Flood Control District authorizes restrictive covenants on buyout parcels to meet federal mitigation rules

On Sept. 9, 2025, the King County Flood Control District Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution FCD2025-10 authorizing King County to execute restrictive covenants on certain parcels purchased through the district's home buyout and elevation program. The board voted unanimously in favor of the resolution.

Charlotte Archer, district legal counsel, told the board the covenants are required for parcels purchased with district funding to remain eligible for federal mitigation programs tied to King County's mitigation reserves and the in‑lieu fee program. Archer said the covenants will convert the parcels into exclusively natural open space in order to meet federal program requirements.

Board members characterized the action as an important but ministerial compliance step. Vice Chair Perry moved the resolution; the clerk recorded a unanimous roll call and the chair declared the measure adopted. Archer and staff said the action is necessary for King County to remain compliant with federal rules governing mitigation reserves/in‑lieu fee programs when using district funds for land acquisition.

The resolution does not change ownership of the parcels; it authorizes execution of restrictive covenants to preserve the lands as natural open space consistent with federal program obligations and the district's buyout and elevation program.