Critical Areas Code Update

Background:

Per state requirements under the Growth Management Act, the City is responsible to adopt regulations that address the impacts of growth and development on many environmental features. These regulations are included in City code (Gig Harbor Municipal Code 18.08) and applied to all public and private development proposals during permit review.

These regulations must be reviewed and, if necessary, revised every 10 years based on new information and scientific studies designated by state law as Best Available Science (BAS).

The environmental features covered by these regulations include:

• Wetlands

• Fish and wildlife habitat areas (AKA Streams)

• Hillsides, ravine sidewalls and bluffs (AKA Steep Slopes)

• Frequently Flooded Areas

• Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas

These regulations include use limitations, site design restrictions such as buffers and setbacks and additional permit requirements.

City staff and its consultant team have reviewed best available science regarding protection of these features and proposed revisions to City Code.

Primary Proposed Revisions

The proposed revisions for public review can be found here and shown in underline or strikethrough text. All other text in unchanged from current code.

While many of the proposed revisions are administrative or to improve clarity, there are multiple substantive changes that may affect development proposals. These include:

• Revised definitions of environmental characteristics, permit requirements and regulatory terms (pgs. 5-14)

• Increased buffers for regulated wetlands (pgs. 23-33)

• Increased buffers for streams (pgs. 53-61)

Public Outreach

The city will be holding public discussions and stakeholder meetings as these move towards Council consideration later this year. All property owners within 300 feet of a known regulated wetland or stream will be notified of the proposed revisions with opportunities to comment and ask questions.

Please follow this page, the city’s Gig-A-Byte newsletter (click here to sign up) or sign up for Critical Areas Code Update on Notify Me for more information regarding dates and times.

Questions and Comments

If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to staff either at PlanningComments@gigharborwa.gov or email Eric Baker, Community Development Director.