Critical Areas Ordinance Update: City of Sammamish

Facet assisted the City of Sammamish with an update to their critical areas regulations to comply with the Washington State Growth Management Act and the Endangered Species Act. As part of this update, Facet provided an in-depth review of “best available science” pertaining to all five critical area types, including wetlands and fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas and participated in meetings with City Council, Planning Commission, and stakeholder groups to ensure this effort kept with both community desires and sound science. This science-based review helped guide the development of regulations which were drafted with input from city staff and stakeholders, including the Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and local tribes. The City was concurrently updating their Comprehensive Plan and Facet reviewed goals and policies for consistency with the Critical Areas Ordinance update. Facet also supported outreach by preparing a public engagement plan, presenting an overview of the update to staff, and providing graphics and handout materials.

Location:

Sammamish, WA

Client:

City of Sammamish

Services Provided:

• Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) Update

  • Conducted a comprehensive review of best available science for all five critical area types, including wetlands and fish and wildlife habitat conservation area

  • Drafted updated regulations informed by scientific review and stakeholder input

• Comprehensive Plan Policy Review

  • Reviewed goals and policies for consistency between the Comprehensive Plan and Critical Areas Ordinance

• Stakeholder Engagement & Working Group Participation

  • Participated in meetings with stakeholder groups

  • Facilitated discussions with city staff, state agencies, and local tribes to refine regulatory amendments

• Public Engagement & Outreach

  • Developed a public engagement plan to support the update process

  • Prepared and presented an overview of the update to staff

  • Created graphics and handout materials for community outreach

Facet assisted the City of Sammamish with updating its Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) through scientific review, stakeholder coordination, and public outreach. Read more about the City’s Critical Areas Ordinance Update here.