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County hears early proposals to tighten critical-area rules, including 100-foot stream buffer recommendation
Summary
County planners and consultants briefed the Board of Commissioners on a periodic comprehensive plan update and proposed Critical Areas Ordinance changes, including reduced exemptions for new agricultural activities and a Department of Fish and Wildlife recommendation for 100-foot minimum riparian buffers; the process will include further public hearings and an environmental review.
Walla Walla County commissioners on Monday heard an early briefing on updates to the county's Comprehensive Plan and proposed changes to the Critical Areas Ordinance that consultants described as a 'light touch' but necessary to align local code with state law and the latest science.
Dan Nicholl of Facet, a subconsultant for Kimley-Horn, told the board the update is required under the Growth Management Act and is intended to ensure protections for wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, critical aquifer recharge areas and geologically hazardous areas. Nicholl said the update will apply best available science, strengthen mitigation sequencing (avoid, minimize, mitigate) and reduce certain exemptions for new agricultural activities.
Nicholl highlighted recent Department of Fish and Wildlife guidance that treats…
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