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<br /> <br />4 <br /> <br />Chapter 17A.01 <br />GENERAL PROVISIONS <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Sections: <br /> <br />17A.01.010 Purpose and Intent <br />17A.01.020 Authority <br />17A.01.030 Applicability <br />17A.01.040 Regulated Alterations and Development <br />17A.01.050 Exemptions <br />17A.01.060 Exceptions <br />17A.01.070 Non-Conforming Structures and Uses <br />17A.01.080 Critical Areas Reports <br />17A.01.090 General Protective Measures <br />17A.01.100 Critical Areas Mitigation <br />17A.01.110 Review Process <br />17A.01.120 Relationships to Other Regulations <br />17A.01.130 Best Available Science <br />17A.01.140 Variances <br />17A.01.150 Enforcement <br />17A.01.160 Severability <br /> <br /> <br />17A.01.010 Purpose and Intent <br />The purpose of this Title is to establish regulations pertaining to development which protect <br />designated critical areas, as defined by the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) <br />(RCW 36.70A). The GMA requires the use of “best available science,” also as defined in that law, to <br />establish local regulations which protect critical areas. GMA-designated critical areas, all of which <br />are present in Kittitas County, include: Critical aquifer recharge areas, fish and wildlife habitat <br />conservation areas, frequently flooded areas, geologically hazardous areas, and wetlands. The <br />regulations of this Title are intended to: <br />1. Prevent degradation of critical areas; <br />2. Conserve, protect, and; where feasible, restore critical areas and their functions and values; <br />3. Protect unique, fragile and/or valuable elements of the environment, including ground and <br />surface waters, anadromous fish species, and other fish and wildlife and their habitats; <br />4. Protect the public health, safety, and general welfare from hazards associated with critical <br />areas; <br />5. Further the goals and objectives of the Kittitas County Comprehensive Plan and all of its <br />elements; <br />6. Implement the goals and requirements of the Washington Growth Management Act (RCW <br />Chapter 36.70A); <br />7. Allow for reasonable use of all properties in Kittitas County. <br /> <br />17A.01.020 Authority <br />1. As provided herein, the Director or his/her designee is given the authority to interpret and <br />apply, and the responsibility to enforce this Title to accomplish the stated purpose. <br />2. The County may withhold, condition, or deny permits and/or approvals for development and <br />alterations to ensure that the proposed development is consistent with this Title. <br /> <br /> <br />