Final_Chapter_9CHAPTER NINE
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
9.0 INTRODUCTION ___________________________________________ 1
Growth Management Act and Countywide Planning Policies ________ 1
9.1 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT GOALS AND POLICIES ___________ 2
Environmental Stewardship _____________________________________ 2
Private Property Rights __________________________________________ 3
9.2 WATER RESOURCES _______________________________________ 4
Aquifer Recharge Areas (Groundwater) ___________________________ 5
Wellhead Protection Areas _______________________________________ 6
Streams and Lakes (Surface Water) _______________________________ 7
Frequently Flooded Areas _______________________________________ 9
Wetlands _____________________________________________________ 10
Shorelines ____________________________________________________ 12
9.3 GEOLOGIC HAZARDOUS AREAS __________________________ 13
9.4 FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT CONSERVATION AREAS ____ 14
9.5 TREE PRESERVATION _____________________________________ 16
9.6 AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE _____________________ 16
9.7 NOISE ____________________________________________________ 18
9.8 OPEN SPACE _____________________________________________ 19
Maps
Map IX-1, Aquifers
Map IX-2, Aquifers & Wellhead Capture Zones
Map IX-3, Areas Susceptible to Groundwater Contamination
Map IX-4, Wellhead Capture Zones
Map IX-5, Surface Water Resources
Map IX-6, Geologic Hazards
Map IX-7, Priority Habitat & Species
FWCP – Chapter Nine, Natural Environment
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9.0 INTRODUCTION
Maintaining and improving the quality of the natural environment in Federal Way is
central to the City’s vision of the future. The quality of hydrologic features, forested
areas, and scenic vistas are community assets to Federal Way. Businesses and citizens
also make location decisions based on quality of life factors and therefore the quality of
the natural environment is also important to the economic vitality of the City. Finally,
maintaining the viability of the natural environment is prudent and cost effective public
policy. For example, if the City maintains or improves the natural drainage system and
how it functions, it will save tax dollars by not having to build and maintain costly storm
drainage facilities. The intent of this chapter is to guide future actions such that the
quality of the natural environment is maintained or improved.
Growth Management Act and Countywide Planning Policies
The Growth Management Act (GMA) defines critical areas as: wetlands: areas with a
critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water, fish and wildlife habitat
conservation areas, frequently flooded areas, and geologically hazardous areas. Pursuant
to the periodic major update policies of the GMA (RCW 36.70A.130 (5) (a)), the City
updated its environmentally critical area regulations in 2015 to meet Best Available
Science requirements. These regulations are contained in Title 19 of the Federal Way
Revised Code (FWRC).
Development of this chapter is based on:
(1) King County Countywide Planning Policies (Overarching Goal in the Environment
Chapter – “The quality of the natural environment in King County is restored and
protected for future generations.”
FWCP – Chapter Nine, Natural Environment
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(2) Puget Sound Regional Council Vision 2040, Overarching Goal for the Environment –
“The region will care for the natural environment by protecting and restoring natural
systems, conserving habitat, improving water quality, reducing greenhouse gas
emissions and air pollutants, and addressing potential climate change impacts. The
region acknowledges that the health of all residents is connected to the health of the
environment. Planning at all levels should consider the impacts of land use,
development patterns, and transportation on the ecosystem.”
(3) GMA Planning Goal (10 Environment) – Protect the environment and enhance the
state’s high quality of life, including air and water quality, and the availability of
water.”
9.1 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT GOALS AND POLICIES
Environmental Stewardship
Federal Way recognizes that the natural
environment is an intrinsic part of the urban
fabric for the following important reasons:
It provides opportunities for recreation;
It provides habitat for fish, wildlife, and
plant life;
It is part of the City’s surface water
management system and water supply;
It creates a positive visual image and
open space;
It supports economic development goals;
and
It is cost effective public policy.
The merits and costs of environmental
actions must be weighed and balanced against other important demands, such as public
safety, recreation, housing, public infrastructure, economic development, and private
property rights.
Goal
NEG1 To preserve the City’s natural systems in order to protect public health, safety,
and welfare, and to maintain the integrity of the natural environment.
