Planning Commission PKT 04-03-2019City of Federal Way
PLANNING COMMISSION
April 3, 2019 City Hall
6:30 p.m. Council Chambers
Commissioners
Wayne Carlson, Chair
Lawson Bronson
Dawn Meader McCausland
Diana Noble-Gulliford
Eric Olsen, Alternate
AGENDA
2. ROLL CALL
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
March 20, 2019
4. AUDIENCE COMMENT — UNRELATED TO COMMISSION BUsiNEss
5. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
6. COMMISSION BUSINESS
• Study Session
2019 Shoreline Master Program Update
7. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
8. ADJOURN
Tom Medhurst, Vice -Chair
Hope Elder
Tim O'Neil
Dale Couture, Alternate
K. IPlanning Commission1201914gendaUgenda 04-03-19.dm
City Staff
Robert "Doc" Hansen, Planning Manager
Margaret Clark, Principal Planner
E. Tina Piety, Administrative Assistant
253-835-2601
www. citvol%deralway. com
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PLANNING COMMISSION
March 20, 2019 City Hall
6:30 p.m. City Council Chambers
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioners present: Wayne Carlson, Lawson Bronson, Hope Elder, Tim O'Neil, Diana Noble-
Gulliford, Dawn Meader McCausland, Dale Couture, and Eric Olsen. Commissioners absent: Tom
Medhurst (ex). City Council Members present: Deputy Mayor Susan Honda, Mark Koppang, and Martin
Moore. City Staff present: Planning Manager Robert "Doc" Hansen, Principal Planner Margaret Clark,
Deputy City Attorney Mark Orthmann, and Administrative Assistant E. Tina Piety.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Carlson called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The February 6, 2019, minutes were approved as presented.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Deputy Mayor Honda thanked the Commissioners for their work. She appreciates the time they put into
it. She encouraged them to plan to attend the special Land Use and Transportation Committee (LUTC)
planned for Monday evening (more about this later).
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Planning Manager Hansen stated that staff (as directed by the City Council) will be presenting a number
of issues regarding housing in Federal Way. There are a number of "tools" that are available to assists
jurisdictions with housing issues and staff will be addressing these. Topics will include homelessness and
housing affordability. He encouraged the Commissioners to review Puget Sound Regional Council's
(PSRC) Vision 2050 report, which may be found online at htips://www.psrc.orp-/vision. He then
introduced Council Member Koppang who will speak about the LUTC special meeting.
Council Member Koppang thanked the Commissioners for their work. At last night's City Council
meeting, the Council spent over an hour discussing the proposed realignment of the South 324"' extension.
During the course of that discussion, it came to the Council's attention that some of the Planning
Commissioners may have felt pressured to make a decision on this issue at their February 20th public
hearing. This is an important and complicated issue, and the Council is concerned that Commissioners may
have reservations about the decision they reached. For this reason, Commissioners are invited to a special
meeting with the LUTC to discuss this on Monday, March 25th at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
K TIanning Commission\2016\Meeting Summary 03-20-10.doc
Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 March 20, 2019
COMMISSION BUSINESS
STUDY SESSION: Potential Sign Amendment
Manager Hansen led the discussion on a potential sign amendment. Staff is examining the potential of
creating a "building identification" sign definition, which would permit the development of signs that
identify the building and not the particular businesses inside. It is to identify the function of the building.
This issue came to staff's attention because the Performing Arts and Entertainment Center (PAEC) is in
process of designing signs to be placed upon the building that meet the intent of the sign code, but do not
meet the criteria listed in the Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC). The proposed signs would likely
exceed seven percent of the total surface and thereby, may not meet the code. The code is being examined
to determine what amendments may be necessary to allow the sign while still maintaining the intent of the
current code. The intent of the potential sign amendment of a "building identifier" is so that any party
searching for a particular building would identify the building from a point within blocks of the site. This
particular sign could exceed seven percent of the building face and still meet the intent of the sign code.
Manager Hansen showed the Commissioners the plans for PAEC's proposed signs to aid this discussion.
The purpose of this discussion is to obtain feedback and suggestions from the Commissioners; what do
you think about allowing a building identification sign?
It was noted that any building will be allowed a building identification sign to identify the type of businesses/
uses, but not a specific business per se. For example, PAEC holds meetings and conventions in addition to
performing arts. Discussion was held on sign size in the current code and what the PAEC is requesting.
Commissioner Meader McCausland expressed concern over the number of business likely to want a
larger sign through a building identification. Are we likely to end up with a large sign for say "Starbuck
Plaza"? Manager Hansen responded that this is the type of issue/question staff is looking for by bringing
this issue to the Commission. He stated that the city could have a regulation that the identification of a
particular business is not allowed on the sign. Commissioner Meader McCausland commented is not the
PAEC a business. Manager Hansen stated that the PAEC is considered a location, not a business.
Commissioner Elder expressed concern that the only reason this issue is coming before the Commission
so quickly is because the city wants it, but if it were for a private business, it would not have been
presented so quickly. Manager Hansen commented that one reason it is quick is because it would be a
small change to the sign code and the PAEC is in the midst of their process of designing the signs.
Commissioner Meader McCausland asked why can't this be done as a variance, or perhaps apply only to
public buildings. Manager Hansen responded that staff is also researching doing this as a variance.
Commissioner Noble-Gulliford asked how the size for the signs would be calculated if an applicant wants
signs with a business name and a building identification sign. Manager Hansen responded they would be
considered separately. Commissioner Noble-Gulliford stated so a building could have three signs, two
business signs and one building identification sign.
Chair Carlson asked in regards to the recent federal mandate that jurisdictions must be content neutral
when regulating signs, how is a building identification content neutral? Deputy City Attorney Orthmann
commented that staff will have to research this question.
Commissioner O'Neil asked how a sign for a sponsor for the PAEC would fit. Manager Hansen replied
that staff has not considered that.
Commissioner Bronson would like to know how far away one could see the proposed signs, as opposed to
signs that meet the current standards.
KAPlanning Commission\2016VNeeting Summary 03-20-19.doc
Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 March 20, 2019
Deputy City Attorney Orthmann commented that the content neutral standards are different for
commercial vs political speech and jurisdictions do have some regulatory authority over commercial
content. Commissioner Meader McCausland asked for a briefing on the legal issues when this subject
comes back to the Commission.
Commissioner Couture encouraged staff to consider the definition of sign "face" as the way it is defined/
determined can have a large impact on the size of the font. Manager Hansen responded that staff is
reviewing the definition of face.
Commissioner Olsen commented that if there is a need in the city for building identification signs, then
we should consider the amendment, but not if there is only one business seeking the change.
Dana Halloway — She commented that staff needs to address the use of lighting (i.e.
back -lighting, etc.) as part of this potential amendment.
Commissioner Noble-Gulliford commented that discussions have been held in the past regarding sign
lighting and specifically neon lighting. In the past, the Council had expressed a desire for neon lighting
downtown. She would like to see more creative requirements/regulations for signs in our downtown that
would include such things as neon lighting for visual stimulation.
Housekeeping Code Amendments
Principal Planner Clark delivered the staff presentation. The City Council approved the Planning
Commission Work Program at last night's meeting. She went over the housekeeping items. A few
changes were made to the housekeeping items. Item number one relating to the time for the city to issue a
threshold determination pursuant to the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) was moved to the
non -housekeeping list. Amending this language will take more time and effort than intended for a
housekeeping code amendment and so it was moved to the non -housekeeping list. The second item is
item number two relating to the market value threshold to require a substantial development permit. This
is being done as part of the Shoreline Master Program Update, and therefore, was removed from the
housekeeping list. Two items were added to the list. The first is number four, allowing roof top open
spaces in a number of different zones, and the second is number eleven, allowing second-hand
merchandise sales in the City Center -Core (CC -C) zone as a primary or accessory use.
Commissioner Noble-Gulliford asked in regards to second-hand merchandise, will that include antiques?
Principal Planner Clark replied that it will include antiques.
Commissioner Meader McCausland expressed concern regarding number 10, wherein the urban
agriculture use is being removed from commercial zones. Manager Hansen replied that urban agriculture
is more a wholesale use as opposed to a retail use. The change will allow greenhouse/nursery uses as they
are retail. Commissioner Meader McCausland asked if it would preclude instances where the agriculture
use is an accessory use, such has a restaurant with a rooftop garden. Manager Hansen replied that
accessory uses would be allowed, such as the aforementioned rooftop garden. Commissioner Meader
McCausland asked if the garden could be operated by an owner different from the restaurant owner. What
if the garden is a wholesale use? She raises the question because innovative things are being done to bring
urban agriculture to cities and she wants the city to be able to allow them. Manager Hansen replied that
staff will need to study this issue when they work on this code amendment.
Attorney Orthmann noted that the housekeeping list is a work in process. None have been closely studied
as yet. Items may be removed if further study shows that is appropriate.
K TIanning Commission\2016\Meeting Summary 03-20-19.doc
Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 March 20, 2019
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
None
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 P.M.
K TIanning Commission\2016\Meeting Summary 03-20-19.doe
'Nk
CITY OF
Federal Way
PLANNING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
March 28, 2019
To: Wayne Carlson, Federal Way Planning Commission Chair
FROM: Brian Davis, Community Development Director --
Robert "Doc" Hansen, Planning Manager
Margaret H. Clark, AICD, Principal Plainer (rllf
SUBJECT: Planning Commission Study Session
Periodic Review of the Shoreline Master Program
MEETING DATE: April 3, 2019
I. BACKGROUND
The City of Federal Way is undertaking a periodic review of its Shoreline Master Program (SMP), as
required by the Washington State Shoreline Management Act (SMA). The city adopted its current
SMP in 2011. The focus of this periodic review is on consistency with changes to state law made
since its adoption in 2011. The review will also address consistency with the city's comprehensive
plan and development regulations. The goal is to adopt the updated SMP by June 30, 2019.
II. PROCEDURAL SUMMARY
Steps
Date
Open House
January 30, 2019
Planning Commission Study Session
April 3, 2019
Issuance of Determination of Nonsignificance (DNS) pursuant to the State
Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)
April 12, 2019
Planning Commission Public Hearing
May 1, 2019
LUTC Meeting
June 3, 2019
City Council l st Reading
June 18, 2019
City Council 2nd Reading
July 2, 2019
Planning Commission Staff Report March 28, 2019
Planning Commission Study Session — Periodic Review of the Shoreline Master Program Page I of 1
III. CONTENTS OF PLANNING COMMISSIONPACKET -
1. Gap Analysis (Exhibit A) — As a first step in the periodic review process, the city's current SMP
was reviewed by city staff and consultants. The purpose of the Gap Analysis Report is to provide
a summary of the review and inform updates to the SMP. This analysis is based on a list of
amendments between 2007 and 2017 as summarized by the Washington State Department of
Ecology (Ecology) in its Periodic Review Checklist.
Proposed Amendment to the Critical Areas Regulations (Exhibit B) — The Department of
Ecology has issued guidance on their revised rating system issued in 2014. This revised rating
system represents the best available science (BAS) as it is based on a better understanding of
wetland functions, ways to evaluate them, and what is needed to protest them. While local
governments are not required to use Ecology's revised rating system, Ecology encourages local
government to use them. The revised rating systems are found on pages 30 - 31 of Exhibit B.
3. Proposed Amendments to the SMP (Exhibit C) — These are proposed amendments to the SMP
intended to address gaps in the city's SMP related to changes in state law between 2007 and
2017, and to address other issues as part of the periodic update process to produce a more
effective SMP.
IV. SUMMARY
We are providing the attachments (Exhibits A -C) in order to give you time for review in advance of
the April 3'd Study Session. However, we expect to have further changes to present to you during the
Study Session itself.
List of Exhibits
Exhibit A Gap Analysis
Exhibit B Proposed Amendments to Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
Exhibit C Proposed Amendments to Title 15, Shoreline Management
KAShoreline Master Program\2019 Periodic Update\040319 Study Session\032819 Planning Commision Staff Report.doc
Planning Commission Staff Report March 28, 2019
Planning Commission Study Session — Periodic Rcview of the Shoreline Master Program Page 2 of 2
City of Federal Way Shoreline Master Program
Gap Analysis Report
Prepared on behalf of:
City of Federal Way
Community Development Department
33325 8th Ave S
Federal Way, WA 98003
Prepared by:
T F] F
WATERSHED
COMPANY
750 Sixth Street South
Kirkland WA 98033
p 425.822.5242
f 425.827.8136
watershedco.com
March 2019
The Watershed Company Reference Number:
180415
Table of Contents
1. Introduction............................................................................................................................ 1
2. Consistency with State Laws................................................................................................... 3
3. Integration of Current Critical Areas Regulations................................................................. 12
4. Consistency with Comprehensive Plan & Other Development Regulations ........................ 16
5. Other Issues to Consider....................................................................................................... 17
6. References............................................................................................................................23
List of Tables
Table 1-1. Abbreviations used in this document...................................................................... 2
Table 2-1. Summary of consistency with amendments to state laws and potential revisions.3
Table 3-1. Summary of gaps in consistency with current critical areas regulations and
associated recommended SMP revisions.............................................................. 12
Table 3-2. Wetland buffer widths (in feet) under FWRC Chapter 19.145 and under Ecology's
most recent guidance (Ecology 2018)................................................................... 14
Table 3-3. Wetland buffer impact minimization measures (Ecology 2016) ........................... 14
Table 4-1. Summary of recommended SMP and FWRC revisions to improve consistency. .. 16
Table 5-1. Other issues that could be addressed to produce a more effective SMP ............. 17
1. Introduction
In accordance with the Washington State Shoreline Management Act, local jurisdictions with
"Shorelines of the State" are required to conduct a periodic review of their Shoreline Master
Programs (SMPs) (Washington Administrative Code [WAC] 173-26-090). The periodic review is
intended to keep SMPs current with amendments to state laws, changes to local plans and
regulations, changes in local circumstances, and new or improved data and information.
Shorelines of the State in the City of Federal Way (City) include: the Puget Sound, North Lake,
Steel Lake, and the northwestern portion of Lake Killarney, with Star Lake, Lake Dolloff, Lake
Geneva, Five Mile Lake, and the remainder of Lake Killarney all existing in potential annexation
areas, outside City limits.
The City's most recent update of its SMP took place in 2011 (Ordinance No. 11-705), establishing
regulations under Title 15 Shoreline Management within the Federal Way Revised Code
(FWRC) and adding a new chapter, Chapter 11 to the City's Comprehensive Plan. The City's
SMP, Chapter 11, outlines goals and policies for the shorelines of the City. The City's current
SMP has its own critical areas regulations under Chapter 15.10 which were adopted together
with the SMP in 2011.
Since adoption of the SMP, the City-wide critical areas regulations were amended by Ordinance
No. 15-797 [2015]. The City-wide critical areas regulations are currently codified as FWRC
Chapter 19.145 Environmentally Critical Areas. The City anticipates referencing the most recent
version of the City-wide critical areas regulations in the updated SMP.
As a first step in the periodic review process, the City's current SMP was reviewed by City staff
and consultants. The purpose of this Gap Analysis Report is to provide a summary of the
review and inform updates to the SMP. This report is organized into the following sections:
• Section 2 identifies gaps in consistency with state laws. This analysis is based on a list of
amendments between 2007 and 2017 as summarized by the Washington State
Department of Ecology (Ecology) in its Periodic Review Checklist.
• Section 3 identifies issues with integrating the City's most recent (2015) critical areas
regulations into the updated SMP.
• Section 4 identifies gaps in consistency and implementation between the updated SMP
and the City's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code.
• Section 5 identifies other issues to consider as part of the periodic update process to
produce a more effective SMP.
This report includes several tables that identify potential revision actions. Where potential
revision actions are identified, they are classified as follows:
City of Federal Way SMP Periodic Update
Gap Analysis Report
• "Mandatory" indicates revisions that are required for consistency with state laws.
"Recommended" indicates revisions that would improve consistency with state laws,
but are not strictly required.
• "None Necessary" indicates no change to the SMP is required.
This document attempts to minimize the use of abbreviations; however, a select few are used to
keep the document concise. These abbreviations are compiled below in Table 1-1.
Table 1-1. Abbreviations used in this document.
Abbreviation
Meaning
City
City of Federal Way
Ecology
Washington State Department of Ecology
FWRC
Federal Way Revised Code
RCW
Revised Code of Washington
SMP
Shoreline Master Program
WAC
Washington Administrative Code
2. Consistency with State Laws
Table 2-1 summarizes potential revisions to the City's SMP based on a review of consistency
with amendments to state laws identified in the Periodic Review Checklist provided by
Ecology. Topics are organized broadly by SMP subject area.
Only a limited number of revisions in Table 2-1 are classified as "mandatory." Further, the
revisions classified as "mandatory" are anticipated to be minor in effect.
Table 2-1. Summary of consistency with amendments to state laws and potential revisions.
#
Applicability
1
Summary of Change
(Amendment Year)
Legislature raised the cost
1 z
Relevant Locations)
Review & Action
Current SMP:
Review:
threshold for requiring a
. FWRC 15.05.150 Shoreline
The SMP references the Substantial
Substantial Development
Substantial Development
Development Permit exemptions in WAC
Permit for replacement
Permit
173-27-040 as amended, which include this
docks on lakes to $22,500
revised exemption language.
(from $10,000) and $11,200
for all other docks
Action:
constructed in fresh waters.
None necessary: As an option, dollar
This is effective November 4,
figures can be added for code readability.
2018 per the Ecology letter to
City Shoreline Administrators
to adjust for inflation. (2018)
2
Office of Financial
Current SMP:
Review:
Management adjusted the
• FWRC 15.05.150 Shoreline
In FWRC 15.05.150, the SMP references an
cost threshold for substantial
Substantial Development
outdated cost threshold ($5,718) for
development to
Permit
substantial development; however, the
$7,047. (2017)
SMP indicates that the cost threshold is
updated every five years.
Action:
Recommended: Update the language in
FWRC 15.05.150 to reference the RCW
90.58.030.(3)(e) development exemption
for development not meeting the cost
threshold and the location where the cost
threshold can be found.
3
City of Federal Way SMP Periodic Update
Gap Analysis Report
Summary of Change
1 z
#
(Amendment Year)
Relevant Location(s)
Review &Action
3
Ecology permit rules clarified
Current SMP:
Review:
the definition of
. FWRC 15.05.030 -
The SMP does not clarify that removing
"development" does not
Additional definitions
structures does not constitute
include dismantling or
development.
removing structures. (2017)
Action:
Recommended: Revise definition of
"Development" to clarify that removing
structures does not constitute
development. Proposed language is as
follows,
"Development" does not include
dismantling or removing structures
landward of the OHWM if there is no other
associated development or re-
development. (Note: City can opt to amend
the existing definition under FWRC
15.05.030 — Additional
definitions.)
4
Ecology adopted rules
Current SMP:
Review:
clarifying exceptions to local
. Article 111. Administrative
The SMP does not refer to exceptions to
review under the Shoreline
Procedures, FWRC
local review under WAC 173-27-044 or -
Management Act. (2017)
15.05.110-15.05.240
045 (though it does refer to exemptions
under WAC 173-27-040).
Action:
Recommended: Create a new section that
clearly sets forth exceptions to local
review. Exemptions listed include remedial
hazardous substance cleanup, boatyard
stormwater improvements, and WSDOT
maintenance and safety projects. Example
language from Ecology is available.
5
Ecology amended forestry
Current SMP:
Review:
use regulations to clarify that
. FWRC 15.05.070—
The SMP indicates that forest practices are
forest practices that only
Summary of uses,
prohibited and contains no provisions
involves timber cutting are
approval criteria, and
specific to forest practices.
not Shoreline Management
process
Act "developments" and do
Action:
not require Substantial
None necessary: This change is not
Summary of Change
1 z
#
(Amendment Year)
Relevant Location(s)
Review &Action
Development Permits. (2017)
applicable to Federal Way, as forest
practices are prohibited by the SMP.
6
Ecology clarified the
Current SMP:
Review:
Shoreline Management Act
. FWRC 15.05.020
The SMP does not address lands with
does not apply to lands under
Jurisdiction.
exclusive federal jurisdiction.
exclusive federal jurisdiction.
Action:
(2017)
None Necessary: No Federal lands exist
within the City's UGA.
7
The Legislature created a new
Current SMP:
Review:
shoreline permit exemption
. FWRC 15.05.130 Shoreline
The SMP references the Substantial
for retrofitting existing
exemption.
Development Permit exemptions in WAC
structure to comply with the
173-27-040 as amended, which include this
Americans with Disabilities
revised exemption language.
Act. (2016)
Action:
None necessary. Because the SMP
references the exemptions in the WAC as
amended, the SMP already reflects this
revised exemption language.
8
The Legislature clarified
Current SMP:
Review:
options for defining
. FWRC 15.05.030,
The definition of "floodway" in the SMP is
"floodway" as either the area
Additional Definitions
based on the floodway criteria set in the
that has been established in
Shoreline Management Act. This definition
Federal Emergency
is essentially a biological definition.
Management Agency maps,
Action:
or the floodway criteria set in
Recommended: Consider revising the
the Shoreline Management
definition of "floodway" to reflect the most
Act. (2007)
recent Federal Emergency Management
Agencymaps. Example language from
Ecology is available. (Note: While the City
anticipates amending the current
'floodway' definition in FWRC 15.05.030,
Additional Definitions, as the area
established in Federal Emergency
Management Agency Maps, there are no
FEMA mopped floodways
currently documented in the City.)
9
Ecology amended rules to
Current SMP:
Review:
clarify that comprehensively
. Section 11.1 Shoreline
Section 11.1 Shoreline Jurisdiction (page 8)
updated SMPs shall include a
Jurisdiction in the
within Appendix A of Ordinance No. 11 -
list and map of streams and
Comprehensive Plan (page
705 identifies all SMP waterbodies.
lakes that are in shoreline
8) ofAppendix A within
Action:
City of Federal Way SMP Periodic Update
Gap Analysis Report
#
Summary of Change
1 z
Relevant Location(s)
Review &Action
(Amendment Year)
jurisdiction. (2007)
Ordinance 11-705.
Recommended: Add a list and of shoreline
jurisdictional areas under FWRC 15.05.020
to correspond with a map of all lakes and
marine shoreline is shown within Appendix
A of Ordinance 11-705.
10
Ecology's rule listing
Current SMP:
Review:
statutory exemptions from
• FWRC 15.05.130(2)
The SMP references the Substantial
the requirement for a
Development Permit exemptions in WAC
Substantial Development
173-27-040 as amended, which include this
Permit was amended to
revised exemption language.
include fish habitat
enhancement projects that
Action:
conform to the provisions of
None necessary: Because the SMP
Revised Code of Washington
references the exemptions in the WAC as
(RCW) 77.55.181. (2007)
amended, the SMP already reflects this
revised exemption language.
Use
and Development
11
Ecology updated wetlands
Current SMP critical areas
Review:
regulations (2011):
critical areas guidance
FWRC section 15.10.240 refers to the
including implementation
• FWRC 15.10.240
March 1997 Washington State Wetlands
guidance for the 2014
Identification and Delineation Manual,
wetlands rating system.
Proposed SMP critical areas
Ecology Publication No. 96-94 which also
regulations:
(2016)
references a WAC section which no longer
• FWRC 19.145.420(1)
exists (WAC 173-22-080). The correct
reference is found under FWRC
19.145.420(1) which correctly references
the most recent 2014 Ecology rating
system with updates as needed.
Action:
Mandatory: Repeal FWRC 15.10, Critical
Areas to reference the current Critical
Areas Ordinance found under FWRC
section 19.145, Environmentally Critical
Areas.
12
The Legislature created a new
Current SMP:
Review:
definition and policy for floating
. FWRC 15.05.030
City has no floating homes. Residential
on -water residences legally
dditional definitions.
development is prohibited over water.
established before 7/1/2014.
Moorage of floating homes is prohibited.
(2014)
FWRC 15.05.050(k).
Action:
Recommended: Expand the "residential
development" definition to prohibit "tiny
City of Federal Way SMP Periodic Update
Summary of Change
#
(Amendment Year)
1 z
Relevant Location(s)
Review &Action
home" temporary or transient floating
homes. In addition, boats mooring or
dropping anchor within City shoreline
jurisdiction should have a clear time limit
for transient habitation of a small cabin
located under a boat's hull.
13
Ecology adopted a rule
Current SMP critical areas
Review:
regulations (2006):
requiring that wetlands be
Refer to FWRC 19.145.410(1) within the
delineated in accordance with
. FWRC 15.10.240
updated CAO which refers to this update.
the approved federal
wetland delineation manual.
Proposed SMP critical areas
Action:
(2011)
Mandatory: Repeal FWRC 15.10, Critical
regulations:
FWRC 19.145.420(1)
Areas to reference the Critical Areas
Ordinance FWRC section 19.145,
Environmentally Critical Areas.
14
Ecology adopted rules for
Current SMP:
Review:
new commercial geoduck
. FWRC 15.050.030
The new Ecology definition clarifies that
aquaculture. (2011)
Additional definitions.
aquaculture does not include wild geoduck
harvest.
Action:
None necessary: Aquaculture is a
prohibited use in all shoreline
environments according to FWRC
15.05.070.
15
The Legislature created a new
Current SMP:
Review:
definition and policy for
. Not listed under FWRC
The term "floating home" is not used in
floating homes permitted or
15.05.070 Summary of
the SMP.
legally established prior to
uses, approval criteria,
January 1, 2011. (2011)
and process.
Action:
• FWRC 15.05.030
Recommended: Add the "floating home"
Additional definitions.
definition to address ambiguities and steer
future development away from this
development type through explicitly
prohibiting this development type under
FWRC 15.05.070. Example language from
Ecology is available. See #12 above for a
discussion of temporary floating residences.
16
The Legislature created new
Current SMP:
Review:
"relief" procedures for
FWRC 15.05.050 Shoreline
The SMP does not address such relief
instances in which a shoreline
Modifications.
procedures.
restoration project within an
Action:
Urban Growth Area creates a
Recommended: Incorporate Ecology's rule
shift in Ordinary High Water
to provide relief for shoreline restoration
Mark. (2009)
projects, referencing WAC 173-27-215 as
the parameters for granting such a
request.
City of Federal Way SMP Periodic Update
Gap Analysis Report
#
Summary of Change
1 z
Relevant Location(s)
Review &Action
(Amendment Year)
17
Ecology adopted a rule for
Current SMP critical areas
Review:
regulations (2011):
certifying wetland mitigation
The current critical areas regulations allow
banks. (2009)
• FWRC 15.10.260
the use of mitigation banks and requires
that they be certified.
Proposed SMP critical areas
regulations:
Action:
• FWRC 19.145.430(4)(b)
Required: Reference the Critical Areas
section which incorporates the
certification requirement for mitigation
Nonconformance
banks.
18
Ecology clarified "default"
Current SMP:
Review:
provisions for nonconforming
• Section 7—SMP
The SMP meets the definition except for
uses and development.
Definitions Resolution 10-
the addition where, "Development" does
(2017)
597, page 2
not include dismantling or removing
• FWRC 15.05.030
structures if there is no other associated
Additional Definitions
development or re -development.
Action:
Recommended: Code definitions for
Nonconforming development,
nonconforming lot and nonconforming
structure added to SMP. Provide a
provision under FWRC 15.05.220(1), where
minor repairs to non -conforming
structures under the monetary threshold
can apply for a shoreline exemption.
19
SMPs may classify legally
Current SMP:
Review:
established residential
• FWRC 15.05.220
The SMP does not currently exercise this
structures and appurtenant
Replacement, alteration,
option.
structures as conforming
or reconstruction of
even if they do not meet
nonconforming use or
Action:
dimensional or bulk
development
Recommended: The City will adopt these
standards. Redevelopment,
Ecology provisions and classify past
expansion, and replacement
permitted non -conforming structures as
consistent with the SMP
conforming. Unpermitted non -conforming
would be allowed. (2011)
structures can be enforced upon
Summary of Change
1,2
#
(Amendment Year)
Relevant Location(s)Review
&Action
accordingly.
Administration
20
Ecology amended rules
Current SMP:
Review:
clarifying permit filing
. Article III. Administrative
The SMP does not describe the filing
procedures consistent with a
Procedures - FWRC
process, but indicates that filing with
2011 statute. Filing replaces
15.05.110 -Shoreline
Ecology shall be done pursuant to WAC
date of receipt for shoreline
management permits and
173-27-130.
permits sent to Ecology.
enforcement procedures
(2017)
Action:
None necessary: SMP consistent with
statute.
21
Ecology adopted a new rule
Current SMP:
Review:
creating an optional SMP
. FWRC 15.05.240
The SMP does includes language regarding
amendment process that
Amendments to this
the process for SMP amendments through
allows for a shared
chapter.
referencing WAC 176-26-110 and 176-26-
local/state public comment
120.
period. (2017)
Action:
None necessary: If the City anticipates
using the optional SMP amendment
process for joint state and local public
comment, no code amendment is required
to exercise this option. Therefore, no
action will be taken by the City.
22
Ecology adopted rule
Current SMP:
Review:
amendments to clarify the
. FWRC 15.05.240
The SMP does not include language
scope and process for
Amendments to this
specific to conducting periodic review of
conducting periodic reviews.
chapter.
the SMP pursuant to RCW 90.58.080 and
(2017)
WAC 173-26-090.
Action:
None necessary: Description of the scope
and process for conducting periodic
reviews is not required in SMP.
23
Submittal to Ecology of
Current SMP:
Review:
proposed SMP amendments.
. FWRC 15.05.240
SMP already references a description of
(2017)
Amendments to this
the SMP amendment submittal process.
chapter.
Action:
None necessary: FWRC 15.05.240
Amendments to this chapter correctly
references WAC 176-26-110 and WAC 176-
26-120 where amendments are proposed.
City of Federal Way SMP Periodic Update
Gap Analysis Report
Summary of Change
#
(Amendment Year)
1 Z
Relevant Location(s)
Review &Action
24
The Legislature adopted a 90-
Current SMP:
Review:
day target for local review of
• FWRC 15.05.110Shoreline
The SMP does not address this target.
Washington State
management permit
Department of
enforcement procedures,
Action:
Transportation projects.
adoption by reference.
Recommended: Add a reference to WAC
(2015)
173-27-125 under FWRC 15.05.110 to
include these target review timelines.
25
The Legislature amended the
Current SMP:
Review:
Shoreline Management Act
• FWRC 15.05.200 Appeals.
The SMP does not address SMP appeal
to clarify SMP appeal
procedures (the SMP addresses appeals of
procedures. (2012)
shoreline permit decisions, but not the
SMP itself).
Action:
None necessary: A Description of SMP
appeal procedures is not required in SMP,
therefore no change is needed.
26
The Legislature adopted
The City has already
Review:
Growth Management Act —
previously updated its CAO
The SMP indicates that critical areas in
Shoreline Management Act
and the SMP and therefore
shorelines must be regulated to assure no
clarifications. (2010)
addressed the issue of
net loss of shoreline ecological function.
overlapping critical area
regulations. The City's SMP
Action:
also includes no net loss
Recommended: Update SMP to indicate
provisions.
that it is effective 14 days after Ecology's
However, the SMP does not
approval letter.
indicate the 14 -day rule for
Ecology approval.
Current SMP (no net loss
statement):
• FWRC 15.05.040 General
development standards.
