19.70.630 Critical area report additional requirements

19.70.630 Critical area report additional requirements.

A. Additional Report Contents for FFAs. In addition to the minimum report contents required per AMC 19.70.115, Critical area report, FFA reports must also include the applicable information outlined in this section.

B. Minimum Report Contents. A critical area report must include a habitat assessment prepared in accordance with Regional Guidance for Floodplain Habitat Assessment and Mitigation (FEMA Region X, 2013), or as hereafter amended. The assessment must determine if the project would adversely affect:

1. The primary constituent elements identified when a species is listed as threatened or endangered;

2. Essential fish habitat designated by the National Marine Fisheries Service;

3. Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas;

4. Vegetation communities and habitat structures;

5. Water quality;

6. Water quantity, including flood and low flow depths, volumes and velocities;

7. The channel’s natural planform pattern and migration processes;

8. Spawning substrate, if applicable; and/or

9. Floodplain refugia, if applicable.

C. If the assessment concludes that the activity is expected to have an adverse effect on water quality and/or aquatic or riparian habitat or habitat functions, the project must be designed in a way to offset those impacts. Project mitigation will not be permitted in accordance with Regional Guidance for Floodplain Habitat Assessment and Mitigation, FEMA Region X, 2013.

D. The following activities do not require completion of a habitat assessment:

1. Repair of existing building in its existing footprint, including damage by fire or other casualties unless the repair constitutes substantial improvement or is necessitated by substantial damage;

2. Removal of noxious weeds;

3. Replacement of nonnative vegetation with native vegetation;

4. Ongoing activities such as lawn and garden maintenance;

5. Removal of hazard trees;

6. Normal maintenance of public utilities and facilities;

7. Restoration or enhancement of floodplains, riparian areas and streams that meets federal and state standards. (Ord. 3064 § 2 (Att. A), 2021)