HomeMy WebLinkAbout2534 SEPA Code ComplianceOrdinance No. ,~..5'-~¢
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AMENDING
CHAPTER 19.04, STATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT, OF THE
PORT TOWNSEND MUNICIPAL CODE TO BRING THE CITY'S SEPA
CODE REQUIREMENTS INTO COMPLIANCE WITH THE
REGULATORY REFORM ACT, RCW 36.70B
WHEREAS, the Growth Management Act CGMA') requires that environmental
review and the permit process be integrated at the project level; and
WHEREAS, one of the purposes of the Regulatory Reform Act, ESHB 1724 (Chapter
36.70B RCW), is to ensure that local jurisdictions planning under the GMA do not duplicate
requirements for environmental analysis and mitigation of environmental impacts of a
proposed project that exist in different land use and environmental laws; and
WHEREAS, under RCW 36.70B, the City is required to identify early in the process
the existing environmental documents that evaluate the impacts of the proposed project, and
use its supplemental authority under SEPA to the extent existing requirements do not
adequately address specific probable significant adverse environmental impacts; and
WHEREAS, under RCW 36.70B, project-level review is to be used to review and
document consistency between the proposed project and applicable regulations and the
comprehensive plan, and to provide prompt and coordinated review of compliance with
applicable environmental laws and plans, including mitigation for site-specific impacts; and
WHEREAS, to comply with the Regulatory Reform Act, the City adopted a new
Chapter 20.01 PTMC, by Ordinance No. 2521, Land Development Administrative
Procedures, which establishes a uniform process for processing and appealing all land use
permit applications and decisions; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to amend its SEPA ordinance consistent with Chapter
20.01 PTMC and the mandates of the GMA and RCW 36.70B,
NOW, THEREFORE, the City COuncil of the City of Port Townsend does ordain as
follows:
~ Chapter 19.04, State Environmental Policy Act, of the Port Townsend
Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Title 19
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Chapters:
19.04
19.05
State Environmental Policy Act
Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Chapter 19.04
STATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT
Sections:
Article I. General Provisions
19.04.010 Authority.
19.04.020 Definitions.
19.04.030 Additional definitions.
Article
II. General Requirements
19.04.040 Adoption by reference.
19.04.050 Designation of responSible official - Responsibilities.
19.04.060 Transfer of lead agency status to a state agency.
19.04.070 Timing of environmental review process.
Article
III. Categorical Exemptions and Threshold Determination
19.04.080
19.04.090
19.04.095
19.04.100
19.04.110
19.04.120
Adoption by reference.
Use of exemptions.
Planned Actions.
Environmental checklist.
Threshold determination.
Mitigated determination of nonsignificance (MDNS).
Article
IV. Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)
19.04.130 Adoption by reference.
19.04.140 EIS preparation - Additional considerations.
19.04.150 Relationship of EIS to other considerations.
19.04.160 When environmental review has previously been completed.
Article
V. Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA)
19.04.170 Defined.
19.04.180 Environmentally sensitive area goals and policies.
19.04.190 Environmentally sensitive area determination.
19.04.200 Categorically exempt determination.
Article
VI. Commenting
19.04.210 Adoption by reference.
19.04.220 Public notice.
19.04.230 Designated official to perform consulted agency responsibilities.
19.04.240 Public hearings under WAC 197-11-535(2).
Article VII. SEPA Decision Making Authority, Use of Existing Documents and Appeals
2
/
19.04.250
19204.260
19.04.270
19.04.280
Adoption by reference.
Substantive authority.
Cumulative effects policy.
Appeals.
Article
VIII. Fees, Violations, Penalties and Severability
19.04.290 Fees.
19.04.300 Violations and penalties.
19,04.310 Severability.
Article I. General Provisions
19.04.010 Authority.
The city adopts the ordinance codified in this chapter under the State Environmental Policy Act
(SEPA), RCW 43.21C. 120 and the SEPA rules, WAC 197-11-904. This chapter contains this
city's SEPA procedures and policies. The SEPA rules, Chapter 197-11 WAC, must be used in
conjunction with this chapter. (Ord. 2367 § 1, 1993).
19.04.020 Definitions.
This section contains uniform usage and definitions of terms under SEPA. The city adopts the
following sections by reference, as supplemented by PTMC 19.04.030:
WAC
197-11-700 Definitions.
197-11-702 Act.
197-11-704 Action.
197-11-706 Addendum.
197-11-708 Adoption.
197-11-710 Affected tribe.
197-11-712 Affecting.
197-11-714 Agency.
197-11-716 Applicant.
197-11-718 Built environment.
197-11-720 Categorical exemption.
197-11-722 Consolidated appeal.
197-11-724 Consulted agency.
197-11-726 Cost-benefit analysis.
197-11-728 County/city.
197-11-730 Decisionmaker.
197-11-732 Departments.
197-11-734 Determination of nonsignificance (DNS).
3 Ord.~,~,~.~Z/t
197-11-736
197-11-738
197-11-740
197-11-742
197-11-744
197-11-746
197-11-748
197-11-750
197-11-752
197-11-754
197-11-756
197-11-758
197-11-760
197-11-762
197-11-764
197-11-766
197-11-768
197-11-770
197-11-772
197-11-774
197-11-776
197-11-778
197-11-780
197-11-782
197-11-784
197-11-786
197-11-788
197-11-790
197-11-792
197-11-793
197-11-794
197-11-796
197-11-797
197-11-799
Determination of significance (DS).
Environmental
Environment.
Environmental
Environmental
Environmental
impact statement (EIS).
checklist.
document.
review.
Environmentally sensitive area.
Expanded scoping.
Impacts.
Incorporation by reference.
Lands covered by water.
Lead agency.
License.
Local agency.
Major action.
Mitigated DNS.
Mitigation.
Natural environment.
NEPA.
Nonproject.
Phased review.
Preparation.
Private project.
Probable.
Proposal.
Reasonable alternative.
Responsible official.
SEPA.
Scope.
Scoping.
Significant.
State agency.
Threshold determination.
Underlying governmental action.
(Ord. 2367 § 1, 1993).
19.04.030 Additional definitions.
In addition to those definitions contained within WAC 197-11-700 through 197-11-799, when
used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context
indicates otherwise:
A. "City" means the city of Port Townsend.
4 Ord.
B. "City department" means any division, subdivision or organizational unit of the city
established by ordinance, rule or order.
C. "Council" means the Port Townsend city council.
D. "Days" shall mean calendar days.
E. "Early notice" means the city's response to an applicant stating whether it considers
issuance of a determination of significance likely for the applicant's proposal.
F. "Ordinance" means the ordinance, resolution or other procedure used by the city to
adopt regulatory requirements.
G. "SEPA rules" means Chapter 197-11 WAC adopted by the Department of Ecology.
H. "state" means Washington State.
I. "Director" means the building and community 'development (BCD) director of the
city, and/or his/her designee. In any and all ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements,
environmental determinations, or other documents adopted prior to the effective date of the
ordinance codified in this section, the title "director of planning and building, .... planning
director" or similar designation shall also mean "director of building and community
development."
J. "Lead department or department" means the planning aJad building BCD department
which has the primary responsibility for SEPA staffing and analysis and making the decision
or final administrative recommendation on a proposal.
K. '"Proponent" means an agency or private applicant proposing an action subject to
SEPA. For purposes of agency contact, the proponent means the contact person on the
environmental checklist, or agent designated for that purpose by the agency or private
applicant. In addition, the definitions contained in PTMC Chapter 20.01, "Land Development
Administrative Procedures" shall apply to this chapter.
(Ord. __ § 1, 1996; Ord. 2427 § 3, 1994; Ord. 2367 § 1, 1993).
Article II. General Requirements
19.04.040 Adoption by reference.
This article contains the basic requirements that apply to the SEPA process. Included is the
designation of a responsible official and lead agency. The city adopts the following sections of
Chapter 197-11 WAC bY reference, as supplemented in this article:
S Ord.
WAC
agency,
197-11-040
197-11-050
197-11-055
197-11-060
197-11-070
197-11-080
197-11-090
197-11-100
197-11-900
197-11-902
197-11-916
197-11-920
197-11-922
197-11-924
197-11-926
197-1~-928
197-11-930
197-11-932
when one of
Definitions.
Lead agency.
Timing of the SEPA process.
