§ 24.25.140. Clearing and grading.

Also see Chapter 14.34 TCC regarding grading requirements and Chapter 15.05 TCC regarding stormwater and erosion control.

A.

Important Habitats. Clearing and grading within fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas and associated buffers is only allowed to the minimum extent necessary for a use approved and permitted pursuant to this chapter, as determined by the approval authority.

Clearing and grading shall not occur within an area where a locally important or priority species has a primary association (e.g. nest sites and foraging and roosting areas), based on WDFW Management Recommendations and related information.

B.

Clearing in Freshwater Riparian and Marine Riparian Management Zones. Clearing on lots in freshwater riparian management zones shall not exceed thirty-five percent of the portion of the lot or tract within the freshwater or marine riparian management zone. Priority shall be given to preserving forested areas contiguous to the marine riparian habitat area and riparian habitat areas.

C.

Fencing the Clearing Limits. The clearing limits within the important habitat area shall be marked with temporary fencing. Signage shall be placed on the fence indicating that the area beyond is protected as a critical area. The fencing/signage is subject to inspection by the approval authority prior to the commencement of permitted activities. The temporary fencing/signage shall be maintained throughout construction and shall not be removed until permanent signs, if required pursuant to Chapter 24.60 TCC, are in place.

D.

Timing. Clearing and grading in important wildlife habitats shall only occur between May 1 and October 1, except as provided for in TCC 24.25.090(C). The county may temporarily suspend grading during this period if excessive rainfall might cause erosion and sedimentation that could affect a stream or marine waters, or dependent fish or wildlife. The county may allow clearing and grading outside of this period if all drainage will flow away from streams, lakes, ponds, and marine waters.

E.

Preservation of the Infiltration Capacity of the Site. The soil duff layer in the buffer shall remain undisturbed to the maximum extent practicable. The moisture-holding and infiltration capacity of the topsoil disturbed by permitted development shall be maintained in areas not approved for impervious surfaces by minimizing soil compaction or by stripping, stockpiling, and reapplying topsoil at predevelopment levels.

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