Kirkland planners begin state-mandated update to critical areas code, focus on wetlands and stream buffers

City staff gave the Kirkland Planning Commission an initial briefing May 22 on a state-required update to the city—s critical areas ordinance, focusing on wetlands, streams and related permitting rules. The presentation covered why the update is required, proposed changes to wetland buffer language, peer-review practices for geologic and stream-related reports, and an outreach schedule leading to a Dec. 31 statutory deadline.

The session matters because the ordinance implements state requirements to use the best available science and to protect functions provided by wetlands, floodplains, streams and geologic hazard areas. Anna Heckman, environmental program coordinator for the City of Kirkland, told commissioners the update will also reflect the city—s local values and must integrate with the city—s comprehensive plan.

Staff outlined what they called a two-track approach: regulatory code edits and non-regulatory actions such as education and restoration. "This is another state requirement. So this is our periodic update of the critical area ordinance," Heckman said. Jen Ander, senior planner, walked commissioners through the typical permit workflows for the two main chapters: chapter 85 (geologically hazardous areas) and chapter 90 (streams, wetlands and other habitat areas). Ander described a multistep development review that commonly requires peer review, delineation and, when applicable, long-term monitoring of restoration work.

Key propo…