§ 24.05.027. Critical area review process.

The sequence of review related to critical areas and associated buffers generally is as follows:

A.

County Site Visit. When a critical area screening tool or other source of information indicate the possible presence of a critical area or associated buffer on a subject property, the director shall visit the site to verify what critical areas or associated buffers may exist on site. Depending on the type of critical area being evaluated, the size of the parcel, the nature of surrounding development, and the level of degradation or development already existing on site, the director may be able to determine that no jurisdictional critical area exists on the subject property, or that the proposed activity will not impact the functions of any critical areas or associated buffers on site.

B.

Professional Survey. If the director determines that a critical area may exist, or are unsure of the nature or condition of a critical area on site, the applicant may be required by the county to hire a professional to determine the nature and extent of critical areas and associated buffers on the property. Critical area buffer requirements are specified in each individual critical area chapter of this title. Specific requirements for special reports, and criteria for determining who is qualified to prepare them, are located in Chapter 24.35 TCC.

C.

Critical Area Report. The director, upon review of a critical area delineation or survey, may require the applicant to submit a critical area report that outlines what impacts will occur and how any impacts will be mitigated. The critical area report must demonstrate that impacts are unavoidable, pursuant to TCC 24.01.037 and 24.35.015. Critical area reports that pertain to important habitats and species may also be referred to as habitat management plans.

(Ord. No. 14773, § 3(Att. B), 7-24-2012)