Content of environmental review.
Limitations on actions during SEPA process.
Incomplete or unavailable information.
Supporting documents.
Information required of applicants.
Purpose of this part.
Agency SEPA policies..
Application to ongoing actions.
Agencies with environmental expertise.
Lead agency rules.
Determining the lead agency.
Lead agency for governmental proposals.
Lead agency for public and private proposals.
Lead agency for private projects with one agency with jurisdiction.
Lead agency for private projects requiring licenses from more than one
the agencies is a county/city.
197-11-934 Lead agency
not a county/city, and one or more
197-11-936 Lead agency
sta~agency.
197-11-938
197-11-940
197-11-942
197-11-944
197-11-946
197-11-948
for private projects requiring licenses from a local agency,
state agencies.
for private projects requiring licenses from more than one
Lead agencies for specific proposals.
Transfer of lead agency status to a state agency.
Agreements on lead agency status.
Agreements on division of lead agency duties.
DOE resolution of lead agency disputes.
Assumption of lead agency status.
(Ord. 2367 § 2, 1993).
19.04.050 Designation of responsible official - Responsibilities.
A. For those proposals for which the city is the lead agency, the responsible official
shall be the director. The responsible official shall:
1. Perform all duties of the responsible official under SEPA and the SEPA rules
and this code;
2. Perform all duties required to be performed by the city under SEPA,
including the provision of coordination with the appropriate state and federal agencies; 3. Determine whether proposals are categorically exempt under SEPA;
4. Make the threshold determination on all proposals that are subject to SEPA;
5. Supervise the preparation of all draft and final environmental impact
6 Ord.
statements and supplemental environmental impact statements;
6. Establish procedures as needed for the preparation of environmental
documents, including environmental impact, statements;
7. Supervise the response of the city when the city is a consulted agency, and
ensure that city responses to consultation requests are prepared in a timely manner and include
data from ail appropriate city departments;
8. Determine the lead agency as mandated by the SEPA rules;
9. Recommend procedures and criteria to the council for determining fees to be
charged for compliance with SEPA requirements;
10. Maintain an inventory of significant environmental data and maps of
environmentally sensitive areas;
11. Provide information to citizens, proponents and others concerning SEPA
and this code;
12. Monitor and report on legislation and issues involving environmental
matters to the council and affected departments.
B. The director may obtain third party review on city-initiated proposais to review and
comment on such proposals. (Ord. 2367 § 2, 1993).
19.04.060 Transfer of lead agency status to a state agency.
For any proposal for a private project where the city would be the lead agency and for which
one or more agencies have jurisdiction, the city's responsible.officiai may elect to transfer the
lead agency duties to a state agency. The state agency with jurisdiction appearing first on the
priority listing in WAC 197-11-936 shail be the lead agency and the city shail be an agency
with jurisdiction. To transfer lead agency duties, the city's responsible officiai must transmit a
notice of the transfer together with any relevant information available on the proposai to the
appropriate state agency with jurisdiction. The responsible officiai of the city shall aiso give
notice of the transfer to the private applicant and other agencies with jurisdiction over the
proposai. (Ord. 2367 § 2, 1993).
19.04.070 Timing of environmental review process.
A. The timing of the environmental reView process shall be determined based on the
criteria in the SEPA rules and this code.
B. For city-initiated proposals, the initiating department should contact the director or
his/her designee at initiai proposal formulation to integrate environmental concerns into the
early stage of the decision-making process.
C. For city-initiated development projects, the initiating department shail not be the
responsible officiai on that project.
D. For proposais subject to SEPA, the procedural requirements of SEPA and this code
shail be completed prior to the city's issuance of a permit, committing to a particular course of
action, or taking action that would either have an adverse environmental impact, or limit the
choice of reasonable aiternatives.
7 Ord. ,~,~-'-~
E. No threshold determination is final until expiration of the administrative appeal
period following publication of the threshold determination, if not appealed, or, if appealed,
until the decision on the administrative appeal becomes final. However, if there is a comment
period required by WAC 197-11-340 and no request for withdrawal, modification Or appeal of
the determination is submitted within the 15-day period, the threshold determination is final at
the end of the 15-day comment period and there is no administrative appeal period.
F. For nonexempt proposals, the DNS or final EIS for the proposal should accompany
the city's staff recommendation to any appropriate advisory body, such as the planning
commission. However, failure to do so shall not result in noncompliance with SEPA or this
code.
G. If the city's only action on a propOsal is a decision on a building permit or other
license that requires detailed project plans and specifications, the applicant may request in
writing that the city conduct environmental review prior to the submission of the detailed plans
and specifications. However, the city may require sufficient information to be provided
pursuant to the SEPA rules to allow a meaningful environmental review to be conducted.
(Ord. 2367 § 2, 1993).
Article III. Categorical Exemptions and Threshold Determination
19.04.080 Adoption by reference.
This article contains rules for deciding whether a proposal is exempt under SEPA or has a
"probable significant, adverse environmental impact" requiring an environmental impact
statement (EIS) to be prepared. This article also contains rules for evaluating the impacts of
proposals not requiring an EIS. The city adopts the following sections by reference as
supplemented in this article:
WAC
197-11-220
197-11-300
197-11-305
197-11-310
197-11-315
197-11-330
197-11-335
197-11-340
SEPA/GMA Inteeration.
SEPA/GMA Definitions.
Overall SEPA/GMA Integration Procedures.
Timing of an integrated SEPA/GMA process,
SEPA/GMA integration procedures for preliminary, planning,
environmental analysis, and expanded scoping.
Documents.
Purpose of this part.
Categorical exemptions.
Threshold determination required.
Environmental checklist.
Threshold determination process.
Additional information.
Determination of nonsignificance (DNS).
Ord.
(Ord.
197-11-350
197-11-360
197-11-390
197-11-800
197-11-880
197-11-890
Mitigated DNS.
Determination of significance (DS)/initiation of scoping.
Effect of threshold determination.
Categorical exemptions.
Emergencies.
Petitioning DOE to change exemptions.
__ § 1, 1996; Ord. 2367 § 2, 1993).
19.04.090 Use of exemptions.'
A. Upon receipt of an application for a proposal, and for city proposals, the responsible
official shall determine whether the proposal is an action potentially subject to SEPA and,. if '
so, whether it is categorically exempt. This determination shall be made based on the
definition of action (WAC 197-11-704), the process for determining categorical exemption
(WAC 197-11-305) and the designation of environmentally sensitive areas under PTMC
19.04:160. The responsible official's determination that a proposal is exempt shall be final and
not subject to administrative review. If a proposal is exempt, none of the procedural
requirements of this chapter applies to the proposal. WAC 197-11-$00. The city shall not
require completion of an environmental checklist for an exempt proposal, unless the proposal
would have a probable significant adverse environmental impact or a checklist should be
prepared to be consistent with WAC 197-11-305.
B. In determining whether or not a proposal is exempt, the responsible official shall
make certain the proposal is properly defined and shall identify the governmental permit or
license required (WAC 197-11-060). If a proposal includes exempt and nonexempt actions, the
responsible official shall determine the lead agency, even if the license application that triggers
the responsible official's consideration is exempt.
C. If a proposal includes both exempt and nonexempt actions, the responsible official
may authorize exempt actions prior to compliance with the procedural requirements of this
chapter, except that:
1. The responsible official shall not give authorization for:
a. Any nonexempt action,
b. Any action that would have an adverse environmental impact, or
c. Any action that would limit the choice of alternatives;
2. The responsible official may withhold approval of an exempt action that
would lead to modification of the physical environment, when modifications would serve no
purpose if the nonexempt action(s) were not approved; and
3. The responsible official may withhold approval of exempt actions that would
lead to substantial financial expenditures by a private applicant when the expenditures would
serve no purpose if nonexempt action(s) were not approved.
(Ord. ~ § 1, 1996; Ord. 2367 § 3, 1993).