Policies
The City’s natural environment is composed of a wide variety of landforms, soils,
watercourses, and vegetation. The City’s terrain ranges from steep hills and ridgelines to
plateaus and lakes. Soil types vary from loam in the lowlands to sand, gravel, and till in
Figure 1 Example of proposed residential subdivision that
complements natural surroundings. Source AHBL, Inc.
courtesy of Puget Sound Partnership (2005)
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Revised2015 IX-3
the uplands. Land use and development practices need to be compatible with this variety
of environmental conditions. As a general rule, the City intends to protect the natural
environment rather than try to overcome its limitations for development.
NEP1 Protect and restore environmental quality through implementation of land use
plans, surface water management plans and programs, comprehensive park
plans, and development review.
NEP2 Preserve and restore ecological functions, and enhance natural beauty, by
encouraging community development patterns and site planning that maintains
and complements natural landforms.
NEP3 Plant suitable native trees and vegetation within degraded stream, wetlands,
lake buffers, and steep slopes.
NEP4 The City will continue to work with internal departments, state and regional
agencies, neighboring jurisdictions, and tribes to protect environmentally
critical areas and the City’s natural environment.
NEP5 To assist in evaluating existing and proposed environmental policy, the City
should continue to update inventories for each type of environmentally critical
area to augment data received from other information sources.
NEP6 Mitigation sequencing steps, which begin with avoiding impacts altogether by
not taking certain action or parts of an action, should be applied to all projects
where impacts to environmentally critical areas are proposed.
NEP7 Implement and periodically update environmentally critical area regulations
consistent with Best Available Science while also taking into consideration the
City’s obligation to meet urban-level densities and other requirements under
the GMA.
NEP8 Where appropriate, the City encourages private donations of land or conservation
easements for environmentally critical areas and their associated buffers.
NEP9 The City will continue to encourage utilization of the soil safety program and
Model Remedies Guidance for properties impacted by the Tacoma Smelter
Plume.
NEP10 The City may continue to require environmental studies by qualified
professionals to assess the impact and recommend appropriate mitigation of
proposed development on environmentally critical areas and areas that may be
contaminated or development that may potentially cause contamination.
Private Property Rights
The City recognizes the importance of private property rights as one of the 13 planning
goals of the GMA. When implementing development regulations, GMA requires the
property rights of landowners be protected from arbitrary and discriminatory actions.
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Goal
NEG2 Balance the protection of environmentally critical areas with the rights of
property owners.
Policies
NEP11 Environmentally critical area regulations will be based on Best Available
Science.
NEP12 The City should review future amendments to the environmentally critical
areas regulations to ensure that new provisions do not unreasonably hinder
private property rights.
NEP13 The City will strive to enforce regulations and procedures on a consistent and
equitable basis.
NEP14 Environmentally critical area regulations should provide clear direction to
property owners and applicants.
NEP15 The repercussions of unauthorized alterations to environmentally critical areas
should be clearly stated and consistently enforced.
NEP16 The City should help identify potential environmental constraints to property
owners and applicants early in the permit application process and provide
guidance for permitting, best management practices, and effective
environmental stewardship.
NEP17 Continue the practice of providing a process for reasonable use exception when
the implementation of environmentally critical areas regulations deprives a
property owner of all reasonable use of their property.
9.2 WATER RESOURCES
Water resources include: streams, lakes, frequently flooded areas, wetlands, aquifer
recharge areas, and shorelines. The aquifers and aquifer recharge areas are a source of the
community’s drinking water. The streams and wetlands are an essential part of the City’s
stormwater drainage system that provides necessary flood and erosion control. The lakes
and shorelines provide fish and wildlife habitat and high quality places for recreation.
To protect the value and function of each individual feature, water resources must be
managed as an integrated system. Use and modification of water resources and the
surrounding terrestrial environment affects how the hydrologic cycle functions. The
inappropriate alteration of water resources can cause detrimental impacts such as
flooding, erosion, degradation of water quality, reduction in groundwater, and habitat
loss. In order to minimize adverse impacts to water resources and to ensure their
continued viability, the City promotes responsible land and water resource planning and
FWCP – Chapter Nine, Natural Environment
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use. Policies, regulations, and standards are identified in the City’s Surface Water
Management Comprehensive Plan.
The City will permit development in a manner that protects water quality and ensures
continued ecological and hydrologic functioning of water resources. Protection should
include maintenance of stream base flows, allowance of natural water level fluctuations
in wetlands, aquifer recharge, and stream corridor habitat preservation. Due to the limited
capacity of the underlying aquifers and increased water demand, the City also encourages
groundwater conservation measures.
