Planning commission to get briefing on Critical Areas Ordinance for Olympia

Rules protecting wetlands, streams and aquifers in Olympia are back under review, as the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) is undergoing an update for the first time since 2016.

The Olympia Planning Commission is scheduled to receive a briefing on the update at a meeting on Monday, Dec. 1. The update is required under the Washington State Growth Management Act to ensure local environmental regulations reflect the “best available science.”

The CAO governs how development occurs on land with sensitive environmental features, including wetlands, riparian corridors, aquifer recharge zones, important habitats and landslide-prone slopes.

According to a staff report, the upcoming changes are expected to be minor. A comprehensive scientific review was completed in 2016. A new evaluation is underway to ensure regulations remain current.

Critical areas are scattered throughout Olympia, and even minor adjustments to the regulations could affect development citywide.

Staff noted while the update is not expected to significantly affect the city’s climate goals, the CAO regulations make significant contributions to protecting water quality, reducing pollutants entering waterways, preserving habitat and lowering long-term environmental risks.

The staff report also stated the update is not expected to have equity impacts since critical area protections primarily limit development on Olympia’s underdeveloped land, affecting mostly property owners pursuing new projects.

Nicole Floyd, Planning Manager with Community Planning and Economic Development, is going to present the update to familiarize the commission with the functions, values and application of the regulations.