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Council receives first reading of critical‑areas update that would expand riparian zones and stream buffers
Summary
At first reading, Snoqualmie staff and consultant OTEC presented proposed revisions to the critical‑areas chapter that replace traditional buffers with riparian management zones and significantly increase stream buffer widths (Type F from 75 to 200 feet; Class 3/4 to 100 feet), with limited allowances for small single‑family improvements.
The Snoqualmie City Council heard a first reading on proposed updates to the city's critical‑areas code on Nov. 10 aimed at aligning local rules with the state's best available science. Jeff Gray, managing senior scientist at OTEC (hired by the city), summarized the key change: moving from fixed stream buffers to a riparian management zone approach that recognizes multiple stream functions.
"Class 2 type f streams, buffers, or riparian management zones will go from 75 feet to 200 feet," Gray said, and the proposal would…
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