HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEPA Checklist DraftSEPA
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
Purpose of checklist:
Governmental agencies use this checklist to help determine whether the environmental impacts of your
proposal are significant. This information is also helpful to determine ifavailable avoidance, minimization
or compensatory mitigationmeasures will address the probable significant impacts or if an environmental
impact statement will be prepared to further analyze the proposal.
Instructions for applicants:
This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Please
answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. You may need to consult
with an agency specialist or private consultant for some questions. You may use “not applicable” or
"does not apply"only when you can explain why it does not apply and not when the answer is unknown.
You may also attach or incorporate by reference additional studies reports.Complete and accurate
answers to thesequestions oftenavoid delays with the SEPA process as well as laterin thedecision-
making process.
The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of
time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your proposal
or its environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to explain your
answers or provide additional information reasonably related to determining if there may be significant
adverse impact.
Instructions for Lead Agencies:
Pleaseadjust the format of this template as needed. Additional information may be necessary to
evaluatethe existing environment, all interrelated aspects of the proposal and an analysis of adverse
impacts. The checklist is considered the first but not necessarilythe only source of information needed to
make an adequate threshold determination. Once a threshold determination is made, the lead agency is
responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the checklist and other supporting documents.
Use of checklist for nonproject proposals
:
For nonproject proposals (such as ordinances, regulations, plans and programs), complete the applicable
parts of sections A and B plus the (part D).Please
SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS
completely answerall questions that apply and note that the words "project," "applicant," and "property or
site" should be read as "proposal," "proponent," and "affected geographic area," respectively.The lead
agency may exclude (for non-projects)questions in Part B -Environmental Elements –that do not
contribute meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal
.
A. Background
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HELP
Critical Areas Ordinance Update (Chapter 19.05
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable:
Port Townsend Municipal Code) and Limited Amendments to Shoreline Master Program
City of Port Townsend
2. Name of applicant:
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3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
City Hall, 250 Madison Street, Suite 3
Port Townsend, WA 98368.
Contact: Judy Surber, Planning Manager
4. Date checklist prepared:March 20, 2018
City of Port Townsend
5. Agency requesting checklist:
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
Planning Commission Hearing –April 12, 2018
City Council Review –April-May 2018
City Council Public Hearing -May 2018
Ordinance adopting the CAO GMA Periodic Update –May 2018
Ecology Review and Approval of limited SMP amendments –June-July 2018
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or
connected with this proposal? If yes, explain.
The CAO update is part of the City’s theState Growth Management Act (GMA) requires counties
and cities to review and evaluate comprehensive plans and development regulations, and update
them if necessary, according to the schedule established by RCW 36.70A.130. In October 2016, the
City of Port Townsend adopted an updated comprehensive plan, which provides a framework of
goals and policies, and limited amendments to Title 17 Zoning and Title 18 Land Division
Ordinance. Review of the CAO identified necessary updatesto incorporate Best Available Science
andaddress issues foundduring implementation of the ordinance. Adoption of
(RCW 36.70A.172)
the Critical Areas Ordinance will complete the final phase of the state mandate periodic update
under the Growth Management Act (GMA).
Also slated for adoption in 2018: Port Townsend is developing a comprehensive
stormwatermanagement plan to improve the operation of the city’s existing system and
anticipate future needs. Part of the stormwater management plan development includes
review and evaluation of the City’s current stormwater standards and manuals. The City’s
consultant, Parametrix, has prepared a technical memorandum comparingthe City’s current
adopted stormwater guidance manual against subsequent revisions implemented by the
Washington State Department of Ecology (Attached as Exhibit F and incorporated herein
by this reference).
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be
prepared, directly related to this proposal.
