29.15.040 Environmental protection.
(1) All project proposals, including those for which a shoreline substantial development permit is not required, shall comply with Chapter 43.21C RCW, the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
(2) Applicants shall apply the following mitigation sequencing steps in order of priority to avoid or minimize significant adverse effects and significant ecological impacts (with (a) being top priority):
(a) Avoid the adverse impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action;
(b) Minimize adverse impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation by using appropriate technology or by taking affirmative steps to avoid or reduce impacts;
(c) Rectify the adverse impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment to the conditions existing at the time of the initiation of the project;
(d) Reduce or eliminate the adverse impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations;
(e) Compensate for the adverse impact by replacing, enhancing, or providing substitute resources or environments; and
(f) Monitor the adverse impact and the compensation projects and take appropriate corrective measures.
(3) Projects that cause significant adverse environmental impacts, as defined in WAC 197-11-794 and PMC 29.05.070, Definitions, are not allowed unless mitigated according to subsection (2) of this section, to avoid reduction or damage to ecosystem-wide processes and ecological functions. As part of this analysis, the applicant shall evaluate whether the project may adversely affect existing hydrologic connections between streams and wetlands and either modify the project or mitigate any impacts as needed.
(4) When compensatory measures are appropriate pursuant to the mitigation priority sequence in subsection (2) of this section, preferential consideration shall be given to measures that replace the adversely impacted functions directly and in the immediate vicinity of the adverse impact. However, alternative compensatory mitigation may be authorized within the affected drainage area or watershed that addresses limiting factors or identified critical needs for shoreline resource conservation based on watershed or resource management plans, including the shoreline restoration plan, applicable to the area of adverse impact. Authorization of compensatory mitigation measures may require appropriate safeguards, terms, or conditions as necessary to ensure no net loss of ecological functions. [Ord. 4314 § 2, 2016; Code 1970 § 29.01.230.]