Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Master Program Update
In 2018-2019, the City of Mercer Island will be updating its Critical Areas code and Shoreline Master Program. The Critical Areas code is the portion of the City's code that sets standards and requirements for areas like wetlands, landslide hazard areas, watercourses. The Shoreline Master Program contains regulations pertaining to parts of Mercer Island within 200 feet of Lake Washington.
In 2018-2019, the City of Mercer Island will be updating its Critical Areas code and Shoreline Master Program. The Critical Areas code is the portion of the City's code that sets standards and requirements for areas like wetlands, landslide hazard areas, watercourses. The Shoreline Master Program contains regulations pertaining to parts of Mercer Island within 200 feet of Lake Washington.
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Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Master Program Updates Adopted
6 months agoThe City Council approved the Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Master Program at its June 18, 2019 meeting. For the full text of the new code, please review the following documents:
- Final Adopted Critical Areas Code
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Final Adopted Critical Areas Code - Ancillary Changes
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City Council Adopted SMP
The City Council approved the Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Master Program at its June 18, 2019 meeting. For the full text of the new code, please review the following documents:
- Final Adopted Critical Areas Code
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Final Adopted Critical Areas Code - Ancillary Changes
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City Council Adopted SMP
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Planning Commission Recommendation Now Available
7 months agoThe Planning Commission’s Recommendation to the City Council for the Critical Areas Code and Shoreline Master Program is now available. The Planning Commission’s recommendation was developed after review and consideration of comments made by the public on the Public Hearing Draft. -
Public Hearing Draft of code available
10 months agoThanks to countless hours spent by the Planning Commission and community, a public hearing draft of the Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Master Program are now complete and ready for review. Please see the "Resource Library" on this page to access the draft code documents!
Thanks to countless hours spent by the Planning Commission and community, a public hearing draft of the Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Master Program are now complete and ready for review. Please see the "Resource Library" on this page to access the draft code documents!
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What are Critical Areas? Watch the Video!
about 1 year agoThe City has created a brief 6-minute video to inform the community about the Critical Areas and Shoreline Master Program update. Watch the video to learn more about critical areas and shorelines and why the city is updating the regulations.
Watch it here!
The City has created a brief 6-minute video to inform the community about the Critical Areas and Shoreline Master Program update. Watch the video to learn more about critical areas and shorelines and why the city is updating the regulations.
Watch it here!
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Best Available Science
about 1 year agoThe Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A) requires Washington’s counties and cities to review, evaluate, and update comprehensive land use plans, as well as updating development regulations using Best Available Science (BAS) to identify, designate and protect critical areas.Mercer Island last updated its Critical Area regulations in 2005, and an update is due by summer, 2019. The City hired a consultant, ESA, to conduct an analysis of the Best Available Science as it pertains to the critical areas located in Mercer Island. ESA's findings are available in two reports here and here.
Mercer Island is home to 5 types of critical areas:
- Wetlands
- Watercourses
- Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas
- Geologically hazardous areas
- Critical aquifer recharge areas
The Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A) requires Washington’s counties and cities to review, evaluate, and update comprehensive land use plans, as well as updating development regulations using Best Available Science (BAS) to identify, designate and protect critical areas.Mercer Island last updated its Critical Area regulations in 2005, and an update is due by summer, 2019. The City hired a consultant, ESA, to conduct an analysis of the Best Available Science as it pertains to the critical areas located in Mercer Island. ESA's findings are available in two reports here and here.
Mercer Island is home to 5 types of critical areas:
- Wetlands
- Watercourses
- Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas
- Geologically hazardous areas
- Critical aquifer recharge areas
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Why are we updating critical areas and shorelines regulations?
over 1 year agoThe City is required by state law to periodically update its Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) and Shoreline Master Program (SMP). In addition to being a legal requirement, the periodic update provides an opportunity for the community to ensure its critical areas and shoreline codes are up to date with the latest science and in line with the City's current land use policies.
The process began with the City Council setting a scope of work, providing a framework for what will be covered over the course of this project. The City's Planning Commission has started on that scope of work, first reviewing the state laws pertaining to CAO and SMP updates, and next by reviewing the latest science on managing development in and around critical areas. Through review of scientific information, the City's comprehensive plan and public input, the Planning Commission will draft new code language for review and approval by the City Council.
The City is required by state law to periodically update its Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) and Shoreline Master Program (SMP). In addition to being a legal requirement, the periodic update provides an opportunity for the community to ensure its critical areas and shoreline codes are up to date with the latest science and in line with the City's current land use policies.
The process began with the City Council setting a scope of work, providing a framework for what will be covered over the course of this project. The City's Planning Commission has started on that scope of work, first reviewing the state laws pertaining to CAO and SMP updates, and next by reviewing the latest science on managing development in and around critical areas. Through review of scientific information, the City's comprehensive plan and public input, the Planning Commission will draft new code language for review and approval by the City Council.
Process
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Consultant Analysis of Best Available Science
Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Master Program Update has finished this stage -
Planning Commission Review
Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Master Program Update has finished this stageThe Commission will review the Best Available Science and the draft code amendments, hold a public hearing and then make a recomendaton to City Council.
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City Council Review
Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Master Program Update has finished this stage -
Amendments Adopted
Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Master Program Update is currently at this stage -
SMP accepted by Dept. of Ecology
this is an upcoming stage for Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Master Program UpdateAfter adoption by the Mercer Island City Council, the Shoreline Master Program must be reviewed and accepted by the Washington Dept. of Ecology in order to become effective.
Resource Library
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City Council Adopted Code
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Background Information
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State law requirements - WAC 365-196-830 (103 KB) (pdf)
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State law requirements - Best available science (WAC 365-195 Excerpt) (115 KB) (pdf)
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City Council-approved scope of work (84.4 KB) (pdf)
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Excerpted Comprehensive Plan Policies pertaining to critical areas (181 KB) (pdf)
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Existing Critical Areas Code and Shoreline Master program
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SMP 2015 (1.82 MB) (pdf)