27
The Legislature added
Current SMP:
Review:
moratoria authority and
• FWRC 15.05. 110 -
The SMP does not address moratoria.
procedures to the Shoreline
Shoreline management
Management Act. (2009)
permit and enforcement
Action:
procedures
None necessary: Moratoria procedures not
required to be included in SMP. City may
rely on statute: WAC 173-27-085.
1This column attempts to capture the primary relevant location(s) of content related to the item described in
the Summary of Change column; however, due to length of the SMP, all relevant locations may not be listed.
2 Locations in italics indicate that the location does not actually address the specific content described in the
#
Summary of Change
(Amendment Year)
, Z
Relevant Location(s) -F
Review & Action
Summary of Change column; these locations are listed to indicate where generally related content is found.
11
City of Federal Way SMP Periodic Update
Gap Analysis Report
3. Integration of Current Critical Areas Regulations
The City's current SMP incorporates the City-wide critical areas and flood damage prevention
regulations of Ordinance No. 11-705 (2011) through chapter subsections 15.10 and 15.15,
respectively. Since adoption of the SMP, the City-wide critical areas regulations have been
amended most recently in 2015 by Ordinance No. 15-797. Flood Damage Prevention FWRC
Chapter 15.15 was recently amended in on November 61h, 2018, under Ordinance 18-745 to
reference FWRC 19.142, removing its duplicate code. The critical areas regulations are codified
as FWRC Chapter 19.145 Critical Areas are more current than ones listed within SMP subsection
15.10. Therefore, the City's current SMP includes critical areas regulations that are out of date
and no longer consistent with the critical areas regulations that currently apply in non -shoreline
areas of the City.
Accordingly, the City anticipates referencing the current City-wide critical areas and
regulations in the updated SMP. However, as with the 2015 critical areas regulations, these
critical areas regulations include some regulations that are inconsistent with recent Department
of Ecology guidance. The inconsistent regulations need to be identified and resolved as part of
the periodic SMP update process.
Table 3-1 below summarizes issues to be resolved both guidance -wise and referencing the
City's current critical areas regulations into the updated SMP. The table is organized by critical
areas regulations subject area.
Table 3-1. Summary of gaps in consistency with current critical areas regulations and associated
recommended SMP revisions.
#
Applicability
1
Issue
Critical Areas
Relevant Location(s)
Review & Action
• Chapters FWRC 15.10 and
Review:
FWRC 19.145 Critical
FWRC 15.10 can be deleted and cross -
Areas
referenced to capture the critical areas
regulations within the FWRC chapter
19.145.
Action:
Recommended: delete language in FWRC
15.10 and cross reference to FWRC 19.145,
Critical Areas.
2
Critical Areas - Wellhead
Zoning Code:
Review:
capture zone
• FWRC 19.145.070, FWRC
The current code exclusively calls out the
19.145.460 Classification
capture zones, or wellhead protection
of wellhead capture zones
areas (WHPAs), associated with Lakehaven
(FWRC 15.10.290 to be
wells, but at the same time, .460 refers to,
removed).
"the city's public water source wells".
There are more public water systems than
#
Issue
Relevant Location(s)
Review & Action
what is listed in code.
Action:
Recommended: Revise "the city's public
source wells" to "Group A and Group B
public water supplies" and reference WAC
365-196-485(1)(d) under FWRC 19.145.460
to capture all water systems subject to
Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas (CARAs)
regulations. In addition, the Washington
State Department of Health Source Water
Assessment Program Map is an
appropriate citation for providing an
inventory of WHPAs over the Lakehaven
Utility District capture zone map cited in
Wetlands
19.145.070(4)(b).
Current critical areas
Review:
3
Wetland buffer table
change.
regulations:
Department of Ecology provided revised
• FWRC 19.145.420(2),
wetland buffer guidance in July of 2018.
Wetland rating and
The revised guidance indicates that
buffers
wetlands scoring of 5 habitat points may
use the same standard buffer width as
wetlands scoring 3-4 habitat points.
Action:
Recommended: Consider revising the
existing wetland buffer provisions in FWRC
19.145.420(2) of the critical areas
regulations for consistency with Ecology
guidance, related to habitat scores and
wetland buffers. A discussion is provided
below.
Continuing discussion on item #3 in Table 3-1, newly recommended wetland buffer widths are
based upon review of wetland category and habitat score, reflecting best available science by
Department of Ecology. In a survey of reference wetlands, Ecology determined more were
similarly distributed to scoring between 3-5 points for habitat score than 3-4 points as the
original low habitat break point (Ecology 2018). Therefore, the breaks and revised wetland
buffer table are as follows below under Table 3-2 below.
Wetland buffer impact minimization measures can also be used in allowing buffer averaging for
development. The following minimization measures under Table 3-3 allow buffer averaging to
no less than 75% of the original buffer requirement (Ecology 2016). A request for buffer
averaging requires a wetland report by a qualified professional detailing no net loss of wetland
13
City of Federal Way SMP Periodic Update
Gap Analysis Report
functions. In addition to applying all minimization measures, if a conservation easement
corridor connects WDFW priority habitats within a wetland buffer with moderate habitat
scores, a buffer reduction to 110 feet is allowed (Ecology 2018). This change is shown in Table 3-
2 below.
To align with the updated guidance, we recommend adopting the revised wetland buffers listed
in Table 3-2 below under FWRC 19.145.420 to avoid inconsistent buffer application for future
development proposals.
Table 3-2. Wetland buffer widths (in feet) under FWRC Chapter 19.145 and under Ecology's most recent
guidance (Ecology 2018).
rt
Required Measures to Minimize Impacts
Lights
• Direct lights away from wetland
s. o
P
e c
eON
adjacent to noise source
Habitat Scores
Without minimization measures
With minimization measures
Category
3-4
1 5 1 6-7 1 8
buffer
Habitat Score
• Route all new, untreated runoff away from wetland whileensuring
Habitat Score
wetland is not dewatered
Minimum Buffer
• Apply integrated pest management
Stormwater runoff
• Retrofit stormwater detention and treatment for roads andexisting
adjacent development
• Prevent channelized flow from lawns that directly enters the buffer
Low
Moderate
High
Low
Moderate
High
Width
1*
190
190 190 225
250
250
300
190
190
225
1^
75
105 165 225
100
150
300
75
110
225
2
75
105 165 225
100
150
300
75
110
225
3
60
1 105 1 165 225
80
1 150
300
60
1 110 1
225
4
40
1 40 40 40
50
40
*Bogs and wetlands of high conservation value. ^Forested and based on function score
Table 3-3. Wetland buffer impact minimization measures (Ecology 2016).
Disturbance
Required Measures to Minimize Impacts
Lights
• Direct lights away from wetland
Noise
. Locate activity that generates noise away from wetland
• If warranted, enhance existing buffer with native vegetation plantings
adjacent to noise source
• For activities that generate relatively continuous, potentially disruptive
noise, such as certain heavy industry or mining, establish an additional 10'
heavily vegetated buffer strip immediately adjacent to the outerwetland
buffer
Toxic runoff
• Route all new, untreated runoff away from wetland whileensuring
wetland is not dewatered
• Establish covenants limiting use of pesticides within 150 feet of wetland
• Apply integrated pest management
Stormwater runoff
• Retrofit stormwater detention and treatment for roads andexisting
adjacent development
• Prevent channelized flow from lawns that directly enters the buffer
0 Use Low Intensity Development (LID) techniques where appropriate (for
The Watershed Company
March 2019
Disturbance
Required Measures to Minimize Impacts
more information refer to the drainage ordinance and manual)
Change in water regime
• Infiltrate or treat, detain, and disperse into buffer new runoff from
impervious surfaces and new lawns
Pets and human disturbance
. Use privacy fencing OR plant dense vegetation to delineate bufferedge
and to discourage disturbance using vegetation appropriate for the
ecoregion
• Place wetland and its buffer in a separate tract or protect with a
conservation easement
Dust
• Use best management practices to control dust
iiN
City of Federal Way SMP Periodic Update
Gap Analysis Report
4. Consistency with Comprehensive Plan & Other
Development Regulations
Table 4-1 below summarizes recommended revisions to the City's SMP based on a review of
consistency with FWRC Title 19 of the zoning code, outside of Critical Areas Regulations,
Section 19.145. The Federal Way Comprehensive Plan is consistent with the SMP as it adopts the
goals and policies and places them in the Shoreline Element, Chapter 11 of the Comprehensive
Plan.
Table 4-1. Summary of recommended SMP and FWRC revisions to improve consistency.
#
Topic
Relevant Location(s)
Review & Action
1
Impervious Surfaces within
Zoning Code:
Review:
shoreline setbacks.
FWRC 15.05.070(6)
It is unclear if pavers and other types of
Maximum footprint of 150
Standards table.
impervious surfaces (i.e. gravel paths,
square feet per structure;
FWRC 15.05.030
paths, concrete steps etc.) should be
300 square feet total per lot
counted towards maximum "footprint".
Action:
Recommended:
Add to definition of structure in FWRC
19.05, to include access pathways. Include
a definition for footprint under section
FWRC 15.05.030 referencing impervious
surfaces as pavers, gravel paths, and
concrete steps. In addition, make note that
grass -grid pavers still count against the
maximum footprint of 300 square feet per
lot under FWRC 15.05.070(6).
The Watershed Company
March 2019
5. Other Issues to Consider
In addition to the issues discussed in the previous sections of this report, several other issues in
the current SMP could be addressed as part of the periodic update process to produce a more
effective SMP. These other issues are described in Table 5-1 below.
Table 5-1. Other issues that could be addressed to produce a more effective SMP.
#
General
1
and
Issue
Amendments to SMP
DevelopmentUse
Relevant Location(s)1
Zoning Code:
FWRC 15.05.240
Amendments to this
chapter
Review & Action
Review:
Incorrect WAC reference. Should be WAC
173-26-110 and 173-26-120.
Action:
Required: Change reference to WAC 173-
26-110 and 173-26-120.
2
Archaeological and historic
Zoning Code:
Review:
resources. It is unclear
FWRC 15.05.040(6)
In the instance where one or more items of
when the City routes to
General development
archeological significance are located, a
Department of Archeology
standards, Archaeological
professional archeologist shall be obtained
and Historic Preservation
and historic resources.
to provide an inadvertent discovery plan.
(DAHP) to require an
archeologic study.
Action:
Recommended: Provide a code
requirement for the applicant to apply for
an Archeological Excavation and Removal
Permit if archeological items are found
during excavation, referencing the process
in WAC 25-48.
3
Shoreline Modifications.
Zoning Code:
Review:
Address height of bulkheads
. FWRC 15.05.050 Shoreline
Existing bulkheads on many shoreline
for bluff development.
modifications.
properties are taller than the bulkhead
Can there be a more
height maximum of 1 foot above mean
streamlined process for
higher high water mark. Therefore, all
bulkhead development
resulting expansions in height will require a
applications?
variance. The permitting process also
requires a conditional use permit for newly
constructed bulkheads in urban
conservancy shoreline designations.
This scenario was observed in a past
shoreline variance decision (Pallisades
Retreat Center Bulkhead and Beach Access
HFA
City of Federal Way SMP Periodic Update
Gap Analysis Report
#
Issue
Relevant Location(s)l
Review & Action
Stair Shoreline Variance, Conditional Use
and Substantial Development Permit).
Bulkhead height needed to exceed the
height maximum to account for "king"
tides in the Puget Sound which have
otherwise matched the height of the pre-
existing bulkhead.
Action:
Recommended:
The intent is to remove the variance
requirement which would otherwise be
required for slight increases in bulkhead
height. Changing bulkhead maximum
height from 1 foot above mean higher high
water mark to minimum necessary for
protection of upland structures will help
avoid unnecessary variances. Minimum
necessary requirements can be supported
by recorded tidal events and geotechnical
documentation.
4
Vegetation Conservation
Zoning Code:
Review:
Areas
FWRC 15.05.070(6)
Vegetation Conservation Areas do not
Standards table. FWRC
have clear standards referenced for
19.120.130 Tree and
submittal requirements to demonstrate
vegetation retention
compliance as part of a development
standards.
proposal.
Action:
Recommended:
In addition to the standards listed in FWRC
15.05.070(6), the City should consider
referencing Tree revegetation standards
under FWRC 19.120.130 for development
proposals which may affect vegetation
retention standards in the shoreline
setback.
In addition, the City should consider a tree
management and vegetation in shoreline
setback set of standards in an effort to
capture no -net -loss requirements of the
SMP.
#
Issue
Relevant Location(s)1
Review & Action
Enforcement of Vegetation
Zoning Code:
Review:
Conservation Areas
• FWRC 15.05.070(6)
It is unclear if over time when folks have
Standards table, FWRC
cleared the vegetation conservation area
19.120.130 Tree and
whether they need to rehab the area or
vegetation retention
not as the City does not monitor the
standards, and FWRC
shoreline. It's a question of legal
19.120.220 Revegetation.
nonconformances.
Action:
Recommended:
As a shoreline process advisement,
Vegetation Conservation Area
requirements can be enforced during
development proposals. Using aerials from
2011-12 (SMP Adoption year) as a
benchmark for City review, development
proposals shall provide a vegetation
inventory, referencing tree and vegetation
standards prescribed under FWRC
19.120.130 as a footnote beside
Vegetation conservation area column
within the Shoreline Environment
Standards table (FWRC 15.05.070(6)). For
sites where vegetation removal has been
observed within shoreline setbacks since
SMP adoption, development applications
shall demonstrate rehabilitation efforts
consistent with revegetation provisions
FWRC 19.120.220 to restore lost
vegetation to the retention percentages
prescribed under FWRC 15.05.070(6).
6
Setbacks.
Zoning Code:
Review:
Marine shorelines require a
• FWRC 15.05.080(5)
The intent of the stringline setback is to
setback of 50 feet from
prevent future development from
OHWM whereas freshwater
encroaching into previously undisturbed
require a stringline setback
areas and to affect views from neighboring
or 50 foot setback,
properties and preserving the no -net -loss
whichever is greater.
goals of the SMP. There are far less marine
Consider use of a stringline
vacant parcels according to the SMP
setback on marine
Cumulative Impact Analysis, so the use of
shorelines.
stringline provisions along the marine
shoreline may be more effective during re-
development scenarios rather than new
development.
Action:
19
City of Federal Way SMP Periodic Update
Gap Analysis Report
#
Issue
Relevant Location(s)1
Review & Action
Recommended:
At the City's discretion, the stringline
requirement can be added and can be used
if it is greater than the 50 -foot buffer from
marine shorelines to be consistent with all
shorelines of the state within City limits,
adjusting this provision under FWRC
15.05.080(5)(C). This provision assists with
preserving view impacts associated with
new construction along the shoreline.
7
Shoreline Exemption
Zoning Code:
Review:
Application submittal
. FWRC 15.05.070 Summary
The criteria requirements for a complete
requirements are unclear.
of Uses, approval criteria,
application to submit for a shoreline
and process, FWRC
exemption are not readily identified for
15.05.130 Shoreline
the single-family homeowner. While
Exemption, FWRC
prescribed in WAC 173-27-040, no
15.05.140 Application
checklist exists to identify whether a
Requirements.
project is exempt. Exemptions must also
demonstrate consistency with FWRC
15.05.070, specifically FWRC 15.05.070(5)
and FWRC 15.05.070(6) Permitted use
table and standards table respectively.
Action:
Recommended:
The City could provide application
requirements as a qualitative list for an
applicant to check off each WAC 173-27-
040 exemption requirement, the
applicable use listed (FWRC 15.05.070) and
provide the necessary documentation for
siting, design and dimensional
requirements (FWRC 15.05.070(6)). This
could be done through a separate checklist
provided by City staff. The City could also
codify scaled site plan requirements under
FWRC 15.05.130(2) to document the
proposal meets use, setback, vegetation
conservation area, height, footprint, and
specific design requirements per FWRC
15.05.070(6). (Note: City does not plan to
codify submittal requirements for
shoreline exemptions.)
Furthermore, providing a clear definition
The Watershed Company
March 2019
#
Issue
Relevant Location(s)1
Review & Action
of appurtenant structures for single family
accessory structures will reduce the
ambiguity when applying for an
exemption. An example is as follows,
"Appurtenance, residential" means an
improvement necessarily connected to the
use and enjoyment of a single-family
residence when located landward of the
OHWM, the perimeter of a wetland and
outside their corresponding required
buffers. Appurtenances may include, but
are not limited to, a garage, driveway,
utilities; water craft storage (upland),
swimming pools; hot tubs; shoreline
stabilization; retaining walls; fences; yards;
saunas; cabanas; antennas; decks;
walkways; and grading which does not
exceed 250 cubic yards and which does not
involve placement of fill in any wetland or
waterward of a marine or freshwater
OHWM. Appurtenances do not include
secondary sleeping areas and accessory
dwelling units, which undergo a separate
review and are considered exempt from the
shoreline substantial development permit.
The terms "appurtenant" and "accessory"
are synonymous.
8
Application Requirements.
Zoning Code:
Review:
It is unclear as to when is a
FWRC 15.05.140 Application
This requirement stems from whether a
Habitat Assessment
requirements.
shoreline project intersects with a WDFW-
necessary.
defined priority habitat species (PHS)
mapped location. The requirement for a
Habitat Assessment is specifically
identified under FWRC 15.05.140(10).
Action:
Recommended:
Development proposals which expand into
critical habitats, as identified by WDFW
PHS maps, should provide a Habitat
Assessment Plan. Therefore, under FWRC
15.05.140, complete application
requirements, subsection (10), consider
adding a reference to FWRC 19.142.060
21
City of Federal Way SMP Periodic Update
Gap Analysis Report
#
Issue
Relevant Location(s)l
Review & Action
which will subsequently reference WDFW
PHS mapping, and the applicable sections
of the Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Conservation Areas section of the critical
areas regulations (FWRC 19.145.260,
19.145.390, and 19.145.400), which refer
to actions which trigger a Habitat
Assessment study. The City should
ultimately confirm whether a Habitat
Assessment is needed, utilizing WDFW PHS
mapping as a SMP code -identified source.
9
Routing Application to
Zoning Code:
Review:
Ecology
FWRC 15.05.180 Final
Ecology reviews shoreline conditional use
It is unclear when a
approval of shoreline
and variance permit applications; these
shoreline decision is routed
permits.
should be forwarded within five days of
to Ecology.
the City's decision. As a best practice for
benefit of the applicant, it is beneficial to
route both shoreline conditional use and
shoreline variance applications to Ecology
for advance review so that they may
review during the notice of application
process.
Action:
Recommended:
Change wording to, 'notify and forward'
from 'notify' for routing the decision to
Ecology under FWRC 15.05.180(1). Routing
shoreline conditionals use and variance
applications for review can occur at notice
of application.
1This column attempts to capture the primary relevant location(s) of content related to the item described in
the Summary of Change column; however, due to length of the SMP, all relevant locations may not be listed.
In addition to the gaps provided by City staff under this section, the issue concerning
nonconforming structures in shoreline management areas was introduced. While methods exist
to trigger structure conformance, these changes must be weighed in -balance between property
owner rights and no -net loss of shoreline ecological functions.
One possible method includes setting an assessed value threshold for redevelopment, where
over a certain threshold, the entire structure shall conform with the current SMP. While the City
has chosen an approach of allowing hon -conforming structures to become legally conforming
(see page 7, Section 2: #19), structure redevelopment may give the City an opportunity to
The Watershed Company
March 2019
require current SMP regulations be met. Options for addressing nonconforming structures
within SMP jurisdiction will be discussed further as the City proceeds with its recommended
code amendments.
6. References
Ecology (Washington State Department of Ecology). July 2018. July 2018 Modifications for
Habitat Score Ranges. Modified from Wetland Guidance for CAO Updates: Western
Washington Version. Ecology Publication No. 16-06-001. Accessed November 2018.
https://fortress.wa. gov/ecy/12ubl icati ons/parts/160600112artl.12df
Ecology (Washington State Department of Ecology). June 2016. Wetland Guidance for CAO
Updates: Western Washington Version. Ecology Publication No. 16-06-001. Accessed
November 2018. https:Hfortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/documents/1606001.pdf
23
Sections:
Chapter 19.145
ENVIRONMENTALLY CRITICAL AREAS' -
Article I. Administrative
19.145.010 Purpose.
19.145.015 Administration.
19.145.020 Applicable provisions.
19.145.030 Jurisdiction.
19.145.040 Relationship to other regulations.
19.145.050 Liability. "-
� u
19.145.060 Unauthorized alterations and enforcement. ., $
19.145.070 Maps and inventories.
19.145.080 Critical area report.
19.145.090 Reasonable use of the subject prope y.
19.145.100
Bonds..
19.145.110
Exemptions.:
19.145.120
9 .,
Partial exemptions W
19.145.130
Mitigation sequencing.
19.145.140
Mitigation plan requirements.
19.145.150
Critical area tracts and designation on site plans.
19.145.160
Building setbacks.
19.145.170
Notice on title.
19.145.180
Critical area markers, signs, and fences.
19.145.190
Physical barriers.
19.145.200
Time limitation.
19.145.210
Other requirements.
Article 11. Geologically Hazardous Areas
19.145.220 Applicability and designation.
19.145.230 Landslide hazard areas protection measures.
Tv5619.145.240 Erosion and seismic hazard areas protection measures.
19.145.250 Additional report requirements —Geologically hazardous areas.
Federal Way Revised Code
Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
Article III. Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas
19.145.260 Applicability, designation, and classification.
19.145.270 Stream buffers.
19.145.280 Stream relocation.
19.145.290 Streambank stabilization.
19.145.300 Culverts. fi
19.145.310. Removal of streams from culverts.
t
19.145.320 Stream crossings.
19.145.330 Intrusion into stream buffers.
19.145.340 Requirements for clearing and grading.
19.145.350 Regulated lake buffers.
19.145.360 Development waterward of the ordinary high water mark of regulated lakes.
19.145.370 Development within regulated lake buffers.,
19.145.380 Regulated lake bulkheads.
19.145.390 Fish protection measures.
19.145.400 Endangered, threatened, and sensitive species protection measures.
Article IV. Wetlands
19.145.410
Wetland identification and delineation.
19.145.420
Wetland rating and buffers.
19.145.430
Development within wetlands.
19.145.440
Development within wetland buffers.
Article V. Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas
19.145.450 Designation.
19.145.460 Classification of capture zones.
19.145.470 General requirements.
19.145.480 Prohibited,development in six-month and one-year capture zones.
19.145.490 Development within critical aquifer recharge areas.
19.145.500 Capture zone protection measures.
19.145.510 Use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in critical aquifer recharge areas.
Article VI. Frequently Flooded Areas
19.145.520 Frequently flooded areas.
Page 2 of 44
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
Article 1. Administrative
19.145.010 Purpose.
.................................... .
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the environment, human life, and property from harm and degradation. This
is to be achieved by precluding or limiting development in areas where development poses serious or special
hazards; by preserving and protecting the quality of drinking water; and by preserving important ecological areas
such as steep slopes, streams, lakes and wetlands. The public purposes to be achieved by this chapter include
protection of water quality, groundwater recharge, stream flow maintenance, stability of slope areas, wildlife and
fisheries habitat maintenance, protection of human life and property and maintenance of natural stormwater storage
and filter systems.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 17,6-16-15; Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(10)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 04-468, § 3, 11-16-04; Ord.
No. 91-123, § 3(80.10), 12-17-91; Ord. No. 91-105, § 4(80.10), 8-20-91; Ord No. 90-43, § 2(80.10), 2-27-90. Code
2001 § 22-1221.) "-
441
19.145.015 Administration.
Except as otherwise established in this chapter, if a proposed development activity requires city approval, this
chapter will be implemented and enforced as part of that process.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 18, 6-16-15.)
19.145.020 Applicable provisions.
The provisions of this division apply throughout the city and must be complied with regardless of any other
conflicting provisions of this title. The provisions of this title that do not conflict with the provisions of this division
apply to the subject property.
(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(10)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 04-468, § 3,11-16-04; Ord. No. 91-123, § 3(80.15),12-17-
91; Ord. No. 91-105, § 4(80.15), 8-20-91; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(80.15), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1222.)
19.145.030 Jurisdiction.
................ _ _
(1) The city shall regulate all uses, activities, and development within critical areas and the corresponding buffers
and setbacks.
(2) Critical areas regulated by the city include the following areas and their corresponding buffers:
(a) Geologically hazardous areas;
(b) Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas;
(c) Wetlands;
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
(d) Critical aquifer recharge areas; and
(e) Frequently flooded areas.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 19,6-16-15; Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(10)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 04-468, § 3,11-16-04; Ord.
No. 99-353, § 3, 11-16-99; Ord. No. 91-123, § 3(80.20), 12-17-91; Ord. No. 91-105, § 4(80.20), 8-20-91; Ord. No.
90-43, § 2(80.20), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1223.)
19.145.040 Relationship to other regulations.
.......................................-....................................................................................................................
(1) Nothing in this chapter in any way limits, or may be construed to limit, the authority of the city under any other
applicable law, nor in any way decreases the responsibility of the applicant to comply with all other applicable local,
state and federal laws and regulations.
(2) These critical areas regulations shall apply as an overlay and in addition to zoning and other regulations adopted
by the city. "
(3) When any provision of this title or any existing regulation, easement, covenant, or deed restriction conflicts with
regulations in this chapter, the regulations that provide greater protection to the critical areas shall apply.
(4) Compliance with the provisions of this chapter does not constitute compliance with other federal, state, and local
regulations and permit requirements that may be required. The applicant is responsible for complying with these
requirements, apart from the process established in this chapter.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 20,6-16-15; Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(10)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 04-468, § 3, 11-16-04; Ord.
No. 91-123, § 3(80.25), 12-17-91; Ord. No. 91-105, § 4(80.25), 8-20-91; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(80.25), 2-27-90. Code
2001 § 22-1224.)
19.145.050 Liability.
.......... ....................... ...................... ........... ..................... ................................... ............... ............................... ............................ --- ...........
(1) The city is not liable for any damage resulting from development activities within critical areas. Prior to issuance
of any building permit or other permit by the building official, use process, or subdivision approval, the applicant
may be required to enter into an agreement with the city, in a form acceptable to the city attorney, releasing and
indemnifying the city from and for any damage or liability resulting from any development activity on the subject
property that is related to the physical condition of the critical area. This agreement shall be recorded with the King
County recorder's office at the applicant's expense and shall run with the property.
(2) The city may also require the applicant to obtain insurance coverage for damage to city or private property
and/or city liability related to any such development activity.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 21, 6-16-15; Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(10)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 04-468, § 3, 11-16-04; Ord. No. 91-123,
§ 3(80.55),12-17-91; Ord. No. 91-105, § 4(80.55), 8-20-91; Ord. No. 9043, § 2(80.55), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1225.)
Page 4 of 44
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
19.145.060 Unauthorized alterations and enforcement.
........................................................._......................_............._ _ _ __.._._. ___............................. _.................................._....__............................... ........... ..............._................ ....__...............
...._..............
(1) When a critical area or its buffer has been altered in violation of this chapter, all ongoing development work shall
stop and the critical area shall be restored. The city shall have the authority to issue a stop work order to cease all
ongoing development work, and order restoration, rehabilitation, or replacement measures at the owner's or
violator's expense to compensate for violation of provisions of this chapter.
(2) Restoration plan. All development work shall remain stopped until a restoration plan is prepared at the expense of
the owner or violator and approved by the city. The plan shall be prepared by a qualified professional using the best
available science and shall describe how the actions proposed meet the minimum requirements described in subsections
(2)(a) and (b) of this section. The director may, at the owner or violator's expense, seek expert advice in determining
the adequacy of the plan. Inadequate plans shall be returned to the owner or violator for revision and resubmittal.
(a) For alterations to critical aquifer recharge areas, frequently flooded areas wei$lands, and fish and
wildlife habitat conservation areas, the following minimum performance standards shall be met for the
restoration of a critical area:
(i) The historic structural and functional values shall be restored, including water quality and habitat
functions;
(ii) The historic soil types and confir Ibe replicated;
(iii) The critical area and buffers shall be replanted with native vegetation that replicates the vegetation
historically found on the site in species types, sizes, and densities. The historic functions and values
should be replicated at the location of the alteration; and
(iv) Information demonstrating compliance with FWRC 19.145.140 (Mitigation plan requirements)
shall be submitted to the director.
(b) For alterations to frequently flooded areas and geologically hazardous areas, the following minimum
performance standards shall be met for the restoration of critical area:
(i) The hazard shall be reduced to a level equal to, or less than, the predevelopment hazard;
(ii) Any risk of personal injury resulting from the alteration shall be eliminated or minimized; and
(iii) The hazard area and buffers shall be replanted with native vegetation sufficient to minimize the hazard.
(3) Minimum performance standards identified in subsections (2)(a) and (b) of this section may be modified if the
owner or violator can demonstrate that greater functional and habitat values can be obtained.
(4) Site investigations. Site investigations necessary to enforce this chapter are authorized pursuant to FWRC 7.03.070.
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
(5) Penalties. Any development carried out contrary to the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a public nuisance
and be subject to provisions of Chapter 7.03 FWRC.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.070 Maps and inventories.
.......
(1) Critical areas maps and inventories generally designate the location of critical areas within the city and are
adopted by reference.
(2) Area -wide inventories and documents identifying critical areas may not identify all critical areas designated
under this chapter. The provisions of this chapter will apply to all designated critical areas located within the city,
including those critical areas not identified on a map or inventory. Whenever there is evidence of a critical area
located within or in proximity to a nonexempt action, the director may require a critical area report to determine the
extent to which such critical area may exist.
(3) Critical area maps and inventories are to be used for planning level purposes only and the actual
presence/absence, type, extent, and boundaries of critical areas shall be identified in the field by a qualified
professional according to the procedures and criteria established in this chapter. In the event of any conflict between
the critical area location and designation shown on the city's map and the criteria or standards of this chapter, the
criteria and standards shall prevail. Ao
(4) The following maps and inventories, as anic a used for identifying possible critical areas and their buffers:
(a) Federal Way critical a"sii t
(b) Lakehaven Utijiy Distriet eam�ene Washington State Department of Health Source Water map;
(c) Federal Way final wetland inventory report prepared by Sheldon and Associates, Inc., July 19, 1999;
(d) Preliminary stream inventory, Federal Way gap analysis, November 29, 2001;
(e) Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife priority habitat and species maps; and
(f) Additional state and federal maps and inventories may be used if necessary.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.080 Critical area
(1) Unless waived or modified by the director in accordance with subsection (4) of this section, an applicant
proposing activities where impacts or alteration of a critical area or its associated buffer and/or setback shall submit
a critical areas report that adequately evaluates the proposal and probable impacts.
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
(2) The critical area report shall be prepared by a qualified professional, incorporate best available science, and
include the following items:
(a) The name and contact information of the applicant, a description of the proposal, and identification of
the type of approval (use process, subdivision, building permit) requested;
(b) Vicinity map;
(c) The dates, names, and qualifications of the persons preparing the report and documentation of any
reconnaissance on site;
(d) A scaled site plan depicting critical areas, buffers, setbacks, and proposed improvements;
(e) Photographs of the site and critical areas;
(f) Identification and characterization of all critical areas adjacent to the proposed improvements;
(g) A description of efforts made to apply mitigation sequencing pursuant to FWRC 19.145.130 to avoid,
minimize, and mitigate impacts to critical areas;
(h) A copy of the Joint Aquatic Resource Permit Application (DARPA) if applicable;
(i) Additional information required for the individual critical area; and
6) Any additional information determined by the director to adequately review the proposed activity.
