18.05.030 Purpose and intent.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect and preserve critical areas while allowing appropriate development activities when carried out in a responsible manner with minimal impacts on the environmental resources. In addition, the purpose is to protect the public health, welfare and safety of residents of Kettle Falls from development in areas associated with critical areas. This chapter shall also comply with the State of Washington Growth Management Act. It is not the intent of this chapter to deny a reasonable use of private property, but to assure that development on or near resource lands or critical areas is accomplished in a manner that is environmentally sensitive to the resources of the community. This chapter is intended to:
A. Implement the City of Kettle Falls Comprehensive Plan (as amended) and the requirements of the Growth Management Act;
B. Protect critical areas, in accordance with the Growth Management Act and through the application of best available science, as determined according to WAC 365-195-900 through 365-195-925, and in consultation with state and federal agencies and other qualified professionals;
C. Protect the general public, resources and facilities from injury, loss of life, property damage or financial loss due to flooding, erosion, landslides, or steep slopes failure;
D. Protect unique, fragile and valuable elements of the environment, including ground and surface waters, wetlands, and fish and wildlife and their habitats;
E. Prevent cumulative adverse environmental impacts to water quality and availability, wetlands, and fish and wildlife habitat; and
F. Provide flexibility and attention to site specific characteristics, so as to ensure reasonable use of property. (Ord. 1803, §1, 2022).