Aquifer Recharge Areas (Groundwater)
Federal Way is dependent on groundwater as a source of drinking water. Water from
rainfall, snowmelt, lakes, streams, and wetland seeps into the ground and collects in
porous areas of rock, sand, and gravel called aquifers. Aquifers hold varying amounts of
groundwater that can be extracted or pumped for use. Groundwater pumped from
Lakehaven Utility District wells originates from three aquifer systems that underlie the
City: the Redondo-Milton Channel Aquifer, the Intermediate Aquifer System (Mirror
Lake and Eastern Upland Aquifers), and the Deep Aquifer (Map IX-1), The locations of
wellhead capture zones in relationship to the aquifer systems are shown on Map IX-2.
The Lakehaven Utility District notes that the precise extent of the aquifer recharge areas
is uncertain.
Typical activities associated with land development, such as clearing and grading, affects
the natural hydrologic cycle. Historically, stormwater was managed in a way that
conveyed it to natural water bodies as expediently as possible. This type of management
circumvents the land’s ability to absorb and retain water and increases the possibility of
contamination. In addition, the runoff after heavy precipitation events has a deleterious
effect on stream channels, water quality, and in-stream habitat.
Map IX-3, Areas Susceptible to Groundwater Contamination, is a map produced by the
King County Department of Development and Environmental Services and Seattle-King
County Health Department as a result of the study entitled Mapping Aquifer Susceptibility
to Contamination in King County. This study looked at three criteria: soils, surface
geology, and depth to groundwater. Based on these criteria, areas were mapped as low,
medium, or high susceptibility to contamination from activities occurring in the area. This
information is the best available at this time and will be used along with other information
on streams, wetlands, and wildlife habitat to determine appropriate zoning.
Goal
NEG3 To protect and enhance aquifer recharge areas.
Policies
NEP18 The City, in cooperation with Lakehaven Utility District, should identify and
map aquifer recharge areas within the City and its potential annexation area.
Such areas shall be subject to regulations to protect the integrity of identified
aquifer recharge areas.
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NEP19 The City should encourage the retention of surface water runoff in wetlands,
regional retention facilities, and low impact development stormwater facilities,
or use other similar stormwater management techniques to promote aquifer
recharge.
NEP20 The City should establish land use and building controls to use stormwater
infiltration such as low impact development and green stormwater
infrastructure techniques wherever feasible, and to minimize the amount of
impervious surface created by development.
NEP21 Encourage water reuse and reclamation for irrigation and other non-potable
water needs.
NEP22 While offering a contribution to groundwater recharge, the City recognizes that
septic tank and drain field systems have a potentially adverse impact on
groundwater quality within the aquifers. If adequate engineering solutions are
available, the City may require connection to sanitary sewer service where poor
soil conditions persist and/or sewer service is available.
NEP23 The City will protect the quality and quantity of groundwater supplies by
supporting water use conservation programs and adopting regulations to
minimize water pollution. The effect of groundwater withdrawals and artificial
recharge on streams, lakes, and wetlands within the Hylebos Creek and Lower
Puget Sound drainage basins will be evaluated through coordination with the
Lakehaven Utility District.
Wellhead Protection Areas
The City will take preventative measures to avoid
contamination in areas surrounding well sites
because residents rely on groundwater as a source
for their drinking water. The City and Lakehaven
Utility District work cooperatively to implement the
state’s Wellhead Protection Program and Section
1428 of the 1986 Amendments to the Federal Safe
Drinking Water Act, which generally requires
mapping wellhead protection zones and establishing
an interagency wellhead protection plan. The intent
of the wellhead protection program is to be
proactive and prevent contamination of groundwater
used for drinking water. The objective of wellhead
protection is to protect the health of people using
groundwater supplies for drinking water. This is
accomplished by providing management zones
around public wells or wellfields to detect and
manage potential sources of groundwater
contamination. Another goal of the program is to
promote awareness of special efforts to protect the groundwater and urge customers to
Figure 2 Joe's Creek Credit Dan Smith
FWCP – Chapter Nine, Natural Environment
Revised2015 IX-7
take a proactive approach to protecting the source of the City’s drinking water. Map IX-4
maps wellhead protection areas around each of Lakehaven’s 13 wells that provide
drinking water to the area. The primary zones of wellhead protection are defined using a
time of groundwater travel criteria. The three principal zones are delineated using one,
five, and ten year time of travel factors.
The following City policies address wellhead protection.
