How to use this Site This web site is designed to provide information about proposed amendments to Critical Areas Regulations.  As Draft Regulations and Best Available Science drafts become available they will be posted on this web site.  To navigate through this site, click on the tabs provided at the top of the page.  If you would like to become involved in the process, we would like to hear from you.  You can click on the Comments tab and email us your comments.
	Why are we updating the Critical Area Ordinances? RCW 36.70A.130 requires the County to periodically update the Comprehensive Plan and development regulations, including the Critical Area regulations, consistent with State law. (Critical Areas include important fish and wildlife habitat areas, wetlands, critical aquifer recharge areas, frequently flooded areas and geologically hazardous areas, such as bluffs.) In 1995, the state legislature amended RCW 36.70A to require jurisdictions to “include best available science in developing regulations to protect the functions and values of Critical Areas” and to “give special consideration to conservation measures necessary to preserve or enhance anadromous fisheries.”
	Critical Areas Regulations Draft #1 The Critical Areas Regulations Draft #1 is a product of the Planning Commission and has not been reviewed by the Board of County Commissioners. The Planning Commission is in the process of refining the draft in response to public comments. The Commission will ultimately forward its recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. Before taking any action on the Planning Commission’s recommendations, however, the Board of Commissioners will hold one or more public hearings to consider public testimony and conduct work sessions. Summary of First-Draft Revisions Questions and Answers about the First Draft