A. All land uses and/or development permit applications on all lots or parcels within the city that lie within critical areas as defined herein shall comply with the provisions of this chapter. No action shall be taken by any person that results in any alteration of any critical area except as consistent with the purposes, objectives and intent of this chapter. Where two or more types of critical areas overlap, requirements for development shall be consistent with the standards for each critical area. Where it is determined that a designated critical area is located within the shoreline jurisdiction, the provisions of the shoreline master program will be used to provide protection to that particular critical area(s). If multiple protections (from CAO, other regulations, deed restrictions, covenants, etc.) apply, the most restrictive standards shall be applied.

B. Additionally, any standards found in this chapter may also be applied to a proposal as optional and/or supplemental items to the provisions of the shoreline master program. For designated critical areas outside of the shoreline jurisdiction the provisions of this chapter shall apply.

C. These critical areas regulations shall apply concurrently with review conducted under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), as locally adopted. Any conditions required pursuant to this chapter shall be included in the SEPA review and threshold determination. 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 sensitive to the environment and resources of the community. (Ord. 1803, §1, 2022).