Planning commission reviews draft Critical Areas Ordinance: larger buffers, reasonable‑use exception draw questions

The Skagit County Planning Commission on April 22 reviewed a draft update to the county's Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), focusing on how best available science (BAS) and state guidance would affect wetland, stream, aquifer and habitat protections. The commission heard the presentation from a consultant team and engaged in detailed questioning about buffer dimensions, the legal role of the director, and how reasonable‑use exceptions and variances would operate.