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Committee moves repeal of local review for Class 4 forest practices back to council
Summary
Staff recommended returning Class 4 forest practice permit review to the state because such applications are infrequent and local review requires substantial staff time; the committee forwarded an ordinance to first reading on April 21.
City planning staff presented an ordinance to repeal Federal Way's local review authority over Class 4 forest‑practice applications and return permit review to state jurisdiction.
“Policy question tonight is should the city council move forward the code amendment to return the permit review of forest practices back to the state,” said Caitlyn Starns, who told the committee that the city has seen a decline in such applications and that local review requires notable staff time and administrative effort.
Starns said staff resumed discussions with the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties; the association submitted a letter of support on March 11. Staff also said the ordinance must be consistent with the comprehensive plan and public health, safety and welfare standards.
Councilmembers discussed procedural details, including establishment of an early clearing/rough‑grade permit practice used by other jurisdictions. Planning staff said some cities use an administrative early clearing/grade permit and that staff will evaluate whether to add code language or handle it administratively; staff expect to coordinate related permitting changes and return to council in June.
The committee voted unanimously to forward the proposed ordinance to first reading on April 21.
