A. 
The city finds that critical areas provide a variety of valuable and beneficial biological and physical functions that benefit the city and its residents, and/or may pose a threat to human safety or to public and private property. The beneficial functions and values provided by critical areas include, but are not limited to, water quality protection and enhancement, fish and wildlife habitat, food chain support, flood storage, conveyance and attenuation of floodwaters, ground water recharge and discharge, erosion control, wave attenuation, protection from hazards, historical, archaeological, and aesthetic value protection, and recreation. These beneficial functions are not listed in order of priority.
B. 
Per RCW 36.70A.030(5), critical areas include:
1. 
Frequently flooded areas;
2. 
Geologically hazardous areas;
3. 
Critical aquifer recharge areas;
4. 
Wetlands;
5. 
Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas.
(Ord. 2293 § 2 (Exh. A), 2005; Ord. 2798 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025)
A. 
Finding of Fact. The city finds that frequently flooded areas provide a variety of valuable and beneficial physical functions that benefit the city and its residents, and/or may pose a threat to human safety or to public and private property. The beneficial functions and values provided by frequently flooded areas include flood storage, conveyance and attenuation of floodwaters as well as channel migration zone management.
B. 
Technical Information.
1. 
Applicability. This section shall apply to all areas of special flood hazard and wetlands within the jurisdiction of the city, originally adopted as Chapter 19.04 EMC and amended as a section of this chapter.
a. 
Basis for Establishing the Areas of Special Flood Hazard. The areas of special flood hazard identified by the Federal Insurance Administration in a scientific and engineering report entitled "The Flood Insurance Study for King County, Washington, and Incorporated Areas" dated August 19, 2020, and any revisions thereto, with accompanying flood insurance rate map (FIRM), dated August 19, 2020, and any revisions thereto, are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this chapter. The flood insurance study and FIRMs are on file with the city clerk, city of Enumclaw, City Hall, Enumclaw, Washington. The best available information for flood hazard area identification as outlined in subsection (C)(1) of this section shall be the basis for regulation until a new FIRM is issued that incorporates data utilized under subsection (C)(1) of this section.
C. 
Administrator – Duties.
1. 
When base flood elevation data has not been provided in accordance with subsection (B)(1)(a) of this section, the floodplain administrator shall obtain, review and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation and floodway data available from a federal, state or other source.
2. 
Where base flood elevation data is provided through the flood insurance study, FIRM, or as required in subsection A of this section, obtain and maintain a record of the actual (as-built) elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the lowest floor, including basement, of all new or substantially improved structures, and whether or not the structure contains a basement.
3. 
For all new or substantially improved floodproofed nonresidential structures where base flood elevation data is provided through the FIS, FIRM, or as required in subsection (C)(1) of this section:
a. 
Obtain and maintain a record of the actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) to which the structure was floodproofed; and
b. 
Maintain the floodproofing certifications as required in EMC § 19.02.065(B)(3).
4. 
Maintain for public inspection all records pertaining to the provisions of this chapter.
5. 
Interpretation of FIRM Boundaries. The administrator shall make interpretations where needed as to the exact location of the boundaries of the areas of special flood hazard (e.g., where there appears to be a conflict between a mapped boundary and actual field conditions). The person contesting the location of the boundary shall be given a reasonable opportunity to appeal the interpretation as provided in EMC § 19.02.170. Such appeals shall be granted consistent with the standards of Section 60.6 of the Rules and Regulations of the NFIP.
6. 
The administrator shall notify adjacent communities and the Washington State Department of Ecology prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse, submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Insurance Administration through appropriate notification means, and require that maintenance is provided within the altered or relocated portion of said watercourse so that the flood-carrying capacity is not diminished.
7. 
Habitat Assessment. The administrator shall require a habitat assessment for all development within areas of special flood hazard (reference "Floodplain Habitat Assessment and Mitigation, Regional Guidance for the Puget Sound Basin," FEMA Region 10, 2013, or as hereafter revised).
8. 
Obtain and maintain certification required by EMC § 19.02.190(A)(10)(a) (floodway encroachments).
