Ordinance 43551
ORDINANCE NO. 4355
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS,
WASHINGTON, ADOPTING REGULATIONS RELATED TO
THE PROTECTION OF CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE
AREAS.
WHEREAS, critical aquifer recharge areas (CARAs) are established to protect
groundwater and public drinking supplies from potential contamination and to ensure adequate
groundwater availability; and
WHEREAS, CARAs are treated as critical areas under the Growth Management Act
(GMA) and defined in Chapter 23.60 ECDC, which was last updated in 2016; and
WHEREAS, Edmonds became aware of the presence of CARAs within the City’s
jurisdiction in 2022; and
WHEREAS, Olympic View provided best available science and mapping of their wellhead
protection areas and buffer to the City, which were then added to the City’s geographic information
system (GIS); and
WHEREAS, the adoption of new CARA regulations is the next step to further protect these
critical areas; and
WHEREAS, the agenda memo in the April 16, 2024 council packet provides other relevant
background information; NOW, THEREFORE,
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, DO ORDAIN
AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Chapter 23.60 of the Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC),
entitled “Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas,” is hereby amended to read as set forth in Exhibit A,
which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference as if set forth in full.
Section 2. ECDC section 23.40.005, entitled “Definitions pertaining to critical areas,” is
hereby amended to read as set forth in Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein
by this reference as if set forth in full.
Section 3. Severability. If any section, subsection, clause, sentence, or phrase of this
ordinance should be held invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of
the remaining portions of this ordinance.
Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance, being an exercise of a power specifically
delegated to the City legislative body, is not subject to referendum and shall take effect five (5)
days after passage and publication of an approved summary thereof consisting of the title.
ATTEST I AUTHENTICATED:
~ASSEY
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY:
BY~
JEFF'fARADA' -
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK:
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL:
PUBLISHED:
EFFECTIVE DATE:
ORDINANCE NO.
APPROVED:
M~
May 1, 2024
May 7, 2024
May 10, 2024
May 15, 2024
4355
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SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 4355
of the City of Edmonds, Washington
On the 7th day of May, 2024, the City Council of the City of Edmonds, passed Ordinance
No. 4355. A summary of the content of said ordinance, consisting of the title, provides as
follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS,
WASHINGTON, ADOPTING REGULATIONS
RELATED TO THE PROTECTION OF CRITICAL
AQUIFER RECHARGE AREAS.
The full text of this Ordinance will be mailed upon request.
DATED this 7th day of May, 2024.
CITY CLERK, SCOTT PASSEY
Exhibit A
Ordinance 4355 ExhibitdraŌ Edmonds CARA ECDC 23.60 v8 4.16.24 1
Chapter 23.60
CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREAS
SecƟons:
Part I. DesignaƟon, RaƟng and Mapping
23.60.010 CriƟcal aquifer recharge areas designaƟon.
Part I. DesignaƟon, RaƟng and Mapping
23.60.010 CriƟcal aquifer recharge areas designaƟon.
CriƟcal aquifer recharge areas (CARAs) are those areas with a criƟcal recharging effect on
aquifers used for potable water as defined by WAC 365‐190‐030(2). CARAs have prevailing
geologic condiƟons associated with infiltraƟon rates that create a high potenƟal for
contaminaƟon of ground water resources or contribute significantly to the replenishment of
ground water. CARAs are protected as criƟcal areas under the Washington State Growth
Management Act. However, no areas meeƟng criteria for CARAs exist in the vicinity of the city
of Edmonds. Thus, addiƟonal specific provisions for protecƟon of this criƟcal area type are not
provided within this Ɵtle. [Ord. 4026 § 1 (AƩ. A), 2016; Ord. 3527 § 2, 2004].
Sections:
23.60.010 Scope.
23.60.020 Administration.
23.60.030 Regulated Activities.
23.60.010 Scope.
CriƟcal aquifer recharge areas (CARAs) are those areas with a criƟcal recharging effect on
aquifers used for potable water as defined by WAC 365‐190‐030(3). CARAs have prevailing
geologic condiƟons that create a high potenƟal for contaminaƟon of ground water resources or
contribute significantly to the replenishment of ground water. The Growth Management Act
requires ciƟes to adopt regulaƟons to protect CARAs.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish critical aquifer recharge area (CARA) and
groundwater protection standards to protect aquifers from degradation and depletion. The
intent is to minimize loss of recharge quantity, to maintain the protection of public drinking
water sources, and to prevent contamination of groundwater.
Exhibit A
Ordinance 4355 ExhibitdraŌ Edmonds CARA ECDC 23.60 v8 4.16.24 2
23.60.020 Administration.
A. Designation. Olympic View Water and Sewer District (Olympic View) has two wellhead
protection areas in Edmonds: Deer Creek Springs and the 228th Street Wellfield. Deer
Creek Springs itself is located west of Edmonds in the Town of Woodway while the 228th
Street Wellfield is located in Esperance (unicorporated Snohomish County), which is
surrounded by Edmonds. Both areas have been mapped and modeled using best available
science and include four travel time zones (6 month, 1 year, 5 year, and 10 year) plus an
additional buffer. An area of exposed highly sensitive soils (Qva aquifer) is also mapped.