(3) Critical area reports may be reviewed by the city's third party consultant at the applicant's expense.
(4) The critical area report may be waived or modified if the director determines:
(a) There will be no alteration of the critical area or buffer; or
(b) The applicant cannot obtain permission to access off-site critical areas or buffers.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
v4k,
19.145.090 Reasonable .use of the subject..Property..r......................................................................_..................................................................................................
(1) The provisions of this section establish a mechanism whereby the provisions of this chapter may be modified or
waived on a case-by-case basis if their implementation would deprive an applicant of all reasonable use of the
subject property.
(2) An applicant may apply for a modification or waiver of the provisions of this chapter using process IV; except,
that applications for projects on single-family residential lots may use process III.
Page 7 of 44
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
(3) The city may approve a modification or waiver of the requirements of this chapter on a case-by-case basis based
on the following criteria:
(a) The application of the provisions of this chapter eliminates all reasonable use of the subject property;
(b) No feasible and reasonable on-site alternatives to the proposal are possible, such as changes to site
layout and/or reduction of impervious improvements;
(c) It is solely the implementation of this chapter, and not other factors, that preclude allrea axe "dof
the subject property;
(d) The applicant has in no way created or exacerbated the condition that forms the limitation on the use of
the subject property, nor in any way contributed to such limitation; and
(e) The waiver or modification will not lead to, create nor significantly increase the risk of injury or death
to any person or damage to improvements on or off the subject property.
(4) If the city grants a request under this section, it shall grant the minimum necessary to provide the applicant with
some reasonable use of the subject property, considering the factors described in subsections (3)(a) through (e) of
this section. Any approval or waiver of requirements shall result in the minimum possible impacts to the function
and values and/or risks associated with proposed improvements on affected critical areas. The city may impose
limitations, mitigation under an approved mitigation plan, conditions and/or restrictions it considers appropriate to
reduce or eliminate any undesirable effects or adverse impacts of granting a request under this section.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.100 Bonds.
.......................... .........
The city may require a bond under Chapter 19.25 FWRC to ensure compliance with any aspect of this chapter.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.110 Exemptions.
................................... .
The following activities and developments are exempt from the provisions of this chapter. All exempted activities
shall use reasonable methods to avoid potential impacts to critical areas. An exemption from this chapter is not an
endorsement to degrade a critical area; ignore risk from natural hazards; or otherwise limit the ability of the director
to identify and abate such actions that may cause degradation to a critical area.
(1) Activities and development in response to emergencies that, in the opinion of the director, threaten public health,
safety or welfare; or that pose an immediate risk of damage to property and that require remedial or preventative
action in a timeframe too short to allow for compliance with the requirements of this chapter. In the event a person
Page 8 of 44
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
determines that the need to take emergency action is so urgent that there is insufficient time for review by the
department, such emergency action may be taken immediately. The person undertaking such action shall notify the
department within one working day of the commencement of the emergency activity. The director will determine
what, if any, mitigation shall be required to protect health, safety, welfare, and environment and to repair any
resource damage.
(2) Operation, maintenance, or repair of existing public improvements, utilities, public or private roads, parks, trails,
or drainage systems if the activity does not further alter or increase impact to, or encroach further within, the critical
area or buffer and there is no increased risk to life or property as a result of the proposed operation, maintenance, or
repair, and no new clearing of native vegetation beyond routine pruning.
(3) Development involving or near artificially created wetlands or streams intentionally created from non -wetland
sites, including but not limited to grass -lined swales, irrigation and drainage ditches, detention facilities, and
landscape features, except wetlands, streams, or swales created as mitigation or that provide habitat for salmonids.
(4) Normal maintenance and repair, reconstruction or remodeling, and additions to existing structures that do not
increase the previously approved building footprint. 1
(5) Development within the footprint of existing paved surfaces that were previously approved.
(6) Recreation, education, and scientific research activities that do not require grading or placement of structures.
,;
(7) Removal by hand of invasive and noxious vegetation. Removal by hand does not, include using mechanical
equipment or the use of herbicides.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.
19.145.120 Partial exemptions.
............ ... __ _ ..................
The following activities are partial exemptions to the provisions of this chapter and require written approval from
the director:
(1) Essential public facilities, public utilities and other public improvements. The director may permit the placement
of an essential public facility, public utility or other public improvements in a critical area if no practical alternative
with less impact on the critical area(s) exists. The specific location and extent of the intrusion into the critical area
must constitute the minimum necessary encroachment to meet the requirements of the public facility or utility and
not pose an unreasonable threat to the health, safety, or welfare on or off the subject property. The intrusion shall
attempt to protect and mitigate impacts to the critical area function and values. The "public utility and other public
improvements" shall not include improvements whose primary purpose is to benefit a private development,
including without limitation interior roads or privately owned detention facilities installed within or during the
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
construction of a residential subdivision, binding site plan, or other commercial development. The director may
require supporting documentation to demonstrate compliance with partial exemptions. -
(2) Site reconnaissance necessary for preparing land use or building permit applications. Any disturbance of the
critical area shall be the minimum necessary to conduct the site reconnaissance and the area shall be restored to its
previous condition immediately.
(3) Normal maintenance and continuation of existing landscaping and gardens that were legally established prior to
city incorporation. This partial exemption shall be documented by photographs, statements, and/or other evidence
provided by the applicant.
(4) Demolition of structures. The applicant shall submit a temporary erosion and sedimentation control plan and
apply for applicable demolition permit(s).
(5) Restoration and enhancement that does not alter the location, dimensions, or size of the critical area or buffer and
does not reduce the existing quality or functions of the critical area or buffer. The applicant shall submit a
restoration and/or enhancement plan prepared by a qualified professional or as determined by the director.
(6) Removal of invasive and noxious vegetation with mechanized equipment and/or with the use of herbicides.
(7) Vegetation maintenance such as hazard tree removal, removal of nuisance vegetation, and limited pruning for
view preservation. The applicant shall submit a vegetation maintenance plan prepared by a certified arborist or
registered landscape architect that includes the following:
(a) A site plan at appropriate scale denoting the extent of the proposed vegetation maintenance activity;
(b) Tree and vegetation location, type, and caliper of each tree within the area subject to the proposed
vegetation maintenance activity;
(c) Identification of methods of vegetation maintenance (limited to hand tools and hand powered tools); and
(d) Proposed tree and/or vegetation replacement shown on the site plan.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.130-1.- Miti.ation.se9uencin.9..................................................... ...................................................................................
............................................................................................
Applicants shall demonstrate that all reasonable efforts have been examined with the intent to avoid and minimize
impacts to critical areas. When alteration to a critical area is proposed, such alteration shall be avoided, minimized,
or compensated in the following order of preference:
(1) Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action;
Page 10 of 44
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
(2) Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation, by using
appropriate technology or by taking affirmative steps, such as project redesign, relocation, or timing, to avoid or
reduce impacts;
(3) Rectifying the impact to the critical area by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment to the
conditions existing at the time of the initiation of the project;
(4) Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the
action;
*� r
(5) Compensating for the impact by replacing, enhancing, or providing substitute resources or environments; and
(6) Monitoring the hazard or other required mitigation and taking remedial action wl�Rssary.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.140 Mitigation plan requirements.
........................................................................................................
When mitigation is required, the applicant shall submit for approval by the city a mitigation plan as a component of
the critical area report. The mitigation plan shall include the following as determined to be applicable by the director:
(1) Existing conditions and proposed impacts. A description of existing critical area and/or buffer conditions,
functions, and values and a description of the anticipated impacts;
(2) Proposed mitigation. A description of the proposed mitigation actions and mitigation site selection criteria;
(3) Environmental goals and objectives. A description of the goals and objectives of proposed mitigation. The goals
and objectives shall be related to the function and values of the impacted critical area and provide an analysis of the
likelihood of success of the compensation project;
(4) Best available science. A review of the best available science supporting the proposed mitigation and a
description of the report author's experience to date in restoring or creating the type of critical area proposed;
(5) Performance standards. A description of specific measurable criteria for evaluating whether the goals and
objectives of the mitigation project have been successfully attained and whether the requirements of this chapter
have been met;
(6) Timing. Mitigation shall be completed concurrently with project construction, unless a phased schedule that
assures completion has been approved by the director;
(7) Detailed construction plans. Detailed site diagrams, scaled cross-sectional drawings, topographic maps with
slope percentage and final grade elevations, and any other drawing appropriate to show construction techniques or
anticipated final outcome. The plans shall include specifications and descriptions of the following:
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
(a) Proposed construction sequence, timing, and duration;
(b) Grading and excavation details;
(c) Erosion and sediment control features;
(d) Planting plan specifying plant species, quantities, locations, size, spacing, and density; and
(e) Measures to protect and maintain plants until established;
(8) Monitoring program. The mitigation plan shall include a program for monitoring construction of the
compensation project and for assessing a completed project. A protocol shall be included outlining the schedule for
site monitoring and how the monitoring data will be evaluated to determine if the performance standards are being
met. A monitoring report shall be submitted as needed to document milestones, success, problems, and contingency
actions of the compensation project. The monitoring period shall be five years.,The director may require a greater or
4
lesser monitoring period depending on the overall scope of mitigation;
(9) Contingency plan. The mitigation plan shall include identification of potential courses of action, and any corrective
measures to be taken if monitoring or evaluation indicates project performance standards are not being met; and
(10) Financial guarantees. The mitigation plan shall include financial guarantees, if necessary, to ensure that the
mitigation plan is fully implemented. Financial guarantees ensuring fulfillment of the compensation project,
monitoring program, and any contingency measures shall be posted in accordance with Chapter 19.25 FWRC.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.) 1, t:
19.145.150 Critical area tracts and designation on site..plans............................................................................:.........................................................................
................................................................................ . .... .
(1) Critical area tracts shall be used to delineate and protect critical areas and buffers for subdivision, short
subdivision, or binding site plan proposals. The tracts shall also be recorded on all documents of title of record for
the affected lots. The following critical areas are subject to this section:
(a) All landslide hazard areas and buffers, except those subdivisions utilizing lot size averaging methods
pursuant to FWRC 19.120.110;
(b) All wetlands and buffers; and
(c) All fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas and buffers.
(2) Critical area tracts shall be designated on the plat. A plat note shall include the following restriction:
Native preservation shall be preserved for the purpose of preventing harm to property and the
environment, including but not limited to, controlling surface water runoff and erosion,
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
maintaining slope stability, buffering, and protecting plants, fish, and animal habitat. Removal or
disturbance vegetation and landscaping within the tract is prohibited, except as necessary for
maintenance or replacement with approval by the City of Federal Way.
(3) The city may require that any required critical area tract be dedicated to the city; held in an undivided interest by
each property owner within the development with the ownership interest passing with the ownership of the lot; or
held by an incorporated homeowners' association or other legal entity that ensures the ownership, maintenance, and
protection of the tract.
(4) Site plans submitted as part of development proposals use processes I through V and building permits shall
include and delineate all critical areas with their associated buffers and building setbacks. Site plans shall be
attached to the notice on title required by FWRC 19.145.170.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.160 Building setbacks.
Unless otherwise provided, structures shall be set back a distance of five feet from the edges of a critical area buffer.
The following may be allowed in the building setback area:
(1) Landscaping;
(2) Building overhangs; and
(3) Fences and railings six feet and less in height.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.170 Notice on title.
...
.....................................-...................... _
The owner of any property containing critical areas or buffers on which a development proposal is submitted or any
property on which mitigation is established as a result of development, except a public right-of-way or the site of a
permanent public facility, shall file a notice approved by the city with the King County recorder's office. The
required contents and form of the notice shall be determined by the director. The notice shall inform the public of
the presence of critical areas, buffers or mitigation sites on the property, and that limitations on actions in or
affecting such critical areas or buffers may exist. The notice shall run with the land.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.180 Critical area markers, signs, and fences.
..........................................................................................................................................
(1) Markers. Permanent survey stakes delineating the boundary between adjoining property and critical area tracts
shall be set, using markers capable of being magnetically located and as established by current survey standards.
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
(2) Signs. Development proposals approved by the city shall require that the boundary between a critical area buffer
and contiguous land shall be identified with permanent signs. Permanent signs shall be a city -approved type
designed for high durability. Signs must be posted at an interval of one per lot or every 150 feet, whichever is less,
and must be maintained by the property owner or homeowners' association in perpetuity. The wording, number and
placement of the signs may be modified by the director based on specific site conditions.
(3) Fencing. Permanent fencing shall be required at the outer edge of the critical area buffer under the following
circumstances:
(a) As part of any development proposal for:
(i) Plats;
(ii) Short plats;
(iii) Parks;
(iv) Other development proposals, including but not limited to multifamily, mixed use, and commercial
development where the director determines that such fencing is necessary to protect the functions of
the critical area;
(b) When buffer reductions are employed as part of a development proposal;
(c) When buffer averaging is employed as part of a development proposal; and
(d) At the director's discretion to protect the values and functions of a critical area.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.).
19.145.190.Physical barriers.
..............................
The applicant shall install a berm, curb, or other physical barrier during construction to prevent direct runoff and
erosion from any disturbed area onto or into a critical area. If necessary, the applicant shall install a berm, curb, or
other physical barrier following completion of development of the subject property to prevent direct runoff and
erosion from any disturbed area onto or into a critical area.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.200 Time limitation.
The city may limit development activities that involve any clearing and grading to specific months of the year and to
a maximum number of continuous days or hours in order to minimize adverse impacts.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
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.19.4.4.5.449. Other requirements.
The city may require other construction techniques, conditions, and restrictions on development in order to minimize
adverse impacts on critical areas.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
Article 11. Geologically Hazardous Areas
19.145.220 Applicability and. designation.
(1) This article regulates development activities on or within 50 feet of a geologically hazardous area.
(2) Geologically hazardous areas include areas susceptible to erosion, land sliding, seismic, or other geological events.
Areas susceptible to one or more of the following types of hazards shall be designated as geologically hazardous areas:
(a) Landslide hazard;
(b) Erosion hazard; and
(c) Seismic hazard.
(3) The director may permit development activities on or within 50 feet of a geologically hazardous area if the
development will not be at risk of damage due to the geologic hazard and will not lead to or create any increased
slide, seismic or erosion hazard.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.230 Landslide hazard areas protection measures.
..................................................................
(1) Landslide hazard areas shall have a standard buffer of 50 feet.
(2) Landslide hazard area buffers shall be measured from the top and toe, and along the sides of the slope.
(3) The width of the buffer shall reflect the sensitivity of the landslide hazard area and the types and density of uses
proposed on or adjacent to the hazard. In determining the appropriate buffer width, the director shall consider the
recommendations contained in the critical areas report.
(4) Buffers and setbacks may be reduced or improvements may be located in a landslide hazard area when a
qualified professional demonstrates to the director's satisfaction that the improvements will not lead to or create any
increased slide hazard or be at risk of damage by the landslide hazard.
(5) The buffer may be increased where the director determines a larger buffer is necessary to prevent risk of damage
to proposed and existing improvements.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
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19.145.240 Erosion and seismic hazard areas protection measures.
.................................................................................................................. ................................. ......
(1) Erosion hazard areas and seismic hazard areas do not contain standard buffers.
(2) All proposed improvements within an erosion hazard area or seismic hazard area shall follow the
recommendations within the critical area report to ensure the improvements will not adversely affect geologic
hazards and the improvements are at minimal risk by the geologic hazard as stated by a geotechnical engineer or
engineering geologist licensed in the state, as designed under anticipated conditions.
(3) Proposed improvements within an erosion hazard area shall also demonstrate all of the fol wi " vi4thecritical
area report:
(a) The improvement will not increase surface water discharge or sedimentation to ent properties
and/or stormwater systems beyond predevelopment conditions;
(b) The improvement will not decrease slope stability on adjacent properties; and
(c) The improvement will not adversely impact other critical areas.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.250 Additional report requirements — Geologically hazardous areas.
.........
(1) Before approving any development under this article, the city may require the applicant to submit the following
information in addition to the critical areas report:
(a) A geotechnical report prepared by a geotechnical engineer or engineering geologist licensed in the state
that describes how the proposed development will impact or be impacted by each of the following on the
subject property and nearby properties:
(i) Slope stability, landslide hazard, and sloughing;
(ii) Seismic hazards;
(iii) Groundwater;
°N6 (iv) Seeps, springs and other surface waters; and
(v) Existing vegetation.
(b) A site plan, in two -foot contours, that identifies the type and extent of geologically hazardous areas on
site and off site that are likely to impact or be impacted by the proposal.
(c) Recommended foundation design and optimal location for roadway improvements.
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
(d) Recommended methods for mitigating identified impacts and a description of how these mitigating
measures may impact adjacent properties.
(e) Any other information the city determines is reasonably necessary to evaluate the proposal.
(2) If the city approves any development under this section, it may, among other appropriate conditions, impose the
following conditions of approval:
(a) The recommendations of the geotechnical report are followed;
(b) A geotechnical engineer or engineering geologist be present on site during all development activities.
As an alternative, the city may require minimal site visits by the geotechnical engineer or engineering
geologist to establish proper methods, techniques and adherence to plan drawings;
(c) Trees, shrubs and groundcover are retained except where necessary for approved development activities
on the subject property;
(d) Additional vegetation is planted in disturbed areas; and
(e) Submit a letter by the geotechnical engineer or engineering geologist stating that they have reviewed the
project plan drawings and in their opinion the plans and specifications meet the intent of the geotechnical
report.
(Ord: No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
Article 111. Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas
19.14..... Applicability, designation, and classification.
._..................................................................................... ...................... _..........
(1) This article regulates development in fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas ("FWHCA") and their associated
buffers. FWHCAs in the city include subsections (2) through (6) of this section. All areas within the city meeting one
or more of these criteria, regardless of any formal identification, are hereby designated critical areas and are subject
to the provisions of this chapter and shall be managed consistent with best available science, such as the Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife's Management Recommendations for Priority Habitats and Species.
(2) Streams. Streams shall be classified in accordance with the Washington Department of Natural Resources water
typing system (WAC 222-16-030), which is hereby adopted in its entirety by reference and summarized as follows:
(a) Type S: streams inventoried as "shorelines of the state" under Chapter 90.58 RCW and the rules
promulgated pursuant to Chapter 90.58 RCW;
(b) Type F: streams that contain fish habitat;
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(c) Type Np: perennial non -fish habitat streams; and
(d) Type Ns: seasonal non -fish habitat streams.
(3) Regulated lakes. Those lakes that are less than 20 acres in size and not regulated as shorelines of the state.
(4) Areas with state or federally designated endangered, threatened, and sensitive species have a primary association.
(a) Federally designated endangered and threatened species are those fish and wildlife species identified by
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the NOAA Fisheries that are in danger of extinction or threatened to
become endangered. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service should
be consulted for current listing status.
(b) State -designated endangered, threatened, and sensitive species are those fish and wildlife species native
to the state of Washington identified by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife that are in danger
of extinction, threatened to become endangered, vulnerable, or declining and are likely to become
endangered or threatened in a significant portion of their range within the state without cooperative
management or removal of threats. State -designated endangered, threatened, and sensitive species are
periodically recorded in WAC 232-12-014 (state endangered species) and WAC 232-12-011 (state
threatened and sensitive species). The State Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains the most current
listing and should be consulted for current listing status.
,,
(5) State priority habitats and areas associated with state priority species. Priority habitats and species are
considered to be priorities for conservation and management. Priority species require protective measures for their
perpetuation due to their population status, sensitivity to habitat alteration, and/or recreational, commercial, or tribal
importance. Priority habitats are those habitat types or elements with unique or significant value to a diverse
assemblage of species. A priority habitat may consist of a unique vegetation type or dominant plant species, a
described successional stage, or a specific structural element. Priority habitats and species are identified by the State
Department of Fish and Wildlife.
(6) Habitats and species of local importance. Habitats and species of local importance are those identified by the
city of Federal Way, including but not limited to those habitats and species that, due to their population status or
sensitivity to habitat manipulation, warrant protection. Habitats may include a seasonal range or habitat element
where a species has a primary association, and, if altered, may reduce the likelihood that the species will maintain
and reproduce over the long term.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.270 Stream buffers.
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(1) No development may take place within a stream or within the following buffer areas except as allowed within
this chapter. Buffer widths shall be measured outward on a horizontal plane from the ordinary high water mark or
top of bank if the ordinary high water mark cannot be identified:
(a) Type F stream —100 feet.
(b) Type Np stream — 50 feet.
(c) Type Ns stream — 35 feet.
(2) The buffer areas established by this section do not apply to any segment of a stream that is presently within a
culvert, unless that stream will be taken out of the culvert as part of development of the subject property.
(3) Trails. The director may provide written approval for passive pedestrian recreation facilities designed in
accordance with an approved critical area report and the following standards:
(a) Trails are composed of pervious surfaces no more than five feet in width. Raised boardwalks and
wildlife viewing structures composed of nontreated pilings may also be considered;
(b) Trails are generally located within the outer 25 percent of the buffer; and
(c) Trails shall avoid the removal of mature trees.
(4) Permanently altered buffer. The director may provide written approval for a buffer reduction when existing
conditions are such that portions of the required buffer exist in a permanently altered state (e.g., roadways, paved
parking lots, and permanent structures) and do not provide any buffer function. The buffer may be reduced up to the
area where the altered conditions exist.
(5) The director may require increased buffer widths that are necessary to protect habitat, health, safety, and welfare
on site specific areas as follows:
(a) When the director determines that the buffer width is insufficient to prevent habitat degradation;
(b) When a channel migration zone is present. The stream buffer width shall be measured from the outer
edge of the channel migration zone; or
(c) When the stream buffer area is within an erosion or landslide hazard area.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.280 Stream relocation.
(1) Relocation of a stream will be permitted only as part of a public project for which an essential public facility,
public utilities, or other public improvements have been granted a partial exemption from the director or if the
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relocation is associated with compensatory mitigation or restoration project. Any proposed relocation is subject to
all of the conditions and restrictions of this section.
(2) As part of any request under this section, the applicant must submit a stream relocation plan with the critical
areas report that shows the following:
(a) The creation of a natural meander pattern;
(b) The formation of gentle side slopes, at least two feet horizontally to one foot vertically, and the
installation of erosion control features for stream side slopes;
(c) The creation of a narrow sub -channel, where feasible, against the south or west bank;
(d) The utilization of natural materials, wherever possible; ;"
(e) The use of vegetation normally associated with streams, including primarily native riparian vegetation;
(f) The creation of spawning and nesting areas, wherever appropriate;
(g) The re-establishment of the fish population, wherever feasible;
(h) The restoration of water flow characteristics compatible with fish habitat areas, wherever feasible;
(i) The filling and revegetation of the prior channel; and
0) A proposed phasing plan specifying time of year for all project phases.
(3) The city will allow a stream to be relocated only if water quality, habitat and stormwater retention capability of
the streams will be the equivalent or improved by the relocation. Convenience to the applicant in order to facilitate
general site design shall not be considered.
(4) Prior to diverting water into the new channel, a qualified professional shall inspect the new channel following its
completion and issue a written report to the director stating that the channel complies with the requirements of this
section. �'.-
(5) The amount of flow and velocity of the stream may not be increased or decreased as the stream enters or leaves
the subject property.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.290 Streambank stabilization.
................................................................_...................... .................................. ................ .......
(1) Streambank stabilization may not be located in or along a stream except as established in this section.
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
(2) A request for streambank stabilization in or along the stream will be reviewed and decided upon using process III
in Chapter 19.65 FWRC.
(3) A request to install streambank stabilization in or along the stream will only be granted if the naturally occurring
movement threatens existing improvements, unique natural resources, or the only feasible access to the subject
property.
(4) Streambank stabilization shall be achieved through bioengineering or soft armoring techniques in accordance
with an approved critical area report.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.300 Culverts.
(1) Culverts are permitted in streams only if approved under this section. This section applies to culverts not
associated with a stream crossing that is regulated under FWRC 19.145 32Q
�1
(2) The city will review and decide upon applications under this section using process IV in Chapter 19.70 FWRC.
Responses to decisional criteria and design requirements within this section shall be included in the critical areas report.
(3) The city will allow a stream to be put in a culvert only if..
(a) Mitigation habitat is equivalent or improved from the preexisting condition; and
(b) It is necessary for some reasonable use of the subject property. Convenience to the applicant in order to
facilitate general site design will not be considered. The applicant must demonstrate, by submitting
alternative site plans showing the stream in an open condition, that no other reasonable site design exists.
(4) The culvert must be designed and installed consistent with the requirements of the Washington Department of
Fish and Wildlife (WDFW, 2013, Water Crossing Design Guidelines, as amended). The culvert must be large
enough to accommodate a 100 -year storm.
(5) The applicant shall, at all times, keep all culverts on the subject property free of debris so as to allow free
passage of water and, if applicable, fish. The city may require a bond under Chapter 19.25 FWRC to ensure
maintenance of the culvert approved under this section.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.310 Removal of streams from culverts.
If development of the subject property requires city approval, the city may require the stream to be taken out of the
culvert and restored to a natural -like configuration as part of the city's approval of development of the subject property.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
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19.145.320 Stream
(1) Stream crossings will be reviewed and decided upon using process III in Chapter 19.65 FWRC. Responses to
decisional criteria and design requirements in this section shall be included in the critical areas report.
(2) The use of existing crossings across streams or buffers is preferred to new crossings. New stream crossings may
be allowed and may encroach on the required stream buffer if:
'
(a) Bridges, stream simulation culverts, or other appropriate methods demonstrated to provide fisheries
protection shall be used for stream crossings and the applicant shall demonstrate that such methods and
their implementation will pose no harm to the stream habitat or inhibit migration of fish;
A.-
(b) All crossings are constructed during the summer low flow and are timed to avoid stream disturbance
during periods when use is critical to salmonids, if present;
(c) Crossings do not occur over spawning areas used by salmoni&uri(ess,1b city determines that no other
possible crossing site exists;
(d) Bridge piers or abutments are not placed within the ordinary high water mark;
(e) Crossings do not diminish the flood -carrying capacity of the stream;
(f) Crossings are consistent with design requirements of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
(WDFW, 2013, Water Crossing Design Guidelines, as amended);
(g) Underground utility crossings are laterally drilled and located at a depth of four feet below the
maximum depth of scour for the base flood predicted by a civil engineer licensed in the state of
Washington. Temporary bore pits to perform such crossings may be permitted within the stream buffer
established n this chapter; t
(h) The number of crossings is minimized and consolidated to serve multiple purposes and properties
whenever possible;
(i) Disturbances to the stream buffer are adequately compensated by a stream buffer enhancement plan; and
0) No reasonable alternative exists to access the subject property.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.330 Intrusion into stream buffers.
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(1) A request for an intrusion into a stream buffer will be reviewed and decided upon using process III in Chapter
19.65 FWRC. Responses to decisional criteria and design requirements in this section shall be included in the
critical areas report.
(2) Stream buffer intrusions may be permitted with a buffer enhancement plan. The applicant shall demonstrate that
the remaining and enhanced reduced buffer will function at an equivalent or higher level than the standard buffer.
The plan shall provide an assessment of the following existing functions and conditions of the buffer and the effects
of the proposed modification on those functions:
(a) Habitat;
„.i
(b) Water quality;
(c) Stormwater'retention capabilities;
(d) Groundwater recharge; and
(e) Erosion protection.
(3) The city may approve a stream buffer intrusion based on the following criteria:
(a) It will not adversely affect water quality;
(b) It will not adversely affect the existing quality of wildlife habitat within the stream or buffer area;
(c) It will not adversely affect drainage or stormwater retention capabilities;
(d) It will not lead to unstable earth conditions nor create erosion hazards;
(e) It will not be materially detrimental to any other property in the area of the subject property nor to the
city as a whole; and
(f) It is necessary for reasonable development of the subject property.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.340 Requirements for clearing and grading.
_.,
Any permitted clearing and grading activities within a stream or stream buffer area shall also comply with following
requirements of this section.
(1) Grading is allowed only during the dry season (May 1st to October 1st). The director may extend or shorten the
dry season on a case-by-case basis, determined on actual weather conditions.
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(2) The soil duff layer shall remain undisturbed to the maximum extent possible. Where feasible, any soil disturbed
shall be redistributed to other areas of the project area.
(3) The moisture -holding capacity of the topsoil layer shall be maintained by minimizing soil compaction or
reestablishing natural soil structure and infiltrative capacity on all areas of the project area not covered by
impervious surfaces.
(4) Erosion and sediment control that meets requirements of. FWRC Title 16.
G P
(5) All fill material used must be nondissolving and nondecomposing. The fill material must nit cahofti.,oltanic or
inorganic material that would be detrimental to water quality or the existing habitat.
(6) The applicant may deposit dredge spoils on the subject property only if part of an approved development on the
subject property.
(7) The applicant shall stabilize all areas left exposed after clearing and grading activities with native vegetation
normally associated with the stream or buffer area.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.350 Regulated lake buffers.
............................................................ .... ...... ..............
(1) No development may take place within regulated lakes or within buffer areas from regulated lakes except as
allowed in this chapter. �`
(2) All areas landward 25 feet in every direction from the ordinary high water mark of a regulated lake are within the
buffer area from a regulated lake. k
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, -16-15.)
19.145.360 Development waterward of the ordinary 11high water mark of regulated lakes
............................ .......... ..
This section regulates structures, improvements and activities waterward of the ordinary high water mark of
regulated lakes. Responses to decisional criteria and design requirements within this section shall be included in the
critical areas report.
(1) Dredging and filling. Dredging activities necessary to prevent eutrophication may be authorized by the director
with a critical areas report that demonstrates the appropriate need and method of dredging.
(2) Structures and improvements. The only structures or improvements that may be located waterward of the
ordinary high water mark of a regulated lake are moorage structures. The city will review and decide upon any
proposal for a moorage structure waterward of the ordinary high water mark using process III in Chapter 19.65
FWRC. The city may grant a request under this section if the moorage structure is accessory to a dwelling unit or
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public park on the subject property and no significant habitat area will be damaged by its construction or use. A
moorage structure, if permitted, may not extend waterward further than is reasonably necessary to function properly,
but in no event more than 200 feet waterward of the ordinary high water mark. Moorage structures may not be
treated with creosote, oil base or other toxic substances. The top of the moorage structure may not be more than two
feet above the elevation of the ordinary high water mark.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.370 Development within regulated lake buffers.
............................................................................
No development may be located or take place within the buffer area from a regulated lake except as allowed in this
section. Responses to decisional criteria and design requirements within this section shall be included in the critical
areas report.
(1) Landscaping and clearing and grading. Except as otherwise specifically permitted in this section, the buffer area
from a regulated lake may not be covered with an impervious surface. Installation and maintenance of normal
residential or park -like landscaping may take place within the required buffer area; provided, that no fertilizers,
pesticides or other chemicals or substances are applied within the buffer area that will degrade water quality or
hasten eutrophication of the lake. Development beyond installation and maintenance of normal residential or park-
like landscaping may only be permitted within the buffer area if approved through use process III in Chapter 19.65
FWRC based on the following criteria:
(a) The proposed development is necessary for the reasonable use of the subject property.
(b) The proposed development will not increase or decrease the size of the regulated lake.
(c) The proposed development will not change the points where any water enters or leaves the subject
property nor in any way change drainage patterns to or from adjacent properties.
