Critical Areas Ordinance Updates

 

Critical Areas Ordinances are important local regulations that protect wetlands, floodplains, aquifers, and steep slopes.  The Growth Management Act requires all counties and cities to have a program to protect critical areas.  In the 1990’s the state legislature passed a law requiring all local governments to update their ordinances to include Best Available Science to buffer and protect these habitats.

 

The Chehalis River Council is monitoring the updates of Critical Areas Ordinances in Grays Harbor, Lewis, and Thurston Counties.  Thurston County has already updated their ordinance, but is working on revisions to comply with recent rulings on their Comprehensive Land Use Plan.  Lewis County is due to update their ordinances by the end of 2006.  Grays Harbor has a 2008 deadline.  We participate in local hearings and advisory boards, and provide input on what we believe should be in a model Critical Areas Ordinance.

 

Links to County and City planning efforts:

 

Grays Harbor Planning and Building Department

Lewis County Critical Areas Ordinance

Thurston County Critical Areas Ordinance page

 

Information on CAO and Best Available Science

 

Futurewise – a nonprofit dedicated to smart growth and responsible land use in Washington State

Department of Ecology Review of Best Available Science

Municipal Research and Service Center

 

Contact us if you are interested in working on Critical Areas Ordinances in your area

 

Return home.