B. Classification. CARAs are classified using the following criteria:
1. Class 1 CARAs include those mapped areas located within the 6 month, one (1) and five
(5) year capture zones of a wellhead protection area.
2. Class 2 CARAs include those mapped areas located within the ten (10) year capture zone
of a wellhead protection area.
3. Class 3 CARAs include those mapped areas in the critical aquifer recharge area buffer.
C. Applicability. The provisions of this chapter apply to regulated activities occurring within
Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 CARAs as identified in the City of Edmonds GIS, which may be
updated as new information becomes available.
D. Local consultation. The City of Edmonds will notify Olympic View when new development
applications are submitted within the mapped CARAs. Typical applications will include but
not be limited to: single family/multifamily/commercial building permits, and short/formal
subdivisions.
E. Hydrogeologic report. A hydrogeologic report is required for activities as noted in the table
ECDC 23.60.030.C. The report must contain the following information:
1. The surface location of all critical aquifer recharge areas located on site or immediately
adjacent to the site, and the permeability of the unsaturated zone;
2. Groundwater depth, flow direction, and gradient based on available information;
3. Currently available data on wells and springs within one fourth mile of the site;
4. Currently available information on the location of surface waters within one fourth mile
of the site;
5. Historic water quality data for the area to be affected by the proposed activity or use
compiled for at least the previous five‐year period;
6. Discussion of the effects of the proposed project on the groundwater quality and
quantity, including:
a. Predictive evaluation of groundwater withdrawal effects on nearby wells and
surface water features;
Exhibit A
Ordinance 4355 ExhibitdraŌ Edmonds CARA ECDC 23.60 v8 4.16.24 3
b. Predictive evaluation of contaminant transport based on potential releases to
groundwater;
c. Recharge potential of the site including permeability and transmissivity; and
d. If water use is proposed for the development activity, a description of the
groundwater source of water to the site or a letter from an approved water
purveyor stating the ability to provide water to the site;
7. Best management practices relevant to the proposed activity or use;
8. Provisions to monitor the groundwater quality and quantity;
9. A spill plan that identifies equipment and structures that could fail, resulting in an
impact to the critical aquifer recharge area. Spill plans shall include provisions for
regular inspection, repair, and replacement of structures and equipment with the
potential to fail;
10. An assessment of how the development activity meets the protection standards
established in ECDC 23.60.030.D;
11. If the hydrogeologic report identifies impacts to critical aquifer recharge areas, the
project applicant will be required to:
a. Identify and provide an analysis of alternatives by which such impacts could be
avoided or prevented; and
b. Provide a detailed mitigation plan for any unavoidable impacts. The mitigation plan
should include preventative measures, monitoring, process control and remediation
and a contingency plan, as appropriate;
12. Recommendations for implementation and operation of activities, including size
limitations, monitoring, reporting and best management practices (BMP); and
13. Any other information necessary to determine compliance with this chapter.
23.60.030 Regulated Activities.
A. Stormwater.
1. The use of stormwater infiltration best management practices (BMPs) including those
that qualify as a Class V Underground Injection Control well (UIC), are prohibited for all
land uses within all wellhead protection areas (WHPAs) associated with Olympic View
Water and Sewer District’s (OVWSD) 228th Street Wellhead, including the buffer.
2. Within all WHPAs associated with Olympic View’s Deer Creek Springs, including the
buffer, the following shall apply:
a. All new bored, drilled, or driven shaft UICs for stormwater management purposes
are prohibited.
b. All other new stormwater infiltration BMPs that are not bored, drilled, or driven
shaft UICs shall be regulated by:
Exhibit A
Ordinance 4355 ExhibitdraŌ Edmonds CARA ECDC 23.60 v8 4.16.24 4
i. Chapter 173‐218 WAC, that meet that chapter’s definition of a Class V UIC well.
The UIC regulations are implemented by the Washington State Department of
Ecology (Ecology).
ii. The requirements of ECDC 18.30 (Stormwater Management), including the
Ecology stormwater manual adopted by ECDC 18.30, and the current Edmonds
Stormwater Addendum.
c. In addition, these requirements shall apply to the following allowed activities:
i. All new UICs that replace any existing UIC that has reached its useful life.
ii. Any area that proposes connecting to an existing City‐owned and operated UIC.
d. These requirements shall apply until Ecology approves a subsequent version of its
stormwater manual that is more protective of the aquifers than the above
requirements. At that time, the more protective requirements shall apply.
B. Table 23.60.030.1, CARA Prohibited and Restricted Uses, establishes land uses and related
activities that are prohibited and restricted within a specific CARA classification. New land
uses or activities that pose a hazard to the City’s groundwater resources, resulting from
storing, handling, treating, using, producing, recycling, or disposing of hazardous materials
or other deleterious substances, are prohibited in Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas 1 and 2.