9 Ord.
19.04.095. Planned Actions.
A. In designating a planned action, the city must first make a preliminary.
determination that the statutory, requirements for a planned action, identified below, will be
met. The second stet> occurs when the citY receives an a~r~plication for a planned action. The
City must confirm that the application meets the requirements for a planned action. This
includes identifying the significant site-sp~ific impacts of the pro~r~sed planned action and
ensuring that those impacts were adequately addressed in one of the t._vpes of EIS's mentioned
in subsection (B)(2) below. If the significant site-s_r~cific impacts have been adequately
addressed in a prior EIS, no threshold determination or EIS is required. However, the
proposed planned action remains subject to environmental review under SEPA for any site-
specific impacts identified in the project submitted and not adequatelY addressed in the prior
EIS, and the imposition of mitigation measures as project conditions,
B. Pursuant to RCW 43.21C.031(2), a "planned action" must meet the following
rex~uirements;
the city council;
Be designated a planned action by an ordinance or resolUtion adoptexl Dy
2. Have had the significant impacts adequately addressed in an
environmental impact statement prepared in conjunction with:
36.70A RCW, or
a comprehensive plan or subarea plan adopted under chapter
b. a fully contained community, a master planned resort, a master
planned development or a phased project;
3. Be a subsequent or implementing project for a comprehensive Plan or
subarea plan, or a fully contained community, master planned resort, master planne~l
development or a phased project;
Be located within an urban grOwth area, as defined in RCW
36.70A.030, or a master planned res°rt;
5. Not be essential public facilities, as defined in RCW 36.70A.200; and
6. Be consistent with the City's comprehensive plan or subarea plan
adopted under chapter 36.70A RCW.
C. Limitations on Planned Actions.~ The City shall limit planned actions to certain
types of development or to s~t~cific geographical areas that are less extensive tharl the
10 ord..~,_5'-3~/
jurisdictional boundaries of the City, and may limit a planned action to a time period identified
in the environmental impact statement or the adoption of the ordinance or resolution
designating the planned action.
(Ord.__ § 1, 1996.)
19.04.100 Environmental checklist.
A. A completed environmental checklist in the form provided in WAC 197-.11-960
shall be filed at the same time as an application for a permit, license, certificate or other
approval not specifically exempted in this chapter. ^ checklist is not needed if the city and
applicant agree an EIS is required, SEPA compliance has been completed or SEPA compliance
has been initiated by another agency. The city shall use the environmental checklist to
determine the lead agency and, if the city is the lead agency, for making the threshold
determination.
B. The items in the environmental checklist are not weighted. The mention of one or
many adverse environmental impacts does not necessarily mean that the impacts are
significant. Conversely, a single probable significant adverse impact on the environment may
result in the need for an EIS.
C. For private proposals, the city will require the applicant to complete the
environmental checklist, providing assistance as necessary. For city proposals, the department
initiating the proposal shall complete the environmental checklist for that proposal.
D. 1. The city may decide to complete all or part of the environmental checklist or
amendments to the environmental checklist, for a private proposal, if either of the following
occurs:
a. The city has technical information on a question(s) that is unavailable
to the private applicant; or
b. The applicant has provided inaccurate information on previous
proposals or on proposals currently under consideration.
2. For either subsections (D)(1) or (D)(2) of this section, the city shall require
the applicant to pay fees for the amount of city staff time necessary for its activities in
accordance with the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2367 § 3, 1993).
19.04.110 Threshold determination.
A. The responsible official shall make the threshold determination and issue a
determination of nonsignificance (DNS), mitigated determination of nonsignificance (MDNS),
or determination of significance (DS). The responsible official shall make a threshold
determination in accordance with applicable sections of the SEPA rules, as adopted by this
code, and with the consistency and integration requirements set forth in Chapters 20.01.130
and. 140. In addition to giving any notice required under the SEPA rules, or this code, the
responsible official shall notify the proponent or lead department on the date of the threshold
determination upon its issuance.
11 Ord.,~..5'-.~r/
B. Each threshold determination shall be ~ noticed in accordance with PTMC
19 04 220 ~' ....... ' ......... : .... -' ...... appealabl~ as --' ~'--~- '- ?TMC 4,, ,,~ ,,,.^
C. The threshold determination shall be processed within the time lines set forth in
Chapter 20.01 PTMC for Types I, II and III permits, unless specifically exempted from
Chapter 20.01, and subject to the following:
e 1. Time estimates for processing environmental checklists apply when the city
processes licenses or permits for all private proposals and those governmental proposals
submitted to the city by other agencies. The actual time may vary with the complexity of the
project, availability of staff, cooperation of agencies with jurisdiction or expertise, etc.;
however, pursuant to statutory requirements, the city shall complete all threshold
determinations within 90 days after receiving both an environmental checklist which is found
by staff to be complete and after receipt of a complete application for any associated actions.
Threshold determinations are aooealable as set forth in PTMC 19.04.280.
(Ord. ~ { 1, 1996; Ord. 2367 { 3, 1993).
19.04.120 Mitigated determination of nonsignificance (MDNS).
A. As provided in this section and in WAC 197-11-350, the responsible official may
issue a DNS based on conditions attached to the proposal by the responsible official or on
changes to or clarifications of the proposal made by the applicant.
B. An applicant may request in writing early notice of whether a DS is likely under
WAC 197-11-350. The request must:
1. Follow submission of a permit application and environmental checklist for a
nonexempt proposal for which the city is lead agency; and
2. Precede the city's threshold determination for the proposal.
C. The responsible official should respond to the request for early notice as soon as
possible after the time the department receives such a request. The response shall: 1. Be written;
2. State whether the city currently considers issuance of a DS likely and, if so,
indicate the areas of concern that are leading the city to consider a DS; and
3. State that the applicant may change or clarify the proposal to mitigate the
indicated impacts, revising the environmental checklist and/or permit application as necessary
to reflect the changes.
D. As much as possible, the city should assist the applicant with identification of
impacts to formulate mitigation measures.
E. When an applicant submits a changed or clarified proposal, along with a revised or
amended environmental checklist, the city shall base its threshold determination on the revised
proposal, unless the director deems the revised proposal to be a new application under PTMC
20 O1 llO(G~ and -'
alll~gl all al lllalA.llll[llll, WlLIIIII 7K/ ~glal~)/;~ allkK;;l I~4..,K>IIJL ~.Jl al IG¥11~K:4.I IJl~k/IJ~Y~all.
1. If the city indicated specific mitigation measures in its response to the request
for early notice, and the applicant revised the proposal to include those specific mitigation
measures, the city shall issue and circulate a DNS under WAC 197-11-340(2).
2. If the city indicated areas of concern, but did not indicate specific mitigation
measures that would allow it to issue a DNS, the city shall make the threshold determination,
issuing a DNS or DS as appropriate.
3. The applicant's proposed mitigation measures (clarifications, changes or
conditions) must be in writing, and must be specific, feasible and enforceable.
4. Mitigation measures which justify issuance of a mitigated DNS may be
incorporated in the DNS by reference to agency staff reports, studies or other documents.
F. A mitigated DNS is issued under WAC 197-11-340(2), requiring a 15-day comment
period and public notice.
G. Mitigation measures incorporated in the mitigated DNS shall be deemed conditions
of approval of the permit decision and may be enforced in the same manner as any term or
condition of the permit, or enforced in any manner specifically prescribed by the city.
H. If at any time the proposal (including associated mitigating measures) is
substantially changed, the responsible official shall reevaluate the threshold determination and,
if necessary, withdraw the DNS and issue a DS or new mitigated DNS, unless the director
deems the proposal to be a new application under PTMC 20.01.110(G). Any questions
regarding whether or not a change is substantial shall be determined by the responsible official.
I. The city's written response under subsection B of this section shall not be construed
as a determination of significance. In addition, preliminary discussion of clarifications or
changes to a proposal, as opposed to a written request for early notice, shall not bind the city
to consider the clarifications or changes in its threshold determination.
J. Posting of Conditions. The department shall prepare a list of all conditions placed on
13 Ord.
a proposal, threshold determination or permit and shall assure that the proponent posts such
conditions on the department's notice board in a conspicuous location on or near the subject
property in a waterproof sleeve. (Ord. ~ § 1, 1996; Ord. 2367 § 3, 1993).
Article IV. Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)
19.04.130 Adoption by reference.
This article contains the rules for preparing environmental impact statements. The city adopts
the following sections by reference, as supplemented by this article:
WAC
197-11-400
197-11-402
197-11-405
197-11-406
197-11-408
197-11-410
197-11-420
197-11-425
197-11-430
197-11-435
197-11-440
197-11-442
197-11-443
197-11-444
197-11-448
197-11-450
197-11-455
197-11-460
Purpose of EIS.
