Are cities required to adopt the Department of Ecologys standards for wetland buffers?
No. The Growth Management Act does not establish specific buffers or setbacks for wetlands and streams. The Department of Ecology has established standard buffer widths as statewide standards for Category I, II, III and IV wetlands (see Department of Commerce “Critical Areas Assistance Handbook). These recommended buffer widths are used in conjunction with the state’s original four-tiered rating system published in 1991. These buffer widths are based upon best available science to protect all wetlands found throughout the state. It is intended that local governments consider their specific natural resources and environmental setting to tailor these standard buffer widths to protect wetlands in their jurisdiction. Basically, this means that local governments are not required to follow the standard buffer widths established by Ecology. The actual buffers and setbacks adopted by Washington jurisdictions differ somewhat from the Ecology standards. The Department of Ecology recommended buff
No. The Growth Management Act does not establish specific buffers or setbacks for wetlands and streams. The Department of Ecology has established standard buffer widths as statewide standards for Category I, II, III and IV wetlands (see Department of Commerce “Critical Areas Assistance Handbook). These recommended buffer widths are used in conjunction with the state’s original four-tiered rating system published in 1991. These buffer widths are based upon best available science to protect all wetlands found throughout the state. It is intended that local governments consider their specific natural resources and environmental setting to tailor these standard buffer widths to protect wetlands in their jurisdiction. Basically, this means that local governments are not required to follow the standard buffer widths established by Ecology. The actual buffers and setbacks adopted by Washington jurisdictions differ somewhat from the Ecology standards. The Department of Ecology recommended buff
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