HomeMy WebLinkAboutWS 2026-04-06 Item 3A - Ordinance - Critical Areas UpdateCity of Tukwila
Thomas McLeod, Mayor
Marty Wine, City Administrator
AGENDA BILL
ITEM NO.
3.A.
Agenda Item
Sponsor Neil Tabor, Senior Planner
Legislative History April 6, 2026 Regular Meeting
Critical Area Ordinance Update 1
Recommended Motion ❑x Discussion Only ❑ Action Requested
MOVE TO N/A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Growth Management Act (GMA) requires all cities and counties in Washington to adopt regulations
protecting "critical areas", which include wetlands, aquifer recharge areas, fish and wildlife habitat
conservation areas, frequently flooded areas, and geologically hazardous areas. The intention of these
regulations is to preserve the natural environment, wildlife habitats, and sources of fresh drinking water,
while also encouraging public safety by limiting development in areas prone to natural hazards.
The Washington GMA requires Tukwila to update its Comprehensive Plans and implement updated
development regulations every 10 years (RCW 36.70A.130), which includes, if needed, its Critical
Areas Ordinance (CAO). Tukwila adopted an updated Comprehensive Plan on December 16, 2024,
with a requirement to adopt updated critical area development regulations by December 31, 2025. After
delays in securing grant funding the City is now working to update its CAO accordingly.
DISCUSSION
The presentation will include an overview of the CAO update process, anticipated timelines, public
outreach plans, and where the City is currently in the process.
ATTACHMENTS
• Presentation
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ritical Areas
Ordinance (CAO)
Update
Kyle Cotchett & Kim
Frappier
April 6, 2026
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1. Introductions
• Team Introductions
• What are Critical Areas
2. Project Description
• Background
• Update Process
3. Project Details
• Best Available Science
• Gap Analysis
4. Project Timeline
• Public Engagement
• Local Adoption
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What are Critical Areas
State Definitions:
WAC 365-196-485
• Wetlands
• Areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers
used for potable water
• Frequently flooded areas
• Geologically hazardous areas
• Fish & wildlife habitat conservation areas
Local Definitions:
TMC 18.06
• Watercourse
• Wetlands
• Areas of potential geologic instability
• NOTE: Critical aquifer recharge areas (CARAs)
are not currently included in the City's CAO
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Project Background
Purpose of the Critical Areas Update
• State Law/Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.060
and RCW 36.70A.170)
• Ensure use of Best Available Science (RCW 36.70A.172)
• Previous CAO update adopted March 2, 2020
• Policy Alignment - City Comprehensive Plan Policies
• Critical Regulations in the City's Municipal Code (TMC
18.45)
• State deadline December 31, 2025
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Best Available
Science
• WAC 365-190-080(2) requires that
Counties and cities must include the
best available science when
designating critical areas and when
developing policies and regulations
that protect critical areas.
• Must give special consideration of
anadromous fisheries and are
encouraged to protect both surface
and groundwater resources.
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No Net Loss
WAC 365-190-080(1) Counties and cities
must protect critical areas. Counties and
cities required or opting to plan under
the act must consider the definitions
and guidelines in this chapter when
designating critical areas and when
preparing development regulations that
protect all functions and values of
critical areas to ensure no net loss of
ecological functions and values.
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Gap Analysis
Key Areas
• Purpose and Administrative Provisions
(TMC 18.45.010 —18.45.075)
• Wetlands (TMC 18.45.080 —18.45.090)
• Watercourse (TMC 18.45.100 —18.45.110)
• Areas of potential geologic instability (TMC 18.45.120 —
18.45.140)
• Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation
Areas (TMC 18.45.150)
• Special Hazard Flood Areas (TMC 18.45.155)
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CAO Update Timeline
City Council CAO Introduction
/ 1st In -person Public Open
House/ BAS and Gap Analysis
60 Day Notice and Public
Comment Period / 2nd
In -person Public Open House
60 Day Notice and
Preliminary Public Comment
Draft Code Period (continued)
/2nd City Council
Work Session
APR MAY JUN JUL
City Council
Public Hearing
City
Council
Adoption!
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Critical Area Update Website
https://TukwilaWA.gov/Critical
Areas
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