Executive/Council Action Form (ECAF)
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Ordinance 24-097, relating to the Critical Area Regulations Update pursuant to the Growth Management Act, amending Snohomish County Code Chapters 30.62A Wetlands and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas, 30.62B Geologically Hazard Areas, 30.62C Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas, 30.43C Flood Hazard Permits, 30.86 Fees, and 30.91 Definitions
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DEPARTMENT: Planning and Development Services
ORIGINATOR: Sarah Titcomb
EXECUTIVE RECOMMENDATION: Approved by Ken Klein 10/16/24
PURPOSE: To adopt amendments to the Critical Area Regulations (CAR) within the Snohomish County Code (SCC). The amendments to chapters 30.43C, 30.62A, 30.62B, 30.62C, 30.86, and 30.91 SCC are in compliance with state regulations, will align County code with the best available science (BAS), increase the clarity of the code for the public and staff, and aid in consistent and efficient permit reviews.
BACKGROUND: Snohomish County is mandated by the Growth Management Act (GMA) to review and update its CAR according to a schedule established in RCW 36.70A.130(5), with the next deadline scheduled for December 31, 2024. Under the GMA, a periodic review and update means the County is required to review and make needed amendments to development regulations to ensure internal consistency and compliance with the GMA. The review of critical area regulations under RCW 36.70A.172(1) also requires the inclusion of BAS and special consideration given to anadromous fisheries. The amendments within this ordinance better align the existing codes with the GMA and scientific advances that have occurred since the last major update in 2015 (Amended Ordinance No. 15-034). PDS briefed the Planning Commission on the proposed amendments on April 23, 2024, a public hearing was held on May 28, 2024, and the Planning Commission's deliberations concluded on June 25, 2024. The Planning Commission recommended adoption with an amendment as outlined in th...
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