Some uses are prohibited in all CARA classes. Uses and activities lawfully established prior
to the effective date of this code, are considered to be legal nonconforming uses subject to
Chapter 17.40 ECDC and may continue to operate within the scope of the existing use.
Table 23.60.030.1. CARA Prohibited and Restricted Uses
Use Activity CARA Restriction
All mineral resource uses Mining, processing and reclamation of any type
below the water table or the upper surface of the
saturated groundwater is prohibited in Class 1 and 2
CARA and in exposed QVa soils in Class 3 CARA. A
hydrogeologic report is required for the use in Class
3 CARA outside of the area of exposed QVa.
Cemeteries Cemeteries are prohibited in the Class 1 and 2 CARA
and in exposed QVa soils in Class 3 CARA. Best
management practices (BMPs) and integrated pest
management (IPM) are required for the use in Class
3 CARA outside of the areas of exposed QVa.
Hazardous liquid transmission pipelines As defined in Chapter 81.88 RCW, pipelines are
prohibited in Class 1 and 2 CARA as well as in
exposed QVa soils in Class 3 CARA. A hydrogeologic
report is required for the use in Class 3 CARA outside
of the area of exposed QVa.
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Exhibit A
Ordinance 4355 ExhibitdraŌ Edmonds CARA ECDC 23.60 v8 4.16.24 5
Hazardous waste storage and/or
treatment facilities and/or processing, or
disposal of radioactive substances
Hazardous waste storage and/or treatment facilities,
as defined by Chapter 173‐303 WAC are prohibited
in all CARA classes.
Storage, processing, or disposal of radioactive
substances as defined in RCW 70.99.020 is
prohibited in all CARA classes, except for medical
equipment and/or material and medical waste,
defined by RCW 70A.390.020, that is held for proper
disposal.
Aboveground storage tanks for hazardous
substances or hazardous wastes with primary and
secondary containment area(s) and spill protection
plan are prohibited in Class 1 and 2 CARA as well as
in exposed QVa soils in Class 3 CARA. A
hydrogeologic report is required for the use in Class
3 CARA outside of the area of exposed QVa.
Automotive uses Wrecking yards are prohibited in all CARA classes.
Vehicle towing yards that store vehicles on
permeable surfaces are also prohibited. Service
stations are prohibited in Class 1 and 2 CARA as well
as in exposed QVa soils in Class 3 CARA. In Class 3
CARA outside of the area of exposed QVa, vehicle
repair and servicing must be conducted indoors over
impermeable pads. For underground storage tanks
(UST) with hazardous substances, applicants must
demonstrate that the facility complies with federal
and state laws.
Dry cleaning Dry cleaning using chlorinated solvents or using
solvent perchloroethylene is prohibited in all CARA
classes.
Large on‐site sewage systems, as defined
in Chapter 246‐272A WAC
Prohibited in all CARA.
Solid waste landfills Prohibited in all CARA.
Solid waste is defined in WAC 173‐304‐100.
Solid waste transfer stations Prohibited in all CARA.
Solid waste is defined under WAC 173‐304‐100.
Petroleum refinement processes,
including any related reprocessing or
storage
Prohibited in all CARA.
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Exhibit A
Ordinance 4355 ExhibitdraŌ Edmonds CARA ECDC 23.60 v8 4.16.24 6
Bulk storage facilities where flammable or
combustible liquids, solids, or gels are
received by pipeline or tank vehicle, and
are stored or blended in bulk for the
purpose of distributing such substances
by pipeline, tank vehicle, portable tank, or
container
Prohibited in all CARA.
Chemical manufacturing, including but not
limited to organic and inorganic
chemicals, plastics and resins,
pharmaceuticals, cleaning compounds,
paints and lacquers, and agricultural
chemicals
Prohibited in Class 1 and 2 CARA as well as in
exposed QVa soils in Class 3 CARA. A hydrogeologic
report is required for the use in Class 3 CARA outside
of the area of exposed QVa. Applicants must
demonstrate that the facility complies with federal
and state laws.
Primary and secondary metal industries
that manufacture, produce, smelt, or
refine ferrous and nonferrous metals from
molten materials
Prohibited in all CARA.
Commercial wood preserving and wood
products preserving
Prohibited in all CARA.
Mobile fleet fueling operations Prohibited in all CARA.
“Mobile fleet fueling” means the practice of filling
fuel tanks of vehicles from tank vehicles. Mobile fleet
fueling is also known as wet fueling and wet hosing.
Mobile fleet fueling does not include fueling at
construction sites.
Permanent dewatering of the aquifer
when done as part of remediation action
that is approved by the Department of
Ecology
Prohibited in all CARA.
Irrigation and infiltration of greywater Prohibited in all CARA.
Reclaimed or recycled water use with the
exception of uses that discharge to the
sanitary sewer
Prohibited in all CARA.
Rainwater collection and use Allowed in all CARA.
