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Council discusses adopting Yakima County critical‑areas ordinance by reference to streamline updates
Summary
Byron told council that a 2023 state change allows cities under 25,000 to adopt a county critical areas ordinance by reference, potentially saving local resources during the 10‑year periodic update; an interlocal agreement with the county would be required and the city must still comply with growth management deadlines.
Byron described a proposed resolution expressing the council’s intent to adopt the Yakima County Critical Areas Ordinance by reference. He said the Growth Management Act requires periodic updates every 10 years and that Washington’s 2023 changes allow smaller cities (under 25,000 population) to rely on the county’s ordinance rather than maintain a separate local code. That approach can reduce the technical and staffing burden of repeatedly adopting updated science for streams, wetlands and floodplains.
Byron said the change would entail an interlocal agreement and that adopting the county ordinance could shift some future periodic‑update funding to the county if the city continues to use the county standard in the next cycle. He noted that adopting by reference does not remove the city’s obligation to follow state law and that staff will coordinate the required public process and review steps.