9. 
Obtain and maintain records of all variance actions, including justification for their issuance.
10. 
Obtain and maintain improvement and damage calculations.
11. 
Designation of the Floodplain Administrator. The community development director is hereby appointed to administer, implement, and enforce this chapter by granting or denying development permits in accordance with its provisions. The floodplain administrator may delegate authority to implement these provisions.
12. 
Permit Review. Review all development permits to determine that:
a. 
The permit requirements of this chapter have been satisfied;
b. 
All other required state and federal permits have been obtained;
c. 
The site is reasonably safe from flooding;
d. 
The proposed development is not located in the floodway. If located in the floodway, ensure the encroachment provisions of EMC § 19.02.190(A)(10)(a) are met;
e. 
Notify FEMA when annexation occurs in the special flood hazard area.
D. 
Compliance. All development within special flood hazard areas is subject to the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations.
E. 
Noncompliance. No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, located, extended, converted, or altered without full compliance with the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations. Violations of the provisions of this chapter by failure to comply with any of its requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established in connection with conditions), shall constitute a misdemeanor. Any person who violates this chapter or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall upon conviction thereof be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than 90 days, or both, for each violation, and in addition shall pay all costs and expenses involved in the case. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the city from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation.
F. 
Abrogation and Greater Restrictions. This chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this chapter and another ordinance, easement, covenant, or deed restrictions conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the most stringent restrictions shall prevail.
G. 
Interpretation. In the interpretation and application of this chapter, all provisions shall be:
1. 
Considered as minimum requirements; and
2. 
Liberally construed in favor of the governing body; and
3. 
Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under state statutes.
H. 
Warning and Disclaimer of Liability. The degree of flood protection required by this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. Larger floods can and will occur on rare occasions. Flood heights may be increased by manmade or natural causes. This chapter does not imply that land outside the areas of special flood hazard or uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. This chapter shall not create liability on the part of the city of Enumclaw, any officer or employee thereof, or the Federal Insurance Administration for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made hereunder.
(Ord. 2293 § 2 (Exh. A), 2005; Ord. 2544 § 1, 2014; Ord. 2572 § 2 (Exh. A § 3), 2015; Ord. 2679 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 2798 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025)
A. 
Development Permit Required. A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in EMC § 19.02.060(B)(1)(a). The permit shall be for all structures including manufactured homes, as set forth in the definitions, and for all development including fill and other activities, also as set forth in the definitions.
B. 
Application for Development Permit. Application for a development permit shall be made on forms furnished by the floodplain administrator and may include, but not be limited to, plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions, and elevations of the area in question; existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials, drainage facilities, and the location of the foregoing. Specifically, the following information is required:
1. 
Elevation in relation to mean sea level of the lowest floor (including basement) of all structures;
2. 
Elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any structure has been floodproofed;
3. 
Where a structure is to be floodproofed, certified by a registered professional engineer or architect that the floodproofing methods for any nonresidential structure meet the floodproofing criteria in EMC § 19.02.190(A)(7);
4. 
Description of the extent to which a watercourse will be altered or relocated as a result of a proposed development;
5. 
Where development is proposed in a floodway, an engineering analysis indicating no rise of the base flood elevation; and
6. 
Any other such information that may be reasonably required by the floodplain administrator in order to review the application.
(Ord. 2679 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 2798 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025)
A. 
Finding of Fact. Based upon the most recent information, the city has determined that only three of the seven geologically hazardous areas listed in WAC 365-190-080 are relevant to the city. Those three categories of geologically hazardous areas are:
1. 
Erosion hazard areas;
2. 
Landslide hazard areas;
3. 
Seismic hazard areas.
These are the only areas that will be addressed in this chapter.
B. 
Identification. The identification of geologically hazardous areas involves the collection of baseline data and the preparation of a critical areas report (see Appendix B[1] of this chapter) by a qualified professional. In the case of geologic hazards, the qualified professional is a registered engineering geologist or a licensed geotechnical engineer. The following is a list of technical information requirements:
1. 