Hydrocarbon extraction Prohibited in all CARA.
Metal recycling facilities with outdoor
storage and handling activities
Prohibited in Class 1 and 2 CARA as well as in
exposed QVa soils in Class 3 CARA. A hydrogeologic
Exhibit A
Ordinance 4355 ExhibitdraŌ Edmonds CARA ECDC 23.60 v8 4.16.24 7
report is required for the use in Class 3 CARA outside
of the area of exposed QVa.
Crumb rubber (styrene‐butadiene rubber)
for artificial turf installations
Prohibited in all CARA.
C. Regulation of facilities handling and storing hazardous materials.
AcƟviƟes may only be permiƩed in a criƟcal aquifer recharge area if the applicant can show,
through providing a hydrogeologic report prepared by a qualified professional, that the
proposed acƟvity will not cause contaminants to enter the groundwater by compliance with
the best management pracƟces (BMPs) for handling and storing hazardous materials. The
City may impose development condiƟons in accordance with BMPs to prevent degradaƟon
of groundwater.
1. Best Management PracƟces for Handling and Storing Hazardous Materials.
Any facility, acƟvity, or residence in the City in which hazardous materials or other
deleterious substances are present must be operated in a manner that ensures safe
storage, handling, treatment, use, producƟon, and recycling or disposal of such
materials and substances and prevents their unauthorized release to the environment.
Businesses, cemeteries and schools that store and/or handle hazardous materials must,
at a minimum, comply with the following BMPs:
a. Waste disposal and record keeping of disposal and use acƟvity;
b. Spill containment supplies and an emergency response plan;
c. An emergency response training plan for all employees;
d. Hazardous materials must be stored using secondary containment measures at all
Ɵmes;
e Periodic monitoring of the storage areas and methods used for containment must be
reviewed:
i. On a regular basis;
ii. Whenever business pracƟces change regarding hazardous materials; and
iii. As required by laws and regulaƟons;
f. In no case may hazardous materials or other deleterious substances be stored,
handled, treated, used, produced, recycled, or disposed of in a way that would pose
a significant groundwater hazard within the City.
2. Hazardous Materials Inventory (HMI).
Exhibit A
Ordinance 4355 ExhibitdraŌ Edmonds CARA ECDC 23.60 v8 4.16.24 8
The HMI statement is intended reflect all current and anƟcipated types and quanƟƟes of
hazardous materials that will be stored, handled, treated, used, produced, recycled, or
disposed of at a facility. The HMI must always be kept on site. New and exisƟng
commercial land uses, schools and cemeteries located in Class 1 and Class 2 CARAs must
submit an HMI statement:
a. Within 1 year of the effecƟve date of the ordinance codified in this chapter;
b. With any new land use or building permit applicaƟon;
c. With a new business license; and
d. At periodic intervals as needed to keep up with changing business pracƟces.
3. Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP). Hazardous materials quanƟƟes
correspond to the aggregate total of all hazardous materials, not individual chemicals.
FaciliƟes that use aggregate quanƟƟes of hazardous materials equal to or greater than
20 gallons or the equivalent of 200 pounds, or that use hazardous materials that may be
a potenƟal risk to the WHPA, are reviewed to determine the potenƟal risk to the
groundwater and the need for an HMMP. Commercial land uses and acƟviƟes using
aggregate quanƟƟes of hazardous materials equal to or greater than 50 gallons or the
equivalent of 500 pounds, or that use hazardous materials that are considered to be a
potenƟal risk to the groundwater in lower quanƟƟes, must submit an HMMP to the City.
a. The City requires an HMMP based on the type and aggregate quanƟty of inventoried
material. The following are exempt from an HMMP:
i. Retail sale of containers 5 gallons or less in size when the business has fewer than
500 gallons on the premises at any one Ɵme; and
ii. Hazardous materials of no potenƟal risk to the wellhead protecƟon areas.
b. HMMPs must demonstrate implementaƟon of BMPs. An HMMP must be completed
by the facility operator and must always kept on site and include:
i. A descripƟon of the facility including a floor plan showing storage, drainage and
use areas. The plans must be legible and approximately to scale;
ii. The plan must include and idenƟfy all hazardous materials containers, sizes,
storage locaƟons and methods of secondary containment of the hazardous
materials; and
iii. The plan must, at a minimum, include how the facility implements the BMPs as
idenƟfied in this code.
Exhibit A
Ordinance 4355 ExhibitdraŌ Edmonds CARA ECDC 23.60 v8 4.16.24 9
4. InspecƟons. The City has the right to inspect a facility at reasonable Ɵmes for the
purpose of determining compliance with this chapter. InspecƟons may include, but are
not limited to:
a. Visual inspecƟons of hazardous materials storage and secondary containment areas;
b. InspecƟons of HMMP; and
c. Sampling of soils, surface water and groundwater.
5. Third‐Party Review. The City may employ a hydrogeologic consultant licensed in
Washington State at the applicant’s expense for third‐party review for compliance with
the BMPs, the HMI and the HMMP.
