§ 24.30.015. Exempted wetlands.

In some cases there may be an administrative need to place size thresholds on wetlands that are to be regulated. It is not possible to conclude from size alone what functions a particular wetland may be providing. If there are alternative mitigations options available, such as mitigation banking or in-lieu fee (ILF) programs, then small impacts within the service area of the bank or ILF should be mitigated by using the available alternative mitigation options. Wetlands exempted under this title may also be subject to state and federal regulation.

Until such time as alternative mitigation options are established for Thurston County, the following language applies:

A.

Wetlands less than one thousand square feet in size are exempt from this section if they meet any of the following criteria:

1.

They are not located in a riparian habitat area or critical area buffer as described in this title;

2.

They are not a functional part of a mosaic wetland (as described in the Wetland Rating System for Western Washington); or

3.

They do not provide essential habitat for priority wildlife species (see TCC 24.25.065).

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