A. Subject to the provisions of subsection B of this section, the timing of environmental review shall be determined by the responsible official on a case-by-case basis, consistent with the requirements of SEPA and the SEPA rules. In general, the environmental review process shall take place at the conceptual stage of a project, rather than at the detailed design stage. If the City’s only action will be a decision on a building permit or other license that requires detailed project plans and specifications, the applicant or prospective applicant shall be given the opportunity for environmental review under SEPA prior to submittal of such detailed project plans and specifications. An applicant or prospective applicant wishing to take advantage of the opportunity for preapplication environmental review shall submit a completed environmental checklist to the department, except as otherwise provided by WAC 197-11-315(1).

B. At the latest, the City shall begin the environmental review process when a completed application for City approval of a nonexempt action has been received. The official responsible shall make a threshold determination on a completed application within 120 days after the application and supporting documentation are complete and received, with the determination being made on the direct and indirect cumulative effects on the elements of the environment set forth in WAC 197-11-444. The applicant may request an additional 30 days for the threshold determination. [Ord. 758 § 2 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 738 § 2 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 42 § 1, 1996.]