Did the Courts strike down King Countys Critical Areas Ordinance?
No. The only issue before the Courts was whether King County’s requirements to limit clearing violated the state law relating to how taxes, fees, and charges on development are to be imposed. Q: What does this decision mean for me if I have an application or code enforcement case before King County? A: King County’s Department of Development and Environmental Services will no longer enforce the provisions of the Clearing and Grading Code, K.C.C. 16.82.150 and 16.82.152 (PDF*, 398KB), that require rural area zoned property owners to limit the amount of clearing on their property. These two code sections will no longer be considered during the review of existing or future permit applications or in existing or future code enforcement complaints. Q: Do I still need to apply for a clearing permit? A: Yes, if you are proposing to clear beyond the thresholds allowed under King County’s regulations or in areas where clearing always requires a permit. Generally, clearing more than a cumulative
