BOCC Exhibits A-E ECY Approved SMP-Code Amendments

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Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners Shoreline Master Program Adopting Ordinance Kittitas County Shoreline Master Program Exhibit D | March 2016 | Page 264 of 339 commonly than Category I wetlands, but still need a relatively high level of protection. Category II wetlands include: i. Forested wetlands in the floodplains of rivers; ii. Mature and old-growth forested wetlands with native fast growing trees; iii. Vernal pools; iv. Wetlands scoring between nineteen and twenty one (19-21) points (out of twenty seven (27)) in the Eastern Washington Wetland Rating System. c. Category III wetlands score between sixteen and eighteen (16-18) points (out of twenty- seven (27)) in the Eastern Washington Wetland Rating System and can often be adequately replaced with a well-planned mitigation project. Wetlands scoring between 16-18 points generally have been disturbed in some ways, and are often smaller, less diverse and/or more isolated from other natural resources in the landscape than Category II wetlands. d. Category IV wetlands have the lowest levels of functions, scoring less than sixteen (16) points in the Eastern Washington Wetland Rating System, and are often heavily disturbed. These are wetlands that should be able to be replaced, and in some cases improved. These wetlands may provide some important functions, and also need to be protected. 17B.05.020G Wetlands – buffers. 1. Buffer widths: Buffers shall be established and maintained to protect all regulated wetlands. Standard minimum buffer for wetlands are listed in the Table at KCC 17B.50.020G-1. The buffer shall not be altered except as authorized by this Program; provided, that such alterations meet all other standards for the protection of regulated wetlands. Buffers are measured horizontally in all directions from the regulated wetland edge as marked in the field. 17B.50.020G-1. Wetland Buffers for Wetlands in Shoreline Jurisdiction Wetland Category Low Intensity Use and Development Low and Moderate Intensity Use and Development* High Intensity Use and Development* Category I 125 feet 190 feet 250 feet Category II 100 feet 150 feet 200 feet Category III 75 feet 110 feet 150 feet Category IV 25 feet 540 feet 50 feet * For the purposes of KCC 17B.05.020G-1, high intensity use and developments include: commercial, urban, industrial, institutional, retail sales, residential (more than 1 unit/acre), conversion from non-agricultural lands to high intensity agriculture (dairies, animal feed lots, nurseries and green houses, and like uses), high intensity recreation (golf courses, ball fields, and like uses) and hobby farms. Moderate intensity use and developments include: residential (1 unit/acre or less), moderate intensity open space (parks with biking, jogging, and like uses), conversion from non-agricultural lands to moderate intensity agriculture (orchard, hay fields, and like uses), paved trails, building of logging roads, and utility corridor or right-of-way shared by several utilities and including access/maintenance roads. Low intensity use and developments include: forestry (cutting of trees only), low intensity open space (hiking, bird-watching, and like uses), unpaved trails, and utility corridor without a maintenance road and little or no vegetation management. 2. Wetland buffer condition: Wetland buffer areas shall be retained in a natural condition or may be improved to enhance buffer functions and values. Where buffer disturbance is allowed pursuant to this Program, re-vegetation with native vegetation shall be required. The Kittitas County noxious weed ordinance shall be adhered to. Alterations of the buffer that are not associated with an allowed shoreline use or development shall be prohibited.