A. 
Geologic hazard areas identification and designation shall be consistent with the minimum guideline classifications established in WAC 365-190-080(4), which include any future amendments to the code. Areas that are susceptible to one or more of the following types of hazards shall be classified as a geologic hazard area:
1. 
Erosion hazard;
2. 
Landslide hazard;
3. 
Seismic hazard; and
4. 
Mine hazard.
B. 
Erosion Hazard Areas.
Those areas that are identified by the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service as having a severe rill and inter-rill erosion hazard.
C. 
Landslide Hazard Areas.
Those areas that are potentially subject to landslides based on a combination of geologic, topographic, and hydrologic factors. They include any areas susceptible because of any combination of bedrock, soil, slope (gradient), slope aspect, structure, hydrology, or other factors. Landslide hazard areas include, but are not limited to, the following types of areas:
1. 
Areas delineated by the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service as having a severe limitation for building site development;
2. 
Areas designated as quaternary slumps, earthflows, mudflows, lahars, or landslides on maps published by the United States Geological Survey or Department of Natural Resources Division of Geology and Earth Resources;
3. 
Areas with all three of the following characteristics:
a. 
Areas with slope steeper than 15 percent;
b. 
Hillsides intersecting geologic contacts with a relatively permeable sediment overlying a relatively impermeable sediment or bedrock; and
c. 
Springs or ground water seepage;
4. 
Areas that have shown movement during the Holocene epoch (from 10,000 years ago to the present) or which are underlain or covered by mass wastage debris of that epoch;
5. 
Areas with slopes that are parallel or subparallel to planes of weakness (such as bedding planes, joint systems, and fault planes) in subsurface materials;
6. 
Areas with slopes having gradients steeper than 80 percent subject to rockfall during seismic shaking;
7. 
Areas potentially unstable as a result of rapid stream incision, stream bank erosion and undercutting by wave action;
8. 
Areas that show evidence of, or on, an active alluvial fan presently or potentially subject to inundation by debris flows or catastrophic flooding; or
9. 
Areas with a slope of 40 percent or steeper and with a vertical relief of 10 or more feet except areas composed of consolidated rock. A slope is delineated by establishing its toe and top and measured by averaging the inclination over at least 10 feet of vertical relief.
D. 
Seismic Hazard Areas.
Those areas subject to severe risk of damage as a result of earthquake-induced ground shaking, slope failure, settlement, soil liquefaction, or surface faulting. One indicator of potential for future earthquake damage is a record of earthquake damage in the past. Ground shaking is the primary cause of earthquake damage in Washington. The strength of ground shaking is primarily affected by: (1) magnitude of an earthquake; (2) distance from the source of an earthquake; (3) type of thickness of geologic materials at the surface; and (4) type of subsurface geologic structure.
E. 
Mine Hazard Areas.
Those areas underlain by, adjacent to, or affected by mine working areas as designated by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
(Ord. 25-14 § 1.01; Ord. 12-18 § 1 (Exh. A))
The provisions of this program shall apply to any activity that occurs in or within 200 feet of a geologic hazard area unless otherwise exempt. These activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
A. 
Removing, excavating, disturbing or dredging soil, sand, gravel, minerals, organic matter or materials of any kind;
B. 
Dumping, discharging or filling with any material;
C. 
Driving piling or placing obstructions;
D. 
Constructing, reconstructing, demolishing, or altering the size of any structure or infrastructure which has an adverse effect on a geologic hazard area; destroying or altering vegetation through clearing or harvesting; and any project permit established in Chapter 19.20 RMC.
(Ord. 25-14 § 1.01; Ord. 12-18 § 1 (Exh. A))
The approximate location and extent of geologic hazard areas within the city of Richland's planning area are shown on the sensitive areas maps adopted as part of this program, as provided in the city's SMP inventory, analysis and characterization report. These maps should be used as a general guide only for the assistance of property owners and the city of Richland to identify and designate geologic hazard areas.
(Ord. 25-14 § 1.01; Ord. 12-18 § 1 (Exh. A))
A. 
The city of Richland shall conduct a preliminary assessment of the proposed activity. The preliminary assessment shall consist of reviewing geologic hazard inventory maps as provided in the city's SMP inventory, analysis and characterization report, conducting an on-site evaluation, and, if necessary, consulting with state and/or federal agencies to determine whether there is reasonable evidence that a proposed activity is within 200 feet of a geologic hazard area. In the event there is a disagreement as to whether the activity is within 200 feet of a geologic hazard area, a geologic report prepared by a qualified consultant as defined in Chapter 26.80 RMC shall be required, at the property owner or applicant's expense, to determine this issue.
B. 
If it is determined that there is reasonable evidence that a proposed activity is within 200 feet of a geologic hazard area, then geologic reports and studies are required at the property owner or applicant's expense.
(Ord. 25-14 § 1.01; Ord. 12-18 § 1 (Exh. A))
Geologic studies and reports shall comply with the requirements established in RMC § 26.60.081(B)(6), Permit process and application requirements.
(Ord. 25-14 § 1.01; Ord. 12-18 § 1 (Exh. A))
The city of Richland shall review the geologic reports and studies to determine the significant risks posed by the activity to life and property on and off the project site. The city of Richland may approve, conditionally approve, or deny an activity, as appropriate, based on the degree to which significant risks are posed to public and private property and to the health and safety of the community. Conditional approval of the activity may include mitigation measures based on the geologic reports and studies. Where potential impacts of the activity cannot be effectively mitigated, or where the risk to public health, safety, and welfare of the community is significant notwithstanding mitigation, the activity shall be denied.
(Ord. 25-14 § 1.01; Ord. 12-18 § 1 (Exh. A))
The city of Richland may require assurance from the owner or applicant and/or its geologic consultant that the activity creates a minimal risk of danger to life or property on or off the project site. Such assurance may include the following:
A. 
A letter from the geologic consultant who prepared the required study and report stating that the activity creates a minimal risk of danger to life or property on or off the project site; or
B. 
A letter from the owner or applicant stating its understanding and acceptance of any risk of injury or damage associated with the activity and agreeing to notify any future purchasers of the site, portions of the site, or structures located on the site of the geologic hazard.
(Ord. 25-14 § 1.01; Ord. 12-18 § 1 (Exh. A))