(d) The proposed development will not be detrimental to water quality or habitats in or around the lake.
P--
(2)
(2) Minor structures and improvements. Minor improvements such as walkways, benches, platforms for storage of
boats and storage lockers for paddles, oars, life preservers and similar boating equipment may be located within the
buffer area if approved through use process I in Chapter 19.55 FWRC based on the following criteria:
(a) The minor improvement will not adversely affect water quality.
(b) The minor improvement will not destroy nor damage a significant habitat area.
(c) The minor improvement will not adversely affect drainage or stormwater retention capabilities.
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
(d) The minor improvement will not be materially detrimental to any other property in the area of the
subject property nor to the city as a whole.
(3) Other intrusions.
(a) Where the properties immediately abutting the subject property have dwelling units that extend into the
buffer area, the applicant may construct a dwelling unit on the subject property that extends into this buffer
area to the extent permitted in subsection (3)(b) of this section.
(b) Where subsection (3)(a) of this section applies, the dwelling unit on the subject property may be no
closer to the ordinary high water mark of the regulated lake than the average of the distance of the two
dwelling units on the properties immediately abutting the subject property. If one of the properties
immediately abutting the subject property does not contain a dwelling unit or the dwelling unit on that
abutting property is more than 25 feet from the ordinary high water mark of the regulated lake, the setback
of the dwelling unit on that lot will be presumed to be 25 feet for the purposes of calculating the
permissible location for the dwelling unit on the subject property under this section.
(4) Revegetation. The applicant shall stabilize all areas left exposed after land surface modification with appropriate
vegetation.
s�
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.380 Regulated lake bulkheads.
........
(1) General. A bulkhead is permitted within or adjacent to a regulated lake subject to the provisions of this section.
(2) Required permit. The city will review and decide upon an application under this section using process III in
Chapter 19.65 FWRC. Responses to decisional criteria and design requirements within this section shall be included
in the critical areas report.
(3) Criteria. The city may permit a bulkhead to be constructed only if-
(a)
i
(a) The bulkhead is needed to prevent significant erosion.
(b) The use of vegetation or soft stabilization techniques will not sufficiently stabilize the shoreline to
prevent the significant erosion.
(4) Design features. A bulkhead may not be located between a regulated lake and a wetland. Changes in the
horizontal or vertical configuration of the land must be kept to a minimum. The bulkhead must be designed to
minimize the transmittal of wave energy to other properties.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
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19.145.390 Fishprotection measures.
.......................................................................................................................
(1) All activities, uses, and alterations proposed to be located in water bodies used by fish or in areas that affect such
water bodies shall give special consideration to the preservation and enhancement of anadromous fish habitat,
including, but not limited to, the following standards:
(a) Activities shall be timed to occur only during the allowable work window as designated by the,
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife;
(b) The activity is designed so that it will not degrade the functions or values of the fish habitat or other
critical areas;
(c) Any impacts to the functions or values of the habitat conservation area are mitigated in accordance with
an approved critical area report.
(2) Structures that prevent the migration of fish shall not be allowed in the portion of water bodies currently or
historically used by fish. Fish bypass facilities shall be provided that allow the upstream migration of adult fish and
shall prevent fry and juveniles migrating downstream from being trapped or harmed.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.400 Endangered,% threatened, and sensitive species protection measures.
(1) No development shall be allowed within a habitat conservation area or buffer where state or federally
endangered, threatened, or sensitive species have a primary association, except that which is provided for by a
management plan established by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife or applicable state or federal agency.
(2) Whenever activities are proposed adjacent to a habitat conservation area where state or federally endangered,
threatened, or sensitive species have a primary association, such area shall be protected through the application of
protection measures in accordance with a critical area report prepared by a qualified professional and approved by
the city. Approval for alteration of land adjacent to the habitat conservation area or its buffer shall not occur prior to
consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and other appropriate federal or state agencies.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
Article IV. Wetlands
19.145.410 Wetland identification and delineation.
(1) Generally. Identification of wetlands and delineation of their boundaries pursuant to this chapter shall be done in
accordance with the approved federal wetland delineation manual and applicable regional supplements. All areas
within the city meeting the wetland designation criteria are hereby designated critical areas and are subject to the
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provisions of this chapter. Wetland delineations are valid for five years; after such date the city shall determine
whether a revision or additional assessment is necessary.
(2) Evaluation. If the city determines that a wetland may exist on or within 225 feet of the subject property, the
director may require the applicant to submit a wetland report prepared by a qualified professional. The written report
and the accompanying plan sheets shall contain the following information:
(a) Critical area report information identified in FWRC 19.145.080.
(b) Identification of all local, state, and/or federal wetland related permit(s) required for the proposal.
(c) Documentation of fieldwork, including field data sheets, rating system forms, and baseline hydrologic data.
(d) Description of the methodologies used to conduct the wetland delineations, rating system forms, or
impact analyses, including references.
(e) Identification and characterization of all wetlands and buffers on and within 225 feet of the subject
property. For off-site areas with limited or no access, estimate conditions using best available information.
(f) Provide the following for each wetland identified on and/or within 225 feet of the subject property.
Acreage estimates, classifications, and ratings shall be based on entire wetland complexes, not only the
portion present on the subject property: r
(i) Wetland rating and score for each function;
(ii) Required buffers;
(iii) Hydrogeomorphic classification;
(iv) Wetland acreage;
(v) Cowardin classification of vegetation communities;
(vi) Habitat elements;
(vii) Soil conditions based on site assessment and/or soil survey information; and
(viii) To the extent possible, hydrologic information such as location and condition of inlet/ outlets,
estimated water depths within the wetland, and estimated hydroperiod patterns based on visual cues
(e.g., algal mats, drift lines; and flood debris).
(g) An evaluation of the functions of the wetland and adjacent buffer. Include reference for the method
used and data sheets.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
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19.145.420 Wetland rating and buffers.
(1) Rating. Wetlands shall be rated according to the Washington Department of Ecology wetland rating system, as
set forth in the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington — 2014 Update (Ecology
Publication No. 14-06-029, or as revised and approved by Ecology), which contains the definitions and methods for
determining whether the criteria below are met:
(a) Category I wetlands represent a unique or rare wetland type; are more sensitive to disturbance than most
wetlands; are relatively undisturbed and contain ecological attributes that are impossible to replace within a
human lifetime; or provide a high level of function. The following types of wetlands are Category I:
(i) Wetlands of high conservation value that are identified by scientists of the Washington Natural
Heritage Program/Department of Natural Resources;
g
(ii) Bogs; 'k
(iii) Wetlands with mature and old growth forests larger than one acre; and
(iv) Wetlands that perform functions at high levels (wetlands that score 23 points or more based on
functions).,
vss
(b) Category II wetlands are difficult, though not impossible, to replace, and provide high levels of some
functions. Category II wetlands are those wetlands that score between 20 and 22 points based on functions.
(c) Category III wetlands are wetlands with a moderate level of functions that score between 16 and 19
points based on functions.
(d) Category IV wetlands are wetlands with the lowest level of functions (scoring less than 16 points based
on functions) and are often heavily disturbed. ,
(2) Wetland buffers shall be measured perpendicular from the wetland boundary as delineated and marked in the
field. Buffer widths are established as follows based upon the following requirements below:
Page 29 of 44
Buffer Width
Buffer Width
Buffer Width
(wetland scores 3-5
(wetland scores 6
(wetland scores 8 — 9
Wetland Category
habitat points)
— 7 habitat points)
habitat points)
Category I:
190 feet
190 feet
225 feet
Bogs and wetlands of high conservation value
Category I:
4-0-5-75 feet
x-5--110 feet
225 feet
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
Wetland Category
Buffer Width
(wetland scores -_5
habitat points)
Buffer Width
(wetland scores 6
— 7 habitat points)
Buffer Width
(wetland scores 8 — 9
habitat points)
Forested and based on function score
Direct lights away from wetland
Noise
•
•
Category II
44&-75 feet
X110 feet
225 feet
Category III
445-60 feet
446-5-110 feet
225 feet
Category IV
40 feet
40 feet
40 feet
(a) For wetlands that score six points or more for habitat function the buffers under FW RC 19.145.420(2)
can be used if the following criteria are met:
(i) A relatively undisturbed, vegetated corridor at least 100 feet wide is protected between the wetland
and any other priority habitats located on the subject property as defined by the Washington State
Department of Fish and Wildlife. The latest definitions of priority habitats and their locations are
available on the WDFW web site at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/hab/phshabs.ht The corridor must be
protected for the entire distance between the wetland and the priority habitat by some type of legal
protection, such as a conservation easement. Presence or absence of a nearby habitat must be
confirmed by qualified biologist.
(ii) If no option for providing a corridor is available the buffers above may be used with the required
Disturbance
Required Measures to Minimize Impacts
Lights
.
Direct lights away from wetland
Noise
•
•
Locate activity that generates noise away from wetland
If warranted, enhance existing buffer with native vegetationplantings adjacent
•
to noise source
For activities that generate relatively continuous potentially disruptive noise
such as certain heavy industry or mining establish an additional 10' heavily
ve etated buffer strip immediately adjacent to the outer wetland buffer
Tox runoff
•
Route all new, untreated runoff away from wetland while ensuring wetland is
•
•
not dewatered
Establish covenants limiting use of pesticides within 150 feet of wetland
A 1 integiated pest mans ement
Stormwater runoff
•
Retrofit stormwater detention and treatment for roads and existing adjacent
•
development
Prevent channelized flow from lawns that directly enters the buffer
•
Use Low Intensity Development (LID) techniques where appropriate (for more
information refer to the drainage ordinance and manual)
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
Disturbance I Required Measures to Minimize Impacts
Change in water regime I . Infiltrate or treat, detain, and disperse into buffer new runoff from impervious
Pets and human
disturbance
• Use privacy fencing OR plant dense vegetation to delineate buffer edge and to
discourage disturbance using vegetation appropriate for the ecoregion
• Place wetland and its buffer in a separate tract or protect with a conservation
fib) The following wetland buffer requirements if habitat corridor is not provided per FWRC
19.145.420(2)(a)(i), or minimization measures per FWRC 19.145.420(2)(a)(iii) are not implemented:
Wetland Category
Buffer Width
(wetland scores 3-5
Buffer Width
(wetland scores 6 —
7 habitat points)points)
Buffer Width (wetland
scores 8 — 9 habitat
habitat points)
Category l:
Bogs and wetlands of high conservation value
250 feet
250 feet
300 feet
Category I:
Forested and based on function score
100 feet
150 feet
300 feet
Category II
100 feet
150 feet
300 feet
Category Ill
80 feet
150 feet
225 feet
Category IV
50 feet
50 feet
50 feet
(3) No wetland buffer is required for those isolated wetlands 1,000 square feet or less in total area.
(4) All compensatory mitigation sites shall have buffers consistent with the buffer requirements of this section.
Buffers shall be based on the expected or target category of the proposed wetland mitigation site.
(5) Lighting shall be directed away from wetland buffers unless otherwise determined by the director.
(6) All lots approved in a recorded subdivision or binding site plan that contain wetlands and their associated buffer
in a native growth protection easement or tract may be improved pursuant to easement or tract boundaries
established in the plat regardless of subsequent regulatory buffer increases or natural migration.
(7) All wetland and wetland buffer boundaries shown on an approved use process decision and/or building permit
shall be honored regardless of subsequent regulatory buffer increases or natural migration.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
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19.145.430 Development within wetlands.
....................................................................................
(1) Generally. No development or improvement may be located within a wetland except as provided in this section.
(2) Development within wetlands. The specific location and extent of development within a wetland must constitute
the minimum necessary encroachment as determined through application of mitigation sequencing set forth in
FWRC 19.145.130. The city will review and decide upon development within a wetland using process IV in Chapter
19.70 FWRC, based on the following criteria:
(a) It will not adversely affect drainage or stormwater retention capabilities;
(b) It will not lead to unstable earth conditions nor create erosion hazards;
(c) It will not be materially detrimental to any other property in the area of the subject property nor to the
city as a whole, including the loss of open space;
(d) It will result in no net loss of wetland area, function or value upon Ietion of compensatory mitigation;
f.
(e) The project is in the best interest of the public health, ty r "lfare;
(f) The applicant has demonstrated sufficient scientific expertise and supervisory capability to carry out the
project; and
(g) The applicant is committed to monitoring the project and to making corrections if the project fails to
meet projected goals.
(3) Requirements for compensatory mitigation. Compensatory mitigation shall be used only for impacts that cannot
be avoided or minimized and shall achieve equivalent or greater biologic functions. Compensatory mitigation plans
shall be consistent with Wetland Mitigation in Washington State — Part 2: Developing Mitigation Plans — Version 1
(Ecology Publication No. 06-06-01 lb or as revised), and Selecting Wetland Mitigation Sites Using a Watershed
Approach (Western Washington) (Ecology Publication No. 09-06-32).
(4) Mitigation. Acceptable methods to mitigate wetland impacts include creation, re-establishment, rehabilitation,
and enhancement of in-kind wetland types within the same drainage basin that results in no net loss of wetland area,
function, or value. If approved by the city, the applicant may locate a portion or all of the compensatory mitigation
using alternative mitigation including, but not limited to, an approved and certified in -lieu fee program or mitigation
bank, and/or advanced mitigation if it is determined that off-site, out -of -basin, and/or out -of -kind mitigation would
provide a greater overall benefit to the watershed and not result in adverse impacts to the city's stormwater
management system and/or wildlife habitat. Alternative mitigation methods are discretionary and may become an
option following an operating agreement between the city and mitigation receiving area.
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
(a) In -lieu fee. Credits from an in -lieu fee program approved under state and federal rules may be used at
the discretion of the city and when all of the following are met:
(i) The city determines that it would provide environmentally appropriate compensation for the
proposed impacts;
(ii) The proposed use of credits is consistent with the terms and conditions of the approved in -lieu fee
program instrument; and
(iii) The compensatory mitigation agreement occurs in advance of the authorized impacts.
(b) Mitigation bank. Credits from a wetland mitigation bank that is certified under state rules may be used
at the discretion of the city and when all of the following are met:
(i) The city determines that it would provide environmentally appropriate compensation for the
proposed impacts;
(ii) The proposed use of credits and replacement ratios are consistent with the terms and conditions of
the certified bank instrument; and
(iii) The compensatory mitigation agreement occurs in advance of the authorized impacts.
(c) Advance mitigation. Mitigation for projects with pre -identified impacts to wetlands may be constructed
in advance of the impacts at the discretion of the city and if the mitigation is implemented according to
federal rules, state policy on advance mitigation, and state water quality regulations.
(5) Wetland mitigation ratios. The following are ratios for providing creation, re-establishment, rehabilitation, or
enhancement of impacted wetlands. Ratios for rehabilitation and enhancement may be reduced when combined with
1:1 replacement through creation or re-establishment pursuant to Table 1a, Wetland Mitigation in Washington State
— Part 1: Agency Policies and Guidance —Version 1 (Ecology Publication No. 06-06-011 a, or as revised). Creation,
re-establishment, rehabilitation, and enhancement definitions and intent shall be pursuant to Ecology Publication
No. 06-06-011 a, or as revised.
Page 33 of 44
Creation or
Category and Type of Wetland
Re-establishment
Rehabilitation
Enhancement
Category I: High conservation value and bogs
Not considered possible
Case-by-case
Case-by-case
Category I: Mature and old growth forests greater than
6:1
12:1
24:1
one acre
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
Category and Type of Wetland
Creation or
Re-establishment
Rehabilitation
Enhancement
Category I: Based on functions
4:1
8:1
16:1
Category II
3:1
6:1
12:1
Category III
2:1
4:1
8:1
Category IV
1.5:1
3:1
6:1
Mitigation requirements may also be determined using the credit/debit tool described in Calculating Credits and
Debits for Compensatory Mitigation in Wetlands of Western Washington: Final Report (Ecology Publication No.
10-06-011, or as revised) if approved by the director.
(6) Compensatory mitigation plan. As part of any request under this section, the applicant shall submit a mitigation
plan prepared by a qualified professional that includes the following minimum standards:
(a) Contents of wetland delineation report identified in FWRC 19.145.410(2).
(b) Compensatory mitigation written report and plan sheets. Full guidance on the following report
requirements can be found in Wetland Mitigation in Washington State - Part 2: Developing Mitigation
Plans (Version 1) (Ecology Publication No. 06-06-01 lb, or as revised):
(i) Description of how the project design has been modified to avoid, minimize, or reduce adverse
impacts to wetlands;
(ii) Description of the existing wetland and buffer areas proposed to be altered. Include acreage, water
regime, vegetation, soils, landscape position, surrounding land uses, and functions. Describe impacts in
terms of acreage by Cowardin classification, hydrogeomorphic classification, and wetland rating;
(iii) Description of the compensatory mitigation site, including location and rationale for selection.
Include an assessment of existing condition: acreage of wetlands and uplands, water regime, sources of
water, vegetation, soils, landscape position, surrounding land uses, and functions;
(iv) Description of the proposed actions for compensation of wetland and upland areas affected by the
project. Include overall goals of the proposed mitigation, including a description of the targeted
functions, hydrogeomorphic classification, and categories of wetlands;
(v) Description of the proposed mitigation construction activities and timing of activities;
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
(vi) Discussion of ongoing management practices that will protect wetlands after the subject property
has been developed, including proposed monitoring and maintenance programs; and
(vii) Bond estimate for the entire compensatory mitigation project, including the following elements:
site preparation, plant materials, construction materials, installation oversight, maintenance twice per
year for up to five years, annual monitoring field work and reporting, and contingency action for a
maximum of the total required number of years for monitoring.
(c) Scaled plan sheets for the compensatory mitigation that contains the following contents:
(i) Surveyed edges of the existing wetland and buffer, proposed areas of wetland impacts, location of
proposed wetland compensation actions:
(ii) Existing and proposed topography measured at two -foot intervals in the proposed compensation
area. Existing and proposed cross sections of the proposed compensation area and impact area
measured in one -foot intervals.
,N
(iii) Surface and subsurface hydrologic conditions, including an analysis of existing and proposed
hydrologic regimes for enhanced, created, or restored compensatory mitigation areas. Illustrations of
how data for existing hydrologic conditions were used to determine the estimates of future hydrologic
conditions. - `1
(iv) Conditions expected from the proposed actions on site, including hydrogeomorphic types,
vegetation community types by dominant species (wetland and upland), and future water regimes.
(v) Required wetland buffers for existing wetlands and proposed compensation areas.
(vi) Plant schedule for compensation area, including all species by proposed community type and
water regime, size and type of plant material to be installed, spacing of plants, typical clustering
patterns, total number of each species by community type, and timing of installation.
(vii) Performance standards that provide measurable benchmarks reflective of years post -installation
for upland and wetland communities, monitoring schedule, and maintenance schedule.
(d) Alternative mitigation plans (in -lieu fee, mitigation banks, and advanced mitigation) shall provide items
(6)(a), (b)(i) and (ii) from this section, responses to subsection (4)(a), (b), or (c) of this section, and any
other information deemed necessary by the city to adequately consider the alternative mitigation proposal.
(7) Monitoring. Mitigation monitoring shall be required for a minimum of five years to establish that performance
standards have been met. The mitigation plan shall include monitoring elements that ensure certainty of success for
the proposal's natural resource values and functions. The applicant remains responsible for restoration of the natural
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
resource values and functions if the mitigation goals are not obtained with the five-year monitoring period.
Additional monitoring and corrective actions may be required by the director in order to meet goals within the
approved mitigation plan.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.440 Development within wetland buffers.
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................
(1) Generally. Except as allowed in this section, no development or improvement may be located within a wetland
buffer.
(2) Trails. The director may provide written approval for passive pedestrian recreation facilities designed in
accordance with an approved critical area report and the following standards:
(a) Trails are composed of pervious surfaces no more than five feet in width. Raised boardwalks and
wildlife viewing structures composed of non -treated pilings may also be considered;
(b) Trails are generally located parallel to the perimeter of the wetland and within the outer 25 percent of
the buffer; and
(c) Trails shall avoid the removal of mature trees.
(3) Stormwater management facilities. The director may provide written approval for stormwater management
facilities limited to stormwater dispersion outfalls and bioswales within the outer 25 percent of the buffer of
category III and IV wetlands if the location of such facilities will not degrade the functions or values of the wetland.
(4) Permanently altered buffer. The director may provide written approval for a buffer reduction when existing
conditions are such that portions of the required buffer exist in a permanently altered state (e.g., roadways, paved
parking lots, and permanent structures) and do not provide any buffer function. The buffer may be reduced up to the
area where the altered conditions exist.
(5) Buffer averaging. The city will review and decide upon buffer averaging using process III in Chapter 19.65
FWRC, based on the following criteria that shall be added to the critical areas report:
Ithe total area of the buffer after averaging is equal to the area required without averaging;
.It
(b) The buffer is increased adjacent to the higher functioning area of habitat or more sensitive portion of the
wetland and decreased adjacent to the lower functioning or less sensitive portion;
(c) The buffer at its narrowest point is not reduced to less than 75 percent of the required width; and
(d) Unless authorized in writing by a consenting neighboring property owner, the averaging will remain on
the subject property.
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
(6) Buffer reduction with enhancement. Buffers may be reduced by up to 25 percent on a case-by-case basis if the
project includes a buffer enhancement plan that clearly substantiates that an enhanced buffer will improve and
provide additional protection of wetland functions and values. Buffer reductions may not be used in combination
with buffer averaging. The city will review and decide upon buffer reductions using process III in Chapter 19.65
FWRC, based on the following criteria:
(a) It will not adversely affect water quality;
(b) It will not adversely affect the existing quality of the wetland or buffer wildlife habitat;
(c) It will not adversely affect drainage or stormwater retention capabilities;
(d) It will not lead to unstable earth conditions nor create erosion hazards;„
(e) It will not be materially detrimental to any other property or the city as a whoe; and
(f) All exposed areas are stabilized with native vegetation, as appropriate.
A buffer enhancement plan, prepared by a qualified professional, shall be incorporated into the critical area report.
The plan shall assess the habitat, water quality, stormwater retention, groundwater recharge, and erosion protection
functions of the existing buffer; assess the effects of the proposed modification on those functions; and address the
six approval criteria of this section.
(7) Buffer increases. The director shall require increased buffer widths, on a case-by-case basis, when a larger buffer
is necessary to protect functions, values or hazards based on site-specific conditions. This determination shall be
supported by appropriate documentation showing that additional buffer width is reasonably related to protection of
the functions and values of the wetland, and/or protection of public health, safety and welfare. Such determination
shall be attached as permit conditions. The determination must include but not be limited to the following criteria:
(a) The wetland contains habitat for species listed as threatened, endangered, candidate, sensitive,
monitored, or documented priority species or habitats by state or federal agencies, and additional buffer is
necessary to maintain viable functional habitat;
(b) The adjacent land is susceptible to severe erosion, and erosion control measures will not effectively
prevent adverse wetland impacts; or
(c) The adjacent land has minimal vegetative cover or slopes greater than 30 percent.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
Article V. Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas
19.145.450 Designation.
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
This article regulates development located within designated capture zones. Six-month, one-year, five-year, and 10 -
year capture zones are designated as critical aquifer recharge areas under the provisions of the Growth Management
Act (Chapter 36.70A RCW) and are established based on proximity to and travel time of groundwater to the city's
public water source wells.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.460 Classification .of capture zones..-..............................................................................................................._..........
water used for public water supplies.
The Lakehaven Utility District ("LUD") has designated four capture zones based on proximity to and travel time of
groundwater to Group A and Group B public water su pp lies.
(1) Six-month capture zone represents the land area overlaying the six-month time -of -travel zone of any public
water source well owned by LUD.
(2) One-year capture zone represents the land area overlaying the one-year time -of -travel zone of any public water
source well owned by LUD, excluding the land area contained in the six-month capture zone.
(3) Five-year capture zone represents the land area overlaying the five-year time -of -travel zone of any public water
source well owned by LUD, excluding the land area contained in the six-month and one-year capture zones.
(4) Ten-year capture zone represents the land area overlaying the 10 -year time -of -travel zone of any public water source
well owned by LUD, excluding the land area contained in the six-month, one-year, and five-year capture zones.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145x470 General requirements.
................ ........._ ......_..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................
(1) Development that will not cause contaminants to enter the aquifer may be permitted in critical aquifer recharge areas.
(2) The city shall impose development conditions to prevent degradation of critical aquifer recharge areas.
Development conditions shall be based on all known, available, and reasonable methods of prevention, control and
treatment ("AKART").
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
(3) The proposed activity must comply with the water source protection requirements and recommendations of the
Federal Environmental Protection Agency, State Department of Ecology, State Department of Health, and Public
Health — Seattle and King County.
(4) The proposed activity must be designed and constructed in accordance with the King County Surface Water
Design Manual ("KCSWDM"), the Federal Way Addendum to the KCSWDM, and the King County Stormwater
Pollution Control Manual ("BMP Manual"), as amended.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.480 Prohibited development in six-month and one- xear capture zones.,
(1) Development that poses a significant hazard to the city's groundwater resources resulting from storing, handling,
treating, using, producing, recycling, or disposing of hazardous materials or other deleterious substances shall be
prohibited in six-month and one-year capture zones, except as specified in FWRC 19.30.170. These land uses and
activities include, but are not limited to:
(a) On-site community sewage disposal systems as defined in Chapter 248-272 WAC
(b) Hazardous liquid pipelines as defined in Chapter 81.88 RCW;
(c) Solid waste landfills;
(d) Solid waste transfer stations;
(e) Liquid petroleum refining, reprocessing, and storage;
(f) The storage or distribution of gasoline treated with the additive methyl tertiary butyl ether;
(g) Hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (except those defined under permit by rule
for industrial wastewater treatment processes per WAC 173-303-802(5)(c));
(h) Chemical manufacturing, including but not limited to organic and inorganic chemicals, plastics and
resins, pharmaceuticals, cleaning compounds, paints and lacquers, and agricultural chemicals;
(i) Dry cleaning establishments using the solvent perchloroethylene;
0) Primary and secondary metal industries that manufacture, produce, smelt, or refine ferrous and
nonferrous metals from molten materials;
(k) Wood treatment facilities, including wood preserving and wood products preserving;
(1) Mobile fleet fueling operations;
(m) Mining (metal, sand, and gravel); and
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
(n) Other land uses and activities that the city determines would pose a significant groundwater hazard to
the city's groundwater supply.
(2) The uses listed in subsection (1)(a) through (n) of this section represent the state of present knowledge and most
common description of said uses. As other polluting uses are discovered, or other terms of description become
necessary, they will be added to the list of uses prohibited within these zones.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.) t
19.145.490 Development within critical aquifer recharge areas.
(1) Any proposed development located in critical aquifer recharge areas shall submit a hazardous materials
inventory statement with a permit, land use, or business license application. Ongoing operation and maintenance
activities of public wells by public water providers are exempt from these requirements.
(2) The city will review the hazardous materials inventory statement along with the permit, land use, or business
license application to determine whether hazardous materials will be used, stored, transported or disposed of in
connection with the proposed activity. The city shall make the following determinations and apply the appropriate
capture zone protection measures:
(a) No hazardous materials are involved;
(b) Hazardous materials are involved; however, existing laws or regulations adequately mitigate any
potential impact, and documentation is provided to demonstrate compliance; or
(c) Hazardous materials are involved and the proposal has the potential to significantly impact critical
aquifer recharge areas. The city may require a hydrogeologic assessment with a critical areas report to be
prepared by a qualified professional in order to determine the potential impacts of contamination on the
aquifer. The report shall include the following site and proposal -related information:
(i) Information regarding geologic and hydrogeologic characteristics of the site, including the surface
location of the capture zone in which it is located and the type of infiltration of the site.
1k lk4l (ii) Groundwater depth, flow direction, and gradient.
(iii) Location of other critical areas, including surface waters, within 200 feet of the site.
(iv) Best management practices and integrated pest management proposed to be used, including:
(A) Predictive evaluation of groundwater withdrawal effects on nearby wells and surface water
features;
(B) Predictive evaluation of contaminant transport based on potential releases to groundwater; and
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
(C) Predictive evaluation of changes in the infiltration/recharge rate.
(3) A spill containment and response plan may be required to identify equipment and/or structures that could fail,
and shall include provisions for inspection as required by the applicable state regulations.
(4) A groundwater monitoring plan may be required to monitor quality and quantity of groundwater, surface water
runoff, and/or site soils. The city may require the owner of a facility to install one or more groundwater monitoring
wells to accommodate the required groundwater monitoring. Criteria used to determine the need for site monitoring
shall include, but not be limited to, the proximity of the facility to production or monitoring wells, the type and
quantity of hazardous materials on site, and whether or not the hazardous materials are stored in underground vessels.
(5) The city may employ an outside consultant at the applicant's expense for third -party review of the critical areas
report, hydrogeologic assessment, the spill containment and response plan, and the groundwater monitoring plan.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.500 Capture zone protection measures.
(1) Any new or existing use applying for a building permit, land use, or subdivision approval within six-month and
one-year capture zones that involves storing, handling, treating, using, producing, recycling, or disposing of
hazardous materials or other deleterious substances shall comply with the following standards:
(a) Secondary containment.
(i) The owner or operator of any facility or activity shall provide secondary containment for hazardous
materials or other deleterious substances in quantities specified in the International Fire Code.
(ii) Hazardous materials stored in tanks that are subject to regulation by the Washington State
Department of Ecology under Chapter 173-360 WAC (Underground Storage Tank Regulations) are
exempt from the secondary containment requirements of this section; provided, that documentation is
provided to demonstrate compliance with those regulations.
(b) Design and construction of new stormwater infiltration systems must address site-specific risks of
releases posed by all hazardous materials on site. These risks may be mitigated by physical design means,
or equivalent best management practices, in accordance with an approved hazardous materials management
plan. Design and construction of said stormwater infiltration systems shall also be in accordance with the
King County Surface Water Design Manual, as amended by the city of Federal Way, and shall be certified
for compliance with the requirements of this section by a professional engineer or engineering geologist
registered in the state of Washington.
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(c) The following standards shall apply to construction activities occurring where construction vehicles will
be refueled on site, and/or hazardous materials will be stored, dispensed, used, or handled on the construction
site. As part of the city's project permitting process, the city may require any or all of the following items:
(i) Detailed monitoring and construction standards;
(ii) Designation of a person on site during operating hours who is responsible for supervising the use,
storage, and handling of hazardous materials, and who has appropriate knowledge and training to take
mitigating actions necessary in the event of a fire or spill;
(iii) Hazardous material storage, dispensing, refueling areas, and use and handling areas shall be
provided with secondary containment adequate to contain the maximum release from the largest
volume container of hazardous materials stored at the construction site;
(iv) Practices and procedures to ensure that hazardous materials left on site when the site is
unsupervised are inaccessible to the public. Locked storage sheds, locked fencing, locked fuel tanks on
construction vehicles, or other techniques may be used to preclude access;
(v) Practices and procedures to ensure that construction vehicles and stationary equipment that are
found to be leaking fuel, hydraulic fluid, and/or other hazardous materials will be removed
immediately, or repaired on site immediately. The vehicle or equipment may be repaired in place,
provided the leakage is completely contained;
(vi) Practices and procedures to ensure that storage and dispensing of flammable and combustible
liquids from tanks, containers, and tank trucks into the fuel and fluid reservoirs of construction vehicles
or stationary equipment on the construction site are in accordance with the International Fire Code; and
(vii) Practices and procedures, and/or on-site materials adequate to ensure the immediate containment
and cleanup of any release of hazardous substances stored at the construction site. On-site cleanup
materials may suffice for smaller spills whereas cleanup of larger spills may require a subcontract with
a qualified cleanup contractor. Releases shall immediately be contained, cleaned up, and reported if
required according to state requirements.