General requirements.
EIS types.
EIS timing.
Scoping.
Expanded scoping.
EIS preparation.
Style and size.
Format.
Cover letter or memo.
EIS contents.
Contents of EIS on nonproject proposals.
EIS contents when prior nonproject EIS.
Elements of the environment.
Relationship of EIS to other considerations.
Cost-benefit analysis.
Issuance of DEIS.
Issuance of FEIS.
(Ord. 2367 § 4, 1993).
19.04.140 EIS preparation - Additional considerations.
A. A draft environmental impact statement shall be completed within 365 days after
issuance of the Determination of Significance. Additional time may be allowed, with the
written concurrence of the applicant. All time rem. uired for the preparation and review of an
EIS shall be excluded from the 120-day deadline of Chapter 20.01 PTMC for Types I, II and
III projects.
BPr. Preparation of draft and final EISs (DEIS and FEIS) and draft and final
supplemental EISs (SEIS) is the responsibility of the responsible official. Before the city issues
an EIS, the responsible official shall be satisfied that it complies with this chapter and Chapter
14 Ord.,:,~ff',~4
197.11 WAC.
CB. 1. The draft and final EIS and draft or final SEIS shall be prepared either by the
city, the applicant or a consultant retained bY the applicant acting under direction and control
of the responsible official. If the responsible official requires an EIS or SEIS for a proposal
and determines that someone other than the city will prepare it, the responsible official shall
notify the applicant immediately after completion of the threshold determination. The
responsible official shall also notify the applicant of the city's procedure for EIS preparation
including approval of the DEIS and FEIS prior to distribution. Applicants shall participate in
the preparation of an EIS when written agreement is made between the city and applicant that
authorizes:
a. The applicant to prepare a draft and final EIS or SEIS;
b. The applicant to retain a consultant for the preparation of a draft and
final ElS or SEIS;
SEIS.
c. Joint preparation of a draft and final EIS or SEIS; or
d. Joint retention of a consultant to prepare a draft and final EIS or
2. For city proposals, the EIS shall be prepared by a consultant or by city staff.
3. In all cases above, the consultant(s) naehhod of preparation shall be selected
bv the city and "-
. ,,~ ~,~,,_,,, the method of EIS or SEIS .preparation. shall be
subject to the approval of the responsible official.
4. In the event the city and applicant determine the applicant will participate in
the preparation of an EIS or SEIS, written agreement shall be made immediately after
completion of the threshold determination or upon agreement by the city and applicant.
DE. In the event an EIS or SEIS is to be prepared by an applicant or a consultant, the
responsible official shall assure the EIS is prepared in a responsible' manner with appropriate
methodology and by individuals with sufficient technical training and experience, in the
judgment of the responsible official. The responsible official shall direct the areas of research
and examination to be undertaken, as well as the organization of the resulting document. The
responsible official shall also attempt to obtain any information needed by the party preparing
the EIS that is on file with another agency or federal agency. The responsible official shall
allow any private parties or retained consultants preparing any EIS or SEIS access to all public
records of the lead agency that are relevant to the subject matter of the EIS. Services rendered
by the director or other city staff shall be subject to collection of fees as described in Chapter
20.09 PTMC.
1~t9. In the event the responsible official or his or her designee is preparing an EIS or
SEIS, the responsible official may require an applicant to provide data and information that is
not in the possession of the city relevant to any or all areas to be covered by the EIS, including
specific investigation. However, the applicant is not required to supply information that is not
15 Ord,,~',ff'..~q'/
required under this chapter or that is being requested from another agency. (This does not
apply to information the city may request under another ordinance or statute.)
FE. EIS Scope. An environmental impact statement is required to analyze those
probable environmental impacts which are significant. Beneficial environmental impacts may
be discussed. The director shall consult with agencies, affected tribes and the public to identify
such impacts and limit the scope of an environmental impact statement in accordance with the
applicable sections of the SEPA rules and with procedures set forth in subsection F of this
section. The purpose of the scoping process is to narrow the scope of every EIS to the
probable significant adverse impacts and reasonable alternatives including mitigation measures.
_Cxl:*: Procedures for Scoping.
1. The director shall consult with agencies, affected tribes, and the public when
determining the scope of an environmental impact statement by any or all of the following
means. The specific method to be followed shall be determined on a proposal-by-proposal
basis by the director, but at a minimum, shall include subsection (a) below:
a. The director shall give notice that an EIS is to be prepared, which
notice shall provide that agencies, affected tribes and the public may submit written comments
on probable significant adverse impacts, reasonable alternatives, mitigation measures and
licenses or other approvals that may be required; comments must be submitted to the director
not later than 21 days from. the date of issuance of the determination of significance unless an
expanded scoping process is to be used under WAC 197-11-410. Such notice shall be given as
specified in PTMC 19.04.220. Additionally, notice may be sent to any individuals or
community groups known by the responsible official to have a possible interest in the
proposal. Notice of the intent to prepare an EIS and the opportunity for commenting on the
scope thereof may be sent with other public notices concerning the project.
b. The director may conduct a meeting to provide the opportunity for
oral comment on the scope of the EIS. Notice of such meeting shall be published in a
newspaper of general circulation at least seven days prior to the date of the meeting. The
scoping meeting may be combined with other meetings or hearings concerning the proposal.
c. The director may prepare or direct the EIS consultant to prepare a
scoping questionnaire or information packet for distribution to interested parties, affected
tribes and responsible public agencies for their response.
2. The appendix to the EIS shall include a summary of the issues raised during
the scoping process and whether those issues have or have not been determined significant for
analysis in the EIS. If a public meeting is held pursuant to this section, a tape of the meeting
or a transcript thereof shall be included in the director's official file on the proposal, except
that a tape or transcript is not required if an informal workshop is held. If an informal
workshop is held, a written summary of the workshop shall be prepared. All written comments
regarding the scope of the EIS shall be included in the proposal file.
3. The public and agency consultation process regarding the scope of the EIS
shall occur within 30 days after the determination of significance is issued, unless the director
and the proponent agree on a later date.
HO. Consideration of Alternatives Including the Proposed Action.
1. The EIS shall contain reasonable alternatives which could feasibly attain or
approximate a proposal's objectives, but at a lower environmental cost or decreased level of
environmental degradation.
a. The word "reasonable" is intended to limit the number and range of
alternatives, as well as the amount of detailed analysis for each alternative.
b. The "no-action" alternative shall be evaluated and compared to other
alternatives.
c. Reasonable alternatives may be those over which an agency with
jurisdiction has authority to control impacts directly, or indirectly through requirement of
mitigation measures.
2. When an EIS is prepared for a private proposal, the responsible official shall
be involved in the formulation of the alternatives to be considered, and must approve the
alternatives which are to be evaluated in the EIS.
3. The EIS shall devote sufficiently detailed analysis to each reasonable
alternative to permit a comparative evaluation of the alternatives including the proposed action.
The amount of space devoted to each alternative may vary. One alternative (including the
proposed action) may be used as a benchmark for comparing alternatives. The EIS may
indicate the main reasons for eliminating alternatives from detailed study.
(Ord. __ § 1, 1996; Ord. 2367 § 4, 1993).
19.04.150 Relationship of EIS to other considerations.
Pursuant to WAC 197-11-448 and 197-11-450, "socioeconomic" information is not required to
be discussed in an EIS. However, the responsible official has the option to reference or append
EISs with other documents, such as a cost-benefit analysis, or to include additional analysis in
EISs to assist in making decisions (WAC 197-11-440(0 and 197-11-640). The responsible
official should use the scoping process to help identify issues of concern to citizens. For the
purposes of SEPA review, cost-benefit analysis should not be used in the weighing of the
environmental merits and drawbacks of the various alternatives contained in an EIS. (Ord.
2367 § 4, 1993).
19.04.160 When environmental review has previously been completed.
If a proponent indicates the proposal or a substantially similar proposal has previously
complied with environmental review procedures, then documentation of this review must be
provided. For those proposals .modified since the DNS or FEIS was issued or not explicitly
covered in the prior environmental review, an environmental checklist must be submitted that
references earlier environmental documents where appropriate. Alternatively, a copy of, or
reference to, the prior environmental document with a cover letter identifying any changes or
revisions may be submitted. In the latter case, other additional information may be required at
the discretion of the responsible official. The responsible official shall determine whether a
new threshold determination is required and whether existing environmental documents are
adequate for the current proposal using the criteria of WAC 197-11-600. (Ord. 2367 § 4,
1993).
