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DENEEN asked who does the study? ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER COTCHETT <br /> stated that they had conducted a literature review on Kittitas <br /> County specifically. Discussion of validating if a wetland is on <br /> properties in Kittitas County and hiring a consultant to verify <br /> if there is or is not a wetland through a critical areas report <br /> occurred. COMMISSIONER DENEEN suggested the county hire an <br /> environmentalist to do this instead of the property owner having <br /> to pay for this service . <br /> Discussion on wetland banking occurred. CDS DIRECTOR BALA stated <br /> that wetland banking is a viable option and staff looked at <br /> possibly doing that on certain pieces of properties with the <br /> former Public Works Director. There are maintenance components, <br /> additional staff costs and watering costs to consider. CDS <br /> DIRECTOR BAIA stated we do have a TDR program that deals with <br /> density in critical areas that works if someone has the <br /> property, has the units and they have the other property to send <br /> them to . He stated the Planning Commission hearing will be on <br /> May 12, 2026 . <br /> COMMISSIONER WACHSMITH stated we have talked about funding a <br /> position with CDS and the request has been heard. <br /> COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PERIODIC UPDATE - DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS <br /> ERIN O'KELLEY, Kimley-Horn, stated that as part of the Growth <br /> Management Act requirements of updating the Comprehensive Plan, <br /> we are required to also make sure the Development Regulations <br /> are consistent with any changes made to the Comprehensive Plan. <br /> ERIN O'KELLEY provided an overview of the Growth Management Act <br /> and the Comprehensive Plan process . The Development Regulations <br /> are seen as a tool to help implement the Comprehensive Plan <br /> policies . This meeting is the first briefing and introduction <br /> provided to the Planning Commissioners . The public hearing is <br /> scheduled for May 12th with the possibility of continuing to May <br /> 13th. She stated that the reasons for the proposed changes <br /> include aligning with the changes to the Comprehensive Plan and <br /> addressing recent changes in state law. <br /> There are eleven key changes that are being focused on: <br /> 1) Major Industrial Developments - Establishing a process for <br /> new Major Industrial Developments (MID) is about making sure <br /> that the Comprehensive Plan allows for opportunities for <br /> economic growth and explore what might be available . The Major <br /> Industrial Developments as proposed in the code would be <br /> permitted similar to Master Plan Resorts where they would go to <br /> the county and would enter into a development agreement process . <br /> 2026-4-14 MINUTES 5 <br />