(2) Development within all capture zones, that involves storing, handling, treating, using, producing, recycling, or
disposing of hazardous materials, or other deleterious substances, shall comply with the following standards:
(a) Fleet and automotive service station fueling, equipment maintenance, and vehicle washing areas shall
have a containment system for collecting and treating all runoff from such areas and preventing release of
fuels, oils, lubricants, and other automotive fluids into the soil, surface water, or groundwater. Appropriate
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Chapter 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas
emergency response equipment shall be kept on site during the transfer, handling, treatment, use,
production, recycling, or disposal of hazardous materials or other deleterious substances.
(b) Secondary containment or equivalent best management practices, as approved by the director, shall be
required at loading and unloading areas that store, handle, treat, use, produce, recycle, or dispose of
hazardous materials, or other deleterious substances.
(c) Fill material shall not contain concentration of contaminants that exceed cleanup standards for soil as
specified in the Model Toxics Control Act. An imported fill source statement is required for all projects
where more than 100 cubic yards of fill will be imported to a site. The city may require analytical results to
demonstrate that fill materials do not exceed cleanup standards. The imported fill source statement shall
include:
(i) Source location of imported fill;1
(ii) Previous land uses of the source location; and,
(iii) Whether or not fill to be imported is native, undisturbed soil.
(d) All development or redevelopment shall implement best management practices (`BMPs") for water
quality and quantity, as approved by the director. Such practices include biofiltration swales and use of oil -
water separators, BMPs appropriate to the particular use proposed, cluster development, and limited
impervious surfaces.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
19.145.510 Use ofpesticiides, herbicides, and fertilizers in critical aquifer recharge areas.
Proposed developments with maintained landscaped areas greater than 10,000 square feet in area shall prepare an
operations and management manual using best management practices (`BMPs") and integrated pest management for
fertilizer and pesticide/herbicide applications. The BMPs shall include recommendations on the quantity, timing,
and type of fertilizers applied to lawns and gardens to protect groundwater quality.
(Ord. No. 15-797, § 22, 6-16-15.)
Article VI. Frequently Flooded Areas
19.145.520 Frequently flooded areas.
(1) Frequently flooded areas include all areas of special flood hazard as mapped within the city, and other areas that
could be threatened by flooding. The areas of special flood hazard are identified by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency in a scientific and engineering report entitled "The Flood Insurance Study for Federal Way,"
Page 43 of 44
Federal Way Revised Code
Chaptr1mS%Environmentally Critical Areas
&!k May 1Rl9% and any revisions t6ro, with an accompanying flood insurance rate map, and any revisions
thereto. Based 19th landscape o the city, frpe & flooded _a occur only along th Pugets ma shoreline and
are within the jurisdiction of the shoreline master program, Chaer ».m FWkA A#++ Neme_n
(2Development ofrequently floda a ad be subject to the provisions in FWRC Title 1 S. Chapter 19.142
Flood Damage Prevention.
(r No. eJ97§2,&!615)
Co references: Envirm_n!policy of the city, £wkC Title 14; wt p+% requirements and surface
water, stor _t and other waterways, Chapter a.4 FWR ;publcuseeasements, FWRC 19.+.330;
rezoning otasd wd to be conducted under the quasi-judicial rezon procedure, £wkc1Kg.050et #$;
Page 44 of 44
Federal Way Revised Code
Title 15 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
Title 15
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
Chapters:
15.05 Shoreline Management
15.10 G itirar,k;-eas
y9�aM.
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
Page 2/59
Chapter 15.05
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
Sections:
Article I. Generally
15.05.010 Purpose and authority.
15.05.020 Jurisdiction.
15.05.030 Additional definitions.
Article II. Shoreline Regulation
15.05.040 General development standards.'
15.05.050 Shoreline modifications.._
15.05.060 Environmental designations. C
15.05.070 Summary of uses, approval criteria, and process.
15.05.080 Shoreline residential environment. '
15.05.090 Urban conservancy environment.,
N
15.05.100 Natural environment.L
µ,
Al
Article III. Administrative Procedures
15.05.110 Shoreline management permit and enforcement procedures, adoption by reference.
15.05.120 . Permit processing and public notice.
15.05.130 Shoreline exemption.
15.05.140 Application requirements.
15.05.150 Shoreline substantial development permit. `
15.05.160 Shoreline variance.
15.05.170 Conditional uses.
15.05.180 Final approval of shoreline permits.
15.05.190 Combined hearing authority.
15.05.200 Appeals. ;
15.05.210 Permit revisions.
15.05.220 Replacement, alteration, or reconstruction of nonconforming use or development.
15.05.230 Shoreline environment redesignation.
15.05.240 Amendments to this chapter.
Article I. Generally
15.05.010 Purpose and authority.
The city adopts these regulations under the authority of the Shoreline Management Act of 1971, Chapter 90.58 RCW,
as amended, and the Shoreline Management Guidelines, Chapter 173-26 WAC. The director of the department of
community development has the authority to adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this title and has
the authority to administer and enforce this title and any such rules and regulations. It is unlawful to violate or fail to
comply with any provision of this title or any such rule or regulation.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
15.05.020 Jurisdiction.
(1) The provisions of this article shall apply to all development proposed within the areas defined as "shorelines" in
RCW 90.58.030(2)(d), and "shorelines of state-wide significance" in RCW 90.58.030(2)(e), and "shorelands" in
RCW 90.58.030(2)(f); see FWRC 15.05.030, Additional definitions. The approximate location of these shorelines
shall be designated on maps maintained by the department of community development; however, the property owner
or applicant shall be responsible for determining the specific location of the shoreline jurisdiction on the subject
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
property when a permit is filed. The city shall be responsible for verifying shoreline jurisdiction. Washington
Department of Ecology may be contacted to delineate the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) on a subject property as
per its authority and responsibilities outlined in RCW 90.58.030(2)(f). Shorelines of statewide significance are as
follows:
a Within city limits: North Lake, Steel Lake and the northwest portion of Lake Killarney.
(b) Within the city's Potential Annexation Area include Star Lake, Lake Dolloff Lake Geneva Five Mile
Lake, and the remaining portion of Lake Killarney.
(2) No development shall be undertaken by any person on the shorelines of the state without obtaining a shoreline
permit from the department of community development, or an authorized statement of exemption per WAC 1,
173-27-040 and for developments exempted by RCW 90.58.140(9) and (10).
(3) All proposed uses and development occurring within shoreline jurisdiction must conform to C pt 58 RCW, the
Shoreline Management Act, and the city of Federal Way shoreline master program whether car note t is required.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)"
15.05.030 Additional definitions.
Unless otherwise defined in this chapter, the definitions contained in this section, FWRC Title 15, Chapter 90.58
RCW, Chapters 173-26 and 173-27 WAC, Chapter 19.05 FWRC or FWRC 1.05.020 shall apply in that order.
"Act" means the Washington State Shoreline Management Act of 1971, Chapter 90.58 RCW, as amended.
"Amendment" means a revision, update, addition, deletion, and/or reenactment to the Federal Way shoreline master
program.
"Appurtenance, residential" means an improvement necessarily connected to the use and eniovment of a
single-family residence when located landward of the OHWM the perimeter of a wetland, and outside their
corresponding required buffers. Appurtenances may include but are not limited to a garage; driveway; utilities; water
craft storage (upland); swimming pools; hot tubs; shoreline stabilization; retaining walls; fences; yards; saunas;
cabanas; antennas; decks, walkways; and grading which does not exceed 250 cubic yards and which does not involve
placement of fill in any wetland or waterward of a marine or freshwater OHWM Appurtenances do not include
secondary sleeping areas and accessory dwelling units which undergo a separate review Gconsidered exempt from the
shoreline substantial development permit. The terms "appurtenant" and "accessory" are synonymous
"Aquaculture" means the farming or culturing of food fish, shellfish or other aquatic plants and animals in streams,
inlets, and other natural or artificial water bodies. Activities include the hatching, cultivating, planting, feeding, raising
and harvesting of aquatic plants and animals, and the maintenance and construction of necessary equipment, buildings,
and growing areas. Cultivation methods include but are not limited to fish pens, fish traps, or other similar apparatuses.
"Average grade level" means, for a structure built on land, the average of the natural or existing topography of the
portion of the lot, parcel, or tract of real property which will be directly under the proposed building or structure. In the
case of structures to be built over the water, "average grade level" shall be the elevation of the ordinary high water
mark (OHW M). Calculation of the average grade level shall be made by averaging the ground elevations at the
midpoint of all exterior walls of the proposed building or structure.
"Backshore " means a berm, together with associated marshes or meadows, on marine shores landward of the ordinary
high water mark which is normally above high tide level and has been gradually built up by accretion.
"Bank" means a steep rise or slope at the edge of a body of water or water course.
"Beach nourishment" means the artificial replenishing of a beach by delivery of materials dredged or excavated
elsewhere.
"Berm " means a ledge or shoulder consisting of mounded earth or rock
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
"Bluff' means a steep slope which abuts and rises from Puget Sound. Bluffs contain slopes predominantly in excess of
40 percent, although portions may be less than 40 percent. The toe of the bluff is the beach of Puget Sound. The top of
a bluff is typically a distinct line where the slope abruptly levels out. Where there is no distinct break in slope, the slope
is either the line of vegetation separating the unvegetated slope from the vegetated uplands plateau or, when the bluff
is vegetated, the point where the bluff slope diminishes to less than 15 percent.
"Boating facility" means a facility or structure providing access in and out of the water for vessels, such as a launching
ramp, rails, or lift station open to the public. For purposes of the shoreline master program, boating facilities do not
include docks, piers, moorage piles, mooring buoys, or floats associated with single-family residences or other
joint -use structures not accessible to the public. «;
N�,
"Breakwater" means an off -shore structure, either floating or not, which may or may not be connected to the shore,
such structure being designed to absorb and/or reflect back into the water body the energy of the waves.
"Bulkhead " means a wall, seawall, embankment, or other structure erected at or near the OH W M and roughly parallel
to the shoreline that retains or prevents sliding or erosion of land or protects land and/or structures from wave or
current action.
"Commercial use" means the uses allowed in the commercial zones and the nonindustrial uses permitted in the
commercial enterprise zone.
"Conditional use" means a use, development, or substantial development which is classified as a shoreline
conditional use or is not classified within the shoreline master program.
"Critical salmonid habitats" means habitats that are used by Pacific salmonid species that migrate between fresh
water and salt water during their life cycle. These habitats include:
(1) Gravel bottomed streams used for spawning;
(2) Streams, lakes, and wetlands used for rearing, feeding, and cover and refuge from predators and high waters;
(3) Streams and salt water bodies used as migrationcorridors;
(4) Shallow areas of salt water bodies used for rearing, feeding, as well as cover and refuge from predators and
currents, including, but not limited to, forage fish habitats such as sandy beaches and eelgrass beds; and
(5) Pocket estuaries including stream mouths and deltas where fresh water mixes with salt water and provides rearing
habitat for juvenile salmonids. All salt water shorelines in Federal Way are critical salmonid habitats.
"Date offiline" see FWRC 15.05.180(2) (Final approval of shoreline permits) for full definition
"Department" means the department of community development services, unless the context indicates otherwise.
"Development" means a use consisting of the construction or exterior alteration of structures; dredging; drilling;
dumping; filling; removal of any sand, gravel, or minerals; bulkheading; driving of piling; placing of obstructions; or
any project of a permanent or temporary nature which interferes with the normal public use of the surface of the waters
overlying lands subject to the Shoreline Management Act (Chapter 90.58 RCW) at any state of water level._
Development does not include dismantling or removing structures landward of the OHWM if there is no other
associated development or re -development
"Dock" means all platform structures. floating upon water bodies and connected to land to provide moorage or landing
for waterborne pleasure craft.
"Dredging" means the removal of earth from the bottom of a stream, marine water body, lake or other water body for
the purposes of deepening and/or maintaining a navigational channel.
"Drift cell" (also referred to as "drift sector, " or "littoral cell") means a particular reach of marine shore in which
littoral drift may occur without significant interruption and which contains any natural sources of such drift and also
accretion shore forms created by such drift.
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
"Ecological functions " means the work performed or role played by the physical, chemical, and biological processes
in the shoreline that contribute to the maintenance of the aquatic and terrestrial environments that constitute the
shoreline's natural ecosystem.
"Ecosystem -wide processes" means the suite of naturally occurring physical and geologic processes of erosion,
transport, and deposition; and specific chemical processes that shape landforms within a specific shoreline ecosystem
and determine both the types of habitat and the associated ecological functions.
"Exemptions" means those development activities which are not required to obtain a substantial development permit,
but which must obtain an authorized statement of exemption and which must otherwise comply with applicable
provisions of the Shoreline Management Act and the city's local shoreline master program.
"Fair market value" means the open market bid price for conducting the work, using the equipment and facilities, and
purchase of the goods, services, and materials necessary to accomplish the development. This would normally equate to
the cost of hiring a contractor to undertake the development from start to finish, including the cost of labor, materials,
equipment and facility usage, transportation and contractor overhead, and profit. The fair market value of the
development shall include the fair market value of any donated, contributed or found labor, equipment, or materials.
"Feasible" means that an action, such as a development project, mitigation, or preservation requirement, meets all of
the following conditions:
(1) The action can be accomplished with technologies and methods that have been used in the past in similar
circumstances, or studies or tests have demonstrated in similar circumstances that such approaches are currently
available and likely to achieve the intended results;
(2) The action provides a reasonable likelihood of achieving its intended purpose; and
(3) The action does not physically preclude achieving the project's primary intended legal use. In determining an
action's feasibility, the reviewing agency may weigh the action's relative public costs and public benefits considered
in the short- and long-term time frames.
"Fill" means the addition of soil, sand, rock, gravel, sediment, earth retaining structure, or other material to an area
waterward of the OHWM, in wetlands, or on shorelands in a manner that raises the elevation or creates dry land.
"Float" means a structure or device which is not a breakwater and which is moored, anchored, or otherwise secured in
the waters of Federal Way, and which is not connected to the shoreline.
"Floatinz home" means a single-family dwelling unit constructed on a float that is moored anchored or otherwise
secured in waters, and is not a vessel, even though it may of being towed Floating homes are prohibited in
city shoreline jurisdictions,
"Floating over-ivater residence "means any floating structure other than a floating home as defined by this chapter
that is designed or used primarily as a residence on the water and has detachable utilities For temporary or transient
floating over -water residences, exceptions include short-term boat moorage or dropping anchor within the city's
jurisdiction, provided that such occupancy does not create a public health hazard or nuisance and this occupancy shall
not exceed two weeks within any six-month period.
"Floodwav" means the area that has been established in effective federal emergency management agency flood
insurance rate maps or floodway maps.
"Floodplain" means the 100 -year floodplain and means that land area susceptible to inundation with a one percent
chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The limit of this area shall be based upon flood ordinance
regulation maps or a reasonable method which meets the objectives of the Act.
"Geologically hazardous areas" means areas which because of their susceptibility to erosion, landslidinges, seismic,
or other geological events are not suited to siting commercial, residential, or industrial development consistent with
public health or safety concerns. Geologically hazardous areas include the following areas:
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
(1) Erosion hazard areas are those areas having a severe to very severe erosion hazard due to natural agents such as
wind, rain, splash, frost action, or stream flow.
(2) Landslide hazard areas are those areas potentially subject to episodic downslope movement of a mass of soil or
rock including, but not limited to, the following areas:
(a) Any area with a combination of
(i) Slopes greater than 15 percent;
(ii) Permeable sediment, predominately sand and gravel, overlying relatively impermeable sediment or
bedrock, typically silt and clay; and
(iii) Springs or groundwater seepage.
(b) Any area which has shown movement during the Holocene epoch, from 10,000 years ago to the present, or
which is underlain by mass wastage debris of that epoch.
(c) Any area potentially unstable as a result of rapid stream incision, stream bank erosion, or undercutting by
wave action. �
(d) Any area located in a ravine or on an active alluvial fan, presently or pote t to inundation by
debris flows or flooding.
(e) Those areas identified by the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service as having a
severe limitation for building site development.
(f) Those areas mapped as Class U (unstable), UOS (unstable old slides), and URS (unstable recent slides) by the
Department of Ecology.
(g) Slopes having gradients greater than 80 percent subject to rockfall during seismic shaking.
(3) Seismic hazard areas are those areas subject to severe risk of earthquake damage as a result of seismically induced
ground shaking, slope failure, settlement or soil liquefaction, or surface faulting. These conditions occur in areas
underlain by cohesionless soils of low density usually in association with a shallow groundwater table.
(4) Steep slope hazard areas are those areas with a slope of 40 percent or greater and with a vertical relief of 10 or more
feet, a vertical rise of 10 feet or more for every 25 feet of horizontal distance. A slope is delineated by establishing its
toe and top, and measured by averaging the inclination over at least 10 feet of vertical relief.
"Geotechnical report" or "geotechnical analysis" means a scientific study or evaluation conducted by a qualified
expert that includes a description of the ground and surface hydrology and geology; the affected land form and its
susceptibility to mass wasting, erosion, and other geologic hazards or processes; conclusions and recommendations
regarding the effect of the proposed development on geologic conditions; the adequacy of the site to be developed; the
impacts of the proposed development; alternative approaches to the proposed development; and measures to mitigate
potential site-specific and cumulative geological and hydrological impacts of the proposed development, including the
potential adverse impacts to adjacent and down -current properties. Geotechnical reports shall conform to accepted
technical standards and must be prepared by qualified professional engineers or geologists who have professional
expertise about the regional and local shoreline geology and processes.
"Grading" means the movement or redistribution of the soil, sand, rock, gravel, sediment, or other material on a site in
a manner that alters the natural contour of the land.
"Groin " means a barrier type structure extending from the backshore into the water across the beach. The purpose of
a groin is to interrupt sediment movement along the shore.
"Height" means that distance measured from average grade level to the highest point of a structure; provided, that
television antennas, chimneys, and similar appurtenances shall not be used in calculating height, except where such
appurtenances obstruct the view of the shoreline of a substantial number of residences on areas adjoining such
shorelines, or the applicable master program specifically requires that such appurtenances be included; provided
further, that temporary construction equipment is excluded in this calculation.
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
"Jetty" means an artificial barrier used to change the natural littoral drift to protect inlet entrances from clogging by
excess sediment.
"Landslide" means an episodic downslope movement of a mass of soil or rock that includes but is not limited to
rockfalls, slumps, mudflows, and earthflows.
"Littoral 'drift" means the natural movement of sediment along marine or lake shorelines by wave action in response
to prevailing winds.
"Major stream " means any stream, and the tributaries to any stream, which contains or supports, or under normal
circumstances contains or supports, resident or migratory fish. If there exists a natural permanent blockage on the
stream course which precludes the upstream movement of anadromous salmonid fish, then that portion of the stream
which is downstream of the natural permanent blockage shall be regulated as a major stream.
"Marine" means pertaining to tidally influenced waters, including Puget Sound and the bays, estuaries, and inlets
associated therewith.
"Minor stream " means any stream that does not meet the definition of a major stream.
"Mooring buoys" means a floating object anchored to the bottom of a water body that provides tie-up capabilities for
vessels.
"Native shoreline vegetation" means trees, shrubs, and other plant species that are indigenous to a specific area or
region. Plants native to western Washington are referenced in Flora of the Pacific Northwest (Hitchcock and
Cronquist). Ornamental landscaping and invasive species shall not be considered native shoreline vegetation.
"Natural or existing topography" means the topography of the lot, parcel, or tract of real property immediately prior
to any site preparation or grading, including excavating or filling.
"Nearshore" means either nearshore environment or nearshore habitat and refers generally to an area along the Puget
Sound shoreline that extends from the top of bluffs or upland area immediately adjacent to the beach to the point where
sunlight penetrates marine waters to a depth where aquatic plant life is supported.
"Nonconforming development" means an existing structure that was lawfully constructed when it was built but is no
longer fully consistent with present regulations,_ such as setbacks, buffers or yards: area, bulk; height or density
standards, due to subsequent changes to the master program
"Nonconforming lot" means a lot that met dimensional requirements of the applicable master program at the time of
its establishment but now contains less than the required width depth or area due to subsequent changes to the master
program."
"Nonconforming structure "See nonconforming development
"Nonconforming use eo dlevelepnew" means a shoreline use er development which was lawfully deck of
established prior to the effective date of the Act or the applicable shoreline master program, or amendments thereto,
but which does not conform to present use regulations or- standards ,f the shoreline master program.
"Non -water -oriented uses" means those uses that are not water -dependent, water -related, or water -enjoyment, and
which have little or no relationship to the shoreline and are not considered priority uses under the Shoreline
Management Act. Examples include professional offices, automobile sales or repair shops, mini -storage facilities,
multifamily residential development, department stores, and gas stations.
"Ordinary high water mark (OHWM) " means the mark on all lakes, streams, and tidal waters that will be found by
examining the beds and banks and ascertaining where the presence and action of waters are so common and usual and
so long continued in all ordinary years as to mark upon the soil a character distinct from that of the abutting upland, in
respect to vegetation, as that condition existed on June 1, 1971, as it may naturally change thereafter, or as it may
change thereafter in accordance with permits issued by a local government or the Department of Ecology. In any area
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
where the ordinary high water mark cannot be found, the ordinary high water mark adjoining salt water shall be the line
of mean higher high tide and the ordinary high water mark adjoining fresh water shall be the line of mean high water.
"Permit" means any substantial development, variance, conditional use permit, or revision authorized under Chapter
90.58 RCW.
"Pier" means any fixed platform structure upon water bodies that is supported by piles and connected to land.
"Primary structure" means the structure associated with the principal use of the property. If more than one structure is
associated with the principal use of the property, the one with the highest value shall be considered the primary structure.
"Public access " means the general public's ability to view, reach, touch, and enjoy the water's edge and use the state's
public waters, the water/land interface, and associated public shoreline area. Public access also includes actual,
physical, unobstructed access from land to the ordinary high water mark or adjacent shorelands. w
"Public utility" means the facilities of a private business organization such as a public service corporation, or a
governmental agency performing some public service and subject to special governmental regulations, the services
which are paid for directly by the recipients thereof. Such services shall include but are not limited to: water supply,
electric power, telephone, cablevision, natural gas, and transportation for persons and freight. The term also includes
broadcast towers, antennas, and related facilities operated on a commercial basis.
"Recreational development" means commercial and public facilities desired and used to provide recreational
opportunities to the public.
"Replacement structure" means the construction of a new structure to perform the same function as an existing
structure that can no longer adequately serve its purpose. Additions to or increases in size of existing structures shall
not be considered replacement structures.
"Residential development" means developments and occupancy in which persons sleep and prepare food, other than
developments used for transient occupancy. Residential development includes the creation of new residential lots
through subdivision of land. Temporary or transient floating homes located in a vessel's cabin in addition to converted
residential appurtenances, otherwise known as tiny homes, are prohibited in shoreline jurisdiction (See the residential
appurtenance definition above.) Exceptions include short-term boat moorage or dropping anchor within the city's
iurisdiction, provided, that such occupancv does not create a public health hazard or nuisance and this occupancy shall
not exceed two weeks within any six-month period.
"Restoration " means, in the context of "ecological restoration," the reestablishment or upgrading of impaired
ecological shoreline processes or functions. This may be accomplished through measures including, but not limited to,
revegetation, removal of intrusive shoreline structures, and removal or treatment of toxic materials. Restoration does
not imply a requirement for returning the shoreline area to aboriginal or pre -European settlement conditions.
"Riprap" means a layer, facing, or protective mound of angular stones randomly placed to prevent erosion, scour, or
sloughing of a structure or embankment; also, the stone so used.
"Shall" means a mandate; the action must be done
"Shorelands, " also referred to as "shoreland areas, " means those lands extending landward for 200 feet in all
directions as measured on a horizontal plane from the ordinary high water mark; floodways, and contiguous floodplain
areas landward 200 feet from such floodways; and all wetlands and river deltas associated with the streams, lakes, and
tidal waters which are subject to the provisions of this chapter; the same to be designated as to location by the
Department of Ecology.
"Shoreline administrator" means the director of the department of community development or his or her designee and
is responsible for administering the Federal Way shoreline master program.
"Shoreline environment designation " means the categories of shorelines of the state established by the city of Federal
Way shoreline management master program to differentiate between areas whose features imply differing objectives
regarding their use and future development.
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
"Shoreline jurisdiction" means all "shorelines of the state" and "shorelands" as defined in the Federal Way shoreline
master program and RCW 90.58.030.
"Shoreline master program (SMP) " means the comprehensive use plan for a described area, and the use regulations
together with maps, diagrams, charts, or other descriptive material and text, a statement of desired goals, and standards
developed in accordance with the policies enunciated in RCW 90.58.020.
"Shoreline modifications " means those actions that modify the physical configuration or qualities of the shoreline
area, usually through the construction of a physical element such as a dike, breakwater, pier, weir, dredged basin, fill,
bulkhead, or other shoreline structure. They can include other actions, such as clearing and grading.
"Shoreline stabilization " means structural and nonstructural actions taken to address erosion impacts to property,
dwellings, businesses, or structures caused by natural shoreline processes such as currents, floods, tides, wind, or wave
action. Expansion or enlargement of existing stabilization measures is considered new stabilization.
"Shoreline variance " means to grant relief from the specific bulk, dimensional, or performance standards in the local
shoreline master program, but not a means to vary a "use" of a shoreline.
"Shorelines" means all of the water areas of the state, including reservoirs, and their associated shorelands, together
with the lands underlying them; except (1) shorelines of statewide significance; (2) shorelines on segments of streams
upstream of a point where the mean annual flow is 20 cubic feet per second or less and the wetlands associated with
such upstream segments; and (3) shorelines on lakes less than 20 acres in size and wetlands associated with such small
lakes.
"Shorelines ofstatewide significance" means those areas of Puget Sound in the city of Federal Way, lying seaward
from the line of extreme low tide.
"Shorelines of the state" means the total of all "shorelines" and "shorelines of statewide significance" within the city
of Federal Way.
"Should" means that the particular action is required unless there is a demonstrated, compelling reason, based on
policy of the Shoreline Management Act and this title, against taking the action.
"SMA" means the Shoreline Management Act.
"SMP" means the shoreline master program.
"Soft -shore bank stabilization" means the use of bioengineering or biotechnical bank stabilization measures where
vegetation, logs, rock, and beach nourishment are used to address erosion control and slope stability.
"Stringline setback" means a straight line drawn between the points on the primary structures having the greatest
projection waterward on the two adjacent properties. If one of the adjacent properties is unimproved, the line shall be
drawn to the point of the standard shoreline setback at the side property line of the unimproved lot.
"Structure" See the definition in FWRC 19.05.
"Substantial accessory structure" means nonprimary structures equal to or larger than 400 square -feet and in good
repair.
"Vegetation conservation area " means an upland area adjacent to the ordinary high water mark or top of bluff where
existing native vegetation and native trees shall be retained per the requirements of the Federal Way shoreline master
program. The width of the vegetation conservation area is consistent with setback requirements for specific uses and
shoreline environment designations.
"Vessel " means ships, boats, barges, or any other floating craft which are designed and used for navigation and do not
interfere with the normal public use of the water.
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
"Water quality" means the physical characteristics of water within shoreline jurisdiction, including water quantity,
hydrological, physical, chemical, aesthetic, recreation -related, and biological characteristics. Where used in this title,
the term "water quantity" refers only to development and uses regulated under this chapter and affecting water
quantity, such as impermeable surfaces and stormwater handling practices. Water quantity, for purposes of this title,
does not mean the withdrawal of groundwater or diversion of surface water pursuant to RCW 90.03.250 through
90.03.340.
"Water -dependent use" means a use or portion of a use which cannot exist in any other location and is dependent on
the water by reason of the intrinsic nature of its operations. Examples of water -dependent uses may include ship cargo
terminal loading areas, ferry and passenger terminals, barge loading facilities, ship building and dry docking, marinas,
aquaculture, float plane facilities, and sewer outfalls.
"Water -enjoyment use" means a recreational use or other use that facilitates public access to the shoreline as a primary
characteristic of the use; or a use that provides for recreational use or aesthetic enjoyment of the shoreline for a
substantial number of people as a general characteristic of the use and which through location, design, and operation
ensures the public's ability to enjoy the physical and aesthetic qualities of the shoreline. In order to qualify as a
water -enjoyment use, the use must be open to the general public and the shoreline -oriented space within the project
must be devoted to the specific aspects of the use that foster shoreline enjoyment.
"Water -oriented use" means a use that is water -dependent, water -related, or water -enjoyment, or a combination of
such uses.
"Water -related" means a use or portion of a use which is not intrinsically dependent on a waterfront location but
whose economic vitality is dependent upon a waterfront location because: .
(1) Of a functional requirement for a waterfront location such as the arrival or shipment of materials by water or the
need for large quantities of water; or
(2) The use provides a necessary service supportive of the water -dependent commercial activities and the proximity of
the use to its customers makes its services less expensive and/or more convenient. Examples include professional
services serving primarily water -dependent activities and storage of water -transported foods.
"Wetland" means areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration
sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for
life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. Wetlands do
not include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from nonwetland sites, including, but not limited to,
irrigation and drainage ditches, grass -lined swales, canals, detention facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, farm
ponds, and landscape amenities, or those wetlands created after July 1, 1990, that were unintentionally created as a
result of the construction of a road, street, or highway. Wetlands may include those artificial wetlands intentionally
created from nonwetland areas to mitigate the conversion of wetlands.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
Article IL Shoreline Regulation
15.05.040 General development standards.
The following general development standards apply to all uses and activities in all shoreline environments:
(1) Impact mitigation.
(a) To the extent the Washington State Environmental Policy Act of 1971 (SEPA), Chapter 43.21C RCW, is
applicable, the analysis of environmental impacts from proposed shoreline uses or developments shall be
conducted consistent with the rules implementing SEPA (FWRC 14.05.010 and Chapter 197-11 WAC).
Mitigation for adverse impacts to shoreline functions will be triggered during the SEPA review, shoreline land
use permit process, or exemption approval process.
(b) Where required, mitigation measures shall be applied in the following sequence of steps listed in order of
priority.
(i) Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action;
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(ii) Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation by using
appropriate technology or by taking affirmative steps to avoid or reduce impacts;
(iii) Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment;
(iv) Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations;
(v) Compensating for the impact by replacing, enhancing, or providing substitute resources or
environments; and
(vi) Monitoring the impact and the compensation projects and taking appropriate corrective measures
(c) In determining appropriate mitigation measures applicable to shoreline development, lower priority measures
shall be applied only where higher priority measures are determined to be infeasible or inapplicable.
(d) Required mitigation shall not be in excess of that necessary to assure that proposed uses or development will
result in no net loss of shoreline ecological functions.
(e) Mitigation actions shall not have a significant adverse impact on other shoreline functions fostered by the
policy of the Shoreline Management Act.