The following documents are incorporated by reference:
Exhibit A:Environmental Checklist
Exhibit B:Amendments to Chapter 19.05 PTMC in legislative format
Exhibit C: Summary of Proposed Changes
Exhibit D: Best Available Science Addendum, Herrera, May 23, 2017
Exhibit E:Commerce ChecklistResponse to Periodic Update –Development
Regulations
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Exhibit F: Stormwater Management Plan Technical Memorandum, Parametrix,
December 7, 2017
Documents on file with the City of Port Townsend:
City of Port Townsend Environmentally Sensitive Areas Maps
2016 Growth Management Act Periodic Update -SEPA Determination of NonSignificance,
(LUP 16-037) issued on May 25, 2016
The Draft Port Townsend Comprehensive Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement(an
integrated SEPA/GMA (Growth Management Act) document) issued on January 10, 1996
(referred to herein as the Comprehensive Plan DEIS).
2005 Best Available Science Review prepared by GeoEngineers: 2005
9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other
proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain.
There are none.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
Commerce: A draft Critical Areas Ordinance prepared in legislative format (i.e., strike-
out and underline) was sent to Commerce for review and commentin June 2017 and
again in March of 2018 (Material ID # 24679).
CityPlanning Commission will review public comment and conduct itsown public
hearing on April 12, 2018 (anticipated) and develop a recommendation to the City
Council.
City Council -A public hearing will be held before the City Council. Council adoption
of the CAO update and limited amendments to the SMP is anticipated in May 2018.
Ecology -Upon adoption by City Council, amendments will be forwarded to Ecology
for review and adoption. The updated CAO will not become effective within shorelines
jurisdiction until Ecology adopts the update.
11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size
of the project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to
describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this
page. (Lead agencies may modify this form to include additional specific information on project
description.)
Critical Areas Ordinance Update (Chapter 19.05 Port Townsend Municipal Code) and Limited
Amendments to Shoreline Master Program
–The StateGrowth Management Act (GMA) requires
counties and cities to review and evaluate comprehensive plans and development regulations, and update
them if necessary, according to the schedule established by RCW 36.70A.130. In October 2016, the
City of Port Townsend adopted an updated comprehensive plan, which provides a framework of goals
and policies, and limited amendments to Title 17 Zoning and Title 18 Land Division Ordinance. The
intent of this update is to revise the CAO as necessary to incorporate Best Available Science and address
issues foundduring implementation of the ordinance. Critical Areas include: wetlands, fish and
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wildlife habitat conservation areas, geologically hazardous areas, critical aquifer recharge areas, and
frequently flooded areas as required by statute; and critical drainage corridors as identified by the City.
The City is not required to regulate Critical Drainage Corridors(CDCs) under the State Growth
Management Actand mayopt to move CDC regulations to PTMC Chapter 13.32 Stormwater
Management Requirements. Critical Drainage Areas frequently overlap with designated critical areas
(e.g. wetlands, frequently flooded areas, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas). Where CDCs
overlap with critical areas,the requirements that provide greater protection to critical areas shall apply.
The City proposes corollary limited amendments to the Shoreline Master Program Limited Amendments
to update CAO reference. The proposal is a non-project action.
12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise
location of your proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and
range, if known. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or
boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic
map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you
are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications
related to this checklist.
Amendments to the CAO and SMP havethe potential to affect lands within incorporated limits of
the City of Port Townsend, Washington.
B.Environmental Elements\[\]
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The City of Port Townsend, acting as lead agency, has excluded most of the environmental
elementson Part B as they do not contribute meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal
(WAC 197-11-960).
Additional information regarding existing conditionscan be found inExhibit D: Best
Available Science Addendum, Herrera, May 23, 2017.
Earth
1.
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a. General description of the site:
(circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other _____________
This proposal is a non-project action and does not affect a specific site. Port Townsend’s elevation
ranges from sea level to nearly 300 feet above sea level. Steep slopes greater than 30% represent a
relatively small percentage of the City’s total acreage (0.7%, or 33 acres) and, in general, the terrain is
suitable for development. A majority of Port Townsend’s existing development has taken place in areas
with slopes of less than 15%. Steep slopes include near vertical bluffs along the adjacent saltwater
bodies. (A detailed description of the City of Port Townsend Planning Area can be found on page IV -1
of the 1996 Comprehensive Plan DEIS.) The planning area includes a variety of terrain and soil types.
