(1) 
Upland Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas are those areas within which state or federally designated endangered, threatened, or sensitive species have a primary association and are designated as critical areas. State listed species are those native fish and wildlife species legally designated as Endangered (WAC 232-12-014), Threatened (WAC 232-12-011) or Sensitive (WAC 232-12-011) by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission. Federal listed Threatened, Endangered or Sensitive species means all species of wildlife listed as such by the United States Secretary of the Interior or Commerce.
(2) 
Upland Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas include State Natural Area Preserves and Natural Resource Conservation Areas.
(3) 
Upland Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas include Species and Habitats of Local Importance. These are habitats or species that due to their declining population, sensitivity to habitat manipulation or other values make them important on a local level. Habitats of Local Importance may include a seasonal range or habitat element with which a given species has a primary association, and which, if altered, may reduce the likelihood that the species will maintain and reproduce over the long term.
(a) 
Species and Habitats of Local Importance may be identified, for protection under this title. State or local agencies, individuals or organizations may identify and nominate for consideration specific species and habitats, or a general habitat type, including streams, ponds or other features. The WDFW Priority Habitat and Species list for Yakima County is included in this Title as Appendix B.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix B is included as an attachment to the title.
(b) 
Review of a Species and/or Habitat of Local Importance application is a legislative action, and shall be processed during the Comprehensive Plan amendment cycle;
(c) 
Species and/or Habitat of Local Importance applications shall be docketed for official action with the Planning Commission in accordance with Section 16B.10.095 (Approval Criteria) with no fee requirements;
(d) 
The Planning Commission may convene a best available science committee to ensure the Species and/or Habitat of Local Importance application conforms to RCW 36.70A.172 and WAC 365-195-900 through WAC 365-195-925;
(e) 
Species and/or Habitats of Local Importance are adopted as Appendix B[2] of this title;
[2]
Editor's Note: Appendix B is included as an attachment to the title.
(f) 
Species and/or Habitats of Local Importance shall be reviewed for conformance with subsections (g) and (h) below;
(g) 
Applicants for Species and/or Habitat of Local Importance shall present evidence concerning the criteria set forth in subsection (h) below, including maps to illustrate the proposal and habitat management recommendations for use in the administration of this chapter; and/or
(h) 
The review of nominated habitats and habitats for species of local importance shall consider the following:
(i) 
A seasonal range or habitat element which, if altered, may reduce the likelihood that the species will maintain or reproduce over the long term;
(ii) 
Areas of high relative density or species richness, breeding habitat, winter range, and movement corridors;
(iii) 
Habitat with limited availability or high vulnerability to alteration;
(iv) 
Whether these habitats are already identified and protected under the provisions of this or other county ordinances or state or federal law.
(Ord. 2-2009 § 2 (Exh. A (17) (part)), 2009; Ord. 5-2017 § 2(C) (Exh. 1) (part), 2017)
(1) 
The approximate location and extent of upland wildlife habitat conservation areas for, Endangered, Threatened and Sensitive species are shown on the County's critical area map titled, "Upland Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas of Yakima County." This map is to be used as a guide for the county, project applicants and/or property owners, and may be updated as more detailed data becomes available. This map is an initial reference and does not provide a final critical area designation. Wildlife resource agencies shall be consulted for their expertise on location of habitat conservation areas when insufficient information exists for an area.
(2) 
The Upland Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area map utilized GAP (Gap Analysis Project) and Department of Fish and Wildlife data. GAP data is derived from satellite imagery and modeling of vegetation and species presence. The wildlife habitat analysis methodology was chosen to protect wildlife from a regional perspective rather than a species-specific perspective, to identify areas of high biodiversity for long-term species survival. The methodology:
(a) 
Uses the richest habitat areas;
(b) 
Includes some habitat for all species;
(c) 
Focuses on large habitat areas that are most remote from human development;
(d) 
Uses publicly owned lands as much as possible;
(e) 
Provides corridor links between blocks of habitat areas using streams, and steep ridge slopes;
(f) 
Considers WDFW Priority Habitat and Species and Wildlife Heritage data to help test accuracy; and
(g) 
Covers threatened endangered and sensitive species on private land.
(Ord. 2-2009 § 2 (Exh. A (17) (part)), 2009; Ord. 5-2017 § 2(C) (Exh. 1) (part), 2017)
(1) 
Developments proposed within an upland wildlife habitat conservation area with which state or federally endangered, threatened, or sensitive species or a species of local importance has a primary association may be required to submit Critical Areas Identification Form and site plan as per 16C.03.02(1). The Administrative Official shall require a habitat assessment to be submitted if it is determined that the development proposal could impact the UWHCA. A habitat assessment is an investigation of the project area to evaluate the presence or absence of such species, and areas with which such species has a primary association.
(2) 
In addition to the general critical area report requirements of Section 16C.03.17, habitat assessments and habitat management plans must be prepared by a qualified professional who is a biologist with experience preparing reports for the relevant species and habitat. Critical area reports for two or more types of critical areas must meet the report requirements for each relevant type of critical area.
(3) 
If the habitat assessment determines that such species or habitat area is present on site, and are likely to be impacted by the development proposal, then a standard development permit and management plan are required.
(4) 
If a standard development permit and management plan are required, as determined by the habitat assessment, it shall follow management recommendations published by federal or state agencies developed for species or habitats located on or adjacent to the project area. Management plans developed by an independent third party shall be provided for review by the Department of Fish and Wildlife or the responsible federal agency. The Administrative Official shall consult with the appropriate agency and consider their comments through the review process.
(Ord. 2-2009 § 2 (Exh. A (17) (part)), 2009; Ord. 1-2011 § 2 (Exh. A (3)), 2011; Ord. 5-2017 § 2(C) (Exh. 1) (part), 2017)
Projects located within an Upland Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area as designated in Section 16C.11.040 shall meet the following standards listed below, rather than the development standards in Sections 16C.06.10 through 16C.06.23 for Hydrologically Related Critical Areas, unless review is also needed for Hydrologically Related Critical Areas.
Projects shall be designed using management recommendations established for the species or habitat by federal and state agencies, or those adopted for Species and Habitats of Local Importance by Yakima County. The department shall consider the extent such recommendations are used in its decision on the proposal, and may consider recommendations and advice from the agencies with expertise.
(Ord. 2-2009 § 2 (Exh. A (17) (part)), 2009; Ord. 5-2017 § 2(C) (Exh. 1) (part), 2017)