(f) When compensatory measures are appropriate pursuant to the mitigation priority sequence above, preferential
consideration shall be given to measures that replace the impacted functions directly and are located in the
immediate vicinity of the impact. However, alternative compensatory mitigation may be authorized if said
mitigation occurs within the watershed and addresses limiting factors or identified critical needs for shoreline
conservation based on watershed or comprehensive management plans. Authorization of compensatory
mitigation measures may require appropriate safeguards, terms, or conditions as necessary to ensure no net loss
of ecological functions.
(2) Vegetation conservation. Existing shoreline vegetation shall be preserved per development standards established
for each shoreline environment designation as listed in the development standards table in FWRC 15.05.070(6), and
the setback standards provided in FWRC 15.05.075.
(3) Water quality/stormwater. All activities and development within the shoreline jurisdiction shall incorporate water
pollution control measures and best management practices (BMPs) for stormwater management. Such measures shall
address both temporary impacts to water quality from construction activities as well as the need for permanent
stormwater management facilities in compliance with the requirements and restrictions of all applicable city and state
regulations.
(4) Critical areas. Activities and development in critical areas found within shoreline jurisdiction are required to
comply with the development standards outlined in Chapter 439 19.145 FWRC, Environmentally Critical Areas
(Ordinance 15-797, dated June 16, 2015), and Chapter 45.15 19.142 FWRC, Flood Damage Prevention (Ordinance
18-856, dated November 14, 2018), for each area described below.
(a) Activities and alterations to critical areas shorelines of the state and their buffers shall be subject to the
provisions of this Master Program The master program defers to the director on determining whether an activity
affecting critical areas in shoreline jurisdiction is exempt from shoreline permit requirements per WAC
173-27-040. The following environmentally critical areas provisions do not apply within shoreline Jurisdiction:
(i) FWRC 19.145.090. Reasonable use of the subiect property;
(ii) FWRC 19.145.110 Exemptions;
(iii) FWRC 19.145.120 Partial exemptions;
(iv) FWRC 19.145.350, Regulated lake buffers;
(v) FWRC 19.145.360. Development waterward of the ordinary high water mark of regulated lakes;
(vi) FWRC 19.145.370. Development within regulated lake buffers; and
(vii) FWRC 19.145.380. Regulated lake bulkheads
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(a b) Any conflict between the standards outlined in Chapter 15.10 19.145 or 15.15 19.142 FWRC and the SMP
shall be resolved in favor of the standard that is most protective of the shoreline ecological functions. In addition
to the development standards outlined in Chapters 15. 1919.145 and 15.15 19.142 FWRC, the following
minimum requirements shall apply with regard to activities and development in critical areas found within
shoreline jurisdiction with the following clarifications and modifications:
(i) Minimum setbacks from the OHWM established by this chapter shall be maintained in all cases unless a
shoreline variance is granted. Shoreline setbacks are defined in FWRC 15.05 070(6) of this chapter.
(ii) When FWRC 15.10.x&19.145.440 ( , ' eleaf ng aad grading • it4iii
Development within wetland buffers), subsections (5) "'gid -Buffer Redeetion
averaging, and (6) Medi€iealjee Buffer reduction with enhancement, are utilized for a project proposal, a
shoreline variance permit is required if the overall proposed buffer width reduction exceeds 25 percent.
(iii) The provisions of Federal Way Environmentally Sensitive Area Regulations do not extend shoreline
iurisdictions_beyond the limits specified in this SMP. For regulations addressing critical area buffers afeas.-
that are outside shoreline jurisdiction, see FWRC 19.145.
(iv) if thefe e&e addifien4 Anv provisions of the Environmentally Critical Areas Ordinance time not
consistent with the Shoreline Management Act Chapter 90.58 RCW or a id -supporting Washington
Administrative Code chapters, these o-,.visie fts shall not apply.
t
()&, Geologically hazardous areas. Regulated geologically hazardous areas located in the shoreline jurisdiction
include seismic hazard areas, landslide hazard areas, steep slopes, and erosion hazard areas. If a geologically
hazardous area is located within the shoreline jurisdiction, all activities on the site shall be in compliance with the
requirements and restrictions of Articles I, II, III, and IV of Chapter I5 10 19.145 FWRC. In addition to the
development standards outlined in Chapter 15.10 19.145 FWRC, the following shall apply with regard to
activities and development in geologically hazardous areas found within shoreline jurisdiction:
(i) Creation of new lots shall be prohibited where development and use on new lots would cause a
foreseeable risk from geological conditions during the life of the development.
(ii) New development that causes risk from geological conditions should not be allowed.
(iii) New development on sites with steep slopes and bluffs is required to be set back sufficiently to ensure
that shoreline stabilization is unlikely to be necessary during the life of the project as demonstrated by a
geotechnical analysis.
(e 4) Streams and wetlands. If a stream or wetland is located within the shoreline jurisdiction, all activities within
the shoreline jurisdiction shall be in compliance with the requirements and restrictions of Articles I, II, III, V, and
VI of Chapter 15 10 19.145 FWRC.
(d e) Flood damage reduction. If an area of special flood hazard is located on or adjacent to a development site
within shoreline jurisdiction, all activities on the site shall be in compliance with the requirements and restrictions
of Chapter 15.15 19.142 FWRC. All activities allowed within the special flood hazard area by the requirements
and restrictions of Chapter 15. 13 19.142 FWRC shall not result in a net loss of ecological function.
(fe) Critical aquifer recharge areas and wellhead protection areas. If a critical aquifer recharge area or wellhead
protection area is located within the shoreline jurisdiction, all activities within the shoreline jurisdiction shall be
in compliance with the requirements and restrictions of Articles I, II, III, and VII of Chapter 15.10 19.145 FWRC.
(5) Critical salmonid habitats. All salt water shorelines in Federal Way are critical salmonid habitats. Activities and
development in critical salmonid habitats found within the shoreline jurisdiction are required to comply with the
following development standards, in addition to those contained in other sections of this chapter:
(a) Structures which prevent the migration of salmon and steelhead are prohibited. Fish bypass facilities shall
allow the upstream migration of adult fish. Fish bypass facilities shall prevent fry and juveniles migrating
downstream from being trapped or harmed.
(b) Shoreline modification structures may intrude into critical salmonid habitats only where the proponent
demonstrates all of the following conditions are met:
(i) An alternative alignment or location is not feasible;
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
(ii) The project is designed to minimize its impacts on the environment;
(iii) If the project will create unavoidable adverse impacts, the impacts are mitigated by creating in-kind
replacement habitat near the project. Where in-kind replacement mitigation is not feasible, rehabilitating
degraded habitat may be required as a substitute;
(iv) The project satisfies all provisions of FWRC 15.05.050, Shoreline modifications.
(c) Open pile bridges are the preferred water crossing structures over critical salmonid habitats. If a bridge is not
feasible, one of the following water crossing structures may be approved if the impacts can be mitigated:
temporary culverts, bottomless arch culverts, elliptical culverts, or other fish -passable round culverts. These
structures are listed in priority order, with the first having the highest preference and the last the lowest
preference. In order for a lower priority structure to be permitted, the applicant must show the higher priority
structures are not feasible. The project shall be designed to minimize its impacts on the environment.
(d) Bridges and in -water utility corridors may be located in critical salmonid habitats provided the proponent
shows that all of the following conditions are met:
(i) An alternative alignment is not feasible;
(ii) The project is located and designed to minimize its impacts on the e
(iii) Any alternative impacts are mitigated; and
(iv) Any landfill is located landward of the ordinary high water mark.
Open piling and piers required to construct the bridge may be placed waterward of the ordinary high water mark,
if no alternative method is feasible.
When installing in -water utilities, the installer may be required to place native material on the bed and banks of
the water body or wetland to reestablish the preconstruction elevation and contour of the bed. The project shall be
designed to avoid and minimize impacts on the environment.
(e) Dredging in critical salmonid habitats shall not be allowed unless the proponent demonstrates all of the
following conditions are met:
(i) The dredging is for a water -dependent or water -related use;
(ii) An alternative alignment or location is not feasible;
(iii) The project is designed to minimize its impacts on the environment;
(iv) The project is in the public interest; and
(v) If the project will create significant unavoidable adverse impacts, then the impacts are mitigated by
creating in-kind replacement habitat near the project. Where in-kind replacement mitigation is not feasible,
rehabilitating degraded habitat may be required as a substitute.
(f) In -water dredge spoil disposal sites shall not be located in critical salmonid habitats.
(g) Filling, dumping, discharging (including discharging of stormwater), commercial or industrial wastewater,
dredging, channelization, draining, flooding, disturbing the water level, duration of inundation or water tables,
and other activities which negatively impact habitat are prohibited in wetlands, ponds, and side channels which
are associated with critical salmonid habitats.
(h) Within critical salmonid habitats, permanent channel changes and realignments are prohibited.
(i) The removal of aquatic and riparian vegetation within or adjacent to critical salmonid habitats shall be
minimized. Trees which shade side channels, streams, estuaries, ponds, and wetlands associated with critical
salmonid habitats shall be maintained consistent with the provisions of this chapter. Areas of disturbed earth shall
be revegetated.
0) Unless removal is needed to prevent hazards to life and property or to enhance critical salmonid habitats, large
woody debris below, the ordinary high water mark shall be left in the water to provide salmon and steelhead
habitat.
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(6) Archaeological and historic resources.
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(a) If any archaeological artifacts are uncovered during excavations in the shoreline, work must stop immediately
and the city of Federal Way, the state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, the Muckleshoot
Indian Tribe, and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians must be notified.
(b) Proposals for ground disturbing activities in areas known to contain an historic, cultural, or archaeological
resource(s) or highly suspected to contain archaeological artifacts and data shall require a site inspection and
evaluation by a professional archaeologist or historic preservation professional, as applicable, prior to issuance of
a permit or initiation of disturbance. The evaluation shall include recommendations for monitoring of potentially
disruptive activities, data recovery, and/or mitigation measures if warranted. Cost for inspection and evaluation
of the site will be the responsibility of the applicant.
(c) If archeological items are found during excavation work the applicant shall stop work and apply for an "
Archeological Excavation and Removal Permit per WAC 25-48
(7) Public access.
(a) In review of all shoreline permits or developments of more than four residential lots or dwelling units per
WAC 173-26-240 (i)(v)(A), or subdivision of land into more than four lots, or commercial development, or
non -water -dependent uses (including water -enjoyment and water -related uses) consideration of public access and
joint use of community recreational facilities shall be required when:
(i) The development would generate demand for one or more forms of public shoreline access; and/or
(ii) The development would eliminate, restrict, or otherwise impair existing legal access opportunities or
rights. In these instances, public access shall be provided by the development in a form, as detailed by
subsection (7)(d) of this section, consistent in character with the existing public access that was eliminated,
restricted, or otherwise impaired. 1', •*11
(b) Requirements or conditions for public access shall be consistent with all relevant constitutional and other
legal limitations on regulation of private property.
(c) Public access requirements shall not be required when the applicant demonstrates that one or more of the
following provisions apply:
(i) Unavoidable health or safety hazards to the public exist that cannot be prevented by any practical means;
(ii) Inherent security requirements of the use cannot be satisfied through the application of alternative design
features or other solutions;
(iii) The cost of providing the access, easement, alternative amenity, or mitigating the impacts of public
access is unreasonably disproportionate to the total long-term cost of the proposed development;
(iv) Significant environmental impacts would result from the public access that cannot be mitigated; and/or
(v) Significant undue and unavoidable conflict between any access provisions and the proposed use and/or
adjacent uses would occur and cannot be mitigated.
(d) Public access shall consist of a dedication of land or a physical improvement in the form of a walkway, trail,
bikeway, corridor, viewpoint, park, or other area serving as a means of view and/or physical approach to
shorelines of the state and may include interpretive centers and displays.
(e) Public access locations shall be clearly marked with visible signage.
(f) Public access provided by shoreline street ends, public utilities, and rights-of-way shall not be diminished
(RCW 36.87.130).
(g) Shoreline development by any public entities, including the city of Federal Way, state agencies, and public
utility districts, shall include public access measures as part of each development project, unless such access is
shown to be incompatible due to reasons of safety, security, or impact to the shoreline environment or other
provisions in this section.
(8) Restoration projects.
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(a) Restoration projects within the shoreline environment consistent with WAC 173-27-080(2)(o) shall be
allowed without a shoreline substantial development permit; be reviewed through the shoreline exemption
review process; and be designed consistent with the development standards outlined in Chapter 15.10 19.145
FWRC — Critical Areas and the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Approval of restoration projects shall be based on a review of a plan containing, at a minimum, an analysis of
existing conditions, identification of the area to be restored, proposed corrective actions, including installation of
native species, performance standards, monitoring schedule, planting plans, erosion and sedimentation control
plans, and grading plans as necessary.
(c) The shoreline administrator shall require an applicant to retain the services of a qualified professional in
preparing the restoration plan. Intrusions into regulated steep slopes and associated setbacks will be allowed for
purposes of approved restoration projects.
from shoreline restoration proiects within urban growth areas as lone as such relief is consistent with criteria and
procedures in WAC 173-27-215.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
15.05.050 Shoreline modifications.
(1) Shoreline stabilization. Shoreline stabilization may be permitted in the shoreline residential environment. Hard
armoring (e.g., bulkheads and riprap) is subject to a shoreline conditional use permit in the urban conservancy
environment. Soft -shore stabilization may be permitted in the urban conservancy environment. Shoreline stabilization
proposals shall address the following:
(a) Shoreline stabilization, including bulkheads, shall not be considered an outright permitted use on the city's
shorelines. In order for shoreline stabilization to be permitted the city must find that:
(i) The applicant shall provide a geotechnical report, prepared by a qualified professional, that estimates the
rate of erosion and evaluates alternative solutions: and the urgency associated with the specific situation; and
(ii) Soft -shore stabilization alternatives such as slope drainage systems, vegetative growth stabilization,
gravel berms, and beach nourishment shall be prioritized over structural options such as bulkheads and
riprap. The "softest" effective alternative shall be utilized; and
(iii) In the case of proposed hard armoring stabilization solutions (e.g., bulkheads and riprap), erosion from
waves or currents presents a clear and imminent (damage within three years) threat to a legally established
primary structure, one or more substantial accessory structures, water -dependent development, ecological
restoration/toxic clean-up remediation projects, or public improvements; and
(iv) In the case of bulkheads and riprap, the proposed shoreline stabilization is located landward of the
ordinary high water mark; and
(v) The proposed shoreline stabilization is the minimum size necessary to protect existing improvements; and
(vi) The applicant shall demonstrate that impacts to sediment transport are minimized to the greatest extent
possible; and
(vii) Shoreline stabilization shall not have an adverse impact on the property of others and shall be designed
so as not to create the need for shoreline stabilization elsewhere; and
N, (viii) Shoreline stabilization shall not significantly interfere with normal surface and/or subsurface drainage
into the water body and shall be constructed using an approved filter cloth or other suitable means to allow
passage of surface and groundwater without internal erosion of fine material; and
(ix) Shoreline stabilization shall not be used to create new lands; and
(x) Use of chemically treated wood is prohibited for any shoreline stabilization proposal within fresh water
lake shorelines; and
(xi) Use of creosote treated wood is prohibited within marine shorelines; and
(xii) Revegetation with native plants is required as part of the shoreline stabilization project; and
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
(xiii) Shoreline stabilization shall not otherwise result in a net loss of ecological functions.
(b) When a bulkhead or other structural alternative is permitted subject to subsection (1)(a) of this section, the
following standards shall apply:
(i) The maximum height of the proposed bulkhead or other stabilization structure is no more than ene €eet-
abEhae the eley t:en e f mean higher- high water- tidal waters, er-one foot in height above the elevation of
ordinary high water mark on lakes, measured from grade on the waterward side of the bulkhead or structure;
anA the minimum necessary to protect the upland structure(s) or development proposal(s) alone tidal waters
Minimum necessary bulkhead heiuht requirements must be supported by both recorded tidal events and
Reotechnical documentation by a qualified professional
(ii) When a bulkhead or other stabilization structure has deteriorated such that the ordinary high water mark
has been established by the presence and action of water landward of the existing bulkhead, then the
replacement bulkhead or structure must be located at or landward of the ordinary high water mark.
(iii) Repair of an existing bulkhead or other stabilization structure is permitted provided that the repaired
bulkhead or structure is not relocated further waterward or increased in height.
(iv) If an existing bulkhead or other stabilization structure is destroyed it may be replaced as it existed prior
to destruction, provided application for required permits is made within one year of destruction. Additions to
or increases in size of existing shoreline stabilization measures shall be considered new structures.
(v) Soft -shoreline stabilization measures that provide restoration of shoreline ecological functions may be
permitted waterward of the ordinary high water mark.
(vi) The project satisfies the provisions of FWRC 15.05.040(5)(b).
(c) Creation of new lots shall be prohibited where development and use on new lots would require structural
shoreline stabilization over the life of the development. The following standards shall apply to new development.
(i) New development that would require shoreline stabilization which causes significant impacts to adjacent
or down -current properties and shoreline areas should not be allowed.
(ii) New development, including newly created parcels, is required to be designed and located to prevent the
need for future shoreline stabilization as documented by a geotechnical analysis.
(iii) New development on steep slopes and bluffs is required to be set back sufficiently to ensure that
shoreline stabilization is unlikely to be necessary during the life of the project as demonstrated by a
geotechnical analysis.
(2) Piers, docks, floats, and mooring buoys. Piers, docks, floats, and mooring buoys may be permitted in the shoreline
residential and urban conservancy environments subject to the following conditions:
(a) Public piers and docks shall only be allowed for water -dependent uses and public access subject to a shoreline
conditional use permit and the following criteria:
(i) Public's need for such a structure is clearly demonstrated;
(ii) The project, including any required mitigation, will result in no net loss of ecological functions
associated with critical salt water habitat;
(iii) The project is consistent with the state's interest in resource protection and species recovery; and
(iv) Moorage at public docks is limited to recreational purposes and shall not extend more than one 24-hour
period. Public docks may not be used for commercial or residential moorage.
(b) Residential piers, docks, floats, or mooring buoys may be permitted accessory to a single-family residence, or
as common use facilities associated with a subdivision, short subdivision, or multifamily development, in
accordance with this chapter and the following limitations:
(i) Residential mooring buoys are preferred over docks and piers on the Puget Sound shoreline. Applicants
for a residential dock or pier on the Puget Sound shoreline must demonstrate why a mooring buoy will not
provide adequate moorage for recreational watercraft.
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(ii) No more than one pier, dock, float, or mooring buoy for each existing residential lot is permitted.
(iii) New residential developments of two or more units, subdivisions, or short subdivisions shall be limited
to one shared dock or pier.
(A) The total number of moorage spaces shall be limited to one moorage space for every dwelling unit up
to four. For each two dwelling units after four, one additional moorage space is permitted.
(c) All docks and piers shall be subject to the mitigation requirements per FWRC 15.05.040(1) and will result in
no net loss of ecological functions associated with critical salt water habitat. A preliminary eelgrass survey as
specified under the Army Corps of Engineers, Regional General Permit, RGP 6 shall be required for new docks
or piers on the Puget Sound shoreline.
(d) No dwelling unit may be constructed on a pier or dock.
(e) No covered pier, covered dock, covered moorage, covered float, or other covered structure is permitted
waterward of the ordinary high water mark.
(f) Piers, docks, mooring buoys, or floats shall meet the side and rear yard setbacks of the underlying zoning
classification, except in the case of shared facilities, in which case no side yard setback is required.
(g) All piers, docks, mooring buoys, floats, or other such structures shall not, during the course of the normal
fluctuations of the elevation of the water body, protrude more than five feet above the surface of the water.
(h) Floats cannot rest on the tidal substrate at any time. Stoppers on the piling anchoring the floats or stub piling
must be installed such that the bottom of the flotation device is at least one foot above the level of the substrate.
(i) Any pier, dock, mooring buoy, or float must be constructed out of materials that will not adversely affect water
quality. Use of chemically treated wood is prohibited in fresh water lake shorelines. Use of creosote treated wood
is prohibited in marine shorelines.
0) Any new pier or dock must be located generally perpendicular to the shoreline, and oriented to minimize
shading impacts to the maximum degree feasible.
(k) Live -aboard vessels are prohibited. Moorage not associated with residential development may not extend
greater than one 24-hour period without a lease from the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
(1) Pier and dock dimensions and grating, marine shorelines.
(i) Where authorized by this chapter, piers and docks located on marine shorelines shall be the minimum
size required to provide for moorage. Single-family piers or docks shall not exceed 75 feet in length
measured perpendicularly from the OHWM. Shared moorage may extend up to 100 feet in length if
demonstrated to be necessary to provide adequate moorage. Docks that cannot meet this standard may
request a review under the variance provisions of this program.
(ii) The maximum width of each pier or dock shall be six feet.
(iii) The maximum width of walkway ramps shall be four feet and shall be fully grated.
(iv) The decking of all piers and docks shall be designed to allow a minimum of 45 percent light passage.
This may be accomplished through grated decks, space between decking, light prisms, or other means.
(v) Pier skirting is not permitted.
(m) Pier and dock dimensions and grating, lake shorelines.
(i) The maximum waterward intrusion of any portion of any pier or dock shall not extend further waterward
than the average length of the piers or docks on lots abutting the location of the new dock as measured
perpendicularly from the ordinary high water mark unless an alternative dimension is required in order to
prevent impacts to critical areas. In no circumstances shall the maximum waterward intrusion of any portion
of any pier or dock extend more than 36 feet from the ordinary high water mark, or the point where the water
depth is eight feet below the elevation of the ordinary high water mark, whichever is reached first.
(ii) The maximum width of each pier or dock shall be six feet, or up to eight feet wide on joint -use docks
where additional mitigation is provided.
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(iii) The decking of all piers and docks shall be designed to allow a minimum of 45 percent light passage.
This may be accomplished through grated decks, space between decking, light prisms, or other means.
(n) Floats are limited under the following conditions:
(i) One float per single-family residence and no more than one common use float for each new multifamily
development, short subdivision, or subdivision is permitted.
(ii) No portion of a float shall be placed more than 45 feet waterward of the ordinary high water mark on lake
shorelines.
(iii) Retrieval lines shall not float at or near the surface of the water. s
(iv) No float shall have more than 100 square feet of surface area.
v Floats shall use . ��
O grating on at least 30 percent of their surface to allow light penet�t�o�;� t' �s
t�
(3) Boating facilities — launching ramps, rails, and lift stations.
(a) Launching ramps, rails, and lift stations may be permitted in parks and public access areas in the shoreline
residential and urban conservancy environments subject to a shoreline conditional use permit, where authorized
by FWRC 15.05.070 through 15.05.090. The following conditions shall apply:
(i) No portion of a launching ramp, rail, or lift station shall be placed more than 60 feet waterward of the
ordinary high water mark.
(ii) All portions of a launching ramp, rail, or lift station shall be placed at a depth not to exceed eight feet
below the ordinary high water mark.
(iii) Launching rails or ramps shall be anchored to the ground through the use of tie -type construction.
Asphalt, concrete, or other ramps, which solidly cover the bottom or bed of a water body, are prohibited.
(iv) No more than one launching ramp, rail, or lift station per shoreline development shall be permitted.
(v) Launching ramps, rails, or lift stations shall not be permitted for shoreline developments that have an
existing pier, dock, float, mooring buoy, or other functional moorage. Piers, docks, floats, or other forms of
moorage shall not be permitted for shoreline developments that have existing launching ramps, rails, or lift
stations. 411� 'N "-Ito
(vi) Launching ramps, rails, and lift stations shall be sited and designed to ensure protection of navigation
routes and access; shall be aesthetically compatible with or enhance existing shoreline features; and shall be
clearly marked and separated from nearby swimming areas.
(vii) On -shore facilities associated with public boating facilities shall provide adequate off-street parking
and loading area, and have adequate facilities for handling of sewage and litter.
(4) Breakwaters, jetties and groins.
(a) Floating breakwaters are permitted in the shoreline residential and urban conservancy environments, with a
conditional use permit, when the following conditions apply:
(i) Floating breakwaters may be allowed if necessary to protect a public boat launch, when no other
alternative with less impact to the environment is feasible.
(ii) When permitted, development of floating breakwaters shall include mitigation measures consistent with
this chapter as to ensure no net loss of ecological function.
(iii) Nonfloating breakwaters are prohibited.
(b) Jetties are prohibited within all shoreline environments in the city.
(c) Groins are prohibited in all shoreline environments in the city.
(5) Dredging and filling.
(a) Dredging.
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
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(i) Dredging activities in shoreline residential or urban conservancy environments require a conditional use
permit. Dredging is not permitted in the natural environment.
(ii) Dredging activities are allowed only where necessary to protect public safety or for shoreline restoration
activities.
(iii) Dredging is allowed only where an alternative alignment that would not require dredging is not feasible
(iv) Where allowed, dredging operations must be scheduled so as to not damage shoreline ecological
functions or processes.
(v) Where allowed, dredging operations shall avoid and minimize significant ecological impacts to the
greatest extent feasible, and shall be mitigated as required by this chapter.
(vi) Siting and design of new development shall avoid the need for new and maintenance dredging.
(vii) Dredging for fill materials shall be prohibited, except for projects associated with MTCA or CERCLA
remediation actions, habitat restoration, or any other significant restoration effort approved by a shoreline
conditional use permit. In such instances, placement of dredged fill material must be waterward of the
OHWM_
(b) Filling.
(i) Fill activities waterward of the ordinary high water mark shall only be allowed with a shoreline
conditional use permit in association with allowed (permitted) water -dependent use developments; public
access; clean-up and disposal of contaminated sediments as part of an interagency environmental clean-up
plan; disposal of dredged material in accordance with the DNR Dredged Material Management Program; or
expansion or alteration of transportation facilities of statewide significance currently located on the
shoreline (if alternatives to fill are shown not feasible). Fill waterward of the ordinary high water mark
associated with non -water -dependent uses shall be prohibited.
(ii) Fill waterward of the ordinary high water mark needed to support the following water -dependent uses
may be allowed through a conditional use permit in the shoreline residential and urban conservancy
environments:
(A) Public access;
(B) Expansion, alteration, or repair of transportation facilities currently located within the shoreline;
(C) Mitigation actions;
(D) Environmental, ecological, or watershed restoration projects;
(E) Beach nourishment or enhancement projects; and
(F) Soft -shore bank stabilization projects.
(iii) Permitted fill activities must comply with the following standards:
(A) Demonstration that alternatives to fill are not feasible;
(B) Demonstration that fill shall be deposited so as to minimize disruption of normal surface and
groundwater passage;
" s (C) Demonstration that fill materials shall be of such quality that they will not adversely affect water
quality;
(D) Demonstration that fill shall allow surface water penetration into the groundwater supply, where
such conditions existed prior to the fill; and
(E) Demonstration that fill timing will minimize damage to water quality and aquatic life.
(iv) Fill, except for beach nourishment, shall be prohibited in areas of high shoreline erosion potential.
(v) Fill located waterward of the ordinary high water mark that results in a net loss of shoreline function is
prohibited.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
The Federal Way Revised Code is current through Ordinance 18-852, passed June 5, 2018.
Federal Way Revised Code
Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
15.05.060 Environmental designations.
(1) Purpose and establishment of designations.
Page 20/59
(a) The purpose of the designations is to differentiate between areas whose geographical, hydrological,
topographical, or other features imply differing objectives regarding their use and future development.
Each environment designation represents a particular emphasis in the type of uses and the extent of development
that should occur within it. The environmental designation system is designed to encourage uses in each
environment that enhance or are compatible with the character of the environment, while at the same time
requiring reasonable standards and restrictions on development so that the character of the environment is not
adversely impacted.
(b) Names of environment designations. In order to accomplish the purpose of this title, environmental
designations have been established as follows:
(i) Shoreline residential.
(ii) Urban conservancy.
(iii) Natural.
(c) Limits of environment designations. Each environment designation shall consist of:
(i) The entire water body within city jurisdiction, including all water below the surface, the land below the
water body, the space above the water body, and the shorelands associated with the water body. On the city's
marine shoreline, environment designations shall extend waterward from the ordinary high water mark to
the line of extreme low tide.
(ii) The shoreline areas within 200 feet of the ordinary high water mark and additional upland areas where
associated wetlands and floodplains extend beyond 200 feet from the ordinary high water mark.
(d) Establishment of designations.
(i) The written descriptions of the boundaries of the shoreline environment designations as adopted by
ordinance shall constitute the official legal descriptions of the boundaries of those environment designations.
(ii) The official maps prepared by the city pursuant to Chapter 173-26 WAC shall constitute the official
descriptions of the limits of all shorelands in the city of Federal Way as defined by RCW 90.58.030 and
FWRC 15.05.030.
(iii) The department may, from time to time, as new or improved information becomes available, modify the
official maps described in subsection (1)(d)(ii) of this section consistent with state guidelines to more
accurately represent, clarify, or interpret the true limits of the shorelines defined herein.
(e) Location ofboundaries.
(i) Boundaries indicated as following streets, highways, roads, and bridges shall be deemed to follow the
centerline of such facilities unless otherwise specified.
(ii) Boundaries indicated as following railroad lines and transmission lines shall be deemed to follow the
centerline of such rights-of-way or easements unless otherwise specified.
(iii) Where different environmental designations have been given to a tributary and the main stream at the
point of confluence, the environmental designation given to the main stream shall extend for a distance of
200 feet up the tributary.
(iv) In case of uncertainty as to a wetland or environment boundary, the director of community development
services shall determine its exact location pursuant to the criteria of WAC 173-22-040 and RCW 90.58.030,
and the provisions of this title.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
15.05.070 Summary of uses, approval criteria, and process.
(1) Uses not addressed in the program shall be conditional uses.
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
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(2) Specific regulations for each use/development are provided in subsequent sections for shoreline residential
(FWRC 15.05.080), urban conservancy (FWRC 15.05.090), and natural (FWRC 15.05. 100) environments. All
permitted and conditional uses may not appear in the permitted use table (subsection (5) of this section). In cases
where uses are not listed, or conflicts exist with other section(s) of the program, the text provisions shall control.
(3) Prohibited uses.
(a) The following uses are prohibited in all shoreline environments:
(i) Commercial agriculture.
(ii) Aquaculture.
(iii) Forest practices.
(iv) Industrial uses.
w
mak.
(v) Mining. 1
(b) Additional uses are prohibited in specific shoreline environments, as detailed bpetted use table and
FWRC 15.05.080, 15.05.090, and 15.05.100.'
(4) Prohibited shoreline modifications. `
(a) The following shoreline modifications are prohibited in all shoreliretyirtments:
(i) Jetties.
(ii) Groins.
(b) Additional shoreline modifications are prohibited in specific shoreline environments, as detailed by the
permitted use table and FWRC 15.05.080, 15.05.090, and 15.05.100.
(5) Permitted use table. The following table summarizes the permitted, conditional, and prohibited uses for each
shoreline environment: '^
The Federal Way Revised Code is current through Ordinance 18-852, passed June 5, 2018.
Shoreline Environment
Shoreline Modification
Shoreline Residential
Urban ConserNancy
Natural
Shoreline Stabilization'
P
P/C'
X
Piers and Docks
P/C'
I, c'
X
Mooring Buoys and Floats
P
P
X
Boating Facilities
C
C'
X
Floating Breakwaters'
C
X
X
Dredging and Filling
P/N
1,
X
Shoreline Use
Shoreline Residential
Urban Conservancy
Natural
Office and Commercial
Development
X
FS
X
Recreational Development
P
P
P/X9
Residential Development
P
1,
CN
Accessory Structures
p
P
C
Utilitiesb
P
P
C
Transportation/Parking Facilities
P
P
C
The Federal Way Revised Code is current through Ordinance 18-852, passed June 5, 2018.
