29.10.050 Public flood protection.
(Leveed areas along the Columbia River, where limited ecological function and future development potential exists, and the areas are dedicated for public recreation as part of the regional trail system.)
(1) Purpose. The purpose of the public flood protection environment designation is to provide flood protection features while protecting shoreline ecological functions with limitations imposed by the flood protection features, and provide recreational opportunities. In addition to existing levees, examples of uses that are appropriate in a public flood protection shoreline designation include public access and recreation uses consistent with the protection of public safety and property by the flood protection features.
(2) Designation Criteria. The following criteria are used to consider a public flood protection environment designation:
(a) The shoreline has low-to-moderate ecological function with low-to-moderate opportunity for preservation or restoration;
(b) The shoreline is owned and maintained by public agencies;
(c) The shoreline is highly developed, and most development is related to flood protection, public utility, infrastructure, and low-intensity recreation, facility rehabilitation, or upgrade modifications;
(d) The shoreline has limited scientific or educational value or unique historic or cultural resources values; or
(e) The shoreline has low-to-moderate potential for public, water-oriented recreation where ecological functions can be maintained or restored.
(3) Management Policies. In addition to the other applicable policies and regulations of this SMP, the following management policies shall apply:
(a) In regulating uses in the Public Flood Protection environment, first priority should be given to flood protection and water-dependent public facility uses. Second priority should be given to water-related and water-enjoyment uses that are not in conflict with the flood protection uses. Nonwater-oriented uses are allowed as part of the operational needs.
(b) Policies and regulations shall ensure no net loss of shoreline ecological functions as a result of redevelopment, facility upgrades, and new development. Where applicable, development shall include environmental enhancement of the shoreline in accordance with USACE McNary Pool Management Plan and the City’s SMP Restoration Plan.
(c) Existing visual and physical public access opportunities shall be maintained and enhanced where feasible and appropriate, as consistent with PMC 29.15.070, Public access.
(d) Aesthetic objectives should be implemented by means such as appropriate landscape features, screening, and maintenance of natural vegetative buffers. [Ord. 4314 § 2, 2016; Code 1970 § 29.01.140.]