Soils reflect the region’s geologic history. Townsend gravelly loam (Tnc) and Clallam gravelly sandy
loam (CmC) are the predominant soil groups within the City. According to the City’s Critical Areas
maps, seismic hazard areas and unstable soils exist within the planning area.
As a non-project action, the proposal does not involve any development activities (e.g., filling,
excavation, grading, impervious surfaces). Future specific development proposals within this project
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area will be reviewed consistent with the provisions of the Comprehensive Plan and development
regulations, including the City’s Municipal Code and the Engineering Design Standards.
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
See 1a above.
c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat,
muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any
agricultural land of long-term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in
See 1a above.
removing any of these soils.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so,
See 1a above.
describe.
e. Describe the purpose, type, total area, and approximate quantities and total affected area of any filling,
Does not apply. This proposal is a non-project
excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill.
action and does not affect a specific site. Any future development will follow applicable City codes, the
City Engineering Design Standards and any applicable State and Federal regulations. Future project
level actions which are not categorically exempt under Chapter 197-11-800 WAC will be subject to
review under the City's SEPA Implementing Ordinance (Chapter 19.04 PTMC). Proposals within
critical areas or theirbuffers will be reviewed for compliance with the City’s Critical Areas Ordinance
(CAO) (Chapter 19.05 PTMC).
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generallydescribe.
See 1e above.
g.About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
See 1e above.
construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)?
h.Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
See 1 e above.
2. Air
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a. What types of emissions to the airwould result from the proposalduring construction,
operation, andmaintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and
give approximate quantities if known.
N/A -Adoption of the proposed amendments is a non-project action.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so,
generally describe.
Port Townsend Paper Company pulp mill, located directly adjacent to the city limits, is a
significant contributor of air pollutants and strong odors that impact portions of the city when
winds are from the southwest.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
N/A -Adoption of the proposed amendments is a non-project action.
3. Water
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a. SurfaceWater:\[help\]
1)Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including
year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe
type and provide names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into.
General:Port Townsend contains a variety of natural and human modified aquatic resources.
These include Port Townsend Bay, Admiralty Inlet, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and ponds,
wetlands, and aquifers. Each of these features has its own hydrological functionsas well as other
important and sometimescompeting functions, such as economic, recreational, wildlife and
fisheries habitat, open space and aesthetic functions. For additional information, see Exhibit D.
BAS Addendum and page IV -16 of the 1996 Comprehensive Plan DEIS.
2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described
waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans.
Does not apply. This proposal is a non-project action and does not affect a specific site.
Any future development will follow applicable City codes, the City Engineering Design
Standards and any applicable State and Federal regulations. Future project level actions
which are not categorically exempt under Chapter 197-11-800 WAC will be subject to
review under the City's SEPA Implementing Ordinance (Chapter 19.04 PTMC).
Proposals within critical areas or theirbuffers will be reviewed for compliance with the
City’s Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) (Chapter 19.05 PTMC).
3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed
from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected.
See 3a (2) above.
Indicate the source of fill material.
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general
See 3a (2) above.
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.
This proposal is a non-project action and does not affect a specific site. According to the FEMA
Flood Insurance Rate Maps (existing and draft) and the City’s Critical Areas maps, portions of the
city lie within the special flood hazard area.
6) Doesthe proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so,
describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge.
See 3a (2) above.
b. GroundWater:\[help\]
1) Will groundwater be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes? If so,
give a general description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities
withdrawn from the well.Will water be discharged to groundwater? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
This proposal is a non-project action and does not affect a specific site. Port Townsend
residentsare served by a municipal water supply sourced from the Big Quilcene and Little
Quilcene Rivers. Potable wells are not permitted in the city limits. For additional
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information, see Exhibit D. BAS Addendum and page IV -16 of the 1996 Comprehensive
Plan DEIS.