6. Enforcement. Whenever a person has violated any provisions of this chapter, the
Planning and Development Director, in consultaƟon with the Public Works Director as
necessary, may take code enforcement acƟon based on the nature of the violaƟon
including, but not limited to, abatement, injuncƟon, miƟgaƟon, fines and penalƟes as set
forth in SecƟon 18.30.100 ECDC, Stormwater Management.
D. General requirements.
1. A project applicant must make all reasonable efforts to avoid and minimize impacts to
criƟcal aquifer recharge areas according to the requirements of this secƟon, in the
following sequenƟal order of priority:
a. Avoiding impacts altogether by not taking a certain acƟon or parts of an acƟon; or
when avoidance is not possible;
b. Minimizing impacts by limiƟng the degree or magnitude of the acƟon and its
implementaƟon, using appropriate technology, or by taking affirmaƟve steps, such as
project redesign, relocaƟon, or Ɵming, to avoid or reduce impacts.
2. Any acƟvity or use specifically listed in this chapter must comply with the best
management pracƟces and miƟgaƟon plan idenƟfied in the hydrogeologic report.
3. All development acƟviƟes must comply with the groundwater quality standards
contained in WAC Chapter 173‐200 and RCW Chapter 90.48.
4. Where the Director determines that an acƟvity or use not specifically listed in this
chapter has the potenƟal to harm water quality or quanƟty within criƟcal aquifer
recharge areas, the applicant must apply best management pracƟces and all known and
available reasonable technology (AKART) appropriate to protect criƟcal aquifer recharge
areas.
Exhibit A
Ordinance 4355 ExhibitdraŌ Edmonds CARA ECDC 23.60 v8 4.16.24 10
23.40.005 DefiniƟons pertaining to criƟcal areas.
For the purposes of this chapter and the chapters on the five specific criƟcal area types
(Chapters 23.50, 23.60, 23.70, 23.80 and 23.90 ECDC) the following definiƟons shall apply:
“Adjacent” means those acƟviƟes located on site immediately adjoining a criƟcal area; or
distance equal to or less than 225 feet of a development proposal or subject parcel.
“Altera Ɵon” means any human‐induced acƟon which changes the exisƟng condiƟon of a criƟcal
area or its buffer. AlteraƟons include, but are not limited to: grading; filling; dredging; draining;
channelizing; cuƫng, pruning, limbing or topping, clearing, relocaƟng or removing vegetaƟon;
applying herbicides or pesƟcides or any hazardous or toxic substance; discharging pollutants;
paving, construcƟon, applicaƟon of gravel; modifying for surface water management purposes;
or any other human acƟvity that changes the exisƟng landforms, vegetaƟon, hydrology, wildlife
or wildlife habitat value of criƟcal areas.
“Aquifer” means a body of soil or rock that contains sufficient saturated material to conduct
groundwater and yield usable quantities of groundwater to springs and/or wells.
Best Available Science. See ECDC 23.40.310.
“Best management pracƟces” means a system of pracƟces and management measures that:
1. Control soil loss and reduce water quality degradaƟon caused by nutrients, animal waste,
and toxics;
2. Control the movement of sediment and erosion caused by land alteraƟon acƟviƟes;
3. Minimize adverse impacts to surface and ground water quality, flow, and circulaƟon
paƩerns; and
4. Minimize adverse impacts to the chemical, physical, and biological characterisƟcs of
criƟcal areas.
“Buffer” means the designated area immediately next to and a part of a steep slope or landslide
hazard area and which protects slope stability, aƩenuaƟon of surface water flows and landslide
hazards reasonably necessary to minimize risks to persons or property; or a designated area
immediately next to and part of a stream or wetland that is an integral part of the stream or
wetland ecosystem. For criƟcal aquifer recharge areas, the buffer is that area outside of the
WHPA Ɵme of travel zones established by WAC 246‐290, which defines the entire zone of
contribution for the CARA.
“Chapter” means those secƟons of this Ɵtle sharing the same third and fourth digits.
“City” means the city of Edmonds.
City Council or Council. See ECDC 21.15.030.
Exhibit A
Ordinance 4355 ExhibitdraŌ Edmonds CARA ECDC 23.60 v8 4.16.24 11
“Class” or “wetland class” means descripƟve categories of wetland vegetaƟon communiƟes
within the wetlands taxonomic classificaƟon system of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(Cowardin, et al., 1979).
“Clearing” means the act of cuƫng and/or removing vegetaƟon. This definiƟon shall include
grubbing vegetaƟon and the use or applicaƟon of herbicide.
“CompensaƟon project” means an acƟon(s) specifically designed to replace project‐induced
criƟcal area or buffer losses. CompensaƟon project design elements may include, but are not
limited to: land acquisiƟon procedures and detailed plans including funcƟonal value
assessments, detailed landscaping designs, construcƟon drawings, and monitoring and
conƟngency plans.
