28.04.070 Best available science.
A listing of document sources used in the development of this title is maintained on file in the City’s Community and Economic Development Department, Planning Division.
(1) Chapter 36.70A RCW requires jurisdictions to include the best available science when designating and protecting critical areas; and the implementation of conservation or protection measures necessary to preserve or enhance anadromous fish and their habitat (Chapter 365-195 WAC).
(2) Best available science, as defined in PMC 28.08.030, shall be used in developing policies and development regulations to protect the functions and values of critical areas. Critical area reports and decisions to alter critical areas shall rely on the best available science to protect the functions and values of critical areas.
(3) Critical area reports, mitigation plans, and decisions to permit the alteration of critical areas shall rely on the best available science to ensure the protection of the ecological functions and values of critical areas, and must give special consideration to conservation or protection measures necessary to preserve or enhance anadromous fish and their habitat.
(4) Best available science sources, at a minimum, have included the following:
(a) Critical area maps;
(b) Maps and reference documents in the City of Pasco’s SMP Inventory, Characterization, and Analysis Report, as applicable;
(c) U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic quadrangle maps;
(d) Aerial photographs;
(e) Soil Survey of Franklin County, Washington, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service;
(f) National Wetland Inventory maps; and
(g) WDFW Priority Habitats and Species maps. [Ord. 4525 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3911 § 2, 2009; Code 1970 § 28.04.090. Formerly 28.04.090.]