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Kent staff propose larger wetland buffers, updated riparian zones in critical areas code
Summary
City staff told the council they are proposing to raise Category 1 and 2 wetland buffers to 300 feet, increase compensation ratios for unavoidable wetland impacts based on Department of Ecology guidance, and set many riparian buffers to 100 feet; staff will finalize responses to 65 state agency comments and hold a Planning Board hearing later this quarter.
Lindsay Walker, city staff, presented a project update on Kent’s proposed Critical Areas Ordinance on Jan. 6, saying staff had received 65 comments from three state agencies and were preparing responses before a Planning Board hearing later this quarter.
Walker called out two principal technical changes under consideration: larger wetland buffers for high‑value wetlands and revised riparian management zones for fish and wildlife conservation areas.
“Category 1 and Category 2 high‑value wetlands … are getting increased to 300 feet now,” Walker said, noting it is uncommon for development to occur near…
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