Article V. Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA)
19.04.170 Defined.
"Environmentally sensitive areas (ESA)" are those areas that are designated by the city under
Chapter 19.05 PTMC that may have severe limitations to development or where development
could severely impact the area. ESAs are designated and mapped in Chapter 19.05 PTMC and
the definitions, designations and mapping contained in that chapter are incorporated into this
chapter by reference. In designating and protecting environmentally sensitive areas, the city
shall use the best available science, consistent with RCW 36.70A. 172.
(Ord. § 1, 1996; Ord. 2367 § 5, 1993).
19.04.180 Environmentally sensitive area goals and policies.
The following goals and policies shall apply to all nonexempt proposals located within ESA
areas. Project approval shall be evaluated against these goals and policies, as well as those
listed in PTMC 19.04.260 and 19.04.270.
A. Goals.
1. To protect life and property from flooding, uneven settlement, landslides,
erosion and other disruptions that may be associated with environmentally sensitive areas;
2. To recognize the unique natural constraints and characteristics of sensitive
areas and to maintain or enhance the quality of such areas;
3. To avoid needless public and private costs from actions within
environmentally sensitive areas resulting in negative impacts such as damage to life and
property;
4. To promote public health, safety, and general welfare.
B. Policies. In addition to the city policies identified in PTMC 19.04.240, all
nonexempt projects located within an ESA shall be reviewed for compliance with the following
policies:
1. Proposed actions within environmentally sensitive areas should be managed
according to their compatibility with natural characteristics and constraints;
2. Property owners, prospective property owners, and the general public should
be informed about the potential hazards in environmentally sensitive areas;
3. The existing vegetative cover should be maintained on all project sites to the
greatest extent feasible. Where removal of Vegetation is necessary, a reasonable effort should
be made to replant vegetative cover, stabilize the soil and prevent erosion;
4. Site restoration should be provided if land surface modifications violate these
adopted policies or if construction does not ensue within a reasonable period of time;
5. All possible efforts should be made to ensure that land surface modifications
would not induce excessive erosion, destabilize adjacent lands or scar the landscape;
6. The use of cluster design, proper surface water drainage, and other mitigative
techniques should be used in an effort to avoid unsuitable lands and minimize hazards to life
and property;
7. The watershed boundaries of publicly owned water supply systems and
significant wetland areas should not be subjected to potential pollution sources; 8. The modification of wetland areas should be avoided;
9. Significant wildlife habitats designated as environmentally sensitive areas
should be protected from deleterious effects of proposed actions;
10. Special consideration for project design should be given in areas of ponding,
highly compressible soils or steep slopes;
11. In areas of former or active landslides and along slopes determined to be
unstable, no land modification or related activities should occur without a favorable geologic
investigation demonstrating that hazardous conditions do not exist or that mitigative techniques
can be used to ensure safety to life and property. The geologic investigation should be
prepared by a qualified soils engineer or engineering geologist. (Ord. 2367 § 5, 1993).
19.04.190 Environmentally sensitive area determination.
A. The responsible official shall determine whether a proposal is located in an ESA
using the maps process specified in Chapter 19.05 PTMC and cited in PTMC 19.04.160.
B. Site-specific information concerning soils, geology, hydrology and other relevant
data may be required of the applicant in making the determination. The applicant shall be
responsible for the accuracy and validity of the information submitted on their behalf. (Ord.
2367 § 5, 1993).
19.04.200 Categorically exempt determination.
An administrative review by the city shall determine if an action is categorically exempt from
SEPA if the proposed action is within an environmentally sensitive area. (Ord. 2367 § 5,
1993).
Article VI. Commenting
19.04.210 Adoption by reference.
This section contains rules for consulting, commenting and responding on all environmental
documents under SEPA, including rules for public notice and hearings. The city adopts the
following sections by reference, as supplemented in this article:
WAC
197-11-500
197-11-502
Purpose of this part.
Inviting comment.
'19 Ord.
197-11-504
197-11-508
197-11-535
197-11-545
197-11-550
197-11-560
197-11-570
Availability and cost of environmental documents.
SEPA register.
Public hearings and meetings.
Effect of no comment.
Specificity of comments.
FEIS response to comments.
Consulted agency costs to assist lead agency. (Ord. 2367 § 6, 1993).
19.04.220 Public notice.
~.IJIJII~,~iJ&IUII I~IUIIIII[ I. llli;; 1~1~ ~1 ~ LIIIGSIIOI~ ~Gg~IIIIIII~H~II~ ~1 ~H~IL L~ VY ~ 1 ~ I - 1 I-~
~DII~III~ ~III~IIUI~ ~IIIIIII~IUII~ ~1~ UII~ ~U~ UI ~1 ~III~VI~ UI ~U~III~, IlID ~IU~UII~II~ ~11~1
LIII ¢~lluId
o~c n aggn~auun f~.
LIIIU~IIUIU UUkUllllllldtlOll tO tllU UUpdltlllUllt, ~11 UUIIIIIIUIIL3 I~UIV~ 311~1 pIUVIU~ LU tllU
UUVUIUpIIIUIIt ~lllllt~ ~UIIUItlUIIa U~U ~lllllt~ UI IIUtI~U UI d pUllUlll[ ~Ulllllll3tldtlVU IUVlU~ 01
notice of a---'" ...... ' .......:--~ pursuant 1o "-- FTMC.
~UUII~ 11~1111[~ I~UII2 tllU
20 Ord.
A. Notice of Application Requirements for Types I, II and III Projects.
1. Notice of Application Rex!uirements for Type I Projects Subject to
SEPA. A Notice of Application, as set forth in Section 20.01.150 PTMC, shall not be
required for Type I project permits that are categorically exempt under SEPA, unless a public
comment period or an open record pre-decision hearing is required.
2. Notice of Application Requirements for Types II, and III Projects
Subject to SEPA. For Types II and III projects, notice of the SEPA _vending threshold
determination or the availability of the final environmental impact statement shall be provided
in conjunction with the Notice of Application as set forth in the public notice provisions of
Sections 20.01.150 through 180, PTMC. In addition, the Notice of Application shall be
mailed to the latest real pro_r~erty owners of record within 300 feet of the boundary, of the
property upon which the development is proposed. The applicant shall provide the list of
property owner(s) of record to BCD. The records of the Jefferson County assessor's office or
an adjacent property ownership list Prepared by a licensed title company shall be used for
determining property owner(s) of record. Addresses for a mailed notice required by this
section shall be obtained from the county's real property tax records. The BCD director shall
issue a sworn certificate affirming mailing of notice to all persons entitled to notice under this
section. All public notices shall be deemed to have been provided or received on the date the
notice is deposited in the mail or personally delivered, whichever occurs first.
t9 tl. '" ........ ' ......... ~' .......... '~' ...... Notice Reouirements for Threshold
UIG gUI 11111 IdLIUI 1 1 'q Ol 1 ~1~ 1111 IL,~gl lt~,G
Determination.
1. Timing of Threshold Determination.
a. The City may not issue a threshold determination for Types I, II or
III projects, except a determination of significance, until the expiration of the public comm¢llt
period on the Notice of Application.
b. Notice of the SEPA threshold environmental determination for
21 Ord.
nonprOject actions (Type ¥ actions) shall be provided in conjunction with notification of the
earliest hearing (e.g., planning commission).
2. Content of Notice/Comment Period. Whenever a DNS under WAC
197-11-340(2) or a DS under WAC 197-11-360(3) is issued, public notice shall be given by
the city as follows:
,.. in addition to the Nnotice of Application ~'-- a .&.~.,..,..~. ,,.,.,~,,.,,,,
detetm'timt~m, the city shall provide notice atatillgll'e 1Ju°n~---c': ..... nuu~¢:--la: ......l~'luil~'u:--a luff'-__ ~t iiOil~X~>iiipt
whether a DS, MDNS or DNS has b~n issu~ ~d
when comments ~e due. 5. ~e public comment ~fi~ for SEPA threshold determinations is
15 c~d~ days. ~e res~nsible offici~ may extend ~e comment ~fiod where a pro~
has b~n modifi~ subsmfi~ly or information has b~n misrepresent~ or withheld in the
ch~ist.
