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sTnrg Off, O q ws F y�z 0 State of Washington DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE South Central Region • Region 3 • 1701 South 24t" Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902-5720 Telephone: (509) 575-2740 • Fax: (509) 575-2474 April 27, 2026 Jeremy Johnston Long Range Planner Kittitas County Community Development Services 411 N. Ruby Street, Suite I Ellensburg, WA 98926 SUBJECT: WDFW comments on Kittitas County Development Regulations Proposed Changes Dear Mr. Johnston, Thank you for the opportunity to review the Kittitas County Development Regulations Proposed Changes. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)previously submitted comments on the Comprehensive Plan and the Critical Areas Ordinance drafts. Those comment letters are attached to this letter for reference. We provide these comments on the development regulations in accordance with WDFW's mission to preserve,protect and perpetuate the state's fish, wildlife and ecosystems. Chapter 17.38 Major Industrial Development: 17.38.030. Definitions. The definition for Major Industrial Development, is vague and does not properly define what types of development could be permitted here. We recommend providing examples of the types of development that will be covered under this category to properly assess the potential impacts of such a development. 17.38.040. Development Standards. Under 3. Buffers/Open Space it is stated that setbacks and open space will be defined in the development agreement. As the definition is written currently, Major Industrial Development could be permitted almost anywhere in the county outside of the Urban Growth Areas (UGA). This category should be included in the land use tables and clarify what zones they may be permitted in. These permitted areas should be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and our previously submitted comments regarding incorporation of avoiding placing intensive development in areas of high wildlife connectivity. In addition to setbacks and open space within the development agreement,we recommend overlaying areas of fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas such as wildlife connectivity, high-quality shrubsteppe, riparian areas, wetlands and floodplains to ensure that areas proposed for these large developments are consistent with critical area protections. WDFW would be happy to sit down with the county to conduct this exercise. Community Residential Facility: This category has been added to the Urban, Rural LAMIRD and Rural Non-LAMIRD Use Tables as a permitted activity. The facility should have a definition included. While it is included