Erosion Hazard Areas – Technical Information. Erosion hazard: areas identified as having high or very high water erosion hazard by the U.S. Department of Agricultural Soil Conservation Service as supplied by the SCS area office;
2. 
Landslide Hazard Areas – Technical Information. Landslide hazard: areas potentially subject to landslides based upon the following combination of geologic, topographic and hydrologic factors:
a. 
Areas of historic failure including:
(1) 
Those areas delineated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service as having "severe" limitations for building site development;
(2) 
Those areas mapped as quaternary slumps, earthflows, mudflows, lahars, or landslides on maps published by the U.S. Geological Survey or Department of Natural Resources Division of Geology and Earth Resources;
b. 
Areas with all three of the following characteristics:
(1) 
Slopes of 15 percent gradient or greater; and
(2) 
Hillsides intersecting geologic contacts with a relatively permeable sediment overlaying a relatively impermeable sediment or bedrock; and
(3) 
Springs or ground water seepage;
c. 
Areas that have shown movement during the Holocene Epoch or which are underlain or covered by mass wastage debris of the epoch;
d. 
Slopes that are parallel or subparallel to planes or weakness in subsurface materials;
e. 
Privately owned areas with slopes that have gradients greater than 80 percent subject to rock fall during seismic shaking;
f. 
Technical Information.
(1) 
Identify and quantify geologic, topographic and hydrologic factors that might contribute to slope instability. The rate and extent of potential hazards to development activity must be assessed and mitigation measures, if any, evaluated. The proposed development must be analyzed in light of the hazards and effects represented by the landslide exposure on proposed private and public investments. Development operational factors should be included in the analysis to account for the effects of residential landscape irrigation, stormwater generation from impervious surfaces and the influence of street conveyance on slope stability.
(2) 
The submittal of a geotechnical report establishing the suitability of the site for construction shall be required.
(3) 
If found to be suitable, a professional registered engineer shall design a foundation that accommodates on-site conditions.
3. 
Seismic Hazard Areas – Technical Information. Seismic hazard areas are those areas subject to severe risk of earthquake damage as a result of ground movement, ground displacement, or soil liquefaction in areas underlain by cohesionless soils of low density and usually in association with a shallow ground water table or other seismically induced settlement.
a. 
Identify and quantify geologic factors that might contribute to seismic activity. The rate and extent of potential hazards to development activity must be assessed and mitigation measures, if any, evaluated.
b. 
The proposed development must be analyzed in light of the hazards and effects represented by the seismic exposure on proposed private and public investments.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendices are included as an attachment to this title.
A. 
Finding of Fact. No Category I critical aquifer recharge areas have been identified or designated within the city limits of, or within the urban growth area around, the city of Enumclaw (12/2004).
B. 
Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas – Categories. Critical aquifer recharge areas are categorized as follows:
1. 
Category I critical aquifer recharge areas include those mapped areas that Enumclaw has determined are highly susceptible to ground water contamination and that are located within a sole source aquifer or a wellhead protection area;
2. 
Category II critical aquifer recharge areas include those mapped areas that Enumclaw has determined:
a. 
Have a medium susceptibility to ground water contamination and are located in a sole source aquifer or a wellhead protection area; or
b. 
Are highly susceptible to ground water contamination and are not located in a sole source aquifer or wellhead protection area; and
3. 
Category III critical aquifer recharge areas include those mapped areas that Enumclaw has determined have low susceptibility to ground water contamination.
C. 
Technical Information Requirements. Delineation of the recharge areas on a scaled development plan and detailed information on the following items is required for uses listed in EMC § 19.02.190(C) when proposed within a critical aquifer recharge area:
1. 
Hydrogeological susceptibility to contamination and contamination loading potential;
2. 
Depth to ground water;
3. 
Hydraulic conductivity and gradient;
4. 
Soil permeability and contamination attenuation;
5. 
A vadose zone analysis including permeability and attenuation properties;
6. 
An analysis of the recharge area's toleration for impervious surfaces in terms of both aquifer recharge and the effect on water quality degradation;
7. 
A summary of the proposed development's effect on the recharge area, concentrating on items in subsections (C)(4) and (C)(5) of this section;
8. 
