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April
2007
The Plan
Commission will hold a workshop on the 25th of April to
discuss drafts of the Geologically Hazardous Areas, Fish and Wildlife
Habitat Areas, and Frequently Flooded Areas ordinances. While public
comment is not a part of the workshop process, the public is encouraged
to attend the workshops and be a part of the update process. The public
is encouraged to stay informed and take advantage of participation
opportunities throughout the Update. Information regarding the CAO
update process, maps, resources, definitions, and links will be posted
on this website soon.
City of Spokane Critical Areas Ordinance Update Underway
Comments or Questions? Email
criticalareas@spokanecity.org
The City
of Spokane is beginning the required review and update of its Critical
Areas Ordinances according to the schedule set by the Growth Management
Act (GMA) in RCW 36.70A.130. Spokane is required to have regulations
addressing the protection of geologically hazardous, frequently flooded,
fish and wildlife habitat, aquifer recharge, and wetland areas under
the GMA (RCW
36.70A.030).
The designation and protection of critical areas is important to
preserving our natural environment and safeguarding the public. The
Update
must be completed by December of 2007. The current regulations may be
found in the Spokane Municipal Code as follows:
SMC 11.19.2520 Geologically Hazardous Areas
SMC 11.19.2560 Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas
SMC 11.19.3010 Wetlands Protection
SMC 17E.010 - Aquifer Protection
SMC 17E.030 - Floodplain Management
Counties
and cities are required to include the best available science (BAS) in
developing policies and development regulations to protect the functions
and values of critical areas. Some of Spokane’s critical areas
regulations, such as the Geologically Hazardous Areas, were adopted
under this standard in 2001; others, like Wetlands Areas, will need a
more intensive review to meet BAS requirements.
Critical area protection consists of both regulatory and non-regulatory
approaches. The adoption of critical area ordinances provides the
administrative review and approval process for regulating land uses that
may impact critical areas. Strategies include the conservation policies
in the Comprehensive Plan, and appropriate open space and land use
designations. Other regulations covering development, such as the
subdivision ordinance, need to work to protect these areas as well.
The Plan
Commission will hold workshops periodically as the review and update
progresses. The first of these is February 28 and will cover the outline
for the update process, Best Available Science information, and a draft
of the public participation process. The public is encouraged to stay
informed and take advantage of participation opportunities throughout
the Update. Information regarding the CAO update process, maps,
resources, definitions, and links will be posted on this website soon.
Planning
Services contacts:
Melissa Wittstruck-Eadie, Lead Planner 625-6069
Martin Palaniuk, Intern 625-6147
Email
criticalareas@spokanecity.org
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