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:10- FAC ET <br /> TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM <br /> Date: March 23, 2026 <br /> To: Chad Bala, Community Development Services Director, Kittitas County <br /> Jamey Ayling, Planning Manager, Kittitas County <br /> From: Kyle Cotchett, Environmental Planner, Facet <br /> Dan Nickel, Principal of Planning, Facet <br /> Project Name: Kittitas County Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update <br /> Facet Number: 2402.0429.00 <br /> 2026 Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update — Draft <br /> Critical Areas Ordinance Memorandum <br /> Project Description and Background <br /> The Growth Management Act(GMA) requires all cities and counties in Washington to adopt <br /> regulations protecting "critical areas". Regulated critical areas include wetlands, aquifer recharge areas, <br /> fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas,frequently flooded areas, and geologically hazardous areas. <br /> The intention of these regulations is to preserve the natural environment,wildlife habitats, and sources <br /> of fresh drinking water,while also encouraging public safety by limiting development in areas prone to <br /> natural hazards. <br /> The Washington State Growth Management Act(GMA) requires Kittitas County to update its <br /> Comprehensive Plans and implementing development regulations every 10 years(RCW 36.70A.130).As <br /> part of that update,the County is required to evaluate and, if needed, revise its Critical Areas Ordinance <br /> (CAO). Kittitas County's Comprehensive Plan underwent a complete update in 2021. Kittitas County <br /> adopted a new CAO on December 7, 2021,which was implemented on February 7, 2022. Following a <br /> settlement process with the Yakima Nation,the County adopted Ordinance No. 2025-006, amending <br /> the CAO on July 1, 2025. <br /> Kittitas County is in the process of conducting its 2026 periodic update and simultaneously is in the <br /> process of completing the periodic review of its CAO.The proposed changes to the CAO seek to align <br /> with the best available science and to update the code for clarity and efficiency. <br /> SUMMARY OF CRITICAL AREA ORDINANCE CHANGES <br /> As required by the Washington State GMA,the review of the Best Available Science(BAS)was compiled <br /> to support Kittitas County's CAO update, a component of comprehensive updates to the land use and <br /> development code. BAS means the current and best available information that follows a valid scientific <br /> process as specified in WAC 365-195-900 through WAC 365-195-900. In addition to BAS, Facet <br /> SEATTLE I KIRKLAND I BURLINGTON I WHIDBEY ISLAND I FEDERAL WAY I SPOKANE <br /> facetnw.com <br />