Critical Areas Update

Status of Thurston County's Critical Areas Ordinance Update

Status: Thurston County is once again beginning the process of updating its Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO). A comprehensive update has not been adopted since 1994. As you may be aware, a draft CAO document was prepared in 2005. We are now working to update and complete that document.

To read the latest draft for 2010 click here.

For a timeline and schedule of events click here.

To join our webmail service to get updates via e-mail, click here.

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 site.  To navigate through this site, click on the blue links provided on the left navigation bar. If you would like to become involved in the process, we would like to hear from you.  Please see the "Contact Us" information at the bottom of each Web page to reach the appropriate staff person, and sign up for our Web Mail service to receive updates.

What are "Critical Areas"?

The 1990 Growth Management Act (RCW36.70A) requires our state’s fastest growing cities and counties to write comprehensive plans and development regulations to manage growth and prevent urban sprawl. Local governments that write plans under the Growth Management Act must protect five types of critical areas: important fish and wildlife habitat areas, wetlands, critical aquifer recharge areas, frequently flooded areas; and geologically hazardous areas, (such as bluffs). Thurston County’s critical areas regulations are a response to that law – they regulate how development and redevelopment can safely occur on lands that contain critical areas.

Why Must Thurston County Update Its Critical Areas Ordinance?

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. 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
  

Contact Us

Interested Parties: Check back with this website for updated information. If you would like to be added to our Web Mail list, please click here. Staff contact: Andrew Deffobis, Associate Planner. Phone: (360) 754-3355, x5467 E-mail: deffoba@co.thurston.wa.us.