BLD2023-0695 Critical Area LetterAC R. ��
�, C,
NM I A ��NG
Date: 06.26.2023
Acre Environmental Consulting, LLC
PO Box 55248
Shoreline, WA 98155
Phone: 206.450.7746
louis@acreenvironmental.com
Allison Bren Ferris
17024 76t" Avenue W
Edmonds, WA 98026
Re: Critical Areas Assessment for 17024 76t" Avenue W, Edmonds.
Dear Allison:
On June 23, 2023 Acre Environmental Consulting, LLC assessed the approximate 0.33-acre site located
at 17024 76t" Avenue W in the City of Edmonds, Washington. The site is further located as a portion
of Section 07, Township 27N, Range 4E, W.M. The parcel number for this property is
27040700107000. Surrounding land use is comprised of single-family residential development to the
north, east, and south. Outfall Creek, a non-anadromous fish bearing stream (Type F stream) is
located just west of the western border of the subject site. In the City of Edmonds, Type F streams
that do not support anadromous fish typically receive 75-foot buffers measured horizontally in a
landward direction from the delineated ordinary high water mark (OHWM).
The purpose of this site assessment was to determine the extent of impacts that resulted from the
installation of a chain link fence along the perimeter of the existing lawn / yard on the site. Based on
a review of aerial photographs from Google Earth, the existing lawn / yard looks to have been
maintained in its current configuration since the house was built in 1988. The fence was installed
within the existing lawn and no established vegetation was impacted as a result. The primary purpose
of this fence was to keep the applicant's dog out of the adjacent critical areas and in the yard. This
fence also serves to demarcate the boundary between the established lawn / yard and the native
vegetation on the site and discourage intrusion from people and domestic animals into the adjacent
critical areas.
Acre Environmental Consulting, LLC June 26, 2023
Critical Areas Assessment for 17024 76t" Avenue W Page 1
Edmonds, WA
Based on an assessment of streams in the City of Edmonds titled City of Edmonds Receiving Water
Conditions and Stormwater Management Influence Assessment Technical Memorandum (Receiving
Water Assessment Technical Memorandum) prepared by Herrera Environmental Consultants and
dated March 21, 2022, no anadromous fish are present in Outfall Creek due to a total barrier located
at the mouth of this stream. Because no endangered or threatened species occur on or adjacent to
the subject site, no impacts to these species occurred as a result of this work.
• COMPLIANCE WITH ECDC 23.90.030(F)(3)(C)(FENCING)
Pursuant to ECDC 23.9O.O3O(F)(3)(c), "Fencing installed as part of a proposed activity or as
required in this subsection shall be designed so as to not interfere with species migration,
including fish runs, and shall be constructed in a manner that minimizes habitat impacts.":
Note. the City requirements are in italics while the applicants responses are in plain text:
The subject fence was installed along the perimeter of the existing, maintained yard. In its
present location, this fence serves to maintain the boundary of the existing yard and
discourage intrusion to the adjacent critical areas. This increases protection to Outfall Creek
and its associated buffer (the protected greenbelt). By protecting this greenbelt, this fence in
no way interferes with species migration, including fish runs. Furthermore, this fence was
installed within the existing maintained lawn which avoided impacts to established vegetation
and thereby, avoided all impacts to habitat on the subject site. As a result, the recently
installed fence is in compliance with ECDC 23.9O.O3O(F)(3)(c).
• COMPLIANCE WITH ECDC 23.9O.O4O(B)(1)(C)(ANADROMOUS FISH)
Pursuant to ECDC 23.9O.O40(B)(1)(c), "The activity is designed so that it will not degrade the
functions or values of the fish habitat or other critical areas.":
Note. the City requirements are in italics while the applicants responses are in plain text:
As discussed previously, due to a total barrier at the mouth of Outfall Creek, there are no
anadromous fish in the reach of this stream adjacent to the subject site.
The subject fence was installed along the perimeter of the existing, maintained yard. In its
present location, this fence serves to maintain the boundary of the existing yard and
discourage intrusion to the adjacent critical areas. This increases protection to Outfall Creek
and its associated buffer (the protected greenbelt). As installed, the fence will maintain and
protect the existing level of functions and values on the site and will in any way, not degrade
the functions and values of the fish and wildlife habitat or other critical areas. As a result, the
recently installed fence is in compliance with ECDC 23.9O.O40(B)(1)(c).
Acre Environmental Consulting, LLC June 26, 2023
Critical Areas Assessment for 17024 76t" Avenue W Page 2
Edmonds, WA
• COMPLIANCE WITH ECDC 23.90.040(B)(1)(E)(ANADROMOUS FISH)
Pursuant to ECDC 23.90.040(B)(1)(E), "Any impacts to the functions or values of the fish and
wildlife habitat conservation area are mitigated in accordance with an approved critical areas
report.":
Note. the City requirements are in italics while the applicants responses are in plain text:
The subject fence was installed along the perimeter of the existing, maintained yard. Installing
the fence in this area avoided impacts to established vegetation and thereby, avoided all
impacts to habitat on the subject site As a result, no impacts to the functions and values of the
subject fish and wildlife habitat conservation area occurred and in this instance, mitigation is
not necessary or appropriate.
In conclusion, installing a fence at the edge of the yard that has been maintained for the past 35 years
did not result in any impacts to the adjacent stream and buffer. This fence serves to maintain the
existing level of impact (established when the house was constructed in 1988), has not encroached
further into the critical area, and has increased protection to the critical area on the subject site.
Therefore, this work is in compliance with the applicable provisions of ECDC Chapter 23.90 as
discussed above.
If you have questions or need anything more from me, please let me know.
Sincerely
Acre Environmental Consulting, LLC.
Louis Emenhiser
Principal Wetland Ecologist
Professional Wetland Scientist #1680
Acre Environmental Consulting, LLC June 26, 2023
Critical Areas Assessment for 17024 76t" Avenue W Page 3
Edmonds, WA