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provided the County with a Gap Analysis,which reviewed the current critical areas regulations and <br /> evaluated gaps in consistency between them and BAS or the GMA.This document also included <br /> recommendations for improvements to general aspects of the CAO. Prior to the completion of the <br /> settlement process with the Yakima Nation, Facet completed a Gap Analysis of the 2021 adopted CAO. <br /> Following receipt of the 2025 CAO adopted as part of the settlement, Facet reviewed the updated code <br /> against its original Gap Analysis recommendations and issued an addendum identifying which <br /> recommendations remain applicable. <br /> Considering the adoption of an updated CAO in 2025, Facet's proposed changes are minor in nature <br /> and focus on clarity, consistency, and ease of use.The draft Critical Area Ordinance updates are <br /> described below. <br /> Exemptions (KCC 17A.01.050) <br /> Limited edits to this section clarify no net loss principles, separate provisions related to forest practices <br /> and noxious weed control and removal, and the addition of a provision allowing repair and <br /> maintenance of legally established nonconforming uses or structures. <br /> Non-conforming structures and uses (KCC 17A.01.070) <br /> Minor language edits were made to clarify the relationship between the exemption for repair and <br /> maintenance of non-conforming uses or structures in KCC 17A.01.050 and the allowances within this <br /> subsection. <br /> Definitions (KCC 17A.02) <br /> Non-substantive changes were made to the definitions of"erosion hazard areas", "fish and wildlife <br /> habitat conservation areas", "qualified professional"to better align with the WAC and state guidance. <br /> Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas (KCC 17A.03) <br /> Minor changes were made to this chapter to include clarification of adherence to requirements to <br /> federal and state regulations as well as the inclusion of granting the Director the ability to impose <br /> additional conditions to protect the quality and quantity of groundwater. <br /> Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas (KCC 17A.04) <br /> Non-substantive changes were made to clarify upland habitat buffer requirements as well as the <br /> minimum mitigation ratio to be implemented for impacts to buffers and riparian management zones. <br /> Wetlands (KCC 17A.07) <br /> Minor changes were made to clarify the use of mapping resources and to codify the U.S.Army Corps of <br /> Engineers'delineation manual.To align with state guidance and ensure adequate function,the code <br /> was updated to clarify the assumed vegetated condition of wetland buffers and to grant the Director <br /> discretionary authority to require revegetation or buffer widening.Additional updates to align with <br /> state guidance include expanded provisions for allowed buffer uses and the inclusion of"preservation" <br /> in Table 17A.07.070.6,Wetland Mitigation Ratios. <br /> �\ FACET KITTITAS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PERIODIC UPDATE <br /> DRAFT CRITICAL AREAS ORDINANCE MEMORANDUM / 2 <br />