17.25.020 Purpose – Goals – Policies.
Purpose: It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public, health, safety, and general welfare in areas associated with specific resource lands and critical areas. It is further intended to promote the conservation of resource lands and promote the enhancement and preservation of critical areas by avoiding or minimizing adverse impacts from construction and development. This ordinance shall also comply with the State of Washington Growth Management Act through the classification and designation of resource lands and critical areas and the development and implementation of regulations to conserve resource lands and protect critical areas in the public's interest and welfare. It is not the intent of this ordinance to deny a reasonable use of private property, but to assure that development on or near resource lands or critical areas is accomplished in a manner that is environmentally sensitive to the resources of the community.
Goals: Preserve and protect the functions and values of the area's natural features and maintain a harmonious relationship between the man-made community and the natural environment.
Policies:
1. Designate critical areas and resource lands.
2. Coordinate conservation strategies and efforts with appropriate state, federal, and private agencies to take advantage of technical and financial assistance while avoiding duplication of efforts.
3. Regulate development within critical areas and/or buffers to ensure public safety, reduce financial impacts, and protect critical areas.
4. Allow for open space and recreational use of critical areas where such use does not negatively impact the critical areas.