Existing aquifer water quality analysis.
(Ord. 2293 § 2 (Exh. A), 2005; Ord. 2798 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025)
A. 
Wetlands are described by wetland class and by wetland category (see Appendix A[1] of this chapter).
1. 
Technical Information. The exact location of the wetland boundary or boundaries within and in close proximity to the proposed project site shall be determined by the applicant through the performance of a field investigation applying the provisions detailed in EMC § 19.02.140(D). Field data collection for the purposes of identifying and delineating a wetland shall be performed by a qualified professional wetland scientist (biologist or ecologist) in concert with qualified biological technicians. The wetland delineation process shall be completed in accordance with current U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Washington State Department of Ecology standards (see EMC § 19.02.140(D)).
2. 
The qualified professional shall determine, on the basis of established criteria from the Corps and WDOE, if the identified and delineated wetland is regulated and whether said wetland is subject to Corps and/or state jurisdiction or is under the jurisdiction of both agencies.
3. 
Reporting requirements are detailed in EMC § 19.02.140 and Appendix B of this chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendices are included as an attachment to this title.
B. 
Wetland Category. In the city, wetland category is used to regulate activities within and adjacent to a wetland and in determining the width of the wetland buffer. The wetland category is determined after a wetland has been identified and delineated. Wetland category is determined using the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington: 2014 Update (Version 2) (WDOE Publication No. 23-06-009 or as subsequently revised and approved by Ecology). Wetlands are evaluated and scored on three criteria (water quality functions, hydrologic functions, and habitat functions).
The WDOE document contains the definitions and scoring methods used for determining if the wetland rating criteria outlined in Appendix A[2] of this chapter are met. The total score for the three functional areas determines the wetland category. Note that streams and lakes are not rated as wetlands, but rather are classified and rated as fish and wildlife conservation areas (EMC § 19.02.100).
[2]
Editor's Note: Appendices are included as an attachment to this title.
C. 
Wetland Buffers. Wetland buffers are established to protect wetland resources from adjacent land uses. Buffer widths are shown in Table 19.02.090(C). Buffers shall be determined according to the wetland category and habitat score as identified as determined by a qualified wetland professional using the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington: 2014 Update (Version 2) (Ecology Publication No. 23-06-009, or as revised and approved by Ecology). The buffer for a wetland created, restored, or enhanced as compensation for approved wetland alterations shall be the same as the buffer required for the category of the created, restored, or enhanced wetland.
Table 19.02.090(C) – Buffer Widths
Wetland Category
Buffer Width (feet) Based on Habitat Score
Habitat Score:
3 – 5
Habitat Score:
6 – 7
Habitat Score:
8 – 9
Category I & II bogs or wetland of high conservation value
300
Category I & II that are not bogs or wetlands of high conservation value
100
150
300
Category III
80
150
300
Category IV
50
1. 
Measurement of Wetland Buffers. All buffers shall be measured from the wetland boundary as surveyed in the field. Buffer widths shall be measured horizontally from a perpendicular line established at the wetland edge based on buffer widths identified in Table 19.02.090(C).
2. 
Buffer Vegetation Requirements. Wetland buffer zones shall be retained in their natural condition. Where buffer disturbance is unavoidable during adjacent construction, revegetation will be required with native plant materials preferred.
3. 
Buffer Averaging. The administrator may allow buffer width averaging only where the applicant demonstrates all of the following:
a. 
Averaging is necessary to avoid an extraordinary hardship to the applicant caused by circumstances peculiar to the property:
(1) 
An extraordinary hardship can include an administrator decision that would yield the applicant's project unconstructible or yield the property undevelopable, or
(2) 
An administrator decision that would alter a proposed project from being economically feasible to not being economically feasible, particularly if the applicant was reliant on prior city decisions in making economic and project go/no go decisions;
b. 
The wetland/stream contains variations in sensitivity due to existing physical characteristics;
c. 
Buffer width averaging will not adversely impact the wetland functions or values, including function and value of habitat for endangered, threatened or sensitive fish or animal species; and
d. 
