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The Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) designation does not <br /> automatically mean that property is undevelopable. Some of the <br /> designated lands may be undevelopable, other parcels may have reduced <br /> development potential, and a few may even be able to support full <br /> development potential based on the underlying comprehensive plan. In <br /> essence,, the development potential of a parcel within the ESA <br /> designation will be decided on a case—by—case basis primarily on the <br /> impact of proposed development on the physical environment. If a <br /> proposal has serious negative implications for water quality, marine <br /> life and habitat, year around water levels or storm water runoff, <br /> which cannot be mitigated; then the project will be defined as having <br /> limited or no development potential. If, on the other hand, <br /> development can proceed with little or no adverse environmental <br /> impact, then the project will be defined as having moderate to high <br /> development potential. <br /> In all cases, the burden of proof lies with the project proponent. It <br /> is the applicant's responsibility to show that development can proceed <br /> without significant adverse environmental impact. In reviewing <br /> potential impacts, the county will carefully consider cumulative <br /> impacts under the assumption that neighboring parcels have the same <br /> development potential as the proposed project all other things being <br /> equal. If the cumulative environmental impact is unacceptable, ther <br /> proposed dtvelDpment must.be modified or scaled down until it is <br /> compatible. <br /> The environmentally sensitive designation means that all development <br /> propo—saIs must comply with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) <br /> statute. SEPA does identify some types of projects which are exempt <br /> from -SEPA compliance. However, if projects are proposed for <br /> environmentally sensitive areas, there are very few exemptions. This <br /> designation will ensure that potential negative impacts and mitigating <br /> measures are considered during the development process for all <br /> development proposals in sensitive areas. <br /> 1(1 <br />