Goal
NEG4 Implement a local wellhead protection program to ensure a safe source of
drinking water and to avoid the large financial impact of contaminated wells.
Policies
NEP24 The City will continue to work in conjunction with Lakehaven Utility District
to delineate Wellhead Protection Areas for each well and wellfield as required
and outlined by the state’s Wellhead Protection program.
NEP25 The City will continue to work with water purveyors to model and map Wellhead
Protection Areas, as funds are budgeted for such modeling and mapping.
NEP26 The City will continue to work with Lakehaven Utility District, through a
process developed by a joint City/District Wellhead Protection Committee, to
conduct an inventory of all potential sources of groundwater contamination
within the Wellhead Protection Areas and assess the potential for
contamination.
NEP27 The City should establish an interagency Wellhead Protection Committee to
coordinate and implement a Wellhead Protection Plan, as is required by current
state regulations.
NEP28 The City will work with water purveyors, through a process developed by a
joint City/District Wellhead Protection Committee, to develop a contingency
plan for the provisions of alternate drinking water supplies in the event of well
or wellfield contamination, as funds are budgeted for such purpose.
NEP29 The City should establish buffer zones of sufficient size to protect wellhead areas.
Streams and Lakes (Surface Water)
The City of Federal Way is located within the Hylebos Creek, Lower Puget Sound,
Lower Green River, and Mill Creek drainage basins. These basins contain an integrated
system of lakes and streams that provide a natural drainage system for over 36 square
miles of southwest King County and northeast Pierce County (Map IX-5).
Due to rapid urbanization, this natural system has been altered and in many areas no
longer provides many of its original functions or habitats. The primary focus of the
policies is to restore the natural functions that the City’s lakes and streams once provided.
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Moreover, the s policies acknowledge that it is more cost effective to restore the natural
system than it is to construct a man-made equivalent.
Goal
NEG5 Protect, restore, and enhance
the City’s lakes and streams.
Policies
NEP30 The City will seek to work
cooperatively with affected
regional and state agencies
and tribes to implement water
quality management strategies
to comply with Municipal
National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System regulations
to address non-point pollution.
NEP31 Surface water management
facilities that use natural streams and lakes for storage should ensure that those
natural features are not adversely impacted by their inclusion in the City’s
surface water management system.
NEP32 The City may regulate private development and public actions to protect water
quality and to ensure adequate in-stream flow to protect fisheries, wildlife
habitat, and recreation resources.
NEP33 The City will seek to retain native vegetation within riparian corridors. New
planting of vegetation with the approval from the City may be required where
such revegetation will enhance the corridor’s function. Consideration should be
given to the removal of non-native invasive species.
NEP34 Lakes should be protected and enhanced by proper management of surface
waters and shorelines, by improvements in water quality, removal of invasive
plant species, encouraging native planting, limiting the use of
fertilizers/pesticides or other chemicals, and by restoration of fish and wildlife
habitat.
NEP35 The City should adopt stream definitions and water typing that are reflective of
stream function and habitat. The water typing system should provide greater
protections for streams that are known to be used by salmon and streams that
provide suitable habitat for salmon. In addition, the definitions should make a
distinction between manmade conveyance systems and natural streams.
NEP36 The City should continue to limit stream relocation projects, the placing of
streams in culverts, and the crossing of streams for both public and private
projects. Where applicable in stream corridors, the City should consider
Figure 3 Redondo Creek. Credit ESA
FWCP – Chapter Nine, Natural Environment
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structures that are designed to promote fish migration and the propagation of
wildlife habitat.
NEP37 Continue to enforce erosion control measures for work in or adjacent to stream
or lake buffers.
NEP38 Appropriate mitigation for detrimental impacts may be required for
construction work within the buffer area associated with a stream or a lake. The
City will continue to work in cooperation with the Department of Fish and
Wildlife through the Hydraulic Project Approval permit process, as applicable,
for development proposals that involve streams and lakes.
NEP39 Public facilities and utilities may cross lakes or streams where no other feasible
alternative exists. Impacts to the resources should be the minimum necessary to
complete the project and compensatory mitigation should be required for
unavoidable impacts.
NEP40 For public access lakes, the City will take a lead role to develop and implement
proactive comprehensive watershed and lake management plans and policies
that are needed to identify and anticipate problems and prevent further
deterioration, which could lead to costly lake restoration efforts in the future.