Total area contained within the wetland/stream buffer after averaging is no less than that contained within the prescribed buffer prior to averaging. If buffer averaging is allowed the buffer width shall not be reduced by more than 25 percent of the prescribed buffer; and
e. 
The administrator shall require enhancement of the buffer vegetation to increase buffer functions and values if, based on an on-site evaluation, it is determined that the existing buffer plant community is monotypic (has a single dominant species), is dominated by groundcover species, has an overall plant density of 50 percent or less, and has unobstructed pathways for various pollutants to travel between the adjacent upland (developed or undeveloped) and the protected wetland. The amount of buffer enhancement (vegetation planting, soil augmentation, and addition of woody debris) that shall be required will vary on a case-by-case basis depending upon the potential risk (high, moderate, or low) of adverse impacts stemming from adjacent land use activities.
4. 
Buffer Width Reduction. The administrator may grant a wetland/stream buffer width reduction of up to 25 percent of the buffer prescribed in Table 19.02.090(C) only where the applicant demonstrates all of the following:
a. 
The wetland is not categorized as a bog or wetland of high conservation value; and
b. 
For wetlands that score six points or more for habitat function, a relatively undisturbed, vegetated corridor at least 100 feet wide is protected by conservation easement, deed restriction or other legal mechanism between the wetland and any of the following:
(1) 
Other priority habitats as defined by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife; or
(2) 
An area that is the site of a watershed project identified in a watershed plan as defined by RCW 89.08.460; or
(3) 
An area where development is prohibited under the shoreline master program; and
c. 
The mitigation measures in Table 19.02.090(C)(2) are implemented, where applicable, to minimize the impacts of the adjacent land uses:
Table 19.02.090(C)(2) – Required Mitigation Measures to Minimize Impacts to Wetlands
(all measures are required if applicable to a specific proposal)
Examples of Disturbance
Activities and Uses That Cause Disturbances
Examples of Measures to Minimize Impacts
Lights
• Parking lots
• Warehouses
• Manufacturing
• High Density Residential
• Direct lights away from wetland
Noise
• Manufacturing
• High Density Residential
• Locate activity that generates noise away from wetland
Toxic Runoff*
• Parking lots
• Roads
• Manufacturing
• Residential areas
• Application of agricultural pesticides
• Landscaping
• Route all new, untreated runoff away from wetland while ensuring wetland is not dewatered
• Covenants limiting use of pesticides within 150 ft of wetland
• Apply integrated pest management
Stormwater Runoff
• Parking lots
• Roads
• Manufacturing
• Residential areas
• Commercial
• Landscaping
• Retrofit stormwater detention and treatment for roads and existing adjacent development
• Prevent channelized flow from lawns that directly enters the buffer
Change in Water Regime
• Any impermeable surfaces
• Lawns
• Tilling
• Infiltrate or treat, detain, and disperse into buffer new runoff from impervious surfaces and new lawns
Pets and Human Disturbance
• Residential areas
• Utilize fencing around buffer (preferably split rail for animal migration)
• Establish dense native vegetation to delineate buffer edge and to discourage disturbance
• Place wetland and its buffer in a separate tract
Dust
• Tilled fields
• Use best management practices to control dust
*These examples are not necessarily adequate for minimizing toxic runoff if threatened or endangered species are present at the site.
5. 
Buffer Width Enlargement. The administrator may require increased standard buffer zone widths on a case-by-case basis when a larger buffer is necessary to protect wetlands or stream functions and values based on local conditions. Buffer widths can be increased to the upper end of the ranges shown in Table 19.02.090(C) – Buffer Widths. If the administrator elects to impose larger (wider) buffers on a specific project, the decision to use wider buffers must be supported by best available science and current local data (observations). Buffer widths shall be increased if the administrator can demonstrate:
a. 
A larger buffer is necessary to maintain viable populations of existing species; or
b. 
The wetland or stream is used by species proposed or listed by the federal government or the state as endangered, threatened, rare, sensitive or monitored, critical or outstanding potential habitat for those species or has unusual nesting or resting sites such as heron rookeries or raptor nesting trees; or
c. 
