14.154.010 Purpose and intent.
Many land use activities can impact the habitats of fish and wildlife. Where areas of critical fish and wildlife habitat are subject to development, land use shall be managed to protect critical habitats. Managing land use to protect critical habitats is intended to allow proposed development to occur in a manner that is sensitive to the habitat needs of critical fish and wildlife species. The purpose of this chapter is to identify critical fish and wildlife species and habitats and establish habitat protection procedures and mitigation practices that are designed to achieve no “net loss” of species and habitat due to new development or other regulated activities.
As a necessary first step in achieving the necessary protection of critical fish and wildlife species, it is the intent of this chapter to:
A. Define and identify critical fish and wildlife species and habitats;
B. Emphasize and encourage education, information and voluntary action to enhance, protect, rehabilitate, and restore critical fish and wildlife species and habitats;
C. Rely primarily upon existing procedures and laws, such as the State Environmental Policy Act, Chapter 43.21C RCW; the City’s Shoreline Use Regulations; and the Shoreline Management Act, Chapter 90.58 RCW, that, directly or indirectly, protect fish and wildlife species and habitats; and
D. Establish buffers adjacent to rivers, streams, and other identified critical habitat areas and locations to protect critical fish and wildlife habitats.
It is not intended that this chapter repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing law or regulations. If the buffering provisions of this chapter conflict with any existing City law or regulation, the more stringent shall apply. [Ord. 362 § 3, 2004.]