2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or
other sources,if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the
following chemicals. . . ; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the
number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the
number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve.
This proposal is a non-project action and does not affect a specific site. Although a few remnant
septic tanks exist in the city limits, most development is served by the City’s municipal
wastewater system.The Comprehensive Plan Capital Facilities Element provides and inventory
of the existing system and sets a Level of Service of“alevel that allows collection and treatment
of peak wastewater flows and meets Department of Ecology criteria.”
c. Water runoff (including stormwater):
1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection
and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow?
Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe.
As a non-project legislative action, this proposal will not directly result in runoff collection or
disposal. Future development would be subject to regulations in place at the time of application.
2)Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
The proposal involves a non-project legislative action. Future development would be subject to
regulations in place at the time of application. Under a separate by related action, the City of
Port Townsend is developing a comprehensive stormwater management plan to improve the
operation of the city’s existing system and anticipate future needs. Part of the stormwater
management plan development includes review and evaluation of the City’s current stormwater
standards and manuals. Atechnical memorandum has been prepared comparingthe City’s
current adopted stormwater guidance manual against subsequent revisions implemented by the
Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology).(Exhibit F).
3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If
so, describe.
The proposal involves a non-project legislative action. As the City is developed, existing
drainage patterns will be altered. For future activities withincritical areas and their buffers, the
draft CAO uses the ARC approach –Avoid, Reduce, Compensate. Development maynot result
in a net loss of the functions and values of the critical areaimpacted.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern
impacts, if any:
For future activities within critical areas and their buffers, the draft CAO uses the ARC approach
–Avoid, Reduce, Compensate. Development maynot result in a net loss of the functions and
values of the critical areaimpacted.All projects are subject to temporary erosion and sediment
controls and stormwater quality and quantity standards as required by the Stormwater
Management Manual adopted by the City and the Port Townsend Engineering Design Standards.
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Under a separate by related action, the City of Port Townsend is developing a comprehensive
stormwater management plan to improve the operation of the city’s existing system and anticipate
future needs. Part of the stormwater management plan development includes review and
evaluation of the City’s current stormwater standards and manuals. Atechnical memorandum has
been prepared comparingthe City’s current adopted stormwater guidance manual against
subsequent revisions implemented by the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology).
(Exhibit F).
4. Plants
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a.Check thetypes of vegetation found on the site:
Deciduous tree:other:
Evergreen tree:other:
Shrubs
Wet Soil Plants:
nk cabbage other:
Water Plants:
Other: Port Townsend supports a diversity of native and non-native plants, including allthe species
listed above. Documented native and introduced tree species include: Ornamental Cherry, Ash,
Norway Maple, Washington Hawthorne, Small Hornbeam, Lombardy Poplar, Monterey Cypress,
Willow, various species of pine, Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Alder,
Cottonwood, Big Leaf and Vine Maple, and Madrona. Native shrubs, herbs, grasses and wetland
plants also exist within the city limits.
No vegetation would be removed as
b.What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
a result of the CAOupdate.
c.List threatened andendangered species known to be on or near the site.
The list of species that may occur includes: golden paintbrush
d.Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance
No vegetation would be removed as a result of the CAO
vegetation on the site, if any:
update. Where mitigation is required for impacts to critical areas, the Critical Areas
Ordinancegivespreference to native plant species.
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site.
This proposal is a non-project action and does not affect a specific site. Manynoxious
weeds and invasive species are present within the City limits including but not limited
to Butterfly bush, Common reed, cordgrass, Himalayan blackberry, scotch thistle,
scotch broom. European green crab monitoring is ongoing in Jefferson County.
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5. Animals
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a. Listany birds and otheranimals which have been observed on or near the site or are known
to be on or near the site.
