(1) If the Department of Community and Economic Development determines the site potentially includes, overlays, or is adjacent to critical areas, or the proposed project could have significant adverse impacts on critical areas, the Department of Community and Economic Development shall notify the applicant that a critical area detailed study is required for each of the indicated critical area types.

(2) If the review of the permit application and critical area resources does not indicate that critical areas are included or adjacent to the activity, or could suffer probable significant adverse impacts from the activity, then the Department of Community and Economic Development shall rule that the critical area review is complete. The determination shall be noted on the application.

(3) The applicant shall acknowledge in writing that a determination regarding the apparent absence of one or more critical areas by the Department of Community and Economic Development is not intended to be an expert certification regarding the presence of critical areas and the determination is subject to possible reconsideration and reopening if new information is received. If the applicant wants greater assurance of the accuracy of the critical area review determination, the applicant may hire a qualified consultant to provide such assurances. [Ord. 4525 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3911 § 2, 2009; Code 1970 § 28.12.130. Formerly 28.12.130.]