Ord 2625 - TMC Title 18 Chapters - Critical Areas Regulations

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B. Areas of seismic instability are identified as critical areas by the Growth Management Act and are defined and regulated through the Washington State Building Code. C. In the event of a conflict between this TMC Chapter 18.45 and any other laws, regulations, ordinances or restrictive covenants, the provision that imposes greater restrictions or higher standards upon the development or use of land shall prevail. D. CRITICAL AREAS MAPS AND INVENTORIES. 1. The distribution of many critical areas and potential critical areas in Tukwila is displayed on the Critical Areas Maps, on file with the Department of Community Development (DCD). These maps are based on site assessment of current conditions and review of the best available scientific data and are hereby adopted by reference. Not all critical areas are shown on the map. Thus it is the responsibility of property owners and applicants to verify actual presence or absence of a critical area or critical area buffer based on the definitions in this code. Applicant is also responsible for delineation and categorization of potential wetland based on methodology required under TMC Section 18.45.080 and verifying that watercourse typing and location is consistent with TMC Section 18.45.100. 2. Studies, preliminary inventories and ratings of potential critical areas are on file with the Department of Community Development. 3. As new environmental information related to critical areas becomes available, the Director is hereby designated to periodically add, remove, or alter new information to the Critical Areas Maps. Removal of any information from the Critical Areas Maps is a Type 1 decision as described in TMC Chapter 18.108. Section 24. TMC Section 18.45.040 is hereby reenacted to read as follows: 18.45.040 Critical Area Special Studies A. Application Required. An applicant for a development proposal within a parcel that may include a critical area and/or its buffer shall submit those studies as required by the City and specified within this section to adequately identify and evaluate the critical area and its buffers. 1. A required critical area study shall be prepared by a person with experience and training in the scientific discipline appropriate for the relevant critical area as outlined within this section and in accordance with WAC 365-195-905(4). A qualified professional must have obtained a B.S. or B.A. or equivalent degree in ecology or related science, environmental studies, fisheries, geotechnical or related field, and two years of related work experience. w:\Legislative Development\Critical Areas update 2-25-20 MD:bjs Review and analysis by Barbara Saxton Page 10 of 87