Lake management plans identify problems, recommend solutions, and outline
plans for implementation. The City will take an administrative role in assisting
residents on private lakes to setup and run Lake Management Districts for the
implementation of lake management plans.
Frequently Flooded Areas
Frequently flooded areas are defined as, “...areas in the floodplain subject to a one
percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year including but not limited to, such
areas as streams, lakes, and wetlands.” Development in flood plains reduces the storage
capacity and increases the amount of runoff. Increased runoff overtaxes both natural and
man-made conveyance systems and leads to increased costs associated with the damage
to public and private property.
Frequently flooded areas within the City are located along the Puget Sound shoreline and
regulated by the Federal Way Shoreline Master Program (SMP).
Goal
NEG6 To prevent the loss of life, property, and habitat in frequently flooded areas.
Policies
NEP41 New improvements should not be located in floodplains unless fully mitigated
via best building practices within areas of special flood hazard, shallow
flooding, coastal high hazard, and floodways.
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NEP42 Any approved construction should follow the mitigation recommendations of a
Habitat Assessment report.
NEP43 In frequently flooded areas, the City should restrict the rate and quantity of
surface water runoff to pre-development levels for all new development and
redevelopment, in accordance with the current adopted technical design manual
requirements.
NEP44 Where feasible, the City shall protect and enhance natural flood storage and
conveyance function of streams, lakes, and wetlands.
Wetlands
Wetlands are valuable natural resources. There are several types of wetlands in the City
and each plays a valuable role in the hydrological system. The various types of wetlands
include marshes, bogs, ponds, forested, lake-fringe and scrub-shrub. By storing
floodwaters, wetlands reduce flooding and down stream erosion; trap and absorb
sediments; and improve water quality by filtering pollutants. Wetlands also discharge
water to aquifers and streams which helps to replenish groundwater and maintain base
flows of streams. Wetlands are productive biological systems providing diverse habitat
for wildlife, and important storage capacity for the hydrologic system.
Federal Way has several regionally significant wetland areas. The largest can be found in
and adjacent to the West Hylebos State Park, Dash Point State Park, Dumas Bay, and
throughout Spring Valley. Other smaller wetlands also dot the landscape.
The City has completed a
general inventory of wetlands
within the City limits and
Potential Annexation Area
(PAA). The inventory was used
to help the City create policy and
regulations that reflect local and
regional conditions.
The City may permit
development that results in the
destruction of wetlands if certain
criteria are met. In these
situations, compensatory
wetland mitigation, such as
wetland creation, restoration,
enhancement, or payment into an in-lieu fee program must be provided.
Goal
NEG7 Protect and enhance the functions and values of the City’s wetlands.
Figure 4 Forested Wetland. Credit ESA
FWCP – Chapter Nine, Natural Environment
Revised2015 IX-11
Policies
NEP45 The City will protect its wetlands with an objective of no overall net-loss of
functions or values.
NEP46 Impacts to wetlands should be limited. All efforts should be made to use the
following mitigation sequencing approach: avoid, minimize, rectify, reduce
over time, compensate, and monitor.
NEP47 Require buffers adjacent to wetlands to protect wetland function and values
integral to healthy wetland ecosystems. Buffer requirements should be
predictable and where allowances for buffer alterations are warranted, provide
clear direction for mitigation, enhancement, and restoration.
NEP48 Preserve wetland systems by maintaining native vegetation between nearby
wetlands and between wetlands and nearby streams and other wildlife habitat
areas.
NEP49 The City will utilize the approved federal wetland delineation manual and
applicable regional supplements as set forth in WAC 173-22-035 for
identification and delineation of wetlands.
NEP50 The City’s wetland inventory will be updated when new delineations and
ratings are approved by the City.
NEP51 To meet Best Available Science requirements and for consistency with state
guidelines, the City’s wetland rating system should be based on the current
Department of Ecology rating system.
NEP52 The City will work with other jurisdictions, tribes, and citizen groups to
establish wetland policies and a classification system for wetlands that allows
for the designation of both regionally and locally unique wetlands.
NEP53 The City will work with the Lakehaven Utility District to evaluate pumping
rates within the Hylebos Creek and Lower Puget Sound drainage basin to
establish the effect of groundwater withdrawal on streams, lakes, and wetlands.
NEP54 The City will avoid the use of natural wetlands for use as public stormwater
facilities whenever possible. If the use of a natural wetland is unavoidable, the
functions/values of that wetland should be replaced to the extent that they are lost.
