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Staff previews critical areas ordinance overhaul; riparian management zones planned to replace simple buffers
Summary
Planning staff updated the board on a comprehensive Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) rewrite, saying a red-line draft will be available two weeks before public hearing and highlighting a likely move to riparian management zones informed by Department of Fish and Wildlife guidance.
Edmonds — At the Aug. 13 Edmonds Planning Board meeting planning staff briefed members and the public on progress toward a comprehensive update of the city’s Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), including plans to replace the current uniform buffer approach for streams with a more site‑specific riparian management zone (RMZ) approach and a timeline for an upcoming red-line draft.
Planning staff said they have conducted stakeholder meetings with local environmental groups and state agencies and intend to produce the first red-line draft in time for public review two weeks before the public hearing. Staff noted limited environmental staffing in the department and said they are relying on stakeholder input and state guidance as they finalize technical sections.
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