“Compensatory miƟgaƟon” means replacing project‐induced losses or impacts to a criƟcal area,
and includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. “CreaƟon” means acƟons performed to intenƟonally establish a wetland at a site where it
did not formerly exist.
2. “Reestablishment” means acƟons performed to restore processes and funcƟons to an
area that was formerly a criƟcal area, where the former criƟcal area was lost by past
alteraƟons and acƟviƟes.
3. “RehabilitaƟon” means improving or repairing processes and funcƟons to an area that is
an exisƟng criƟcal area that is highly degraded because one or more environmental
processes supporƟng the criƟcal area have been disrupted.
4. “Enhancement” means acƟons performed to improve the condiƟon of exisƟng degraded
wetlands so that the funcƟons they provide are of a higher quality.
5. “PreservaƟon” means acƟons taken to ensure the permanent protecƟon of exisƟng high‐
quality wetlands.
“CreaƟon” means a compensaƟon project performed to intenƟonally establish a wetland or
stream at a site where one did not formerly exist.
“CriƟcal aquifer recharge areas (CARAs)” are areas with a criƟcal recharging effect on aquifers
used for potable water, including areas where an aquifer that is a source of drinking water is
vulnerable to contaminaƟon that would affect the potability of the water, or is suscepƟble to
reduced recharge. These areas are idenƟfied on the City’s GIS using informaƟon provided by
Olympic View Water and Sewer District, as periodically updated.
“CriƟcal areas” for the city of Edmonds means wetlands, criƟcal aquifer recharge areas,
frequently flooded areas, geologically hazardous areas, and fish and wildlife habitat
conservaƟon areas as defined in Chapters 23.50, 23.60, 23.70, 23.80 and 23.90 ECDC,
respecƟvely.
Exhibit A
Ordinance 4355 ExhibitdraŌ Edmonds CARA ECDC 23.60 v8 4.16.24 12
“Deleterious substances” include, but are not limited to, chemical and microbial substances that
are not classified as hazardous materials per this chapter, whether the substances are in usable
or waste condiƟon, that have the potenƟal to pose a significant groundwater hazard, or for
which monitoring requirements or treatment‐based standards are enforced under Chapter 246‐
290 WAC.
“Development proposal” means any acƟvity relaƟng to the use and/or development of land
requiring a permit or approval from the city, including, but not limited to: commercial or
residenƟal building permit; binding site plan; condiƟonal use permit; franchise; right‐of‐way
permit; grading and clearing permit; mixed use approval; planned residenƟal development;
shoreline condiƟonal use permit; shoreline substanƟal development permit; shoreline variance;
short subdivision; special use permit; subdivision; flood hazard permit; unclassified use permit;
uƟlity and other use permit; variance; rezone; or any required permit or approval not expressly
exempted by this Ɵtle.
“Director” means the city of Edmonds development services director or his/her designee.
“Division” means the planning division of the city of Edmonds development services
department.
“Enhancement” means an acƟon taken to improve the condiƟon and funcƟon of a criƟcal area.
In the case of wetland or stream, the term includes a compensaƟon project performed to
improve the condiƟons of an exisƟng degraded wetland or stream to increase its funcƟonal
value.
“Erosion” means the process in which soil parƟcles are mobilized and transported by natural
agents such as wind, rain, frost acƟon, or stream flow.
Erosion Hazard Areas. See ECDC 23.80.020(A).
Fish and Wildlife Habitat ConservaƟon Areas. See Chapter 23.90 ECDC.
“Floodplain” means the total area subject to inundaƟon by a “100‐year flood.” “100‐year flood”
means a flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
“Footprint of exisƟng development” or “footprint of development” means the area of a site that
contains legally established: buildings; roads, driveways, parking lots, storage areas, walkways or
other areas paved with concrete, asphalt or compacted gravel; outdoor swimming pools; paƟos.
Frequently Flooded Areas. See Chapter 23.70 ECDC.
“FuncƟons” means the roles served by criƟcal areas including, but not limited to: water quality
protecƟon and enhancement; fish and wildlife habitat; food chain support; flood storage,
conveyance and aƩenuaƟon; ground water recharge and discharge; erosion control; wave
aƩenuaƟon; aestheƟc value protecƟon; and recreaƟon. These roles are not listed in order of
priority.
Exhibit A
Ordinance 4355 ExhibitdraŌ Edmonds CARA ECDC 23.60 v8 4.16.24 13
Geologically Hazardous Areas. See Chapter 23.80 ECDC.
“Geologist” means a person licensed as a geologist, engineering geologist, or hydrologist in the
state of Washington. For geologically hazardous areas, an applicant may choose a geologist or
engineering geologist licensed in the state of Washington to assess the potenƟal hazard.
“Geotechnical engineer” means a pracƟcing geotechnical/civil engineer licensed as a
professional civil engineer in the state of Washington who has at least five years of professional
employment as a geotechnical engineer in responsible charge including experience with
landslide evaluaƟon.