Goal
NEG8 Explore ways of mitigating wetland loss.
Policies
NEP55 The City should consider a partnership with the King County Mitigation
Reserves In -Lieu Fee program to provide additional options for offsite
mitigation.
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NEP56 Mitigation sites should replace or augment the wetland values to be lost as a
result of a development proposal. Sites should be chosen that would contribute
to an existing wetland system or, if feasible, restore an area that was
historically a wetland.
NEP57 All wetland functions should be considered in evaluating wetland mitigation
proposals, including but not limited to fish and wildlife habitat, flood storage,
water quality, recreation, and educational opportunities.
NEP58 The City will protect wetlands by promoting the conservation of forest cover
and native vegetation.
NEP59 Wetlands created as a result of a surface or stormwater detention facility will
not be considered wetlands for regulatory purposes.
Shorelines
The City’s Shorelines of the State as identified by the Shoreline Management Act (SMA)
within city limits include Puget Sound, Steel Lake, North Lake, and the incorporated
portion of Lake Killarney. Shorelines of the State within the City’s potential annexation
area include the south portion of Lake Killarney, Star Lake, Lake Dolloff, Lake Geneva,
and Five Mile Lake. Shorelines of the State also include the upland or shorelands that
generally extend 200-feet landward from the edge of these waters, and any wetlands
associated with such waters.
Figure 5 SMP regulations are in effect for areas within 200' of Puget Sound and listed lakes greater than 20 acres. Critical
Area regulations are implemented for areas outside of the 200’ SMP overlay. Graphic credit ESA
FWCP – Chapter Nine, Natural Environment
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The updated Federal Way Shoreline Master Program (see FWCP Chapter 11), with
its own environmentally-related goals and policies was adopted in 2011 following
review and approval from the Washington State Department of Ecology. The
regulations were incorporated into Federal Way Revised Code Title 15.
Policy
NEP60 The City should keep abreast of proposed changes to the state’s Shoreline
Management Act regulations and amend the City’s master program in order to
reserve the shoreline for preferred uses, protect shoreline natural resources
against adverse effects, and promote public access to publically owned areas.
9.3 GEOLOGIC HAZARDOUS AREAS
Geologically hazardous areas include: steep slope hazard, landslide hazard, erosion
hazard, and seismic hazard (liquefaction-prone) areas. WAC 365-196-200(10) defines
geographically hazardous areas as, “…areas that because of their susceptibility to erosion,
sliding, earthquake, or other geological events, are not suited to siting of commercial,
residential, or industrial development consistent with public health or safety concerns.”
Most geologically hazardous areas have been mapped near the Puget Sound shoreline and
within stream corridors (Map IX-6).
The following City policies address protection of geologically hazardous areas.
Goal
NEG9 Implement applicable development regulations to ensure against the loss of
both public and private property in geologically hazardous areas.
Policies
NEP61 Land uses in geologically hazardous areas should be designed to prevent
property damage and environmental degradation, and to enhance open space
and wildlife habitat.
NEP62 Require appropriate levels of professional study and analysis for proposed
construction within geologically hazardous areas.
NEP63 As slope increases, development intensity, site coverage, and vegetation removal
should decrease and thereby minimize drainage problems, soil erosion, siltation,
and landslides. Slopes of 40 percent or more should be retained in a natural
state, free of structures and other land surface modifications.
NEP64 Limit disturbances in landslide hazard areas. Establish setbacks beyond the
landslide hazard areas to avoid risks to life safety and property damage.
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NEP65 Utilize erosion control best practices in erosion hazard areas during
construction and the site’s ultimate use.
NEP66 Maintain soil stability by retaining vegetation in geologically hazardous areas.
NEP67 Prior to development in severe seismic hazard areas, the City may require
special studies to evaluate seismic risks and to identify appropriate measures to
reduce these risks. In areas with severe seismic hazards, special building design
and construction measures should be used to minimize the risk of structural
damage, fire, and injury to occupants, and to prevent post-seismic collapse.
NEP68 Development along marine bluffs should take into consideration the unique
habitat these areas provide by leaving as much native vegetation intact as
possible, especially snags and mature trees.
