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d. The minimum width of the buffer at any given point is at least seventy-five percent (75%) <br />of the standard width per the Table at KCC 17B.05.020K-1, or twenty-five (25) feet, <br />whichever is greater; and <br />e. The area that is added to the buffer to offset the reduction is well-vegetated. The <br />Administrator may require vegetation enhancement if needed to ensure this criterion is <br />met. <br />8. Buffer reduction: On sites that lack well-vegetated buffers, the Administrator may allow <br />reduction of the aquatic habitat buffer widths in the Table at KCC 17B.05.020K-1 when <br />necessary to accommodate a single-family residence or residential subdivision of four (4) or <br />fewer lots. The buffer reduction shall be allowed only in those limited instances when adherence <br />to the standard buffer is infeasible or presents a substantial hardship because of site conditions, <br />lot configuration or other circumstances. Residential subdivisions of more than four (4) lots shall <br />not be eligible for buffer reduction, except through a shoreline variance. Buffers that have been <br />averaged or reduced by any prior actions administered by Kittitas County shall not be further <br />reduced. Proposals for buffer reduction on such sites shall not require a shoreline variance if the <br />following conditions are met: <br />a. The existing buffer is predominantly unvegetated, composed of nuisance species or in an <br />otherwise highly disturbed condition; <br />b. The minimum width of the reduced buffer is at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the <br />standard width per the Table at KCC 17B.05.020K-1; <br />c. The reduced portion of the buffer cannot exceed forty percent (40%) of the buffer length <br />on the development property; <br />d. A critical area report demonstrates that the reduction will not result in a net loss of <br />shoreline and aquatic habitat functions and values; <br />e. The reduced buffer area is planted and enhanced with species native to central <br />Washington; and <br />f. A mitigation plan is developed and implemented, per the requirements of KCC <br />17B.05.020E. <br />9. Prior to approving a request for buffer averaging or reduction, the Administrator shall ensure <br />the development is designed to separate and screen the stream from impacts such as noise, <br />glare, and vegetation trampling. The site design shall consider the varying degrees of impacts of <br />different land uses. For example, parking lots, store entrances, and roads generally have higher <br />noise and glare impacts than the rear of the store. Site screening should take advantage of <br />natural topography or existing vegetation, wherever possible. Where natural screening is not <br />available, berms, landscaping, and structural screens should be implemented (e.g., orient <br />buildings to screen parking lots and store entrances from critical areas). <br />(Ord. 2016-006, 2016) <br /> <br />17B.05.020L Aquatic habitat conservation areas – reporting. <br />1. Except for single-family residences located outside of shoreline buffers, if a proposed use or <br />development is located within two hundred (200) feet of a designated aquatic habitat <br />conservation area, a critical areas report is required, and shall include the following: <br />a. The aquatic habitat conservation area habitat type and location of the OHWM; <br />b. All aquatic habitat conservation areas and required buffers within two hundred (200) feet <br />of the project area shall be depicted on the site plan;