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Staff recommends 100‑foot riparian buffers and higher SEPA exemptions; council seeks more analysis
Summary
Bothell staff opened a Sept. 9 study session on a Critical Areas Ordinance update and possible SEPA threshold revisions, recommending a fixed 100‑foot riparian management zone with a vegetative buffer standard and considering higher SEPA categorical exemption thresholds.
Bothell staff presented an initial study session on proposed updates to the city’s Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) and potential changes to SEPA categorical exemptions on Sept. 9. The discussion was informational; staff sought council direction before public hearings and formal ordinance drafting.
What staff proposed: The staff presentation — delivered by a deputy director filling in for planner Jacqueline Sampson — summarized best‑available‑science work completed for the 2024 comprehensive plan and recommended simplifying riparian protections by adopting a fixed 100‑foot riparian management zone (stream buffer) for all stream types together with a vegetative‑buffer…
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