This section contains the basic requirements that apply to the SEPA process. The city adopts the following sections of Chapter 197-11 WAC by reference:
WAC 197-11-040
Definitions.
WAC 197-11-050
Lead agency.
WAC 197-11-055
Timing of the SEPA process.
WAC 197-11-060
Content of environmental review.
WAC 197-11-070
Limitations on action during SEPA process.
WAC 197-11-080
Incomplete or unavailable information.
WAC 197-11-090
Supporting documents.
WAC 197-11-100
Information required of applicants.
(Ord. 26-84)
In addition to those definitions contained within WAC 197-11-700 through 197-11-799, when used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context indicates otherwise:
"Department"
means any division, subdivision, or organizational unit of the city established pursuant to ordinance, rule, or order.
"Early notice"
means the city's response to an applicant stating whether it considers issuance of a determination of significance likely for the applicant's proposal (mitigated DNS procedures).
"Ordinance"
means the ordinance, resolution, or other procedure used by the city to adopt regulatory requirements.
"SEPA rules"
means Chapter 197-11 WAC adopted by the Department of Ecology.
(Ord. 26-84)
A. 
For those proposals for which the city is the lead agency, the responsible official shall be the planning and inspection services director or his designee.
B. 
For all proposals for which the city is the lead agency, the responsible official shall make the threshold determination, supervise scoping and preparation of any required EIS, and perform any other functions assigned to the lead agency or responsible official by those sections of the SEPA rules that were adopted by reference in RMC § 22.09.020.
(Ord. 26-84)
A. 
Any department within the city receiving any application for or initiating a proposal that involves a nonexempt action shall forward such proposal to the planning and inspection services department for determination of the lead agency for that proposal under WAC 197-11-050 and 197-11-922 through 197-11-940; unless the lead agency has been previously determined or the department is aware that another department or agency is in the process of determining the lead agency.
B. 
In those instances in which the city is the lead agency, the responsible official of the city shall supervise compliance with the threshold determination, and if an EIS is necessary, shall supervise preparation of the EIS.
C. 
When the city is not the lead agency for a proposal, all departments of the city shall use and consider, as appropriate, either the DNS or the final EIS of the lead agency in making decisions on the proposal. No city department shall prepare or require preparation of a DNS or EIS in addition to that prepared by the lead agency, unless required under WAC 197-11-600. In some cases, the city may conduct supplemental environmental review under WAC 197-11-600.
D. 
If the city or any of its departments receives a lead agency determination made by another agency that appears inconsistent with the criteria of WAC 197-11-922 through 197-11-940, it may object to that determination. Any objections must be made to the agency originally making the determination and resolved within 15 days of receipt of the determination, or the city must petition the Department of Ecology for a lead agency determination under WAC 197-11-946 within the 15-day time period. Any such petition on behalf of the city shall be initiated by the city's responsible official or his designee.
E. 
Departments of the city are authorized to make agreements as to lead agency status or shared lead agency duties for a proposal under WAC 197-11-942 and 197-11-944; provided, that the responsible official and any department that will incur responsibilities as the result of such agreement must approve the agreement.
F. 
The planning and inspection services department shall require sufficient information from the applicant to identify which other agencies have jurisdiction over the proposal (that is, which agencies require nonexempt licenses).
(Ord. 26-84)
The following time limits (expressed in calendar days) shall apply when the city processes licenses for all private projects and those governmental proposals submitted to the city by other agencies:
A. 
The city shall complete threshold determinations that can be based solely upon review of the environmental checklist for the proposal within 15 days of submission of an adequate application and completed checklist.
B. 
Threshold determinations which require further studies, field investigations, or further information from the applicant shall be completed within 15 days after the required information or investigation is completed.
C. 
Threshold determinations that require consultation with other agencies with jurisdiction shall be completed within 30 days of submission of an adequate application and completed checklist.
(Ord. 26-84)
A. 
For nonexempt proposals, the DNS or draft EIS for the proposal shall accompany the city's staff recommendation to the physical planning commission and/or board of adjustment, when they are acting in an advisory capacity.
B. 
If the city's only action on a proposal is a decision on a building permit or other license that requires detailed project plans and specifications, the applicant may request in writing that the city conduct environmental review prior to submission of the detailed plans and specifications.
(Ord. 26-84)