Community Open House - Critical Areas Ordinance Update 2025
Critical Areas - Introduction
Washington State is mandating a periodic update of our existing Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO). The state identifies five types of critical areas that must be designated and protected:
• Wetlands
• Critical aquifer recharge areas
• Frequently flooded areas
• Geologically hazardous areas
• Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas
Within Medina common critical areas include wetlands, geologically hazardous areas, and fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas. The most common critical area type that is part of Medina development permit applications involve “steep slope” geologically hazardous areas. The CAO update will involve a change in how our existing stream buffers are to be managed. A view of our streams as Riparian Ecosystems, and a new Riparian Management Zone (RMZ) is a mandate we will have to adopt.
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Please join us for a Community Open House to learn more about critical areas and the update process! Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 6 – 8 PM at City Hall. Attend in person or online using link below:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://medina-wa.zoom.us/j/84571745848?pwd=996kde9r78nT6Y1fD1nfXDAZ2oaxmv.1
Meeting ID: 845 7174 5848
Passcode: 840331
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Meeting ID: 845 7174 5848
Passcode: 840331
Find your local number: https://medina-wa.zoom.us/u/kdu1MXuzJh
For more information, contact: Steven Wilcox, Director of Development Services at above right side of this page.
