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PART 000 General.
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(1) The purpose of this chapter is to provide critical area regulations pursuant to the Growth Management Act (chapter 36.70A RCW) for the designation and protection of:

(a) Wetlands, and

(b) Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas including:

(i) streams, including those planted with game fish by a governmental or tribal entity;

(ii) lakes, including those planted with game fish by a governmental or tribal entity;

(iii) naturally occurring ponds under 20 acres and their submerged aquatic beds that provide fish or wildlife habitat, including those planted with game fish by a governmental or tribal entity. Reference to "lake" or "lakes" in this chapter includes naturally occurring ponds under 20 acres and their submerged aquatic beds that provide fish or wildlife habitat;

(iv) marine waters;

(v) primary association areas for critical species; and

(vi) state natural area preserves, natural resource conservation areas, and state wildlife areas.

(2) This chapter applies to:

(a) Development activities, actions requiring project permits, and clearing, except for the following:

(i) Non-ground disturbing interior or exterior building improvements;

(ii) Routine landscape maintenance of established, ornamental landscaping;

(iii) Non ground disturbing normal maintenance or repair;

(iv) Removal of noxious weeds conducted in accordance with chapter 16-750 WAC;

(v) Maintenance or replacement that does not expand the affected area of the following existing facilities:

(A) septic tanks and drainfields;

(B) wells;

(C) individual utility service connections; and

(D) individual cemetery plots in established and approved cemeteries;

(vi) Data collection and research by nonmechanical means if performed in accordance with state-approved sampling protocols or Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 10(a)(1)(a), Section 7 consultation (16 USC § 1536);

(vii) Nonmechanical survey and monument placement; and

(viii) Quasi-judicial rezones not accompanied by another permit or approval.

(b) Agricultural activities, which are subject only to Part 600 of this chapter. (Added by Amended Ord. 06-061, Aug. 1, 2007, Eff date Oct. 1, 2007; Amended by Amended Ord. 13-042, July 10, 2013, Eff date July 22, 2013; Amended by Amended Ord. 15-034, Sept. 2, 2015, Eff date Nov. 1, 2015; Amended by Ord. 17-039, July 12, 2017, Eff date Aug. 3, 2017).