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Consultants add 'no‑net‑loss' language to critical‑area ordinance after WDFW review
Summary
SCJ Alliance and staff proposed expanding a 'no net loss' provision across critical areas in response to Department of Fish and Wildlife comments; staff said the city has limited riparian/shoreline areas but included the language to comply with state best‑available‑science requirements.
Consultants told the commission that comments from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife led to adding a 'no net loss' requirement across the city's critical‑areas ordinance rather than leaving it only in wetlands language. The change seeks to align the ordinance with RCW and WDFW guidance on mitigation and best‑available science.
Jen Dyle and Liam Taylor said the edits expand buffer and mitigation language to aquifer recharge areas, floodplains and other critical areas and align the draft with the state's expectations for avoiding, minimizing and mitigating impacts. Dyle said the requirement was previously present only in the wetlands section and that WDFW recommended applying it more broadly.
Commissioners asked whether Liberty Lake contains substantial riparian areas that would trigger the new requirements. Staff said the city has only a few small reaches within ordinary high water lines and that it is unlikely the new requirements will have widespread practical application inside the city, though consultants recommended retaining the language to comply with state review.
Staff noted the commission can retain a discretionary critical‑area report requirement (the draft says the city "may require" a report), giving staff flexibility to require additional documentation when warranted.
Next steps: the commission accepted the consultant explanation and asked staff to keep the no‑net‑loss language while the city proceeds with the comprehensive‑plan and code updates.