~ DNS and MDNS Notice Requirements. ~. Notice of the DNS7 or MDNS
or DS shall be given by publishing notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county,
city, or general area where the proposal is located. For those proposals listed in WAC 197-
11-360(2)(a), the responsible official shall send the DNS or MDNS and environmental
checklist to agencies with jurisdiction, the (lepartme~t of ecology, and affecte..{J tribes, and each
local agency or political subdivision whose public services would be changed as a result of
implementation of the proposal.
C. Additional Notice Requirements for a Determination of Significance,
1E. Scoping Procedure. Whenever a DS issued under WAC 197-11-360(3), the
scoping procedure for the proposal shall be stated in the DS as required in WAC 197-11-408
and in the public notice, and as further set forth in Section 19.04.140 of this chapter. If a
determination of significance has been made prior to or concurrently with the Notice of
Application, the scoping notice shall be combined with the Notice of Application; provided.
however, the responsible official may issue the scoping notice and the Determination of
Significance prior to the Notice of Application.
2. For project actions requiring the preparation of an EIS, the determination of
significance and scoping notice shall be mailed by first class mail to the applicant and property
owner (if different from the a.Dplican0. Those parties who have submitted written comments
on the project, excluding those who sign ~titions or mechanically provided form letters, shall
receive notice of the draft and final EISs.
3F. Notice of DEIS or SEIS Availability. Whenever a DEIS is issued under
WAC I97-11-455(5) or a SEIS under WAC 197-11-620, notice of the availability of those
documents shall be given by indicating the availability of the DEIS in any public notice
required for a nonexempt license or permit and using at least one of the following methods:
22 Ord.
a-l:. Posting the property, for site-specific proposals;
b~. Publishing notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the
county, city or general area where the proposal is located;
c~. Notifying public or private groups which have expressed interest in a
certain proposal or in the type of proposal being considered;
cl~. Notifying the news media;
trade journals;
~5. Placing notices in appropriate regional, neighborhood, ethnic Or
f6. Publishing notice in agency newsletters and/or sending notice to
agency mailing .lists;
official.
g~/. Any other reasonable method deemed appropriate by the responsible
I20. Integrated Notice and Permitting Procedures. Whenever possible, the city shall
integrate the public notice required under this section with existing notice procedures for the
city's nonexempt permit(s) or approval(s) required for the proposal, consistent with Chapter
ity" ..........
20.01 PTMC. ~,,,~ ......................... put,,,,, ~.~,,,,,,,~,,~t-~,,'-,-,,~-' for pr ac~s requking u[,,~A ....... c ,~.~,,~, perini~s Ul
Et-}. Cost of Notification for Additional Notices. For all notices not covered by the
permit application fees set forth in Chapter 20.09 PTMC, the city will require an the applicant
to complete the public notice requirements for the proposal at his or her expense.
(Ord. __ § 1, 1996; Ord. 2367 § 6, 1993).
19.04.230 Designated official to perform consulted agency responsibilities.
A. The city planning and biiildlng BCD director shall be responsible for preparation of
written comments for the city in response to a consultation request prior to a threshold
determination, participation in scoping and reviewing a DEIS.
B. The director shall be responsible for the city's compliance with WAC 197-11-550
whenever the city is a consulted agency and is authorized to develop operating procedures that
will ensure that responses to consultation requests are prepared in a timely fashion and include
data from all appropriate city departments.
(Ord. __ § _, 1996; Ord. 2367 § 6, 1993).
23 Ord. ~,.~-.~F_/"
19.04.240 Public hemqn~ ~ under WAC 197-11-535(2).
When a public hearirrg meeting is held under WAC 197-11-535(2), such hearing ~ shall
be heard before the responsible official. (Ord. __ § _, 1996; Ord. 2367 § 6, 1993).
Article VII. SEPA Decision Making Authority, Use of Existing Documents and Appeals
19.04.250 Adoption by reference.
This article contains rules and policies for SEPA's substantive authority, such as decisions to
mitigate or reject proposals as a result of SEPA. Rules for using and supplementing existing
environmental documents prepared under SEPA or the National Environmental Policy Act
(N-EPA) for the city's own environmental compliance are also described. This section also
describes procedures for appealing SEPA determinations to agencies or the courts. The city
adopts the following sections by reference:
WAC
197-11-600
197-11-610
197-11-620
197-11-625
197-11-630
197-11-635
197-11-640
197-11-650
197-11-655
197-11-660
197-11-680
(Ord. 2367 §
When to use existing environmental documents.
Use of NEPA documents.
Supplemental environmental impact statements - Procedures.
Addenda - Procedures.
Adoption - Procedures.
Incorporation by reference - Procedures.
Combining documents.
Purpose of this part.
Implementation.
Substantive authority and mitigation.
Appeals.
7, 1993).
19.04.260 Substantive authority.
A. The policies and goals set forth in this chapter are supplementary to those in the
existing authorization of the city.
B. The city may attach conditions to a permit or approval for a proposal so long as:
1. Such conditions are necessary to mitigate specific probable adverse
environmental impacts identified in environmental documents prepared pursuant to this
chapter; and
2. Such conditions are in writing; and
3. The mitigation measures included in such conditions are reasonable and
capable of being accomplished; and
4. The city has considered whether other local, state or federal mitigation
measures applied to the proposal are sufficient to mitigate the identified impacts; and
24 Ord.
5. Such conditions are based on one or more policies in subsection D of this
section and identified in writing in the license, permit or other decision document; or
6. Conditions not based on one or more policies in subsection D of this section
are voluntarily agreed upon by the proponent.
C. The city may deny a permit or approval for a proposal on the basis of SEPA so long
as:
1. A finding is made that approving the proposal would result in probable
significant adverse environmental impacts that are identified in a FEIS or final SEIS prepared
pursuant to this chapter; and
2. A finding is made that there are no reasonable mitigation measures capable of
being accomplished that are sufficient to mitigate the identified impact; and
3. The denial is based on one or more policies identified in subsection D of this
section and identified in writing in the decision document.
D. The city designates and adopts by reference the following policies as the basis for
the city's exercise of authority pursuant to this section:
1. The city shall use all practicable means, consistent with other essential
considerations of state policy, to improve and coordinate plans, functions, programs and
resources to the end that the state and its citizens may:
a. Fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the
environment for succeeding generations;
b. Assure for all people of Washington safe, healthful, productive and
aesthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings;
c. Attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without
degradation, risk to health or safety, or other undesirable and unintended consequences;
d. Preserve important historic, cultural and natural aspects of our
national heritage;
e. Maintain, wherever possible, an environment which supports diversity
and variety of individual choice;
f. Achieve a balance between population and resource use which will
permit high standards of living and a wide sharing of life's amenities; and
g. Enhance the quality of renewable resources and approach the
maximum attainable recycling of depletable resources.
2. The city recognizes that each person has a fundamental and inalienable right
to a healthful environment and that each person has a responsibility to contribute to the
preservation and enhancement of the environment.
3. The city adopts by reference the policies in the following city plans,
resolutions, ordinances, standards and codes as they now exist or may hereafter be amended:
thereto;
a. City comprehensive plan and any amendments adopted pursuant
b. City subdivision ordinance;
c. Port Townsend Shoreline Management Master Program;
d. City floodplain management ordinance;
e. City building code ordinance;
25 Ord...~.5'-30r
f. City road, traffic and circulation standards;
g. City zoning ordinance;
h. Port Townsend Urban Waterfront Plan;
i. Field Report by the National Trust for Historic Preservation on the
Water Street Historic District;
j. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and
Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings;
k. Port Townsend Streetscape Design Workbook (1987, adopted by
Ordinance 2143, 1989);
1. Port Townsend Environmentally Sensitive Areas Ordinance, adopted
as Chapter 19.05 PTMC;
m. Port Townsend Gateway Development Plan and Concept Plan;
n. All other city resolutions, ordinances, plans and guidelines effective
now or after the date of the ordinance codified in this chapter. (Ord. 2367 § 7, 1993).
19.04.270 Cumulative effects policy.
A. Policy Background.
1. There are over 11,000 platted lots, generally 50 by 100 feet, within the city.
These lots were platted 75 to 100 years ago without respect to topography, environmental
relationships or need for adequate provision of public urban services. Incremental development
of a single lot or other action which by itself does not create undue impacts on the environment
may create adverse impacts which require mitigation when combined with the cumulative
effects of previous, simultaneous or subsequent developments within a given area.
