives, the fill of the onsite portion of Wetland A (10,253 square feet) and Wetland B (502 square feet) is necessary and unavoidable. 1345.0029—Benton Square Soundview Consultants LLC Conceptual Mitigation Bank Use Plan 1 April 1,2022