On Wednesday, February 25, DPD hosted an open house at City Hall for the 2015 update to our environmentally critical areas (ECAs) regulations. We presented an overview of what ECAs are, how we regulate them, and what changes we are considering in this update. We also had large maps of each ECA type on display. All of these materials will be available on our website.
During the discussion session, we heard good questions about the ECA regulations, such as:
- How do we identify biodiversity areas that should be protected?
- How does the Best Available Science get updated and what effect does that have on ECA regulations?
- What types of relief are available when a property is predominantly characterized by critical areas such as steep slopes?
- How are public projects regulated under the ECA code?
We also received comments about certain sections of the ECA regulations that are unclear, potential gaps in our mapping, and potential changes that warrant a closer look. That feedback will help as we move toward developing specific code language.
Thanks to everyone who came to the open house. Contact us if you would like us to attend your regular meeting or have questions about the ECA update.
Nick Welch
(206) 684-8203
nicolas.welch@seattle.gov