9.4 FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT CONSERVATION
AREAS
Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas are necessary for both resident and seasonal
migratory animal species (Map IX-7). These areas include:
Areas with which endangered, threatened, sensitive, and candidate species have a
primary association;
Habitats and species with local importance;
Kelp and eelgrass beds;
Herring, surf smelt, and sand lance spawning areas;
Naturally occurring ponds under 20 acres and their submerged aquatic beds that
provide fish or wildlife habitat; and
Waters of the state
Significant habitat also exists in wetland, riparian corridors, and on steep slopes that are
privately owned, but protected by development regulations. Linking public and private
habitat areas can provide food, shelter, and migration corridors for a healthy and
sustainable population of salmon, songbirds, and other species.
Figure 6 Hylebos Creek Fish Ladder. Credit Dan Smith
FWCP – Chapter Nine, Natural Environment
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Urban landscaping, parks, and open space are valuable complements to natural areas in
terms of providing habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. The loss of natural wildlife
habitat to urban development can be partially offset by landscaping that includes a variety
of native plants, which could provide habitat.
Goal
NEG10 Preserve, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife habitat.
Policies
NEP69 As feasible, the City will conduct studies needed to identify and map critical
fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas and may re-evaluate existing
regulations for the protection of these areas.
NEP70 The City should manage aquatic and riparian (stream side) habitat in a way that
minimizes its alteration in order to preserve and enhance its ability to sustain
fish and wildlife.
NEP71 The City should preserve and enhance native vegetation in riparian habitat
wherever possible.
NEP72 The City should encourage residents and businesses to use native plants in
residential and commercial landscaping.
NEP73 The City should protect wildlife corridors in City owned open space. These
areas should use native plants that support native species of birds and animals.
NEP74 Support community and non-profit efforts to restore fish and wildlife
conservation areas with native vegetation.
NEP75 As feasible, continue the property acquisition program in Spring Valley, which
not only provides natural flood storage but also preserves wildlife habitat and
provides corridors for their movement.
NEP76As feasible, the City will adopt and implement fish habitat conservation plans for
the salmon runs in the Hylebos drainage, Lakota Creek, Joe’s Creek, and any
other identified salmon streams. These plans will include recommendations for
improvements to the riparian corridor and provisions for adequate buffers
adjacent to all proposed development.
NEP77 The City should encourage informational and educational programs and
activities dealing with the protection of wildlife. An example of such a program
is the Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary program established by the state’s
Department of Fish and Wildlife.
NEP78 Minimize overhead lighting that would shine on the water surface of the City’s
streams, lakes, and marine waters.
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NEP79 Minimize and manage ambient light levels to protect the integrity of ecological
systems and public health without compromising public safety.
9.5 TREE PRESERVATION
The City benefits in maintaining its urban tree canopy by:
Stabilizing and enriching soil;
Improving air and water quality;
Protecting fish and wildlife habitat;
Reducing the impacts of stormwater runoff;
Mitigating the heat island effect; and
Enhancing the economic value of new and existing development.
Goal
NEG11 To preserve and enhance the City’s physical and aesthetic character by
incentivizing the preservation of mature trees and preventing untimely and
indiscriminate removal or destruction of trees.
Policies
NEP80 Continue to implement the tree density standards within the Clearing, Grading,
and Tree and Vegetation Retention code.
NEP81 Provide greater tree density credits for retained mature trees.
NEP82 Encourage minimal modification of trees within environmentally critical areas
and their buffers.
NEP83 Encourage preserving forested areas within tracts and Native Growth Protection
Easements when subdividing land.
NEP84 Support voluntary tree planting programs.
NEP85 Discourage the topping of healthy trees. Instead, encourage the benefits of
sustainable pruning practices and “window pruning” in view corridors.
9.6 AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are resulting in a changing climate. Human activities
such as burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation are responsible for a
significant portion to the increase in greenhouse gases.
According to Puget Sound Regional Council’s Planning for Whole Communities Toolkit,
a warming climate is expected to impact the availability of basic necessities like fresh
water, food and energy. Climate change is also likely to have an impact on human health,
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particularly for sensitive populations such as the elderly, those with respiratory ailments,
and young children, from increases in extreme heat events, forest fires, and increased
summer air pollution. An increase in rates of heat-related illnesses, respiratory illness,
and infectious disease is also likely.
Goal
NEG12 Promote land use patterns and transportation systems that minimize air
pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Policies
NEP86 Support state and federal air quality standards and the regulation of activities
that emit air pollutants.
NEP87 Utilize building design, construction, and technology techniques to mitigate the
negative effects of air pollution on indoor air quality for uses near sources of
pollution such as Interstate-5.