2. An individual project may have an adverse impact on the environment or
public facilities or services which, though acceptable in isolation, may be found to require
mitigation due to the project's impacts in combination with the effects of existing development
in the immediate area or given the probable development of subsequent projects with similar
impacts. Further, the individual project may directly induce other developments, due to a
causal relationship, which will adversely affect the environment.
3. Incremental property development often creates increased volumes and rates
of stormwater runoff which may cause property damage, safety hazards, nuisance problems
and water quality degradation. In drainage basins which are comprised of poor soils for
infiltration of stormwater, it is the city's policy to protect existing natural drainage corridors
and basins to the greatest extent feasible from adverse drainage impacts of new development.
B. The analysis of cumulative effects shall include a reasonable assessment of:
1. The present and planned capacity of such facilities as sewers, parks, schools,
streets, utilities, stormwater facilities and parking areas to serve the area affected by the
proposal;
2. The capacity of natural systems, such as air, water, light and land, to absorb
the direct and reasonable anticipated indirect impacts of the proposal;
3. Whether an action or project when considered together with prior,
simultaneous or known future development allowed under existing development regulations
26 Ord. ,:~,5",~-//
will create undue impacts on existing public facilities.
C. Until a comprehensive stormwater control ordinance is adopted, the following
cumulative effects procedures shall apply. In areas where existing facilities are inadequate to
accommodate the cumulative effects of additional storm runoffs as determined by the director
of public works in consideration with the director:
1. ^ drainage control plan shall accompany or be included with an
environmental checklist and/or request for any city action on a proposed project;
2. The drainage control plan shall examine the cumulative effect, as well as the
proportionate share, of the project's anticipated impact on the volume and rate of stormwater
discharge within the drainage basin containing the subject property;
3. Approval of the most suitable method of drainage control shall be made by
the city engineer or the public works department on a case-by-case basis;
4. The city, as a mitigation measure for probable cumulative stormwater
impacts, may require covenants running with the land giving the city an independent right to
recover a proportionate share of expenses for future regional stormwater facilities (within a
subject property's drainage basin) or for remedying deficient drainage systems related to the
subject property.
D. An action may be conditioned or denied to lessen or eliminate its cumulative effects
on the environment when, considered together with prior, simultaneous, induced or known
future development under established development regulations, it is determined that a project
will use more than its reasonable share of present and planned facilities, services or natural
systems. (Ord. 2367 § 7, 1993).
19.04.280 Appeals.
A. Appeal of a Threshold Determination for Types I and II Permits; Open Record
Hearing. The decision of the responsible official on Types I and II permits making a
threshold determination of nons nificance,
~,,, ,~pu,,~,~ u,,~,m approving a propos~ subj~t to Conditions, or denying a propos~ under
SEPA's subs~ntive authority may be appml~ to the city council for an open-r~ord punic
hinting, pursuit to S~tion 20.01.230(A)(2) and (B) ~MC. Any such appml must be
consolidat~ with the council decision on the underlying project. Any remands or r~uestS for
r~onsideration shall be govem~ by Sections 20.01.260 and 20.01.270 PTMC.
I~UU~ 1¢1~[111[ [U tllU ~U~U~y UI tllU
B. Appeal of Threshold Determination for Type III Projects; O~n and Closed
Record Hearing. The decision of the responsible official on Type III permits making a
threshold determination of nonsignificance, approving a proposal subject to conditions, or
denying a proposal under SEPA's substantive authority may be appealed. The open record
27 Ord..,~_~Fr/
public hearing on the SEPA appeal shall be before the planning commission, which shall
consider the appeal together with the decision on the project application in a single,
consolidated hearine as further set forth in Section 20.01.220 PTMC. If the planning
commission's decision on the SEPA decisi°n is appealed to the city council pursuant to
subsection K(5) below, the closed record hearing on the SEPA ar)peal shall be before the city
council pursuant to Section 20.01.230 PTMC. Any remands or requests for reconsideration
shall be governed by Sections 20.01.260 and 20.01.270 PTMC.
C. Ap?-.als of Threshold Determinations for Type ¥ Actions. The decision of the
responsible official on Type ¥ actions may be ap!~aled by the same process as for Type III
permit appeals.
D. Limitations on Appeals for All Types of Permits. When a threshold
determination results in a determination of significance (DS) it shall not be appealable. In
addition, issues relating to the adequacy of the EIS and other procedural issues may not be
appealed under this section.
EE. Who May Appeal. Any person..ss-*v~' .... J b-y a "L,,~,~,,,,,,~'--' ~ An ~oplic~t or other
p~y of r~ord who may be aggfiev~ by the responsible official's determination may app~
the d~ision as provid~ in this s~tion; provide, however, a ~rson may app~ only if they
have previously fil~ written comments to either the pending or threshold determination or on
the under v n oro ~t. If no WlittDlt ~Ulillll~ll[a llaVC O~li I~¢IV~ UII a tlllUallOlU
~[~,,,~,,~[,~,,, ,,,,~ ,~ no ~vv~ ~,~ The term "aggdev~ pa~y" shall have the m~ing set
fo~h in Section 20.01.010 PTMC.
tgF. Time to Appeal Administrative Decision. A written statement appealing the
threshold determination of the responsible official must be filed with the -' .... ' .... o.,,~-' ,___,, _,,4__
~l~tiiilll Is U UIIUII Is
BCD department within 15 calendar days of the date of publication of the threshold
determination or, if there is a 15-day comment period under WAC 197-11-340, by 5 4:00
p.m. of the last day of the comment period, except that the appel period shall be 21 calendar
days if a SEPA Determination of Nonsignificance is issued concurrently with and as part of the
permit decision. When the last day of the appeal period so computed is a Saturday, Sunday or
legal holiday, the comment period shall run to 5:0t3-prmwon the next business day. T-he-app~
i~,lllJ, ll111Wilt, Ills "111%.1 ;~lllJ. lI ~l~ClJ. ly lUK;;lltll.~ ~;;IJ.t,.~ll KZ;IK>IIIK>IIL UI LIIU LIIIU~,IIUI~{- Ul~;i.l~lllllllamtlUll Uti;;llls
appmtcd:. The notice of appeal shall be deliVered to BCD by mail or personal delivery, and
must be received by 4:00 p.m. on the last business day of the appeal period, with the required
ar)veal fee.
FG. Form of Appeal. A person or group aPpealing the decision of the responsible
official shall submit the following to the department:
1. The decision being appealed and a brief statement indicating the facts that
establish the appellant's right to appeal;
28 Ord.
2. A brief statement identifying specific objections to the decision being
appealed or identifying specific errors in fact or conclusion. The appellant shall bear the
burden of proving the decision was Wrong;
3. The request~~....--"-" .,,.." ..... L.~ .... ,~.,,~a...'-' ...... o~..~: ........ -'~,t,~-,~'-~ desired outcome or
changes to the decision;
4. The fc.~ us va.u Off aa .atauzsa.cu uy t.m ~,aiJ[cz,
and address of the appellant and his/her interest in the matter;
appeal; and
5. Any other information reasonably necessary to make a decision on the
6. The app~ fee.
EH. Cost of Appeal. The cost of an appeal of the director's decision shall be in the
amount set forth in Chapter 3.3(, 20.09 PTMC.
t51. Notice. Notice of all appeals shall be mailed to all parties of record not less than
10 days prior to the date of the public meeting ~ to consider the appeal.
J. Scope of Review for Type II Projects. The scope of review by the city council
on Type II project SEPA appeals shall be the same as set forth in Section K(l?(3) below.
The council shall take action and make findings consistent with Section 20.01.230 PTMC.
HK. Scope of Review for Type III Projects.
1. Planning' commission review shall be consolidated with any public
hearings related to the underlying permit action. Planning commission Council review shall be
limited to the following issues related to compliance with the city's substantive SEPA policies
pursuant to PTMC 19.04.240:
29 Ord.
la. Issues of council intent with respect to interpretation of the
substantive SEPA policies;
~h. Issues raised concerning the sufficiency and the appropriateneSs of
the mitigation imposed; and
3c. The appropriateness of denial or approval of a proposal based on .the
substantive SEPA POlicies.
