Thurston County planning commission launches rewrite of Critical Areas Ordinance

Thurston County Planning Commission members on Wednesday began a formal scoping process to repeal and replace the county's Critical Areas Ordinance (Title 24), a set of development regulations that govern wetlands, aquifer recharge, habitat conservation, flood-prone areas and geologic hazards.

County staff told commissioners the rewrite is driven by new state requirements and recent scientific guidance and is expected to affect permitting for most development applications in the county. "This is actually a...pretty big deal," a staff member said, noting the county's last major CAO update was in 2012 and that roughly 70% of permit applications touch critical areas.

Why it matters: The CAO governs when and how property owners must obtain environmental reviews and mitigation for development near sensitive natural features. Staff said outdated maps and code language have produced frequent delays and costly consultant reports for applicants; updating the code and maps is intended to streamline review, align local standards with Department of Ecology, DNR and other state guidance, and clarify permit procedures.

Staff overview and scope

Presenters told the commission the CAO update will start from state-mandated requirements and the "best available science" and is scoped to Title 24 (the CAO). The five categories the CAO regulates are wetlands, frequently flooded areas, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, geologically hazardous areas and critical aquifer recharge areas. Staff said the project will not change the comprehensive plan (policy document) but will…