Planning commission reviews proposed critical area ordinance updates, including 100-foot riparian minimum and vegetative buffer standards

City of Bothell staff presented proposed updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance at the Planning Commission study session Sept. 17, outlining a preferred approach that sets a 100‑foot minimum riparian management zone (RMZ) for streams, adds vegetative buffer standards, and recommends raising local SEPA exemption thresholds.

Planner Ray Sosa (carrying the item while colleague Jacqueline Sampson joined remotely) described the proposal as a mandatory CAO update drawing on the city’s best-available-science report and the state agencies’ recommendations. The staff recommendation sets a 100‑foot minimum buffer for all stream types to assure basic water-quality protections; staff explained this reflects Department of Fish and Wildlife minimums while offering predictability for applicants.

Sosa said the Fish and Wildlife and Department of Ecology analyses also…