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Planners announce 2025 update to critical areas ordinance, including aquifer protection and riparian science
Summary
The city will update its Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) in 2025 to incorporate best available science on wetlands, streams, steep slopes, frequently flooded areas, and critical aquifer recharge areas; staff will issue an RFP for technical consultants and coordinate public outreach.
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…
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