Critical Area Reports

When a development proposal occurs near wetlands, lakes, wildlife habitat or streams, an applicant may be asked to provide additional information with the permit application in order to enable DDES staff to better assess potential impacts the development might have on these critical areas. Reports commonly requested are a Wetland Delineation Report and/or a Stream Survey Report.

In addition, some development proposals may encroach into the stream or wetland or buffer. If this occurs, a Critical Area Mitigation Plan will be required. For small projects, typically on single-family residential lots involving less than 1,000 square feet of buffer enhancement, a Basic Restoration and Enhancement Plan may be required. These mitigation and enhancement plans are also used when there has been unpermitted activity, such as clearing and grading, in a critical area or buffer to help get the property owner back into compliance with code and the critical area better protected.

The following report guidelines are available to assist in preparing these reports:

• Wetland Delineation Report Criteria -- The purpose of a wetland delineation report is to convey an objective, factual picture of the extent and location of wetlands at a given site.
• Critical Area Mitigation Guidelines -- Every mitigation must be based on an approved plan. This document specifies site plan requirements, report requirements and design requirements for compensatory mitigation plans for wetlands, streams, or buffers. In addition, this document contains reference materials and worksheets for assessing impacts and estimating mitigation bond requirements.
• Basic Restoration and Enhancement Guidelines -- This document is intended to assist property owners in the restoration or enhancement of critical areas and their buffers. They include instructions on how to determine the number and types of plants to use, how to prepare a basic planting plan, and how to monitor and maintain the project.
• Stream Survey Report Criteria -- This document is not currently available in electronic format. It can be obtained by contacting Trudy Hintz at 206-296-7273 or by e-mail at trudy.hintz@metrokc.gov. These guidelines address the appropriate scope and methods of stream and fisheries studies, and recommend three progressive levels of detail based on stream system classification and fish utilization.