Grays Harbor County Critical Areas Ordinance

 

 

Critical Areas Ordinance Updates

Grays Harbor County is starting a community planning process to update specific sections of the county’s land use policies and regulations concerning critical areas and natural resource lands of long-term commercial significance.   

The purpose of this website is to keep county citizens informed about this process, including sharing information about proposed changes, public participation opportunities, and timelines.  This page will update frequently, so please visit it often.

How will the process move forward?

There will be two update tracks: Track 1 consists of minor amendments while Track 2 amendments will require greater public discussion. 

Track 1 Amendments

  • Change references to Type S, F, Np, and Ns ‘streams’ to  Type S, F, Np, and Ns ‘waters’
  • Amend the provisions for emergency actions during federal, state, or county declared emergencies to require potential mitigation to disturbed critical areas and buffers
  • Define “essential public facilities” and require their siting outside of critical areas
  • Revise wording in the reasonable use exception section to add clarity and requirements for mitigation
  • Clarify the language defining fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas
  • Add specific requirements for determining noise impacts to buffers and segregating uses from buffers

Track 2 Amendments

  • Designation of agricultural, forestlands, and mineral lands of long-term commercial significance
  • Designation of geologically hazardous areas and prohibition of mining, including protection regulations
  • Reduced buffer requirements for minor developments
  • Mining activities in geologically hazardous areas

What is the schedule for both tracks?

Track 1

  • November 1, 2011: Grays Harbor County Planning Commission will receive an update on a draft ordinance on proposed Track 1 changes to Title 18 relating to Critical Areas
  • November 8, 2011: Public workshop to discuss and comment on a draft ordinance on proposed Track 1 changes to Title 18, Critical Areas
  • November 8 – November 28, 2011: Public comment period on Track 1 changes to Title 18, Critical Areas
  • December 19, 2011: Public hearing before the Board of Commissioners on Track 1 changes to Title 18, Critical Areas

Track 2

  • November 8, 2011: Public workshop to discuss Track 2 issues and to establish working groups for agricultural lands, forestlands, mineral lands, minor developments
  • Mid-December 2011: Informational reports on Track 2 topic areas
  • January – April 2012: Working group meetings and draft ordinance preparations
  • May 2012: Public hearings by Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners
  • June 2012:  Adoption of amendments to Title 18

Why is this update happening?

Grays Harbor County agreed to undertake this community planning process in response to legal proceedings filed by Futurewise and Friends of Grays Harbor.  Please go to the document section to read materials relating to these legal proceedings.

 

Announcements  

Public Meeting

Public Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) Workshop

DATE: Tuesday, November 8, 2011

TIME:  6:30 pm

LOCATION:
Commissioner's Meeting Room
Grays Harbor County
100 W. Broadway
Montesano, WA 98563-3614