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
P = Allowed as exempt from permitting or permitted with substantial development permit
C = May be allowed with shoreline conditional use permit
X = Prohibited
Page 22/59
1. Includes bulkheads, bio -engineered erosion control projects, and other shoreline stabilization activities.
2. Soft -shore stabilization is permitted and hard armoring (e.g., bulkheads, riprap) is subject to a shoreline conditional use permit.
3. Public piers and docks are allowed with a CUP.
4. Floating breakwaters are allowed with a shoreline conditional use permit, and only when used to protect a public boat launch. Nonfloating
breakwaters are prohibited.
5. Dredging and all fill waterward of the OHWM requires a conditional use permit.
6. Solid waste transfer stations and cellular towers are prohibited in all shoreline environments.
7. Parking as a primary use is prohibited in all shoreline environments, but allowed if serving an allowed shoreline use. y
8. Multifamily residential development is prohibited within the natural environment.t
9. Non -water -oriented recreational development is prohibited in the natural environment.
(6) Standards table. The following table summarizes siting, design, and dimensional standards of this program, as
specified within FWRC 15.05.040, 15.05.050, 15.05.080, 15.05.090, and 15.05. 100 for general shoreline regulations,
shoreline modifications, and shoreline uses:
The Federal Way Revised Code is current through Ordinance 18-852, passed June 5, 2018.
Shoreline Environment
Shoreline Residential
Urban Conservancy
Natural
General standards for all development and uses
(further detailed by specific use regulations below)
Height'
35 feet
35 feet
35 feet
Shoreline setbacks'
50 feet from OH" or as
50 feet from OHWM or as
100 feet from OHWM or as
required for protection of critical
required for protection of critical
required for protection of critical
areas, whichever is greater
areas, whichever is greater
areas, whichever is greater
Vegetation conservation area=
Conserve 70% (minimum) of
Conserve 85% (minimum) of
Conserve 100% of native
native vegetation and 70%
native vegetation and 80%
vegetation and 100% of native
(minimum) of native trees in
(minimum) of native trees in
trees in setback
selhack
setback
Office and commercial development
Shoreline setbacks'
75 feet from OHWM or as
required for protection of critical
N/A (Prohibited)
areas, whichever is greater
N/A (Prohibited)
Associated overwater structures
Prohibited, unless providing
public access
Residential development
Shoreline setbacks-
Single-family: 50 feet from
Single-family: 50 feet from
Single-family only, subject to
14
'*V
OHWM or as required for
OHWM or as required for
CUP: 100 feet from OHWM or
protection of critical areas,
protection of critical areas,
as required for protection of
�.
whichever iseater"
gT
whichever is greater=
critical areas, whichever is
Multifamily: 75 feet from
OHWM or as required for
(no multifamily zoning in this
environment)
greater
protection of critical areas,
whichever is greater'
Density
Subject to underlying zoning
Subject to underlying zoning
Subject to underlying zoning
(typically 7,000 to 10,000 sq. ft.
(7,000 to 10,000 sq. ft. minimum
(5 -acre minimum lot size)
minimum lot size; limited areas
lot size)
of multifamily residential
zoning, 1,800 sq. ft. minimum
lot size)
Residential accessory structures within the required shoreline setback
Height
8 feet
8 feet
8 feet
Maximum footprint
150 sf per structure'-;
150 sf per structure°;
150 sf per structure';
300 sf total per lot
300 sf total per lot
300 sf total per lot
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Federal Way Revised Code
Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
Page 2, �9
Shoreline Modifications
Shoreline stabilization" (FWRC 15.05.0730(1))
Design requirements
• Nonstructural alternatives prioritized
• Creation of new land prohibited
• Located at or landward of ordinary high water
• Marine: creosote prohibited
• Fresh water: chemically treated wood prohibited
• Revegetation with native plants required
• Maximum height is 1 foot above elevation of
N/A (Prohibited)
water (iidal)Fordinary high water (lakes) and minimum necessary to
protect the upland structure(s) or developmentyroposal(s) along
tidal waters. Minimum necessary bulkhead height requirements
must be supported by both recorded tidal events and geotechnical
documentation by a qualified professional
Piers, docks, mooring buoys, and floats (FWRC 15.05.0730(2))
Side yard setbacks
Consistent w/underlying zoning, except none when joint use
`
Maximum height
Above water surface level: 5 feet
Siting and design requirements
•Dwelling units prohibited on piers and docks
• Covered overwater structures prohibited
• Piers and docks oriented perpendicular to the shoreline
• Piers and docks: must be constructed from materials that allow
light penetration through the structure
N/A (Prohibited)
• Marine: creosote prohibited
• Fresh water: chetnically treated wood prohibited
• Public dock moorage limited to recreational uses_.
• 1 dock per existing residential lot
• 1 shared dock per new multifamily development, subdivision, or
short subdivision (additional limitations on number of moorage
spaces)
• 1 float per existing residence/l shared dock per new multifamily
development/subdivision/short subdivision
Pier and dock dimensions, lake
• Residential piers and docks: maximum waterward intrusion:
shorelines
based on average length of nearest existing docks on either side of
the proposed dock; never to exceed 36 feet from OHWM or length
at 8 feet of depth below OHWM, whichever is reached first
• 6 -foot maximum dock width (8 -foot for joint use)
Pier and dock dimensions, marine
• Maximum waterward intrusion from OHWM 75 — 100 feet
shorelines
depending on use
N/A (Prohibited)
• 6 -foot maximum dock width
• Minimum 45% transparency of decking
Float dimensions and standards
• Maximum waterward intrusion: 45 feet from OHWM on lakes
• Maximum surface area: 100 sq. ft.
• Use of grating on at least 30% of surface area
Boating facilities: launching ramps, rails, and lift stations (FWRC 15.05.0730(3))
Dimensions and standards
• No more than 60 feet waterward from OHWM
• No more than 8 feet below OHWM
• No more than I ramp per shoreline development
• Shall not be allowed for developments with existing pier, dock,
N/A (Prohibited)
float, or other functional moorage. Piers, docks, floats, or other
forms of moorage shall not be permitted for developments with
existing launch facilities.
1. Maximum heights may be increased pursuant to the shoreline environment -specific regulations of this program (FWRC 15.05.080(3),
15.05.090(3), and 15.05.100(3)).
2. Please refer to the shoreline environment -specific regulations of this program for additional detail related to residential setbacks, including
exceptions or modifications to the standard minimum setback (FWRC 15.05.080(3), 15.05.090(3), and 15.05.100(3)).
3. See Shoreline Vegetation Conservation Standards under FWRC 15 05 075
4. Grass -grid pavers count towards 50% of the maximum footprint requirement
3 5. See additional review and approval criteria and design requirements in FWRC 15.05.050(l).
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
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15.05.075 Shoreline setback vegetation conservation standards.
(1) Purpose. Vegetation conservation areas provide a means to conserve rp otect, and restore shoreline vegetation in
order to provide for ecological and habitat functions, as well as human health and safety per WAC 173-26-201(3)(c)(i).
Vegetation conservation areas shall consist of a non -clearing area established to protect the integrity, functions, and
values of the affected critical area or shoreline, but may also be modified and reduced to accommodate allowed uses
when consistent with the Act and this program.
(2) General Requirements. In order to implement this program's policies for preservation of native plant communities
on marine, lake, and wetland shorelines, mitigation sequencing per FWRC 15.05.040, shall be applied during site
planning for uses and activities within the shoreline jurisdiction so that the design and location of the development
minimizes native vegetation removal.
(a) Development or uses that require vegetation clearing shall be designed to avoid the followingin n the
order indicated below, with subsection (a)(i) of this section being the most desirable vegetation to retain:
(i) Na4vo-Trees; '
(ii) Shrubs; and
(iii) Other Vie -vegetation:
(b) The following activities are exempt from shoreline setback vegetation conservation standards review:
square feet in size-,«'
A. Must meet dimensional standards table per FWRC 15.05.070(6) or be a water dependent use
(ii) Maintenance on existing structures;
(ii) Removal of noxious weeds as listed by the state in WAC 16-750 subject to FWRC 19.120 City
Clearing, Grading and Tree and Vegetation Retentionand;
Gv) Restoration activities conducted in accordance with an approved plan designed to improve
ecological functions and values.
(c) Vegetation within shoreline setbacks other stream buffers wetlands and wetland buffers
WDFW-mapped priority habitats and species areas and other critical areas must be managed consistent with
FWRC 19.145, Environmentally Critical Areas.
(d) For tree retention requirements, refer to FWRC 19.120 130 Tree and vegetation retention standards
(e) For shoreline vegetation conservation area minimum requirements by shoreline environment refer to
FWRC 15.05.070(6) Standards table
04(3) Activity Requirements. To maintain the ecological functions that trees provide in the shoreline environment,
trees shall be retained according to FWRC 19.120.130-2 Tree Unit Credits Table or, if removed the loss of shoreline
ecological functions shall be mitigated for, subject to the following standards:
a No Development Activity - For diseased, nuisance, or fallen tree removal in the shoreline setback but
outside environmentally critical areas, as defined under FWRC Chapter 19.145 and 19.142 when no
development activity is proposed or in progress, the following tree replacement standards and requirements in
FWRC 19.120.130, Exemptions shall apply. In addition the following provisions in shoreline iurisdiction apply:
....a-�,d '442
(i) Replace at a 2:1 ratio for diseased nuisance or fallen trees Removed or fallen trees shall be left
sitting and stabilized on-site. Native conifer trees shall be at least six feet in height and deciduous trees
shall be at least two inches in caliper measured six inches above existing grade at the time of planting
(ii) This may include, but shall not be limited to, a riparian restoration planting plan consisting of at
least 60 percent shrubs and some groundcovers selected from the King County Native Plant List that
shall equal at a minimum 80 square feet for each tree to be replanted. Shrubs shall be a minimum of three
feet wide in all dimensions at the time of planting Planting plan requirements are found under subsection
The Federal Way Revised Code is current through Ordinance 18-852, passed June 5, 2018.
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
Page 25/59
(3)(b)(i) of this section. The applicant shall submit a planting plan to be reviewed by the Director or
designee who may approve, approve with conditions, or deny the request.
iii A tree removal request shall be submitted in writing to the city prior to any tree removal within the
shoreline setback. The request shall include the location, number, type, and size of tree(s) being
removed, and the proposed replacement tree(s) and riparian vegetation planting plan meeting the
standards required in subsection (3)(a)(i) of this section. The cid shall inspect the tree replacement once
installation is complete.
(b) Development Activity — For tree removal in the shoreline setback when development activity is
proposed or in progress.
(i) Submittal Requirements in the Shoreline Setback
(A) A site plan showing the approximate location of significant trees, their size (DB H) and their
species, along with the location of existing structures, driveways, access ways and easements, and
the proposed improvements. 7,
(B) An arborist report stating the size (DBH), species, and assessment of health of all significant
trees located within the shoreline setback. This requirement may be waived by the Director or
designee if it is determined that proposed development activity will not potentially impact
significant trees within the shoreline setback.
(C) Demonstrating achievement of requirements listed in subsections (2) (3) (4) (6) (7) and
(8) of this section.
(ii) Tree Retention Standards in the Shoreline Setback --_The Director or designee is authorized to require
site plan alterations to retain trees in the shoreline setback according to FWRC 19.120.130(2), Tree Unit
Credits Table. Such alterations include minor adjustments to the location of building footprints,
adjustments to the location of driveways and access ways, or adjustment to the location of walkways
easements, or utilities. The applicant shall be encouraged to retain viable trees in other areas on site.
(c) An alternative replacement option may be approved if an applicant can demonstrate that:
(i) It is not feasible to plant all of the required mitigation trees in the shoreline setback of the subiect
roperty, given the existing tree canopy coverage and location of trees on the pronerty. the location of
structures on the property, and minimum spacing requirements for the trees to belap nted;
(ii) The required tree replacement will obstruct existing views to the regulated shorelines at the time of
planting or upon future growth that cannot otherwise be mitigated through tree placement or
maintenance activities. The applicant shall be responsible for providing sufficient information to the cjly
to determine whether the tree replacement will obstruct existing views to the regulated shorelines.
(iii) The alternate replacement option his equal to or superior to the provisions of this section in
accomplishing the purpose and intent of maintaining shoreline ecological functions and processes. Tlie-
..seri to aA4'AARr - provided it meetifgs the riparian vegetation planting standards
discussed in subsection (3)(a)(i) above.
iv 1€T,the alternative plan is consistent with the standards provided in this subsection and the Director
or designee Aa4 approves the plan or 121ft imposes conditions to the extent necessary to make the plan
consistent with the provisions. If the alternative mitigation is denied the applicant shall be informed of
the deficiencies that caused its disapproval so as to provide guidance for its revision and re -submittal
(4) Replanting Requirements in the Shoreline Setback. If the Director or designee approves removal of a significant
tree in the shoreline setback area, then the tree replacement requirements in FWRC 19.120.130, Tree and
vegetation retention standards, apply-, in addition to the provisions below. See alternative mitigation options in
subsection (3)(c) of this section that maybe proposed.
(a) For required replacement trees, a planting plan showing location, size, and species of the new trees is
required. All replacement trees in the shoreline setback must be selected from the King County Native
Plant List, or other native or shoreline appropriate species approved by the Director or designee.
The Federal Way Revised Code is current through Ordinance 18-852, passed June 5, 2018.
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
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(i) An alternative mitigation option may be approved if an applicant can demonstrate that their proposal
meets the criteria described in subsection (3)(c) of this section
5 Tree Pruning. Nondestructive thinning of lateral branches to enhance views or trimming shaping thinning, or
pruning of a tree necessary to its health and growth is allowed, consistent with the following standards:
(a) Topping of trees is prohibited, except where demonstrated necessary for safety. A written report by
a certified arborist or other qualified professional is required to evaluate potential safety hazards
(b) In no circumstance shall removal of more than one-fourth of the original crown be permitted•
(c) Pruning shall not include topping, stripping of branches or creation of an imbalanced canopy;
(d) Pruning shall retain branches that overhang the water to the maximum extent feasible while
allowing for appropriate view of the regulated shoreline.
(e) An advance site visit may be required by the department of community development in order to
confirm the proposed thinning is consistent with this section tree and critical area protection standards
The city may also utilize site photographs in lieu of a site visit where sufficient detail is available to make
a determination on consistency with thinning standards
-:r
(6) Required Vegetation in Shoreline Setback — Riparian vegetation contributes to shoreline ecological functions in a
number of different ways, including maintaining temperature removing excessive nutrients and toxic
compounds, attenuating wave energy, removing and stabilizing sediment, and providing woody debris and other
organic matter. In order to minimize potential impacts to shoreline ecological functions from development
activities, the following shoreline vegetation standards are required: "„
(a) Minimum Vegetation Standard Compliance associated with Development Proposals
(i) Location`"s
(A) Water -Dependent Uses or Activities — TheJ applicant shall plant native vegetation, as
necessary, in at least 75 percent of the property's shoreline frontage for the nearshore riparian area
located along or near the water's edge or feeder bluff.
(B) For portions of water -dependent development that require improvements adjacent to the
water's edge, such as boat ramps for boat launches, swimming beaches or other similar activities,
native vegetation shall be planted on portions of the nearshore riparian area located along the
water's edge that are not otherwise being used for the water -dependent activity.
(b) All Other Uses — The applicant shall plant native vegetation, as necessary, in at least 75 percent of the
nearshore riparian area located along or near the water's edge or feeder bluff.
(c) In the instance where there is an intervening property between the shoreline and an inland property
and the portion of the intervening property abutting the inland property has an average parcel depth of less
than 25 feet shoreline vve etation shall be provided within the shoreline setback portion of the upland
property pursuant to this section, unless:
(i) The required shoreline vegetation already exists on the intervening lot meeting the standards of
this section and the minimum vegetation conservation areas defined in FWRC 15.05.070(6),
Standards table.
(ii) The intervening property owner agrees to installing the shoreline vegetation on their property: or
(iii) A proposal for alternative compliance is approved under the provisions established in subsection
(3)(a)(ii) of this section.
(d) Planting Spacing Requirements
(i) Installation of native vegetation shall consist of a mixture of trees, shrubs and asoundcover and be
designed to improve habitat functions. At least three trees per 100 linear feet of shoreline must be
included in the plan, with portions of a tree rounded up to the next required tree. At least 60 percent of
the landscape bed shall consist of shrubs to be attained within two years of installation
The Federal Way Revised Code is current through Ordinance 18-852, passed June 5, 2018.
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
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(e) Use of Existing Vegetation — Thecity shall accept existing native trees, shrubs, and groundcover as
meeting the requirements of this subsection including vegetation previously installed as part of a prior
development activity, provided that the existing vegetation provides a landscape strin at least as effective in
protecting shoreline ecological functions as the required vegetation. The cid may require the applicant to
Plant trees, shrubs, and groundcover according to the requirements of this subsection to supplement the
existing vegetation in order to provide a buffer at least as effective as the required setback.
(i) Landscape Plan Required — In instances where new native vegetation is installed as mitigation or
to restore lost shoreline setback vegetation conservation area minimum requirements prescribed in
FWRC 15.05.070(6), the applicant shall submit a landscape plan consistent with the requirements
under FWRC 19.125.035(1), including approximate locations for te=orqa irrigation.
(7) Vegetation Placement. When required either by this subsection or as a mitigation measure such as for a new pier
or dock, or structural shoreline stabilization measure, vegetation selection and placement shall comply with the
following standards:
(a) Vegetation shall be selected and positioned on the property so as not to obscure the public view within
designated view corridors from theup blic right-of-way to the lake or Puget Sound.
(b) Vegetation may be selected and positioned to maintain private views to the water by clustering
compliance is approved. a "
(c) Alternative Compliance —Vegetation required by this subsection shall be installed unless the applicant
demonstrates one (1) of the following_
(i) The vegetation will not provide shoreline ecological function due to existing conditions such as
the presence of extensive shoreline stabilization measures that extend landward from the OHWM; or
(ii) It is not feasible to plant all of the required vegetation on the subject property, given the existing
tree canopy coverage and location of trees on the property, the location of structures on the property,
or minimum spacing requirements for the vegetation to be planted; or
(iii) The vegetation will substantially interfere with the use and eniovment of the portion of the
property located between the primary structure and OHWM, such as the existing structure is located in
ver close two the OHWM; the area in between therp imary structure and the OHWM is
encumbered by a sanitary sewer, public pedestrian access easement, public access walkway, or other
constraining factors; or
(iv) The required vegetation placement will obstruct existing views to the Puget Sound or lake at the
time of planting or upon future growth, which cannot otherwise be mitigated through placement or
maintenance activities. The applicant shall be responsible for providing sufficient information to the
city to determine whether the vegetation placement will obstruct existing views to the lake
(v) The alternate measures wmst be are equal or superior to the provisions of this subsection in
accomplishing the purpose and intent of maintaining and improving shoreline ecological functions
and processes.
(d) Requests to use alternative measures shall be reviewed by the Director or designee who may approve,
approve with conditions or deny the request Cost of producing and implementing the alternative plan and
the fee to review the plan by city staff or the city's consultant shall be borne by the applicant.
(e) If the alternative plan is consistent with the standards provided in this subsection the Director or
designee shall approve the plan, or may impose conditions to the extent necessary to make the plan
consistent with the provisions. If the alternative mitigation is denied the applicant shall be informed of the
deficiencies that caused its disapproval so as to provide guidance for its revision and re -submittal
(8) Responsibility for Regular Maintenance The applicant landowner, or successors in interest shall be responsible
for the regular maintenance of vegetation required under this section Plants that die must be replaced in kind or with
similar plants contained on the King County Native Plant List or other native or shoreline appropriate species
approved by the Director or designee.
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(a) All required vegetation must be maintained throughout the life of the development. Prior to issuance of a
certificate of occupancy, or final inspection, the proponent shall provide a final as -built landscape plan and
recorded agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to maintain and replace all shoreline vegetation
that is required by the city. The agreement shall be recorded with the King County Recorder's Office.
(b) Plantings shall occur in the late fall or early spring to ensure a higher survival rate and shall address the
plant installation and maintenance requirements set forth in FWRC 19.120.220 Revegetation and
19.120.240, Performance assurance..- Performance and maintenance standards of a minimum two -,year
maintenance bond may be required. Plant materials shall be identified with both their scientific and
common names. Any required irrigation system must also be shown.
15.05.080 Shoreline residential environment.
(1) Purpose. The purpose of the "shoreline residential" environment is to accommodate residential development and
appurtenant structures that are consistent with this chapter. An additional purpose is to provide appropriate public
access and recreational uses.
(2) Designation criteria. Designation criteria for the shoreline residential environment a� d in the city's
shoreline master program.
1
(3) General requirements.
'.
(a) Development waterward of the ordinary high water mark is prohibixpt water -dependent recreational
uses, permitted shoreline modifications, and public utilities "
(b) No structure shall exceed the height allowed by the underlying zoning or 35 feet above average grade level,
whichever is less.
(i) This requirement may be modified if the view of any neighboring residences will not be obstructed, if
permitted by the applicable provisions of the underlying zoning, and if the proposed development is
water -related or water -dependent. For any proposed structure with a height exceeding 35 feet, a view
analysis shall be completed and approved by the city to ensure that visual public access is not affected
consistent with FWRC 15.05.040(7).
(c) All development shall be required to provide adequate surface water retention, erosion control, and
sedimentation facilities during the construction period.
(d) Setbacks. Development shall maintain a minimum shoreline setback of the first 50 feet of property landward
from the ordinary high water mark, or other designated minimum setback necessary to protect designated critical
areas per FWRC 15.05.040(4), whichever is greater. This minimum setback area shall be retained as a vegetation
conservation area, subject to provisions referenced in subsection (3)(e) of this section.
(e) Vegetation conservation area. The required setback area shall be considered a vegetation conservation area.
Within the vegetation conservation area, no more than 30 percent of the area with existing native shoreline
vegetation shall be cleared, and a minimum of 70 percent of existing native trees shall be retained. Trees
See FWRC 15.05.075. Shoreline setback vegetation conservation standards for
submittal requirements based upon a given activity within this area
(f) Impact mitigation. All developments and uses shall result in no net loss of ecological functions and shall be
consistent with the impact mitigation requirements of FWRC 15.05.040(1).
(g) Collection facilities to control and separate contaminants shall be required where stormwater runoff from
impervious surfaces would degrade or add to the pollution of recipient waters of adjacent properties.
(h) All development in the shoreline residential area must comply with applicable regulations identified within
the general development standards, shoreline modifications, and all other applicable sections of this chapter.
(4) Shoreline modifications.
(a) Allowed modifications to the shoreline within shoreline residential designated areas include the following:
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(i) Shoreline stabilization. Allowed within the shoreline residential designated areas under the requirements
imposed by FWRC 15.05.040 and 15.05.050(1).
(ii) Piers and docks. Allowed within shoreline residential designated areas under the requirements imposed
by FWRC 15.05.040 and 15.05.050(2).
(iii) Mooring buoys and floats. Allowed within shoreline residential designated areas under the requirements
imposed by FWRC 15.05.040 and 15.05.050(2).
(iv) Boating facilities — launching ramps, rails, and lift stations. Permitted with a conditional use permit in
parks and public access areas within the residential environment under the requirements imposed by FWRC
15.05.040 and 15.05.050(3).
(v) Breakwaters. Floating breakwaters are allowed within the shoreline residential areas with a shoreline
conditional use permit under the requirements imposed by FWRC 15.05.040 and 15.05.050(4).
(vi) Dredging and filling. Allowed within shoreline residential designated areas with a shoreline conditional
use permit under the requirements imposed by FWRC 15.05.040 and 15.05.050(5).
(b) Prohibited modifications to the shoreline within shoreline residential designated areas include the following:
(i) Jetties and groins.
(5) Shoreline uses.
(a) Allowed uses within shoreline residential designated areas include the following:
(i) Residential development. Single-family residential use shall be a priority use in the shoreline
environment. Single-family and multiple -family residential development, accessory dwelling units, and
home occupations may be permitted in the shoreline residential environment subject to the following:
(A) The proposed use is permitted in the underlying zone classification.
(B) Residential development is prohibited waterward of the ordinary high water mark.
(C) Setbacks.
(I) Single-family residential development on marine shorelines shall maintain a minimum shoreline
setback of 50 feet from the ordinary high water mark. Single-family residential development on lake
and marine shorelines shall maintain a minimum setback behind the stringline setback or 50 feet
from the ordinary high water mark, whichever is greater. If the site contains one or more designated
critical areas, the setback shall be the minimum necessary to protect such designated critical areas
per FWRC 15.05.040(4), or the stringline setback, or 50 feet from the ordinary high water mark,
whichever is greater. Where critical area setbacks do not apply, the standard 50 -foot minimum
setback may be modified pursuant to the following exception:
(a) If single-family residential development is proposed on a lot where properties on at least one side
of the lot are developed in single-family residences located less than 50 feet from the ordinary high
water mark, then the proposed residential development may be located the same distance from the
ordinary high water mark as the adjacent residences (using the stringline setback method as defined
in FWRC 15.05.030), but shall in no case be closer than 30 feet from the ordinary high water mark.
x(II) Multifamily residential development on marine shorelines shall maintain a minimum setback of
k 75 feet from the ordinary high water mark. Multifamily residential development on lake shorelines
shall maintain a minimum setback behind the stringline setback or 75 feet from the ordinary high
water mark, whichever is greater. If the site contains one or more designated critical areas, the
setback shall be the minimum necessary to protect such designated critical areas per FWRC
15.05.040(4), or the stringline setback, or 75 feet from the ordinary high water mark, whichever is
greater. Where critical area setbacks do not apply, the standard 75 -foot minimum setback may be
modified pursuant to the following exception:
(a) If multifamily residential development is proposed on a lot where properties on at least one side
of the lot are developed in multifamily residential uses located less than 75 feet from the ordinary
high water mark, then the proposed residential development may be located the same distance from
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
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the ordinary high water mark as the adjacent residential uses (using the stringline setback method as
defined in FWRC 15.05.030) but shall be no closer than 50 feet from the ordinary high water mark.
(D) Public access. In review of all shoreline permits or developments of more than four residential lots
or dwelling units, or subdivision of land into more than four lots, consideration of public access shall be
required consistent with FWRC 15.05.040(7).
(E) Where allowed consistent with underlying zoning, subdivision of land shall be configured through
the orientation of lots to:
(I) Prevent the loss of ecological functions at full build -out by providing adequate developable space
outside of setbacks; and
(II) Avoid the need for new shoreline stabilization and flood hazard reduction measures.
(ii) Accessory structures. Residential accessory structures may be placed within the required shoreline
setback, provided:
(A) No accessory structure shall cover more than 150 square feet.
(B) No more than 300 square feet of accessory structures shall be allowed,
(C) No accessory structure shall exceed eight feet in height.
(D) Existing native shoreline vegetation within the shoreline setback is conserved as per general
requirements in subsections (3)(d) and (e) of this section.
(iii) Recreational development. Recreational development may be permitted in the shoreline residential
environment subject to the general requirements of this chapter, provided:
(A) The recreational development is permitted in the underlying zone.
(B) The facilities are located, designed, and operated in a manner consistent with the purpose of the
residential environment.
(C) Recreational development that provides public access to and use of the water shall be given priority.
(D) Recreational development shall provide mitigation consistent with the general requirements of this
chapter and shall lead to no net loss of ecological functions.
(E) Swimming areas shall be separated from boat launch areas.
(F) Boat launching facilities may be developed, subject to a shoreline conditional use permit, provided:
(I) The parking and traffic generated by such a facility can be safely and conveniently handled by
the streets and areas serving the proposed facility.
(I1) The facility will not be located on a beach area or cause net loss in shoreline function.
(G) Upland facilities constructed in conjunction with a recreational development shall be set back and/or
sited to avoid adverse impacts to the functions of the shorelines of the city.
(H) Public pedestrian and bicycle pathways shall be permitted adjacent to water bodies. Such trails and
tN pathways must be made of pervious materials, if feasible.
(1) Public contact with unique and fragile areas shall be permitted where it is possible without destroying
the natural character of the area.
(J) Water viewing, nature study, recording, and viewing shall be accommodated by space, platforms,
benches, or shelter consistent with public safety and security.
(iv) Utilities. Utility facilities, with the exception of cellular towers, solid waste transfer stations, and
production and processing facilities, may be permitted in the shoreline residential environment subject to the
requirements of this chapter, provided:
(A) No other practicable alternative location outside of the shoreline jurisdiction with less impact to the
environment is available for the facility.
The Federal Way Revised Code is current through Ordinance 18-852, passed June 5, 2018.
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
(B) Utility and transmission facilities shall:
Page 31/59
(I) Avoid disturbance of unique and fragile areas.
(II) Avoid disturbance of wildlife spawning, nesting, and rearing areas.
(III) Conserve native shoreline vegetation, particularly forested areas, to the maximum extent
possible.
(IV) Avoid Aoverhead utility facilities shall ffet be peFmi#ed in public parks, monuments, scenic,
recreation, or historic areas.
(V) Minimize visual impact.
(VI) Harmonize with or enhance the surroundings.
(VII) Not create a need for shoreline protection. `
(VIII) Utilize to the greatest extent possible natural screening.
(1X) Mitigate for unavoidable impacts to achieve no net loss of shoreline ecological functions.
(X) Be located in existing utility and transportation rights-of-way whenever feasible.
(C) The construction and maintenance of utility facilities shall be done in such a way so as to:
(I) Maximize the preservation of natural beauty and the conservation of resources.
(II) Minimize scarring of the landscape. "` 4
(111) Minimize siltation and erosion.
(IV) Protect trees, shrubs, grasses, natural features, and topsoil.
(V) Avoid disruption of critical aquatic and wildlife stages.
(D) Rehabilitation of areas disturbed by the construction and/or maintenance of utility facilities shall:
(I) Be accomplished as rapidly as possible to minimize soil erosion and to maintain plant and
wildlife habitats.
(II) Utilize native trees and shrubs.
(v) Transportation and parking facilities. Transportation and parking, except parking facilities associated
with detached single-family development, shall conform to the following minimum requirements:
(A) Transportation corridors shall be developed consistent with the transportation element of the Federal
Way comprehensive plan (FWCP) and designed to provide the best service with the least possible impact
on shoreline ecological function. Impacts to functions shall be mitigated to achieve no net loss of
ecological functions.
(B) New road construction shall be the minimum necessary to serve a permitted shoreline use.
(C) New public transportation facilities shall provide turnout areas for scenic stops where feasible.
(D) Parking facilities serving individual buildings on the shoreline shall be located landward from the
principal building b8ing served, except when the parking facility is within or beneath the structure and
adequately screened, or in cases when an alternate location would have less environmental impact on the
shoreline.
(E) New surface transportation facilities not related to and necessary for the support of shoreline
activities shall be located outside the shoreline jurisdiction if possible, or set back from the ordinary high
water mark far enough to make protective measures such as riprap or other bank stabilization, landfill, or
substantial site regrade unnecessary.
