BOCC Exhibits A-E ECY Approved SMP-Code Amendments

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Kittitas County Shoreline Master Program Chapter 5 71 March 7, 2016 Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners Shoreline Master Program Adopting Ordinance Kittitas County Shoreline Master Program Exhibit A | March 2016 | Page 71 of 339 except through a shoreline variance. Buffers that have been averaged or reduced by any prior actions administered by Kittitas County shall not be further reduced. Proposals for buffer reduction on such sites shall not require a shoreline variance if the following conditions are met: a. The existing buffer is predominantly unvegetated, composed of nuisance species or in an otherwise highly disturbed condition; b. The minimum width of the reduced buffer is at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the standard width per Table 5.2-3; c. The reduced portion of the buffer cannot exceed forty percent (40%) of the buffer length on the development property; d. A critical area report demonstrates that the reduction will not result in a net loss of shoreline and aquatic habitat functions and values; e. The reduced buffer area is planted and enhanced with species native to central Washington; and f. A mitigation plan is development and implemented, per the requirements of Section 5.2. 9. Prior to approving a request for buffer averaging or reduction, the Administrator shall ensure the development is designed to separate and screen the stream from impacts such as noise, glare, and vegetation trampling. The site design shall consider the varying degrees of impacts of different land uses. For example, parking lots, store entrances, and roads generally have higher noise and glare impacts than the rear of the store. Site screening should take advantage of natural topography or existing vegetation, wherever possible. Where natural screening is not available, berms, landscaping, and structural screens should be implemented (e.g., orient buildings to screen parking lots and store entrances from critical areas). L. Regulations—aquatic habitat conservation area reporting 1. Except for single-family residences located outside of shoreline buffers, if a proposed use or development is located within two hundred (200) feet of a designated aquatic habitat conservation area, a critical areas report is required, and shall include the following: a. The aquatic habitat conservation area habitat type and location of the OHWM; b. All aquatic habitat conservation areas and required buffers within two hundred (200) feet of the project area shall be depicted on the site plan; c. The vegetative, faunal, topographic, and hydrologic characteristics of the aquatic habitat conservation area; and d. A detailed discussion of the direct and indirect potential impacts on aquatic habitat conservation area by the project. Such discussion shall include a discussion of the ongoing management practices that will protect habitat after the project site has been developed.