Examples include:
birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other:
mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other:
fish: bass,salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other________
Allthe underline species exist within the City limits.
b. List any threatened andendangered species known to be on or near the site.
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
The City of Port Townsend lies along and within the Pacific Flyway.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
As a non-project action,the proposal would not impact wildlife. The proposed critical areas
regulations are meant to protect, enhance and aid in better management of Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Areas utilizing Best AvailableScience as required by the WashingtonState law
and the GMA.
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site.
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Local marine interest groups are considering the need to monitor forZebra mussel and
European green crab.
6.Energy and Natural Resources
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a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet
the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating,
manufacturing, etc.
N/A. The CAO update is a legislative, non-project action. As such, the action does not have any
energy needs.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties?
If so, generally describe.N/A. The CAO update is a legislative, non-project action.
c. What kinds of energy conservation featuresare included in the plans of this proposal?
List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any:
N/A. The CAO update is a legislative, non-project action.
7.Environmental Health
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a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk
of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal?
If so, describe.
The CAOupdate is not anticipated to have any impact regarding Environmental health
hazards. Contaminated soils do exist within the city limits. Clean-up of contaminated
sites would be subject to applicable federal/state regulations. Future project level actions
that propose use of any hazardous materials would be subject to Federaland State law and
the City Building and Fire Codes.
1)Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses.
As an Urban Growth Area, present and past uses include: auto repair facilities, gasoline
dispensing facilities, dry cleaning, historical dump sites, underground storage tanks, industrial
boat yard, and bulk oil dispensaries, etc. As of February 17, 2016,six sites are listed on the
State Department of Ecology’s Hazardous Sites List.
2)Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development
and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines
located within the project area and in the vicinity.
See response under 7.a. (1) above.
3)Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced during the
See
project's development or construction, or at any time during the operating life of the project.
response under 7.a. above.
4)Describe special emergency services that might be required.
None needed.
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None needed.
5)Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example:
traffic, equipment, operation, other)?
N/A. The CAO update is a legislative, non-project action.
2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a
short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indi-
cate what hours noise would come from the site.
N/A. The CAO update is a legislative, non-project action.
None needed.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
8.Land and Shoreline Use
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a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect current
land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe.
The land uses within the City include residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use,
transportation, utility, institutional and open space.
b. Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so, describe.
How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted to
other uses as a result of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not been designated,
how many acres in farmland or forest land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or
nonforest use?
As an urban growth area, the City does not designate mineral, agricultural or forest resource
lands. However, the Comp Plan and zoning allow a variety of agricultural uses in R-I and
R-II that you would not normally see in cities with 5,000 and 10,000 square foot densities.
1) Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal
business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides,
tilling, and harvesting? If so, how:
N/A. The CAO update is a legislative, non-project action.
c. Describe any structures on the site.
As an urban growth area, the City contains numerous buildings varying from residential to
industrial.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
N/A. The CAO update is a legislative, non-project action.
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
The City has the following zoning classifications:
Residential Designations:
Low Density:R-I (SF) up to 4 d.u. per acre (i.e., 10,000 s.f. minimum lot size)
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Medium R-II (SF) up to 8 d.u. per acre (i.e., 5,000 s.f. minimum lot size)
Density:
Medium R-III (MF) a minimum of 10 units and a maximum of 16 units per
Density:40,000 s.f. area
High Density:R-IV (MF) 24 units per 40,000 s.f. area
Mixed Use Designations:
Neighborhood-Serving Mixed Use C-I/MU with moderate density multi-family
Centerresidential
Community-Serving Mixed Use CenterC-II/MU with high density multi-family
residential
Commercial Designations:
Neighborhood Commercial:C-I
General Commercial:C-II
Hospital Commercial:C-II (H)
Historic Commercial:C-III
Marine-Related and Manufacturing Designations:
Mixed Light Manufacturing and M/C
Commercial
Light Manufacturing:M-I
Marine-Related Uses:M-IIA (Boat Haven)
Marine-Related UsesM-IIB (Point Hudson)
Heavy Manufacturing:M-III
Park & Open Space Designations:
•Existing Park & Open SpaceP/OS
•Potential Park & Open Space (overlay)P/OS(A)
•Mixed Public/Infrastructure/Open SpaceP/OS(B)
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OtherDesignations:
•Public/InfrastructureP-I
Planned Unit Development (PUD) Designations:
•ResidentialR-PUD
•Mixed UseMU-PUD
•Commercial/ManufacturingCM-PUD
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
N/A. The CAO update is a legislative, non-project action. Once adopted, the CAO will
apply to all activities within the city limits.