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(F) Maintenance, repair, replacement, or other roadway improvements (including but not limited to
widening to serve existing or projected volumes, installation of curb and gutter, sidewalks, illumination,
signals) to existing surface transportation facilities shall be allowed within shoreline residential
designated areas. Improvements that create a need for protective measures such as riprap or other bank
stabilization, landfill, or substantial site regrade shall not be permitted unless no alternative exists and
impacts to shoreline ecological functions are mitigated.
(G) Any new development or expansion of existing development creating greater than six total parking
stalls must meet the water quality standards required by the King County surface water manual for "high
use" sites and "resource stream protection."
(H) Outdoor parking area perimeter, excluding entrances and exits, must be maintained as a area
with a minimum width of five feet.St
(1) One live tree with a minimum height of four feet shall be required for each 30 linear 'et of
planting area.
(II) One live shrub of one -gallon container size, or larger, for each 60 linear inches of planting area
shall be required.
(III) Additional perimeter and interior landscaping of parking areas may be required, at the
discretion of the director, when it is necessary to screen parking areas or when large parking areas
are proposed.
(I) Parking as a primary use in shoreline jurisdiction shall be prohibited.
(J) Parking in the shoreline jurisdiction shall directly serve a permitted shoreline use and environmental
and visual impacts shall be minimized. oft
1 71
(K) Transportation and parking facilities for subdivision, multifamily residential, and commercial uses
shall incorporate low impact development (LID) designs to minimize stormwater runoff
(L) Transportation facilities shall not adversely impact existing or planned water -dependent uses.
(b) In addition to those uses prohibited in all shoreline environments by FWRC 15.05.070(3), the following uses
are prohibited uses within shoreline residential designated areas:
(i) Office and commercial development.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
15.05.090 Urban conservancy environment.
(1) Purpose. The purpose of the "urban conservancy" environment is to protect and restore ecological functions of
open space, floodplain, and other sensitive lands where they exist in urban and developed settings, while allowing a
variety of compatible uses. Priority should be given to water -oriented uses over non -water -oriented uses in the urban
conservancy environment. Residential development and appurtenant structures should be accommodated in the urban
conservancy environment when consistent with existing land use and zoning, and when consistent with this chapter.
An additional purpose is to provide appropriate public access and recreational uses.
(2) Designation criteria. Designation criteria for the urban conservancy environment are provided in the city's
shoreline master program.
(3) General requirements.
(a) Development waterward of the ordinary high water mark is prohibited except water -dependent recreational
uses, permitted shoreline modifications, and public utilities.
(b) No structure shall exceed the height allowed by the underlying zoning or 35 feet above average grade level,
whichever is less. This requirement may be modified if the view of any neighboring residences will not be
obstructed, if permitted by the applicable provisions of the underlying zoning, and if the proposed development is
water -related or water -dependent. For any proposed structure with a height exceeding 35 feet, a view analysis
shall be completed and approved by the city to ensure that visual public access is not affected consistent with
FWRC 15.05.040(7).
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(c) All development shall be required to provide adequate surface water retention and sedimentation facilities
during the construction period.
(d) Setbacks. Development shall maintain a minimum shoreline setback of the first 50 feet of property landward
from the ordinary high water mark or other designated minimum setback necessary to protect designated critical
areas per FWRC 15.05.040(4), whichever is greater. This minimum setback area shall be retained as a vegetation
conservation area, subject to provisions referenced in subsection (3)(e) of this section.
(e) Vegetation conservation area. The required setback area shall be considered a vegetation conservation area.
Within the vegetation conservation area, no more than 15 percent of the area with existing native shoreline
vegetation shall be cleared, and a minimum of 80 percent of existing native trees shall be retained. See FWRC
15.05.075. Shoreline setback vegetation conservation standards for submittal requirements rare based upon a
given activity within this area. .
(f) Impact mitigation. All developments and uses shall result in no net loss of ecological functions and shall be
consistent with the impact mitigation requirements of FWRC 15.05.040(1).
(4) Shoreline modifications.
(a) Allowed modifications to the shoreline within urban conservancy designated areas include the following:
(i) Shoreline stabilization. Allowed within urban conservancy designated areas under the requirements
imposed by FWRC 15.05.040 and 15.05.050(1). gpk,t
(ii) Piers and docks. Allowed within urban conservancy designated areas under the requirements imposed
by FWRC 15.05.040 and 15.05.050(2).
(iii) Mooring buoys and floats. Allowed within urban conservancy designated areas under the requirements
imposed by FWRC 15.05.040 and 15.05.050(2).
(iv) Boating facilities — launching ramps, rails, and lift stations. Permitted with a shoreline conditional use
permit in parks and public access areas within the urban conservancy environment under the requirements
imposed by FWRC 15.05.040 and 15.05.050(3).
(v) Breakwaters. Floating breakwaters are allowed within the urban conservancy designated areas with a
shoreline conditional use permit under the requirements imposed by FWRC 15.05.040 and 15.05.050(4).
(vi) Dredging and filling. Allowed within urban conservancy designated areas with a shoreline conditional
use permit under the requirements imposed by FWRC 15.05.040 and 15.05.050(5).
(b) Prohibited modifications to the shoreline within urban conservancy designated areas include the following:
(i) Jetties and groins.
(5) Shoreline uses.
(a) Allowed uses within urban conservancy designated areas include the following:
(i) Residential development. Allowed within urban conservancy designated areas under the requirements
imposed within FWRC 15.05.080(5)(a)(i), with the following additional restrictions:
(A) Setbacks. Residential development on marine shorelines shall maintain a minimum setback of 50
feet from the ordinary high water mark, or other established minimum setback necessary to protect
designated critical areas per FWRC 15.05.040(4), whichever is greater. Residential development on lake
shorelines shall maintain a setback behind the stringline setback, or 50 feet from the ordinary high water
mark, or other established minimum setback necessary to protect designated critical areas per FWRC
15.05.040(4), whichever is greater. Exceptions to minimum setback requirements included in FWRC
15.05.080(5)(a)(i)(C), for both single-family and multifamily development, shall apply.
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(B) Accessory structures. Allowed within urban conservancy designated areas under the requirements
imposed by FWRC 15.05.080(5)(a)(ii).
(ii) Recreational development. Recreational development may be permitted in the urban conservancy
environment subject to the general requirements of this chapter and under the requirements imposed by
FWRC 15.05.080(5)(a)(iii).
(iii) Utilities. Allowed within urban conservancy designated areas under the requirements and restrictions
imposed by FWRC 15.05.080(5)(a)(iv).
(iv) Transportation and parking facilities. Allowed within urban conservancy designated areas under the
requirements imposed by FWRC 15.05.080(5)(a)(v).
(v) Office and commercial development. Office and commercial development may be allowed with
conditional use approval in the urban conservancy environment subject to the requirements of this chapter,
provided:
(A) The office or commercial use or activity is permitted in the underlying zoning classification.
(B) Public access is provided consistent with the requirements of FWRC 15.05.040(7).
(C) Non -water -oriented office and commercial uses are prohibited uses unless they meet one or more of
the following criteria:
(I) The use is part of a mixed-use project that includes water -dependent uses and provides a
significant public benefit such as providing public access and/or ecological restoration; or
navigability is severely limited at the proposed site.
(II) In areas designated for commercial use, non -water -oriented commercial development may be
allowed if the site is physically separated from the shoreline by another property or public
right-of-way.
(III) Office and commercial development will not result in a net loss of shoreline ecological
functions or have significant adverse impact to other shoreline uses, resources, and values provided
for in RCW 90.58.020 such as navigation, recreation, and public access.
(D) Office and commercial development on marine shorelines shall maintain a setback of 75 feet from
the ordinary high water mark, or other established minimum setback necessary to protect designated
critical areas per FWRC 15.05.040(4), whichever is greater. Office and commercial development on lake
shorelines shall maintain a setback behind the stringline setback, or 75 feet from the ordinary high water
mark, or other established minimum setback necessary to protect designated critical areas per FWRC
15.05.040(4), whichever is greater. The minimum setback maybe reduced using the stringline method,
when applicable, but in no case shall the minimum setback be less than 50 feet from the ordinary high
water mark.
(E) Piers, docks, moorages, buoys, floats, and launching facilities will not be permitted in conjunction
with office or commercial development; unless they are developed as part of on-site public access to the
shoreline.
(F) Additional water quality standard must be met as per FWRC 15.05.040(3).
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
15.05.100 Natural environment.
(1) Purpose. The purpose of the "natural environment" is to protect those shoreline areas that are relatively free of
human influence, or that include intact or minimally degraded shoreline functions intolerant of human use. These
systems require that only very low intensity uses be allowed in order to maintain ecological functions and
ecosystem -wide processes. Consistent with the policies of the designation, the city shall plan for restoration of
degraded shorelines within this environment.
(2) Designation criteria. Designation criteria for the natural environment are provided in the city's shoreline master
program.
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
(3) General requirements.
Page 35/59
(a) Development waterward of the ordinary high water mark is prohibited except water -dependent recreational
uses and public utilities.
(b) No structure shall exceed the height allowed by the underlying zoning or 35 feet above average grade level,
whichever is less. This requirement may be modified if the view of any neighboring residences will not be
obstructed, if permitted by the applicable provisions of the underlying zoning, and if the proposed development is
water -related or water -dependent. For any proposed structure with a height exceeding 35 feet, a view analysis
shall be completed and approved by the city to ensure that visual public access is not affected consistent with
FWRC 15.05.040(7).
(c) All development shall be required to provide adequate surface water retention and sedimentation facilities
during the construction period.
(d) Setbacks. Development shall maintain a minimum shoreline setback of the first 100 feet of property landward
from the ordinary high water mark, or other established minimum setback necessary to protect designated critical
areas per FWRC 15.05.040(4), whichever is the greater setback, as a vegetation conservation area subject to
provisions referenced in subsection (3)(e) of this section.
(e) Vegetation conservation area. The required setback area shall be considered a vegetation conservation area.
Within the vegetation conservation area, no native shoreline vegetation shall be cleared, and all existing native
trees shall be retained. See FWRC 15.05.075, Shoreline setback veg 'vation standards for submittal
requirements is are based upon a given activity within this area Trees Fete•• pined by the eity to be bazar -de
abevewher-e aa applie&4 agrees te feplaeefnent plantings that afe denionstrated to provide gfeater- befiefit to
sh et: ela• r nrY e l eeess@s th, .ta b •a a by str-iet application sty. t
(f) Impact mitigation. All developments and uses shall result in no net loss of ecological functions and shall be
consistent with the impact mitigation requirements of FWRC 15.05.040(1).
(4) Shoreline modifications. The following shoreline modifications are prohibited within the natural designated
shoreline areas:
(a) Shoreline stabilization;
(b) Piers, docks, moorages, buoys, and floats;
(c) Boating facilities — launching ramp, rails, and lift stations;
(d) Breakwaters, jetties, and groins; and
(e) Dredging and filling.
(5) Shoreline uses.
(a) Allowed uses within natural designated areas include:
(i) Residential development. Multifamily residential uses are prohibited in the natural environment.
Single-family residential development and residential accessory structures may be permitted in the natural
IK environment with a shoreline conditional use permit with the following additional restrictions:
IN (A) Allowed only where single-family residential development is permitted in the underlying zone
classification.
(B) Single-family residential development is prohibited waterward of the ordinary high water mark.
(ii) Recreational development. Allowed within the natural designated areas subject to the limitations of
subsection (4) of this section and provided:
(A) The recreational development is permitted in the underlying zone.
(B) Non -water -oriented recreational uses and development are prohibited within the natural designated
areas.
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(C) The recreational development is located, designed, and operated in a manner consistent with the
purpose of the natural environment with a focus on passive recreation.
(D) Recreational development shall provide mitigation consistent with the general requirements of this
chapter and shall lead to no net loss of shoreline ecological functions.
(E) The parking and traffic generated by such a facility can be safely and conveniently handled by the
streets and areas serving the proposed development.
(F) Upland facilities constructed in conjunction with a recreational development shall be set back and/or
sited to avoid adverse impacts to the functions of the shorelines of the city.
(G) Public pedestrian and bicycle pathways shall be made of pervious materials.
(iii) Utilities. Allowed within the natural designated areas with a shoreline conditional use permit under the
requirements and restrictions imposed within FWRC 15.05.080(5)(a)(iv). `N. '
(iv) Transportation and parking facilities. Allowed in the natural environment only when necessary to serve
an allowed use and subject to the approval of a conditional use permit. Approved facilities must, at a
minimum, meet the requirements and restrictions imposed within FWRC 15.05.080(5)(a)(v).
(v) Low intensity public uses. Low intensity public uses including scientific, historical, cultural, and
educational research uses are allowed under the general requirements for the natural environment
(subsection (3) of this section); and provided, that ecological impacts are avoided.
(b) In addition to those uses prohibited in all shoreline environments by FWRC 15.05.070(3), the following uses
are prohibited uses within natural designated areas:
(i) Boating facilities;
(ii) Multifamily residential development;
(iii) Office and commercial development.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
Article 111. Administrative Procedures
15.05.110 Shoreline management permit and enforcement procedures, adoption by reference.
The city of Federal Way hereby adopts by reference the following sections or subsections of Chapter 173-27, as amended,
of the Washington Administrative Code ("WAC''), entitled Shoreline Management Permit and Enforcement Procedures.
WAC:
(1) 173-27-020, Purpose. `
(2) 173-27-040, Developments exempt from substantial development permit requirement.
(3) 173-27-044, Developments not required to obtain shoreline permits or local reviews
(44) 173-27-125 90 -day review target for WSDOT projects
(3 � 173-27-130, Filing with department.
(4 6) 173-27-270, Order to cease and desist.
(-5 7) 173-27-280, Civil penalty.
(6 ii) 173-27-290, Appeal of civil penalty.
(-7 9) 173-27-300, Criminal penalty.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
15.05.120 Permit processing and public notice.
An application for a shoreline development permit shall be made to the department of community development on
forms prescribed by the department. Public notice shall be provided as follows:
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
(1) An application for a substantial development permit requires public notice as prescribed in Process III, Chapter
19.65 FWRC.
(2) An application for a shoreline conditional use permit or shoreline variance requires public notice as prescribed in
Process IV, Chapter 19.70 FWRC.
(3) The application for '
fhe4e� wifw-shoreline exemption substantial development Permit conditional use permit
and/or variance. permits tres-apply to the most current SMP effective 14 days after Ecology's approval letter. T wse
oemnits inelude sheFeline
4 b l 1 develesiffient
a if .. ditienal a peFmitz ..dler-. - -
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), I I-1-11.)
15.05.130 Shoreline exemption.
(1) The purpose of a shoreline exemption is to provide an approval process for uses and activities which do not trigger
the need for a substantial development permit, but require compliance with the shoreline guidelines and the goals,
policies, and other provisions of the city's shoreline master program. A use or activity that qualifies for an exemption
may require a shoreline variance (FWRC 15.05.160), or a shoreline conditional use permit (FWRC 15.05.170). An
exemption from the substantial development permit process is not an exemption from compliance with any other
applicable regulatory requirements.`
(2) To qualify for an exemption, the proposed use, activity, or development must meet the requirements for an
exemption as described in WAC 173-27-040.
(3) If the proposed development meets the requirements for an exemption, the applicant shall submit a request for an
exemption to the director of community development services for review and approval. The request shall indicate the
specific exemption provision from WAC 173-27-040 that is being applied to the development. The city shall review
the request and provide a summary of the analysis demonstrating consistency of the project with the Federal Way
shoreline master program and the Shoreline Management Act. The city shall prepare a statement of exemption,
provided the proposal meets exemption criteria. The burden of proof that a development or use is exempt from the
permit process is on the applicant. If any part of the development is not eligible for exemption, then a substantial
development permit is required for the entire proposed development.
(a) The director may attach conditions to the approval of exempted developments and/or uses as necessary to
assure consistency of the project with the Shoreline Management Act and the Federal Way shoreline master
program, per WAC 173-27-040(e). For example, in the case of development subject to a building permit, but
exempt from the shoreline permit process, the building official or other permit authorizing official, through
consultation with the director, may attach shoreline management terms and conditions to building permits and
other permit approvals pursuant to RCW 90.58.140.
(b) Where shoreline development proposals are subject to review, approval, and permitting by a federal or state
agency, the director shall prepare a statement of exemption, addressed to the applicant, the federal or state
permitting agency, and Ecology.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
15.05.140 Application requirements.
Complete application. A complete application for a substantial development, shoreline conditional use, or shoreline
variance permit shall contain, as a minimum, the following information:
(1) The name, address, and phone number of the applicant. The applicant should be the owner of the property or the
primary proponent of the project and not the representative of the owner or primary proponent.
(2) The name, address, and phone number of the applicant's representative if other than the applicant.
(3) The name, address, and phone number of the property owner, if other than the applicant.
(4) Location of the property. This shall, at a minimum, include the property address, parcel number, and identification
of the section, township, and range to the nearest quarter, quarter section, or latitude and longitude to the nearest
minute. All applications for projects located in open water areas away from land shall provide a longitude and latitude
location.
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
(5) Identification of the name of the shoreline (water body) that the site of the proposal is associated with. This should
be the water body from which jurisdiction of the Act over the project is derived.
(6) A general description of the proposed project that includes the proposed use or uses and the activities necessary to
accomplish the project.
(7) A general description of the property as it now exists, including its physical characteristics and improvements and
structures.
(8) A general description of the vicinity of the proposed project, including identification of the adjacent uses,
structures, and improvements, intensity of development, and physical characteristics. t
N.
(9) A site development plan consisting of maps and elevation drawings, drawn to an appropriate scale to depict clearly
all required information, photographs, and text, which shall include:
(a) The boundary of the parcel(s) of land upon which the development is proposed.
(b) The ordinary high water mark of all water bodies located adjacent to or within the boundary of the project.
This may be an approximate location; provided, that for any development where a determination of consistency
with the applicable regulations requires a precise location of the ordinary high water mark, the mark shall be
located precisely and the biological and hydrological basis for the location as indicated on the plans shall be
included in the development plan. Where the ordinary high water mark is neither adjacent to nor within the
boundary of the project, the plan shall indicate the distance and direction to the nearest ordinary high water mark
of a shoreline.
(c) Existing and proposed land contours. The contours shall be at intervals sufficient to accurately determine the
existing character of the property and the extent of proposed change to the land that is necessary for the
development. Areas within the boundary that will not be altered by the development may be indicated as such and
contours approximated for that area.
(d) A delineation of all wetland areas that will be altered or used as a part of the development.
(e) A general indication of the character of vegetation found on the site.
(f) The dimensions and locations of all existing and proposed structures and improvements including but not
limited to: buildings, paved or graveled areas, roads, utilities, septic tanks and drainfields, material stockpiles or
surcharge, and stormwater management facilities.
(g) Where applicable, a landscaping plan for the project.
(h) Where applicable, plans for development of areas on- or off-site as mitigation for impacts associated with the
proposed project shall be included and contain information consistent with the requirements of this section.
(i) Quantity, source, and composition of any fill material that is placed on the site whether temporary or
permanent.
0) Quantity, composition, and destination of any excavated or dredged material.
(k) A vicinity map showing the relationship of the property and proposed development or use to roads, utilities,
existing developments, and uses on adjacent properties.
(1) Where applicable, a depiction of the impacts to views from existing residential uses and public areas.
(m) On all variance applications the plans shall clearly indicate where development could occur without approval
of a variance, the physical features and circumstances on the property that provide a basis for the request, and the
location of adjacent structures and uses.
(n) Summary of how the proposal meets relevant decisional criteria.
(o) Additional information as requested by the city.
(10) Where applicable, a shoreline assessment and mitigation report prepared by a qualified professional which, at a
minimum, includes the following:
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(a) Site plan and cross-sections of development and critical areas and critical salmonid habitat identified.
(b) A detailed description of proposed development.
(c) Identification of any species of local importance, priority species, or endangered, threatened, or sensitive
species that have documented or observed habitat on or adjacent to the project area..
(d) An assessment of potential impacts the proposal may have on fish and wildlife species, critical areas, and
critical salmonid habitats.
(e) A discussion of any federal, state, or local management recommendations, including Washington Department
of Fish and Wildlife habitat management recommendations, that have been developed for species or habitats
located on or adjacent to project area. See FWRC 19.142.060 for floodplain development permit requirements.
(f) A discussion of mitigation measures that have been implemented to avoid and minimize adverse impacts to
fish and wildlife species and habitats, critical areas, and critical salmonid habitat. The mitigation must also
include a mitigation plan showing the area of mitigation and detailed mitigation measures, such as habitat
features and planting of native vegetation.
(g) A discussion of monitoring, maintenance, and contingency measures to accompany the mitigation plan.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), I1-1-11.)
15.05.150 Shoreline substantial development permit.
(1) The purpose of a substantial development permit is to provide an approval process for any development with a total
cost or fair market value exceeding $5,74 8 the dollar figure set in RCW 90.58.030.(3)(e), or any development which
materially interferes with the normal public use of the water or shorelines of the state, except those exempted
developments set forth in the preceding section, consistent with WAC 173-27-040: The substantial development do
.l -r -e -s aid on the adeption .late e f this p -e. Fam is $5,719. Under current law, the substantial development dollar
threshold will be recalculated every five years by the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM). OFM
posts updated dollar thresholds in the Washington State Register.
(2) When a substantial development permit is requested, the permit shall be reviewed under the provisions of Process
III, Chapter 19.65 FWRC, and the director of community development shall be the final approval authority for the city
of Federal Way. r
(3) A substantial development permit ghaltbe Hied by the director only when the development proposed is
consistent with the following: ,
(a) Goals, objectives, policies, and use regulations of the Federal Way shoreline master program;
(b) Federal Way comprehensive plan and city code; and
(c) The policies, guidelines, and regulations of the Shoreline Management Act (Chapter 90.58 RCW and
Chapters 173-26 and 173-27 WAC).
(4) The director may attach conditions to the approval of permits as necessary to assure consistency of the proposal
with the above criteria.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
15.05.160 Shoreline variance.
(1) The purpose of a shoreline variance is to grant relief to specific bulk, dimensional, or performance standards set
forth in the shoreline master program, where there is an extraordinary or unique circumstance relating to the property
such that the strict implementation of the shoreline master program would impose unnecessary hardship on the
applicant or thwart the policies of the Shoreline Management Act.
(2) When a variance is requested, the substantial development permit, if required, and the variance, shall be reviewed
under the provisions of Process IV, Chapter 19.70 FWRC, and the hearing examiner shall be the final approval
authority for the city of Federal Way. The Department of Ecology shall be the final approval authority under WAC
173-27-200.
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
(3) A variance from the standards of the master program may be granted only when the applicant can demonstrate that
all the following conditions will apply:
(a) That the strict requirements of the bulk, dimensional, or performance standards set forth in the master program
preclude or significantly interfere with a reasonable use of the property not otherwise prohibited by the master
program;
(b) That the hardship described above is specifically related to the property and is the -result of unique conditions,
such as irregular lot shape, size, or natural features, and the application of the master program, and not, for
example, from deed restriction or the applicant's own actions;
(c) That the design of the project will be compatible with other permitted activities in the area and will not cause
adverse effects to adjacent properties or the shoreline environment;
(d) That the variance authorized does not constitute a grant of special privilege not enjoyed by other properties,
and will be the minimum necessary to afford relief,
(e) That the public interest will suffer no substantial detrimental effect;
(f) That the public rights of navigation and use of the shorelines will not be adversely affected by the granting of
the variance when the proposal is for development located waterward of the ordinary high water mark, or within
wetlands, estuaries, marshes, bogs, or swamps; and
(g) That consideration has been given to the cumulative effect of like actions in an area where similar
circumstances exist, and whether this cumulative effect would be consistent with shoreline policies or would
have substantial adverse effects on the shoreline.
(4) Shoreline variances may not be used to permit a use that is specifically prohibited in an environment, or to vary
uses permitted within an environmental designation.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
15.05.170 Conditional uses.
(1) The purpose of the conditional use permit is to provide greater flexibility in varying the application of the use
regulations of the shoreline master program in a manner which will be consistent with the policies of Chapter 90.58
RCW, particularly where denial of the application would thwart the policies of the Shoreline Management Act.
(2) When a conditional use is requested, the substantial development permit, if required, and the conditional use, shall
be reviewed under the provisions of Process IV, Chapter 19.70 FWRC, and the hearing examiner shall be the final
approval authority for the city of Federal Way. The Department of Ecology shall be the final approval authority under
WAC 173-27-200.
(3) Conditional uses have unique and special characteristics which require a special degree of control to make the uses
compatible with other existing or permitted uses in the same environment, and to assure that the use is in the public
interest. In authorizing a conditional use permit, special conditions may be attached to the permit by the hearing
examiner to prevent undesirable effects or mitigate environmental impacts of the proposed use.
(4) Conditional use permits shall be authorized only when they are consistent with the following criteria:
(a) The proposed use is consistent with the policies of RCW 90.58.020 and the policies of the shoreline master
program;
(b) The use will not interfere with normal use of public shorelines;
(c) The use will cause no unreasonable adverse effects on the shoreline or surrounding properties or uses, and is
compatible with other permitted uses in the area;
(d) The public interest will suffer no substantial detrimental effect;
(e) Consideration has been given to cumulative impact of additional requests for like actions in the area.
(5) Other uses not set forth in the shoreline master program may be authorized through a conditional use permit if the
applicant can demonstrate that other uses are consistent with the purpose of the shoreline environmental designation
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Chapter 15.05 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
and compatible with existing shoreline improvements, or that extraordinary circumstances preclude reasonable use of
the property; however, uses specifically prohibited by the master program may not be authorized.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
15.05.180 Final approval of shoreline permits.
(1) The director of community development shall notify and forward to the following agencies or persons within five
days of the final approval of a shoreline permit and any shoreline variances or conditional uses granted:
(a) The applicant;
(b) The state Department of Ecology;
(c) Any person who has submitted written comments on the application; and
(d) Any person who has requested notification in writing prior to final approval of the permit.
(2) No work may commence on a site requiring a shoreline substantial development, shoreline variance, or shoreline
conditional use permit until 21 days following the "date of filing" or until all review proceedings before the shoreline
hearings board have terminated.
(a) "Date offiling" for a substantial development permit is the date of actual receipt of the decision by the
Department of Ecology.
(b) "Date offiling" for a shoreline variance or shoreline conditional use permit shall mean the date the permit
decision rendered by the Department of Ecology is transmitted by the department to the city and the
applicant/proponent.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
15.05.190 Combined hearing authority.
In those cases when development proposed in the shorelines may require a public hearing under the authority of other
chapters of this Code, the hearings may be combined.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
15.05.200 Appeals.
All appeals of any final permit decision are governed by the procedures established in RCW 90.58.140(6) and
90.58.180, and Chapter 481-03 WAC, the rules and procedures of the shoreline hearings board. All appeals of any
final permit decision must be made to the shoreline hearings board within 21 days of the date of filing of the city's final
decision concerning the substantial development permit, or formal approval to revisions of the permit.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
15.05.210 Permit revisions.
(1) A permit revision is required whenever an applicant proposes substantive changes to the design, terms, or
conditions of a project from that which was approved in the permit. When a revision of a shoreline permit is sought,
the applicant shall submit detailed plans and text describing the proposed changes in the permit and demonstrating
compliance with the minimum standards pursuant to WAC 173-27-100.
(2) If the proposed changes are determined by the director to be within the scope and intent of the original permit, and
are consistent with the Shoreline Management Act (Chapter 90.58 RCW), the guidelines in Chapter 173-26 WAC, and
the Federal Way shoreline master program, the revision shall be approved.
(3) A new permit shall be required if the proposed revision would constitute development that is beyond the scope and
intent of the original approval. "Within the scope and intent of the original approval" means all of the following:
(a) No additional overwater construction is involved except that a pier, dock, or floating structure may be
increased by 10 percent over that approved under the original approval; provided, that the revision does not
exceed the maximum size requirements of this chapter except as authorized under a variance granted for the
original development;
(b) Ground area coverage and/or height may be increased a maximum of 10 percent over that approved under the
original approval; provided, that the revised approval does not authorize development to exceed the height,
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impervious surface, setback, or any other requirements of this chapter except as authorized under a variance
granted for the original development;
(c) Additional or revised landscaping is consistent with any conditions attached to the original approval and with
the Federal Way shoreline master program;
(d) The use authorized pursuant to the original approval is not changed; and
(e) The revision will not cause adverse environmental impacts beyond those originally authorized in the approval.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-1 l.)
15.05.220 Replacement, alteration, or reconstruction of nonconforming use or development.
(1) Applications for substantial development or building permits to modify a nonconforming use or development, as
defined in this chapter, may be approved only if:
(a) The modifications will make the use or development less nonconforming; or
(b) The modifications will not make the use or development more nonconforming; and
(c) Structures that were legally established and are used for a conforming use but which are nonconforming with
regard to setbacks, buffers, or yards; area; bulk; height; or density may be maintained and repaired and may be
enlarged or expanded; provided, that said enlargement does not increase the extent of nonconformity by further
encroaching upon or extending into areas where construction or use would not be allowed for new development
or uses.
90.58.030[3][j) can apply for a shoreline exemption.
(2) An existing use or development, not conforming to existing regulations, which is destroyed may be replaced (per
"replacement structure" as defined in this chapter) as it existed prior to destruction, provided application for required
permits is made within one year of destruction.
(3) If a nonconforming use is discontinued for 12 consecutive months or for 12 months during any two-year period, the
nonconforming rights shall expire and any subsequent use shall be conforming.
(4) An undeveloped lot, tract, parcel, site, or division of land located landward of the ordinary high water mark which
was established in accordance with local and state subdivision requirements prior to the effective date of the Act or the
Federal Way shoreline master program, but which does not conform to the present lot size standards, may be
developed if permitted by other land use regulations of the FWRC and so long as such development conforms to all
other requirements of the Federal Way shoreline master program and the Act.
(5) An existing mechanical improvement, not conforming to existing regulations, which breaks and cannot be repaired
may be replaced, provided the replacement is no more nonconforming and application for required permits is made
within one year of failure.
(6) Existing legally established non -conforming residential structures not including bulkheads are classified as
conforming. Redevelopment, expansion and replacement is allowed so lone as it is consistent with Chapter 15 05
Shoreline Management.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
15.05.230 Shoreline environment redesignation.
Shoreline environments designated by the master program may be redesignated by the city council upon finding that
such redesignation will be consistent with:
(1) The policies of Section 2 of the Shoreline Management Act of 1971.
(2) The goals, objectives, and policies of the shoreline master program.
(3) The designation criteria of the shoreline environment designation requested.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
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15.05.240 Amendments to this chapter.
Amendments to this chapter shall be pursuant to state review and approval as per WAC 1763-26-110 and
1763-26-120.
(Ord. No. 11-705, § 5 (Exh. B), 11-1-11.)
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(b4 Minimum setbaeks ffena the 014WN4 establislied in FIAIRG 15.05.080, 15.05.09(), aijd 15.05.100 shall be
maintained in all rare res a Sher- 1' vffifflwe isgranted.
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(!) Gentaims ef iswithin 25 feet of a geol ieally hazardous
(4) Gentains or is -ilhif' 50 feet 4the J b e
(54 Centains er is withiii 200 feet ef the edge ef any r-egulated wetiand, ifieluding fegulated wetlands asseeiated with
(6) is leeated within a er-itieal feehafge area of a wellhead pfeteetien area (ene , five , er W year wellhead eaptafe
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