“Compensatory mitigation” means the process or action of replacing project-induced wetland and fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas losses or impacts, including but not limited to restoration, creation, and enhancement.

“Confined aquifer” means any aquifer bounded above and below by impermeable or relatively impermeable layers.

“Conservation easement” means an agreement between a landowner and a land trust organization whereby the landowner forms a perpetual legal agreement to permanently restrict harmful uses and development of a property. The land stays in private ownership and use, and the land trust sees that the restrictions are carried out. Land trusts are local, regional or statewide nonprofit organizations directly involved in protecting important land resources for public benefit.

“Critical area designation” means the legal identification and specification for regulatory purposes of critical areas.

“Critical area detailed study” means a thorough investigation of an activity and the critical area(s) it may impact as required by this title.

“Critical areas” includes wetlands, geologically hazardous areas, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, flood hazard areas and aquifer recharge areas . [Ord. 4525 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3911 § 2, 2009; Code 1970 §§ 28.08.055 – 28.08.080.]