NEP788 Encourage transportation demand management and alternatives to the single
occupancy vehicle in order to reduce energy consumption, air, and water
pollution.
NEP89 Educate residents about air quality impacts associated with vehicle usage,
alternative modes of transportation and alternative fuels.
NEP90 Encourage compact growth in the City Center and other mixed-use zones that
support mass transit, encourage non-motorized modes of travel, and reduce trip
lengths.
NEP91 Facilitate modes of travel such as bicycling and walking by implementing the
recommendations of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, as adopted by
reference.
NEP92 Regulate new development to ensure new blocks encourage walkability and
maximize connectivity and route choice. Create reasonable block lengths to
encourage more walking and physical activity.
NEP93 Require the continuation of the street network between adjacent development
projects to promote walkability and allow easier access for emergency vehicles.
NEP94 Conduct City operations and institutionalize practices that reduce municipal
greenhouse gas emissions and lead the community in reducing GHG emissions.
NEP95 Implement a program to install the latest energy-efficient technologies for
street and parking lot lights as funding becomes available.
NEP96 Assist and encourage new development to meet criteria of green building
certification or credentials through established programs such as LEED and
Energy Star.
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NEP97 Consider upgrading the City government fleet to vehicles that have a lower
carbon footprint or are more fuel efficient.
NEP98 Incorporate climate change considerations into City comprehensive and
operational plans.
9.7 NOISE
Noise pollution can be harmful to the general public’s health and welfare and has
adversely affected the livability and comfort of neighborhoods within the City of Federal
Way. Noise is primarily generated by: air traffic from Seattle-Tacoma International
Airport (SeaTac); vehicle traffic; and construction activities. The City will need to
continue its efforts at the regional and state level to mitigate the impacts associated with
the SeaTac Airport.
Goal
NEG13 Develop programs and/or regulations to address noise pollution in all areas of
the City.
Policies
NEP99 The City should develop and adopt construction standards to mitigate noise
generated by SeaTac Airport and Interstate 5, as well as other major arterials.
NEP100 Provide noise reduction and mitigation measures to reduce the noise and visual
impacts of Interstate 5 and arterials on residential areas.
NEP101 Ensure the Washington State Department of Transportation provides
appropriate levels of noise suppression when improving state highways.
NEP102 The City will evaluate potential noise impacts associated with non-residential
uses and activities located in residential areas as part of the site plan review
process.
NEP103 The City should continue to work in concert with the Puget Sound Regional
Council, Regional Commission on Airport Affairs, and the Airport
Communities Coalition, or their successors or other entities, to resolve
problems associated with the expansion of SeaTac Airport.
NEP104 In developing new roadway systems, the City will evaluate the noise impact on
residential neighborhoods as appropriate in, or through, residential areas.
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9.8 OPEN SPACE
Trails and open space corridors
form linkages between and within
neighborhoods, commercial areas,
and neighboring jurisdictions.
Open space corridors also provide
wildlife habitat, recreation areas,
as well as visual and physical
separation between land uses. In
order to achieve an effective open
space system, the City will work
cooperatively with surrounding
jurisdictions to construct a network
of open space. Open space can
include: environmentally sensitive
areas, forests, pasture land, lakes,
and waterways.
Areas identified as open space in the Comprehensive Parks Plan may be purchased or
otherwise protected from development by the City.
Goal
NEG14 Develop a contiguous open space network throughout the City and with adjacent
jurisdictions.
Policies
NEP105 Open space provides important wildlife habitat corridors and should be linked
with other designated regional and state open space systems.
NEP106 Preserve and restore habitat connections and tree canopy to link stream
corridors, geologically hazardous areas, floodplains, wetlands, and critical
habitat sites into a system of habitat corridors. This provides connections for
wildlife, supports biodiversity, improves water quality, reduces risks due to
flooding and landslides, and supports the City’s adaptation to climate change.
NEP107 The City should develop a procedure to acquire or accept donations of high
value areas for preservation.
NEP108 The City should consider innovative ways of acquiring property for open space
such as transfer of development rights and development incentives for set asides.
NEP109 Incorporate crime prevention through environmental design into the design
process for parks, open space, and trails.
NEP110 Create methods and opportunities that encourage residents to monitor and report
vandalism or criminal activity in open space areas, parks, and trails.
Figure 7 West Hylebos Wetland Park. Credit Dan Smith