The adjacent land is susceptible to severe erosion and erosion control measures will not effectively prevent adverse wetland impacts; or
d. 
The adjacent land has minimal vegetative cover or slopes greater than 15 percent or, if less than 15 percent, the project proponent is not being required to implement buffer enhancement plans.
6. 
Abrogation. Nothing in this section or chapter abrogates, compromises or otherwise subordinates the full force, effect and applicability of the Washington State Shoreline Management Act.
7. 
Preexisting Uses Within a Buffer. A use or structure established prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter which does not conform to standards set forth herein is allowed to continue and be reasonably maintained; provided, that such activity or structure shall not be expanded or enlarged in any manner that increases the extent of its nonconformity.
8. 
Repair of Buffer Areas Damaged During Construction. Except as otherwise specified, wetland/stream buffer zones shall be retained in their natural condition. Where buffer disturbance has occurred during construction, revegetation with native vegetation may be required.
9. 
Allowable Uses in a Critical Area Buffer – Permitted Uses in a Buffer Zone. Regulated activities shall not be allowed in a buffer zone except for the following:
a. 
Activities having minimal adverse impacts on buffers and no adverse impacts on regulated wetlands. These may include low intensity, passive recreational activities such as:
(1) 
Construction and use of trail systems and trail support systems designed with adequate stormwater management and natural erosion control features. Trails shall be located only in the outer 25 percent of a wetland buffer, with barriers to intrusion on the side of the trail closer to the critical area, and should avoid damaging significant trees and other habitat elements;
(2) 
Nonpermanent wildlife watching blinds, short-term scientific or educational activities;
(3) 
Sports fishing or hunting activities; and
(4) 
Stormwater discharge devices designed to spread runoff along the delineated edge of the wetland or stream;
b. 
With respect to buffers adjacent to Category III and IV wetlands, stormwater management facilities may be placed in a wetland buffer if:
(1) 
There is no reasonable alternative location for constructing and operating a stormwater management system;
(2) 
The applicant can demonstrate to the administrator that locating the runoff management (runoff collection, storage, and dispersal) system within the buffer is critical to maintaining wetland hydrology; and
(3) 
The stormwater discharge is dispersed along, not concentrated at, the delineated edge of the wetland (the interface between the wetland and the buffer); or
c. 
With respect to Category III and IV wetlands, mandatory development-related land use activities having no feasible alternative location. If the administrator allows such development activities within the standard buffer, all buffer impacts shall be mitigated per a mitigation plan approved by the administrator.
(Ord. 2293 § 2 (Exh. A), 2005; Ord. 2572 § 4, 2015; Ord. 2798 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025)
A. 
Finding of Fact. There are eight types of habitat listed in WAC 365-190-130 to be considered for designation as fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas (FWHCAs). The city of Enumclaw's urban growth boundary encompasses the following types of FWHCAs listed in WAC 365-190-130:
1. 
Areas where federal and state endangered, threatened, and sensitive species have a primary association;
2. 
Naturally occurring ponds under 20 acres and their submerged aquatic beds that provide fish or wildlife habitat;
3. 
Waters of the state.
B. 
Technical Information. The following is a list of technical information to be included in a critical areas report (see Appendix B[1] of this chapter) prepared by a qualified professional for submittal to the city as part of a critical areas permit:
1. 
Using standard field data collection methods, a qualified professional will identify and delineate stream and riparian habitats located within and immediately adjacent to a proposed project site.
2. 
Habitat areas suited for any life stage of any endangered, threatened, and sensitive species or priority habitats defined by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall be identified, delineated, and reported to the city.
3. 
The investigation shall include relative density and species richness, breeding, habitat, seasonal range dynamics and movement corridors.
4. 
The analysis shall address the relative tolerance by species of human activities.
5. 
The development proposal shall be evaluated in terms of its influence on the above wildlife factors.
6. 
The location of all streams within 200 feet of the project site, corresponding buffers, and the high water mark shall be identified on a site plan that shall be included in the critical areas report.
7. 
