16.50.450 Habitat Conservation Areas Critical Area Report – Additional Requirements

16.50.450 Habitat Conservation Areas Critical Area Report – Additional Requirements.

In addition to the general critical area report requirements, the following elements must be met:

(1) Preparation by a Qualified Professional. A critical areas report for a habitat conservation area shall be prepared by a qualified professional who is a biologist with experience preparing reports for the relevant type of habitat.

(2) Areas Addressed in Report. The following areas shall be addressed in a critical area report for habitat conservation areas:

(a) the project area of the proposed activity;

(b) all habitat conservation areas and recommended buffers within 200 feet of the project area; and

(3) Habitat Assessment. An investigation of the project area to evaluate the potential presence or absence of designated critical fish or wildlife species or habitat shall be conducted. An assessment of habitats shall include, at a minimum, the following information:

(a) a detailed description of vegetation on and adjacent to the project area;

(b) identification of any species of local importance, priority species, or endangered, threatened, sensitive or candidate species that have a primary association with habitat on or adjacent to the project area, and assessment of potential project impacts to the use of the site by the species;

(c) a discussion of any federal, state, or local special management recommendations, including Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife habitat management recommendations, that have been developed for species or habitats located on or adjacent to the project area;

(d) a discussion of measures, including avoidance, minimization, and mitigation, proposed to preserve existing habitats and restore any habitat that was degraded prior to the current proposed land use activity and to be conducted in accordance with Section 16.50.160; and

(e) a discussion of ongoing management practices that will protect habitat after the project site has been developed, including proposed monitoring and maintenance programs.

(4) Additional Information. When appropriate due to the type of habitat or species present or the project area conditions, the Director of Community Development may also require the critical area report to include:

(a) an evaluation by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife or qualified expert regarding the applicant’s analysis and the effectiveness of any proposed mitigating measures or programs, to include any recommendations as appropriate; and

(b) detailed surface and subsurface hydrologic features both on and adjacent to the site. (Ord. 21-15 §6, 2021; Ord. 19-6 §27, 2019; Ord. 03-18 §46, 2003).