Article 2. Administrative Provisions
14.100.020 Jurisdiction—Critical Areas.
A. The city shall regulate all uses, activities, and developments within, adjacent to, or likely to affect, one or more critical areas, consistent with the best available science, the Natural Heritage program and the provisions herein. The law requires that natural resource land uses be protected from land uses on adjacent lands that would restrict resource production. Development regulations adopted to project critical areas may limit some land development options.
B. Critical areas regulated by this chapter include:
1. Critical aquifer recharge areas as designated in Section 14.100.100 (Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas—Designation);
2. Wetlands as designated in Section 14.100.200 (Wetlands Critical Areas—Designation);
3. Frequently flooded areas as designated in Section 14.100.300 (Frequently Flooded Areas—Designation);
4. Geologically hazardous areas as designated in Section 14.100.400 (Geologically Hazardous Areas—Designation); and
5. Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas as designated in Section 14.100.500 (Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas—Designation).
6. Natural resource lands as designated by the state.
This includes protection of both surface and ground water resources, as it relates to recharge wetlands, streams and lakes.
C. All areas within the city meeting the definition of one (1) or more critical areas, regardless of any formal identification, are hereby designated critical areas and are subject to the provisions of this chapter.
D. Areas adjacent to critical areas shall be considered to be within the jurisdiction of these requirements and regulations to support the intent of this chapter and ensure protection of the functions and values of critical areas. Adjacent shall mean any activity located:
1. On a site immediately adjoining a critical area;
2. A distance equal to or less than the required critical area buffer width and building setback;
3. A distance equal to or less than one-half (1/2) mile (two thousand six hundred forty (2,640) feet) from a bald eagle nest;
4. A distance equal to or less than three hundred (300) feet upland from a stream, wetland, or water body;
5. Within the floodway, floodplain, or channel migration zone.