Critical Areas Ordinance Update
The City of Medina is updating our Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO). Development regulations under the CAO will be reviewed and updated to protect the functions and values of critical areas, and to maintain public safety. Critical areas in Medina include:
- Wetlands
- Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas
- Geologically hazardous areas
Critical Areas are regulated under Medina Municipal Code MMC 16.50 and are located throughout the City.
What is the purpose of the CAO update? Under Washington State Law, all counties and cities are required to conduct a periodic review and update their critical areas regulations (RCW 36.70A.130). The Development Services department is updating the City of Medina’s Critical Areas Ordinance, as a part of implementing the Medina Comprehensive Plan, and as required by the Washington State Growth Management Act. This periodic update gives the City an opportunity to review current scientific information on critical areas to support effective protection of critical areas in the City. The last CAO update was completed in 2016. Adoption of this CAO update is anticipated in January 2026.
Stay connected! You can stay up to date on the project on the city webpage (coming soon), where you can follow the project to adoption. This includes the opportunity to sign up for updates, provide feedback and public comments, view the project timeline, access project materials and documentation, and learn more about the Medina Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO).
