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Kenmore council hears staff and consultants on stream‑buffer options; no direction given, more outreach and analysis requested
Summary
Staff presented three WDFW‑aligned options for riparian buffers (low, medium with enhancement reductions, and high based on site potential tree height) and outlined parcel and acreage impacts; council asked for further outreach, cost estimates, and parcel/unit impact analysis and did not give firm direction.
Kenmore staff and consultant teams presented proposed updates to Title 18 (Critical Areas) focused on stream riparian management zones (RMZs), explained Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) guidance, and reviewed three buffer policy options for council consideration.
Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director Debbie Bent and principal planner Todd Hall framed the session as an exploratory conversation: staff said they were not seeking direction at this meeting and planned to return in 2026 with draft amendments and a public hearing schedule. Consultants from Osborne Consulting and Facet outlined the three options:
- Low: a WDFW‑approved urban baseline that increases impacted acres and parcels modestly over current rules and is described by staff as meeting minimum BAS…
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