Critical Areas Ordinance Update

Project Summary

Clark County is proposing code amendments to Clark County’s Titles 40.440, Habitat Conservation and 40.450 Wetland Protection codes for the Critical Areas Ordinance update in accordance with the Growth Management Act, RCW 36.70A. 

The proposed amendments to the code include combining the two codes into a single ordinance for streamlined administration and Best Available Science updates in consideration of current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Priority Habitat and Species Management Recommendations and Department of Ecology guidelines for wetlands. 

Counties are required to review and update Critical Areas Ordinances every 8 years.

The Washington Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A) requires counties to designate and protect “critical areas” including wetlands, fish and wildlife conservation areas, geological hazard areas, flood hazard areas, and critical aquifer recharge areas. The act further requires counties to include Best Available Science and give special consideration to conservation and protection measures to preserve anadromous fisheries.

State agencies with expertise in each critical area have developed, and periodically update, recommendations and guidelines that establish a baseline of Best Available Science that counties can rely on to meet the Growth Management Act requirement.