CAO draft updates aquifer, geologic and floodplain rules; aligns flood language with FEMA
County consultants recommended prohibiting mitigation of aquifer impacts, adding channel migration zones as erosion hazards, and modernizing floodplain language to align with FEMA and Ecology ahead of new FEMA maps; the changes aim to reduce administrative burden at map adoption.
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Consultants told the Planning Commission the CAO update includes targeted updates to critical aquifer recharge area rules, geologically hazardous area language and a substantial modernization of the frequently flooded areas chapter. For aquifer recharge areas, the draft clarifies that negative impacts should be avoided and that mitigation to offset aquifer impacts is not appropriate; instead, the code emphasizes best management practices and prevention.
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