Agriculture (completed Fall 2006) On hold pending a lawsuit
filed by WEAN (Whidbey Environmental Action
Network) in Thurston County.
Beginning
in 2002, every county and city planning under
the Growth
Management Act (GMA, RCW 36.70A) is required
to review and update its comprehensive
plan and associated development regulations
every seven years to make sure that they comply
with the provisions of the GMA. Deadlines to
complete review and update of comprehensive
plans and critical area ordinances vary throughout
the state. State law established a December
1, 2006 deadline for completing the update.
While many portions were completed by that date
there are still two items remaining - wetlands
and fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas.
State
Statutory Requirements for
Critical Areas Ordinance
Updates:
Must
include Best
Available Science
to protect
critical area
functions and
values (RCW
36.70A.172)
Must
give special
consideration to
preservation and
enhancement of
anadromous
fisheries (RCW
36.70A. 172)
Wetlands
must be delineated
according to the
Washington State
Department of
Ecology Manual (RCW
36.70A.175)
Reflect
that fish habitat
enhancement
projects which are
not subject to
local government
permits,
inspections, or
fees are
considered
consistent with
the Shoreline
Management Act and
exempt from
shoreline
substantial
development
permits (RCW
36.70A.460
A Division of Island County Government
Beginning
in 2002, every county and city planning under
the 