Ordinance 3676-19 - Laserfiche WebLink

Section 11. Ordinance 2909-06, as amended, (Zoning Code, Critical Areas), is hereby amended by the addition of the following section,to be codified as EMC 19.37.085 (Wetland and stream preservation and protection goals—mitigation sequencing): 19.37.085 Wetland and stream preservation and protection goals—mitigation sequencing Preservation and Protection Goals. It is the short-term goal of this chapter that there be no net loss of the functions and values of all critical areas regulated by this chapter.An additional goal is no net loss of wetland acreage. The long-term goal is a net gain in functions and values.To realize critical area preservation goals,the city will require the following methods of impact mitigation in order of preference: 1. Avoid impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action; 2. Minimize impact by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation by using appropriate technology,or by taking affirmative steps to avoid or reduce impact; 3. Rectify the impact by repairing, rehabilitating or restoring the affected critical areas 4. Reduce or eliminate the impact over time by prevention and maintenance operations during the life of the actions; 5. Compensate for the impact by replacing,enhancing, or providing substitute wetland areas and environments; 6. Monitor the impact and take appropriate corrective measures. Where impacts cannot be avoided,the applicant shall seek to implement other appropriate mitigation actions. Section 12. Section 9 of Ordinance 2909-06, as amended, (Zoning Code,Critical Areas, EMC 19.37.090), is hereby amended as follows: 19.37.090 Wetland designation, delineation, mapping and rating; lakes. A. Wetland Delineation. Identification of wetlands and delineation of their boundaries pursuant to this chapter shall be done in accordance with the approved federal wetland delineation manual and applicable regional supplements.All areas within the city meeting the wetland designation criteria in that procedure are hereby designated critical areas and are subject to the provisions of this chapter; program, rather than this chapter. B. The approximate location and extent of known or suspected wetlands are shown on the city's critical area maps.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. It is the actual presence of wetlands on a property that triggers the requirements of this chapter.The exact location of a wetland boundary shall be determined through field investigation by a qualified professional applying the approved federal wetland delineation manual and applicable regional supplements methods and procedures. C. Wetlands shall be rated and regulated according to the categories defined by the Washington State Department of Ecology Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington 2014 Update, or as revised (Ecology Publication No. 14-06-029).Wetlands, as defined by this chapter, shall be classified as category I, category II, category III, or category IV. 1. Category I wetlands are those that: (a) represent a unique or rare wetland type; or(b) are more sensitive to disturbance than most wetlands; or (c) are relatively undisturbed and contain EMC Title 19.37 (Critical Areas) Page 27