The Orting City Council on July 30 adopted an update to the city’s Critical Areas Ordinance (Title 11 of the Orting Municipal Code) by unanimous voice vote. Community Development staff presented the ordinance as the final step in the city’s comprehensive plan periodic update. Staff said the revision was required by state law and was completed following a Department of Commerce checklist connected to a periodic‑update grant.

Community Development staff told the council they issued a Determination of Nonsignificance in May, provided notice of intent to adopt to state agencies and tribes, and received written comments from the Squaxin Island Tribe asking that the city require an inadvertent discovery plan (IDP) and honor Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation recommendations if a project triggers DAP review. Staff said the Squaxin Island comment was incorporated as part of the record and standard mitigation language.

Staff also reported receiving technical comments from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Ecology and the Department of Natural Resources during the state review; some comments were incorporated and some were respectfully dismissed as not applicable. The planning commission held a public hearing on June 2 and recommended approval after no public testimony.

Staff noted a handful of clerical corrections since the study session packet, including correcting a mistaken reference that had named the city council (rather than the hearing examiner) as the decision maker for critical area variances. Staff said the hearing examiner is the proper decision maker and council is the appeal body for variances consistent with Title 15 procedural code.

Councilmember Moore asked whether the Squaxin Island Tribe had jurisdiction; staff replied the tribe had no regulatory jurisdiction but requested consultation and the inclusion of an inadvertent discovery plan. The council voted to adopt Ordinance 2025‑1143.

Outcome: Motion to adopt Ordinance 2025‑1143 made by Councilmember Moore, seconded by Councilmember Sprowl; voice vote in favor, motion passed.