Senior Planner David Levitan told the Planning Commission that the 2025 code work program will include a required update to the City of Lake Stevens’ Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) to incorporate best-available science on wetlands, riparian areas, geologic hazards, frequently flooded areas, and critical aquifer recharge areas (CARA).

Scope and legal context
Levitan said state guidance extended the statutory CAO update deadline to Dec. 31, 2025 to allow jurisdictions more time for technical analysis following their comprehensive-plan periodic updates. The CAO update must review best available science on buffers and riparian function and add a section for critical aquifer recharge areas; the county’s wellhead protection data show potential recharge areas that extend into the city’s northeast quadrant.

Technical work and outreach
Staff said it will finalize and publish a request for proposals for consultant assistance (wetland biologists, geotechnical and stream specialists) and will coordinate a public participation plan. Levitan said the city will draw on existing county and neighboring-jurisdiction ordinances but must complete city-specific analyses and rules that balance environmental protection and economic development in industrially zoned areas near aquifer protection zones.

Why it matters: CARA and riparian rules
Levitan said critical aquifer recharge-area regulations will affect land-use standards where wellhead protection areas overlap city limits. He cautioned that stringent restrictions could limit industrial-area development if not balanced with economic goals. The update will also account for revised riparian guidance from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Next steps
Staff will issue an RFP for consultants, prepare a public participation plan (incorporating the outreach suggestions discussed earlier), and check in periodically with the Planning Commission and City Council as the technical work proceeds. Levitan said staff intends to front-load scoping and stakeholder engagement before substantive code drafting.

Ending
Commissioners asked about coordination with Snohomish County and about how the city will balance environmental protection and industrial land-use objectives; staff said county data will inform city-specific analysis and that the consultant scope will reflect local conditions.