The administrator will review the technical information presented in the critical areas report. Based upon the description of potential development-related impacts and the discussion of potential risk of impacts to fish and wildlife species as well as their respective habitats, the administrator will recommend the need for preparation of a mitigation plan.
8. 
The administrator shall require the applicant to submit a final critical areas report identifying fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas (or the lack thereof) and including a mitigation plan as necessary prior to approval of any development-related permits, including a critical areas permit.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendices are included as an attachment to this title.
C. 
Stream Type. Streams are classified using the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) water typing system (WAC 222-16-030) or as amended:
1. 
"Type S" means all waters within their bankfull width which are regulated as "shorelines of the state" by the city of Enumclaw master program, Chapter 15.36 EMC;
2. 
"Type F" means segments of natural waters other than Type S waters, which contain fish habitat and are within the bankfull widths of defined channels. These include periodically inundated areas of their associated wetlands, or within lakes, ponds, or impoundments having a surface area of one-half acre or greater at seasonal low water;
3. 
"Type Np" means all segments of natural waters within the bankfull width of defined channels that are perennial non-fish habitat streams. Perennial streams are flowing waters that do not go dry any time of a year of normal rainfall and include the intermittent dry portions of the perennial channel below the uppermost point of perennial flow;
4. 
"Type Ns" means all segments of natural waters within the bankfull width of the defined channels that are not Type S, F, or Np waters. These are seasonal, non-fish habitat streams in which surface flow is not present for at least some portion of a year of normal rainfall and are not located downstream from any stream reach that is a Type Np water. Ns waters must be physically connected by an above-ground channel system to Type S, F, or Np waters.
D. 
Stream Buffer. A buffer, consisting of natural vegetation, shall be required along all streams as classified by the DNR water typing classification system (WAC 222-16-030). The native growth buffer shall be established on both sides of the stream or watercourse and shall extend landward from the ordinary high water of the water body. The following buffer widths are the standard buffer width requirements:
Type S
100-foot buffer
Type F
100-foot buffer
Type Np
60-foot buffer
Type Ns
30-foot buffer
1. 
Buffer Width Averaging, Reduction, and Enlargement. If approved by the administrator, buffer width averaging, buffer width reduction, and buffer width enlargement will be consistent with the provisions specified in EMC § 19.02.090.
E. 
Other Habitat Areas. Protection standards for fish and wildlife conservation areas not otherwise addressed are as follows:
1. 
Areas with which state or federally designated endangered, threatened, and sensitive species have a primary association.
2. 
Buffers shall be based on recommendations provided by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Priority Habitat Species (PHS) Program; provided, that where no such recommendations are available, the buffer width shall be determined based on published literature concerning the species/habitat(s) in question and/or the opinions and recommendations of qualified professional with appropriate expertise.
F. 
Naturally Occurring Ponds Under 20 Acres. Naturally occurring ponds are those ponds under 20 acres and their submerged aquatic beds that provide fish or wildlife habitat, including those artificial ponds intentionally created from dry areas in order to mitigate impacts to ponds.
1. 
Buffers shall be the same as for those for streams per subsection D of this section.
2. 
Naturally occurring ponds do not include ponds deliberately designed and created from dry sites, such as canals, detention facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, farm ponds, temporary construction ponds, and landscape amenities, unless such artificial ponds were intentionally created for mitigation.
(Ord. 2293 § 2 (Exh. A), 2005; Ord. 2798 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025)
A. 
The city shall maintain inventory maps showing the general locations of critical areas as well as a database with supporting information. Each critical area will have its own individual map or overlay. These maps shall be available for use by public and private entities.
B. 
There are maps in the current comprehensive plan that show the approximate location and extent of critical areas in the city. These maps are not intended to be used for site engineering or planning and are not a substitute for the critical areas identification and delineations process required in other sections of this chapter. Additional critical areas are presumed to exist, and are protected under all the provisions of this chapter. In the event that any of the critical area designations shown on the map conflict with the criteria set forth in this chapter, the criteria shall control.
(Ord. 2293 § 2 (Exh. A), 2005; Ord. 2798 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025)