“Grading” means any one or a combinaƟon of excavaƟng, filling, or disturbance of that porƟon
of the soil profile which contains decaying organic maƩer.
“Habitats of local importance” means areas that include a seasonal range or habitat element
with which a given species has a primary associaƟon, and which, if altered, may reduce the
likelihood that the species will maintain and reproduce over the long term. These might include
areas of high relaƟve density or species richness, breeding habitat, winter range, and movement
corridors. These might also include habitats that are of limited availability or high vulnerability
to alteraƟons such as cliffs, talus, and wetlands. In urban areas like the city of Edmonds, habitats
of local importance include biodiversity areas and corridors, which are characterized by a
framework of ecological components which provides the physical condiƟons necessary for
ecosystems and species populaƟons to survive in a human‐dominated landscape.
“Hazardous materials” means any material, either singularly or in combinaƟon, that is a physical
or health hazard, whether the materials are in usable or waste condiƟon; and any material that
may degrade surface water or groundwater quality when improperly stored, handled, treated,
used, produced, recycled, disposed of, or otherwise mismanaged. Hazardous materials also
include: all materials defined as or designated by rule as a dangerous waste or extremely
hazardous waste under Chapter 70A.300 RCW and Chapter 173‐303 WAC; hazardous materials
also include petroleum or petroleum products that are in liquid phase at ambient temperatures,
including any waste oils or sludges.
“Hazardous materials inventory (HMI)” is an inventory of all current and anƟcipated types and
quanƟƟes of hazardous materials that will be stored, handled, treated, used, produced,
recycled, or disposed of at a facility as required in ECDC 23.60.030.C.2, Hazardous Materials
Inventory (HMI).
“Hazardous materials management plan (HMMP)” is a plan completed by the operator that
demonstrates how the facility implements required BMPs as required in ECDC 23.60.030.C.3,
Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP).
“In‐lieu fee program” means a program which sells compensatory miƟgaƟon credits to
permiƩees whose obligaƟon to provide compensatory miƟgaƟon is then transferred to the in‐
lieu program sponsor, a governmental or nonprofit natural resource management enƟty.
Exhibit A
Ordinance 4355 ExhibitdraŌ Edmonds CARA ECDC 23.60 v8 4.16.24 14
Landslide Hazard Areas. See ECDC 23.80.020(B).
“MiƟgaƟon” means the use of any or all of the following acƟons for acƟviƟes and development
on sites containing criƟcal areas, except criƟcal area aquifer recharge areas, which are listed in
descending order of priority:
1. Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain acƟon or parts of an acƟon;
2. Minimizing impacts by limiƟng the degree or magnitude of the acƟon and its
implementaƟon by using appropriate technology or by taking affirmaƟve steps such as
project redesign, relocaƟon, or Ɵming to avoid or reduce impacts;
3. RecƟfying the impact to wetlands, criƟcal aquifer recharge areas, frequently flooded
areas, and habitat conservaƟon areas by repairing, rehabilitaƟng, or restoring the
affected environment to the historical condiƟons or the condiƟons exisƟng at the Ɵme of
the iniƟaƟon of the project;
4. Minimizing or eliminaƟng the hazard by restoring or stabilizing the hazard area through
engineered or other methods;
5. Reducing or eliminaƟng the impact or hazard over Ɵme by preservaƟon and maintenance
operaƟons during the life of the acƟon;
6. CompensaƟng for the impact to wetlands, criƟcal aquifer recharge areas, frequently
flooded areas, and habitat conservaƟon areas by replacing, enhancing, or providing
subsƟtute resources or environments; and
7. Monitoring the hazard or other required miƟgaƟon and taking remedial acƟon when
necessary.
“NaƟve vegetaƟon” means vegetaƟon comprised of plant species which are indigenous to the
Puget Sound region and which reasonably could have been expected to naturally occur on the
site. “NaƟve vegetaƟon” does not include noxious weeds as defined by the state of Washington
or federal agencies.
“Normal maintenance of vegetaƟon” means removal of shrubs/nonwoody vegetaƟon and trees
(less than four‐inch diameter at breast height) that occurs at least every other year.
Maintenance also may include tree topping that has been previously approved by the city in the
past five years.
“Noxious weeds” means any plant that is highly destrucƟve, compeƟƟve or difficult to control
by cultural or chemical pracƟces, limited to those plants on the state noxious weed list
contained in Chapter 16‐750 WAC.
“Planning staff ” means those employed in the planning division of the city of Edmonds
development services department.
Exhibit A
Ordinance 4355 ExhibitdraŌ Edmonds CARA ECDC 23.60 v8 4.16.24 15
“Qualified criƟcal areas consultant” or “quali fied professional” means a person who has the
qualificaƟons specified below to conduct criƟcal areas studies pursuant to this Ɵtle, and to make
recommendaƟons for criƟcal areas miƟgaƟon. For geologically hazardous areas, the qualified
criƟcal areas consultant shall be a geologist or engineering geologist licensed in the state of
Washington to assess the potenƟal hazard. If development is to take place within a geologically
hazardous area, the qualified criƟcal areas consultant developing miƟgaƟon plans and design
shall be a professional engineer licensed in the state of Washington and familiar with landslide
and slope stability miƟgaƟon. For wetlands and streams, the qualified criƟcal areas consultant
shall be a specialist in botany, fisheries, wetland biology, and/or hydrology with a minimum of
five years’ field experience with wetlands and/or streams in the Pacific Northwest.