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site?
The City Shoreline Master Program classifies the following shoreline designations: Shorelines of
Statewide Significance, Aquatic, Natural, Conservancy, Shoreline Residential, Urban, Historic
Waterfront, Boat Haven, Point Hudson.
h. Has any part of the site been classified as acritical areabythe city or county? If so, specify.
The planning area includes environmentally sensitive areas including geologically hazardous,
frequently flooded and wetlands, aquifer recharge areas, and fish and wildlife habitatas required by
state law. The City has also designated Critical DrainageCorridors.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
N/A. The CAO update is a legislative, non-project action.
j. Approximately howmany people would the completed project displace?
N/A. The CAO update is a legislative, non-project action.
None needed.
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:
.Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatiblewith existing and projected land
L
None needed.
uses and plans, if any:
m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term
None needed.
commercial significance, if any:
9. Housing
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a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, mid-
dle, or low-income housing.
N/A. The CAO update is a legislative, non-project action.
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b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high,
N/A.The CAO update is a legislative, non-project action.
middle, or low-income housing.
None needed.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
10. Aesthetics
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a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is
the principal exterior building material(s) proposed?
Not applicable. This non-project action will not directly result in construction of any new facilities.
b. What views in the immediate vicinitywould be altered or obstructed?
Not applicable. This non-project action will not directly result in construction of any new facilities.
None needed.
e.Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
11.Light and Glare
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a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly
occur?
Not applicable. This non-project action will not produce light or glare.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
Not applicable.
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
Not applicable.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
None needed.
12. Recreation
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a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
Port Townsend contains numerous parks providing both formal and informal recreational opportunities
including but not limited to: Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park, Port Townsend Golf Course, non-motorized
trailslinking neighborhoods, Port Townsend Bay, Larry Scott Memorial Trail, and the 433.5-acreFort
Worden State Park.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe.
Not applicable. This non-project action will not directly impact recreational uses. Protection of
critical areas and their associated buffers may indirectly benefit parks, recreation and open space.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts onrecreation, including recreation
opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:
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None needed.
13. Historic and cultural preservation
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a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45 years
old listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers ? If so,
specifically describe.
Port Townsend contains numerous national and state listed historic structures, with the highest
concentrations occurring within the limits of the Port Townsend National Register Historic District.
Fort Worden military reservation is a historic district designated as a National Historic Landmark
and the Point Wilson Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Chinese
Gardens is also a significant cultural landscape, but has not been designated as a local, state, or
national historic site.
b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indianor historic use or occupation?
This may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence, artifacts,
or areas of cultural importance on or near the site? Please list any professional studies
conducted at the site to identify such resources.
See 13a. above
c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources
on or near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the department of
archeology and historic preservation, archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS data, etc.
Not applicable. This non-project action will not directly result in impacts to cultural or historic
resources.
d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance
to resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be required.
None needed.
14. Transportation
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a. Identify public streets and highways serving the siteor affected geographic areaand
describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action.
b. Is the siteor affectedgeographic areacurrently served by public transit? If so, generally
describe. If not, what is the approximate distance to thenearest transit stop?
Not applicable. This is a non-project action.
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed projector non-project proposal
have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate?
