PublicHearing_StaffReport_2026_V3.0

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FLOODING (CR-G4) The flooding goal and its extensive set of policies emphasize ecological protection, safer land -use patterns, and long-term adaptation of infrastructure and community assets. By encouraging green infrastructure, reinforcing stream crossings, and integrating advanced climate data, the policies help natural systems absorb more intense storms while reducing risk to people and property. The Element also calls for thoughtful relocation of vulnerable facilities and the safeguarding of historic resources threatened by rising water levels. Connection to the Yakima Basin water plan ensures regional coordination in managing flooding and flow variability. WILDFIRE (CR-G4) The wildfire goal focuses on reducing risk at the intersection of communities and fire -prone landscapes. Policies emphasize proactive WUI strategies, stronger coordination with private forest landowners, and improvements to emergency preparedness and public outreach. Enhanced evacuation planning ensures residents have clear, actionable guidance during fast-moving fire events. By incorporating debris -flow and post -fire flooding risks into critical area mapping, the County better prepares for cascading hazards that follow major burns. Together, these measures position Kittitas County to mitigate wildfire impacts while strengthening community safety, ecological resilience, and long-term recovery capacity. New Easton Subarea Plan During this periodic update, the County also developed an Easton Subarea Plan, not previously adopted, by the County. The County worked with the Easton community between January to December 2025 to collect community feedback and understand the vision for the area. The result is a more place -specific policy plan that provide guidance to the Community and County on potential actions focusing on safety, recreation, and services. The subarea plan reflects the local identity, character, and priorities identified through engagement with Easton residents. It includes tailored land -use strategies, infrastructure recommendations, and community development objectives that support Easton's long-term vitality while integrating with the broader County planning framework. The following components, goals, and policies, of the new Easton Subarea Plan have been proposed: LAND USE EG 1.0 focuses on strengthening Easton's LAMIRD areas as the heart of community life by supporting compatible services, public spaces, small-scale retail, and recreation -oriented uses. Policies encourage revitalization, protect community landmarks, allow appropriate mixed -use development, and establish design standards that preserve Easton's historic scale and character. RURAL CHARACTER EG 1.1 emphasizes safeguarding Easton's defining rural and recreation -centered character as development occurs. Through policies directing growth into LAMIRDs, maintaining small-scale land use patterns, and supporting uses that preserve quiet outdoor access. HOUSING EG 2.0 supports increasing affordable and attainable housing within LAMIRDs by reducing regulatory barriers, especially for ADUs and two -unit options, and identifying areas suitable for new housing based on septic and infrastructure constraints.