Requirements defining a qualified criƟcal areas consultant or qualified professional are
contained within the chapter on each criƟcal area type. For criƟcal aquifer recharge areas, the
qualified professional must be a currently licensed Washington State geologist holding a current
specialty license in hydrogeology.
“Reasonable economic use(s)” means the minimum use to which a property owner is enƟtled
under applicable state and federal consƟtuƟonal provisions in order to avoid a taking and/or
violaƟon of substanƟve due process.
"Recharge" means the process involved in the absorption and addition of water from the
unsaturated zone to groundwater.
“Redeveloped land(s)” means those lands on which exisƟng structures are demolished in their
enƟrety to allow for new development. The director shall maintain discreƟon to determine if
the demoliƟon of a majority of exisƟng structures or porƟons thereof consƟtute the
redevelopment of a property or subject parcel.
“RestoraƟon” means the acƟons necessary to return a stream, wetland or other criƟcal area to
a state in which its stability, funcƟons and values approach its unaltered state as closely as
possible. For wetlands, restoraƟon as compensatory miƟgaƟon may include reestablishment or
rehabilitaƟon.
Seismic Hazard Areas. See ECDC 23.80.020(C).
“Species of local importance” means those species that are of local concern due to their
populaƟon status, their sensiƟvity to habitat manipulaƟon, or that are game (hunted) species.
(See ECDC 23.90.010(A)(4).)
“Storm Water Management Manual” means the storm water manual specified in
Chapter 18.30 ECDC.
“Streams” means any area where surface waters produce a defined channel or bed which
demonstrates clear evidence, such as the sorƟng of sediments, of the passage of water. The
channel or bed need not contain water year‐round. This definiƟon is not meant to include
Exhibit A
Ordinance 4355 ExhibitdraŌ Edmonds CARA ECDC 23.60 v8 4.16.24 16
irrigaƟon ditches, canals, storm or surface water runoff devices (drainage ditches) or other
enƟrely arƟficial watercourses unless they are used by salmonids or used to convey streams
naturally occurring prior to construcƟon of such watercourse. Streams are further classified into
Categories S, F, Np and Ns and fishbearing or nonfishbearing 1, 2 and 3. (See
ECDC 23.90.010(A)(1).)
“Title” means all chapters of the city of Edmonds Development Code beginning with the digits
23.
“Undeveloped land(s)” means land(s) on which manmade structures or land modificaƟons
(clearing, grading, etc.) do not exist. The director retains discreƟon to idenƟfy undeveloped
land(s) in those instances where historical modificaƟons and structures may have existed on a
property or subject parcel in the past.
“Underground InjecƟon Control Well” as defined in Chapter 173‐218 WAC and associated
guidance documents.
“Wellhead protecƟon area (WHPA)” means protecƟve areas associated with public drinking
water sources established by water systems and approved or assigned by the state Department
of Health.
“Wetland funcƟons” means those natural processes performed by wetlands, such as facilitaƟng
food chain producƟon; providing habitat for nesƟng, rearing and resƟng sites for aquaƟc,
terrestrial or avian species; maintaining the availability and quality of water; acƟng as recharge
and/or discharge areas for ground water aquifers; and moderaƟng surface water and storm
water flows.
“Wetland miƟgaƟon bank” means a site where wetlands are restored, created, enhanced, or in
excepƟonal circumstances, preserved expressly for the purpose of providing compensatory
miƟgaƟon in advance of authorized impacts to similar resources.
“Wetlands” means those areas that are inundated or saturated by ground or surface water at a
frequency and duraƟon sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support,
a prevalence of vegetaƟon typically adapted for life in saturated soil condiƟons. Wetlands do
not include those arƟficial wetlands intenƟonally created from nonwetland sites, including, but
not limited to, irrigaƟon and drainage ditches, grass‐lined swales, canals, detenƟon faciliƟes,
wastewater treatment faciliƟes, farm ponds, and landscape ameniƟes, or those wetlands
created aŌer July 1, 1990, that were unintenƟonally created as a result of the construcƟon of a
road, street or highway. However, wetlands may include those arƟficial wetlands intenƟonally
created from nonwetland areas created to miƟgate conversion of wetlands if permiƩed by the
city (WAC 365‐190‐030(22)). Wetlands are further classified into Categories 1, 2, 3 and 4. (See
ECDC 23.50.010(B).) [Ord. 4026 § 1 (AƩ. A), 2016; Ord. 3952 § 1, 2013; Ord. 3931 § 2, 2013; Ord.
3527 § 2, 2004. Formerly 23.40.320].