2. In making its recommendation to the city council, the planning
commission shall give deference to and afford substantial weight to the decision of the
responsible official.
53. The council's planning commission's revieTM shall be on a de novo basis.
tllU lull UU~IIUII IIIRY 1115¢ ~ltU YI31L~.
4. The planning commission shall recommend that the council affirm,
modify or reverse the responsible official's decision, and shall enter findings and/or
conclusions into the record to support the recommendation.
5. City council review. Any applicant or party of record dissatisfied with
the planning commission's recommendation must appeal the recommendation to the city
cOuncil, in the form sp~ified in subsection E above. In the event of such an appeal, the
council shall review the commission's recommendation, together with the commission's
recommendation on the underlying permitting actiOn. Council review shall be based upon the
record develo~cl before the planning commission and shall be on a de novo basis. The city
council shall take action consistent With Section 20.01.230 PTMC.
L. Judicial Appeals. Pursuant to RCW 43.21C.075, if there is a time period for
appealing the underlying permit action, ap?~als under this chapter shall be commenced within
such time period. The city shall give official notice stating the date and place for commencing
an appeal. For all decisions covered by the Land Use Petition Act, 36.70C RCW, this time
~r~riod shall be 21 days from the issuance of the land use decision, as defined by
36.70C.040(4~. ~"- - -: .... ,:_,, _: .... ,,~ _,_, · _, ....... ~ ,,., ,, ,~o,, ___, .......... · _.
. .
t~tl. Optional limitation period. If there is no time ~r~riod for ~_r~aling the
underlying government action, the city, applicant for or proponent of an action may publish
use a notice of action pursuant to RCW 43.21C.075 and 43.21C.080 ~. The
notice shall describe the action and state a time limitation for commencing a challenge to that
30 Ord. ~,5~/
action. The form of the notice shall be substantially in the form provided in WAC 197-11-990.
The notice shall be published by the department, applicant or proponent pursuant to RCW
43.21C.080, and any action to set aside, enjoin review or otherwise challenge any such
governmental action or subsequent governmental action for which a notice of action is filed
and published under this seCtion shall be commenced within 21 days from the date of the last
newspaper publication of the notice pursuant to RCW 43.21C.080.
NM. Exemption. This section does not apply to decisions made pursuant to Chapter
90.58 RCW, the Shoreline Management Act. Appeals of SEPA mitigation measures
pertaining to projects subject to Chapter 90.58 RCW shall be made to the shoreline hearings
board along with appeal of the city's shoreline decision.
(Ord. __ § 1, 1996; Ord. 2431 § 5, 1994; Ord. 2367 § 7, 1993).
Article VIII. Fees, Violations, Penalties and Severability
19.04.290 Fees.
The city shall require ~ fees for its activities in accordance with the provisions of
this chapter and Chapter 3.36 20.09 PTMC.
/-1. llllU~llUl[l lYUtUlllllllCttlUll, I'UI UVUly UllVllOlllllUlltCtl k~llF&Ml~g LII~ ~ILy Will 11~1~
~ ~ P~,IC ~ ...... ' ............................ ' ............ ~-~-'-'-- ~--'- '~ ........
............................ iods .......................... ~ ......... ' ......................
~ll~l IIU[ UU[III [U lull ~ilgll ~d~lliUiig UI 1~, I'UI ~i~ ~Ui}i~IUA IUVlS~ I~UIIIII[ ~11 UlliU Iii
........ ~ '~ ~ ...... '-- -' ................... ' ..... '-- f~ ~-- th - ~ ~'~ ..... '
I~UIIIII[ ~i ~lO ~1~ tll~IU~II~IUI~ UIII~IaI ~G[GIIIIIIIG~ LII~L LII~~10 ~iifll OU ~1~ U~
· UII ~Ll~ WILIi
UUIIU} ~U LIIU UIL~ gllUl LU UUIIIIIIUIIUIII~ WUi[, illU ~IL~ Will IUIUIIU LIIU [i~[~3j 11 dll~j dL LIIU
.111111151~1~ ~dy O15 5AU5~ UUIUIU WUI~ UII tll~ ~IUJ~L Will UUIILIIIUU, 11 d ~IU~U3~ 1~ IIIUUIII~
--" ........ ~ '- longer .....'--- '" .......... '~' - -~-:-' -~-" ~-~ .... ' ....~ ....."--'~
~U [ll~t ~1 BiO l~ n0 i~Ull~? tllU ic3~uii31Ul~ UlllSl~ 311~1 iClUllU ~1~ 1~3 ~Ull~t
overbid, m-e p~d.
31 Ord.
UUtUilillii~ tli~t ~1 ~iO 1~ 1~11~m ~liU d~ll~i~ ~11~1 ~1 IIIIU~ UI ~JUU.~ IUI
5 Fo '~- p ~o~ -~ "-'- ' ........ ' ............ ' ' pact ............ '--"
esfin~at~ cos;ux ...... u,. ~$agx~ ..... u~. ~--uy thc~xty-"-- ~id ...... t,,~ ~pp..~,[," ......... ~u~,,~ .~oaa a,,m. o~ p~d
tU Uib ~lt~ U~ tlIU ~11~1~ ~IIUI [U ~UII~IIIU$ ~1~111[ ~IU/UI 1111~ ~k~lUll U~ tllU ~1~,
~lld~tUlm ~IU IUI 111~1111[ [llU UU~UIIIUII~ 111 ~ III~IIIUI ~IUVIU$ U~ Ulld~tUl ~, I I ~U 1~.
(Ord. __ } 1, 1996; Ord. 2367 } 8, 1993).
19.04.300 Violations and penalties.
A. Director's Authority. Whenever the director, or his or her designee ("director"),
determines that a condition exists in violation of this chapter or any standard required to be
adhered to by this chapter, or in violation of any permit issued hereunder, he or she is -
authorized to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
B. Chapter 20.10 Applicable. All violations of any provision of this chapter or
incorporated standards, or of any permit issued hereunder, are made subject to the provisions
of Chapter 20.10 PTMC. The director is authorized to order correction and discontinuance of
any violative condition of the provisions of this chapter under the procedures of Chapter 20.10
PTMC, which provide for voluntary correction orders, formal notice and orders to correct the
violation, abatement orders, stop work and emergency orders and assessment of civil penalties.
C. Order to Cease Violation. Whenever any such violative condition is found, pending
commencement and completion of the voluntary correction and/or notice and order procedures
'of Chapter 20.10 PTMC, the director may order the cessation of activity causing the violative
condition by notice in writing served on or mailed to the person(s) engaged in or causing such
condition. The effect of such order shall be to require immediate cessation of any activity
causing the violative condition. Such order shall not be affected by any right of appeal
afforded by this or any other code provision.
D. Public Nuisance. All violations of this chapter and standards required thereby, are
determined to be detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare and are public nuisances.
All conditions which are determined by the director to be in violation of this chapter or
standards required thereby, shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter and shall be
corrected by any reasonable and lawful means, as further set forth in Chapter 20.10.
3 2 Ord.
E. Alternative Remedies. As an alternative to any other judicial or administrative
remedy provided in this chapter or by law or other ordinance, any person who willfully or
knowingly violates or fails to comply with any stop work order or emergency order, issued
pursuant to Chapter 20.10 PTMC is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be
punished as provided in Section 20.10.060, PTMC. Each day such violation or failure to
comply continues shall be considered an additional misdemeanor offense.
(Ord. 2512 § 1, 1996; Ord. 2370 § 1, 1993; Ord. 2367 § 8, 1993).
Section 2. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section or part of this chapter
or the application thereof to any person or circumstances shall be adjudged by any court of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such order or judgment shall be confined in its operation
to the controversy in which it was rendered and shall not affect or invalidate the remainder of
any part thereof to any other person or circumstances and to this end the provisions of each
clause, sentence, paragraph, section or part of this law are hereby declared to be severable.
This ordinance shall take effect and be in force five days after the date of its publication in
the manner provided by law.
Read for the first, second, and third times and passed by the City Council of the City of
Port Townsend, Washington, at a regular meeting thereof, held this 17th day of June, 1996.
Juli , Mayor
Attest: /
/
V-era FrailS, Acting City Cle~_J~
06/13/gf~4.~17~nviron. CA{} ORD{CH19-04.doc}
33 Ord.