Wetland area near Allen Lake.
Like many other counties and cities, Sammamish has recently updated its Critical
Areas Code provisions for protection of environmentally sensitive areas. Critical
areas include wetlands, streams and other fish and wildlife habitat conservation
areas, frequently flooded areas, geologically hazardous areas, and aquifer recharge
areas. The updated ordinance sets standards and criteria for development or other
activities proposed in and around critical areas. Amendments address allowed development
standards, buffer requirements and mitigation provisions.
Critical Area Code amendments were developed based on a review of the Best Available
Science (BAS) required by state law, while balancing other state requirements and
community goals. The BAS process required the city to develop a public record of
the scientific information, analysis and options related to specific critical areas
such as wetlands and streams.
As part of the process of updating of the city's Critical Areas Ordinance (SMC 21A.50,
O2005-172
), and in an effort to have extensive citizen involvement, the City Council formed
a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), charged with
providing community input on the update. All materials provided at the
CAC meetings, and subsequent Planning Commission and City Council meetings,
can be found in the links below.
Adopted Regulations
Adopted by City Council on Dec 20, 2005
Maps, Exhibits and Forms
News releases
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Public Hearing Scheduled for May 7, 2013 - Environmentally Critical Areas Update
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Apr. 18, 2013
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Notice is hereby given under SMC 24.25.160 that the City of Sammamish City Council will hold a public hearing regarding proposed changes to the Environmentally Critical Areas regulations contained in the Sammamish Municipal C...
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Critical Areas Update approved by City Council
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Jan. 3, 2006
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Beating a state-imposed deadline by 10 days, the City Council passed a Critical Areas Update on Dec. 20. The revised environmental regulations, fashioned with the help of the Planning Commission and a Citizens Advisory Commit...
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Lake buffers under consideration
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Nov. 30, 2005
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A recommendation from the Planning Commission to establish new buffer requirements for lakes and ponds, with incentives that allow buffer reduction, is being reviewed by the City Council. The buffer requirement, if adopted, w...
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Recommended changes to Critical Areas Regulations released
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Sep. 15, 2005
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The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Thursday, Sept. 22, on recommended changes to the city’s Critical Areas Regulations. The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. at the Sammamish Plateau Water and Sewer District, 15...
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Draft Regulations
Meetings *
* Go to each meeting to access project documents related to that meeting.
Contact Information
Please contact
criticalareas@ci.sammamish.wa.us with any questions or concerns. You may
alternately contact
Kathy Curry at (425) 295-0527
or
Darci Donovan at (425) 295-0530.
Public Information
The city intends to follow the Growth Management Act’s requirements to provide “early
and continuous public involvement” and to substantively “include” and “consider”
Best Available Science (BAS) in Sammamish’s CAO amendment process.
The public involvement process will include the following:
- Available paper files and electronic records for review by the public.
- Information on city website, press releases, one or more open houses/workshops,
public meetings, and other mechanisms to provide for public review and involvement.
- A staff report that will discuss the information and analysis that was reviewed
to develop the recommended code changes.
- Presentation of key issues to the Planning Commission and City Council prior to
their discussion, deliberations and decision.
We would like to hear from you! Attend a public hearing or submit your comments
using our
online comment form.
Best Available Science Process
The city will also follow state of Washington guidance for the BAS process, specifically
RCW 36.70A.172 and WAC 365-195-c00 through 925. The State guidelines say
that each jurisdiction should:
- Use BAS information from local, state, or federal natural resources agencies, and
consult with experts from those agencies.
- Use scientific information that has been developed through a valid scientific process
only (peer review, methods that can be replicated, logical conclusions and reasonable
inferences, quantitative analysis, proper context, properly referenced).
- Non-scientific information may supplement scientific information but is not a substitute
for scientific information.
- Demonstrate on the record that the city included and considered the policy and regulatory
choices.
- In cases of inadequate, incomplete or contradictory scientific information, consider
a cautionary approach that includes adaptive management and monitoring.
- Ensure special consideration for anadromous fish by considering measures that protect
important habitat for all life stages.
Links to the BAS materials used by the city in developing the code amendments are
shown below. To learn more about the BAS process being undertaken by cities and
counties, see:
Best Available Science Information
SEPA Documents
Staff Report Materials Available
Written Public Comments Received