Dockets

CPZ2022-00010

Critical Areas Ordinance Update

Project Summary

Clark County is proposing code amendments to Clark County’s Titles 40.440, Habitat Conservation and 40.450 Wetland Protection codes for the Critical Areas Ordinance update in accordance with the Growth Management Act, RCW 36.70A

The proposed amendments to the code include combining the two codes into a single ordinance for streamlined administration and Best Available Science updates in consideration of current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Priority Habitat and Species Management Recommendations and Department of Ecology guidelines for wetlands. 

Counties are required to review and update Critical Areas Ordinances every 8 years.

The Washington Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A) requires counties to designate and protect “critical areas” including wetlands, fish and wildlife conservation areas, geological hazard areas, flood hazard areas, and critical aquifer recharge areas. The act further requires counties to include Best Available Science and give special consideration to conservation and protection measures to preserve anadromous fisheries.

State agencies with expertise in each critical area have developed, and periodically update, recommendations and guidelines that establish a baseline of Best Available Science that counties can rely on to meet the Growth Management Act requirement.

Staff Contact

Brent Davis
Program Manager II
Community Development
564.397.4152
​​​​​​​brent.davis@clark.wa.gov

 

Public Meetings

Meeting information and project materials will be posted here.

County Council Meetings

March 7, 2023 County Council Hearing at 10 a.m. in person at 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver, 6th Floor Hearing Room and virtually via Webex. Additional meeting details and information on how to join remotely can be found on the County Council's meeting page.


Feb. 1, 2023 County Council Work Session at 9 a.m. in person at 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver, 6th Floor Hearing Room and virtually via Webex. Additional meeting details and information on how to join remotely can be found on the County Council's meeting page.

Planning Commission Meetings

Nov. 17, 2022 Planning Commission Hearing at 6:30 p.m. in person at 1300 Franklin Street, Vancouver, 6th Floor Training Room and virtually via Webex. Additional meeting details and information on how to join remotely can be found on the Planning Commission's webpage.

Planning Commission Recommendation


Nov. 3, 2022 Planning Commission Work Session at 5:30 p.m. in person at 1300 Franklin Street, Vancouver, 6th Floor Training Room and virtually via Webex. Additional meeting details and information on how to join remotely can be found on the Planning Commission's webpage.

Public Meetings

Consultant Review Meeting

Tues., Nov. 1, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. - Code update review for consultants


Public Informational Meeting

Thurs., Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. - Overview of Critical Areas Ordinance update

Participants will be provided an overview of the proposed amendments and adoption process before sharing questions and comments.

Meeting materials

Meeting recording