The Growth Management Act of Washington (GMA) requires cities to periodically review and evaluate comprehensive plans and development regulations (RCW 36.70A.130). Following adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, the City’s development regulations need to be updated to support the goals and policies articulated in the plan. The City’s review of development regulations includes the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) update pursuant to state law that requires cities to designate and adopt regulations for the protection of critical areas. The City’s CAO is codified in Bainbridge Island Municipal Code (BIMC) Chapter 16.20. Critical areas include:
The October 24, 2017, meeting will include continued discussion and consideration of proposed regulations related to critical aquifer recharge areas, BIMC 16.20.100.
The entire draft critical areas ordinance is included in the background materials. Yellow and blue highlighted text represents changes since the October 17, 2017, City Council meeting and October 18, 2017, Ad Hoc Tree Committee/LID Committee meeting. Critical aquifer recharge area regulations related to the Native Vegetation Protection Area can be found in BIMC 16.20.100.E. This section is not highlighted or presented in track changes to improve ease of review.
Policy-related revisions related to aquifer recharge area regulations for Council consideration include:
- Requirement for a Native Vegetation Protection Area (NVPA) up to 65% of existing native vegetation.
- Allowance for a lower percentage NVPA to provide for a 12,500 square foot development area (parcel size could be larger) on each parcel.
- Allowance for reduction of NVPA to 50% for public uses allowed in R-0.4, R-1 and R-2 zoning designations.
- Allowed activities/uses in NVPA and flexibility provided by NVPA stewardship plan.
A summary of public comments and an updated summary of best available science is also included in the background materials.