16.50.170 Mitigation Sequencing.
Applicants shall demonstrate that all reasonable efforts have been examined with the intent to avoid and minimize impacts to critical areas. When an alteration to a critical area is proposed, such alteration shall be avoided, minimized, or compensated for in the following order of preference:
(1) avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action;
(2) minimizing the impacts 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 impacts;
(3) rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment to the conditions existing at the time of the initiation of the project or activity;
(4) reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the action;
(5) compensating for the impact by replacing, enhancing, or providing substitute resources or environments; and
(6) monitoring the impact and the compensation projects, and taking appropriate corrective measures. (Ord. 19-6 §9, 2019; Ord. 03-18 §18, 2003).