A. Critical Areas Maps. The general locations of many critical areas in Anacortes are displayed on the city of Anacortes’ critical areas maps. The maps are used to alert the public of the potential location of critical areas in Anacortes. As new environmental information related to critical areas becomes available, the city is authorized to make changes as necessary to the critical areas maps. The city Geographic Information Systems office must maintain an interactive, publicly available online map containing the location of known and potential critical areas and must make PDF maps available to the public upon request.

B. Actual Site Conditions. Regardless of whether a critical area is shown on the critical areas map, the actual presence or absence of the features defined in this code as critical areas will govern. Prior to acting on any development permit the city may require an applicant to submit technical information to indicate whether critical areas actually exist on or adjacent to the applicant’s site based on the definitions of critical areas in this code. This will be administered as a critical area identification form (AMC 19.70.110) included with appropriate permit forms.

C. Classification and Rating. To promote consistent application of the standards and requirements of this chapter, critical areas within the city will be rated or classified using best available science according to their characteristics, function and value, and/or their sensitivity to disturbance.