Not applicable. This is a non-project action.
d. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian,
bicycle or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe
(indicate whether public or private).None.
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e. Will the projector proposaluse (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe.
This is a non-project action.
No.
f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed projector proposal?
If known, indicate when peak volumes would occurand what percentage of the volume would
be trucks (such as commercial and nonpassenger vehicles). What data or transportation
models were used to make these estimates?
None.
g. Will the proposal interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and
forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
None needed.
15.Public Services
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a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection,
police protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe.
Not applicable. This non-project action will not directly result in the need for increased public
services.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.
None needed.
16. Utilities
\[help\]
a. Circle utilities currently available at the site(underlined):
electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system,
other___________
The draft Comprehensive Plan Capital Facilities & Utilities Elements provide and inventory of the
existing system and set level of service standards for water, sewer and transportation.
f.Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service,
and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which might
be needed.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action.
C. Signature
\[\]
HELP
The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the
lead agency is relying on them to make its decision.
Signature: ___________________________________________________
Name of signee __________________________________________________
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Position and Agency/Organization ____________________________________
Date Submitted: _____________
D. Supplemental sheet for nonproject actions
\[\]
HELP
IT IS NOT NECESSARY
(to use this sheet for project actions)
Because these questions are very general, it may be helpful to read them in conjunction
with the list of the elements of the environment.
When answering these questions, be aware of the extent the proposal, or the types of
activities likely to result from the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity or
at a faster rate than if the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in
general terms.
1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; pro-
duction, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise?
As a non-project, legislative action, the proposed CAO Update would not add any
developmentand thus would not pose any environmental hazards nor produce any
emissions/noise.Please refer to the following checklist sections: 2. Air, 3. Water, 7.
Environmental Health and Noise.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are:
The proposed critical areas regulations are meant to protect, enhance and aid in better
management of critical areas within an developing Urban Growth Area by utilizing Best
Available Science as required by State law and the GMA.
2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life?
As a non-project, legislative action, the proposed CAO Update would notaffect plants,
animals, fish or marine life.Please refer to Section B, Questions 4 and 5.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are:
The proposed critical areas regulations are meant to protect, enhance and aid in better
management of these types of natural resources within an developing Urban Growth Area
by utilizing Best Available Science as required by State law and the GMA.
3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources?
As a non-project, legislative action, the proposed CAO Update would notdeplete energy or
natural resources.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are:
The proposed critical areas regulations are meant to protect, enhance and aid in better
management of specific types of natural resources within an developing Urban Growth
Area by utilizing Best Available Science as required by State law and the GMA.
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4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or
areas designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks,
wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or
cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands?
Highly unlikely.
Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are:
The proposed critical areas regulations are meant to protect, enhance and aid in better
management of specific types of natural resources within an developing Urban Growth Area by
utilizing Best Available Science as required by State law and the GMA.Protection of critical
areas and their associated buffers may indirectly benefit parks, recreation and open space.
5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it
would allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans?
As a legislative, non-project action the proposal would not encourage land or shoreline uses.
The proposed critical areas regulations are meant to protect, enhance and aid in better
management of specific types of natural resources within an developing Urban Growth Area
by utilizing Best Available Science as required by State law and the GMA.Protection of
critical areas and their associated buffers may indirectly shoreline resources.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are:
By their nature, the critical areas regulations will reduce impacts and ensure no net loss of
critical area functions and values.
6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public
services and utilities?
As a legislative, non-project action the proposal would notbe likely to increase demands on
transportation or public services and utilities.
None.
Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are:
7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or
requirements for the protection of the environment.
The State Growth Management Act (GMA) requires counties and cities to review and
evaluate comprehensive plans and development regulations, and update them if necessary,
according to the schedule established by RCW 36.70A.130. The intent of this update is to
revise the CAO as necessary to incorporate Best Available Scienceas requiredby State
Law. Revisions improve consistency with State and Federal regulations.
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