In 1995 the GMA was amended to require counties and cities to include the best available science in developing policies and development regulations to protect the functions and values of critical areas.  All counties and cities in the state are required to review, evaluate, and, if necessary, revise their critical areas ordinances according to a schedule established by the state Legislature and approved by the Governor in 2002. Local governments can use information from the list below in developing their GMA Update.

July 1, 2007  - New Small Communities Critical Areas Ordinance Implementation Guidebook - A new technical assistance tool to assist small communities implement their Critical Areas Ordinances (CAO).  This document recommends simple procedures and includes references to sources of information, descriptions of permitting processes, examples of common permitting scenarios, and some useful checklists and public information brochures that can be customized for use in small communities.

A CD version is available that includes the Appendices in Word format to allow for changes to make the forms applicable to specific communities.  To request a copy of the CD mailed to you please contact Cynthia Ritchey.   These files are available below.  The Guidebook is in .pdf format and the Appendices C-F are in MSWord format to allow for editing to fit your community's needs.

Contact Information:  Doug Peters, Senior Planner, Telephone: 360.725.3046, Email:  Doug Peters at CTED

Small Communities Critical Areas Ordinance Implementation Guidebook,  July 1, 2007  

Small Communities CAO - Appendix A - State Agency Contact Information
Small Communities CAO - Appendix B - Flow Chart of Critical Areas Ordinance Process
Small Communities CAO - Appendix C - Critical Areas Checklist
Small Communities CAO - Appendix D - Information Sheet Handout (Examples: Wetlands, Streams, Buffers, Setbacks, Geologically Hazardous Areas)
Small Communities CAO - Appendix E - Critical Areas Report Checklist: General Requirements
Small Communities CAO - Appendix F - Monitoring Report Checklist

Critical Areas Handbook & Appendices

Critical Areas Assistance Handbook: Protecting Critical Areas Within the Framework of the Washington Growth Management Act, 2003 - to help Washington Communities design locally appropriate programs for designating and protecting Critical Areas.

View Critical Areas Assistance Handbook sections:

• Critical Areas Assistance Handbook
• Appendix A
• Appendix B
• Appendix C
• Appendix D
• Appendix E
• Appendix F
• Appendix G
• Appendix H
• Appendix I
• Appendix J
• Findings of Fact

Link to Questions and Answers on SSB 5248 - Preserving the viability of agricultural lands, August 2007

Local Critical Areas Examples

• Bremerton
• Cashmere
• Cheney
• Clark Co
• Edgewood
• La Center
• Shelton

Shoreline Master Program Guidelines (WAC 173-26)

• Download formatted version of SMP Guidelines (PDF file)
• Code Revisers Office version of new SMP Guidelines (includes Parts I, II, III and IV)
• Supporting documents (Responsiveness Summary, EIS, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Small Business Economic Impact Statement)
• Guidance on SMP development
• Questions and Answers on ESHB 1933: Critical area protection under the Growth Management Act and Shoreline Management Act
• On July 31, 2008 the State Supreme Court issued opinions interpreting ESHB 1933 - majority opinion and dissent.
• ESHB 1933: 2003 Legislature amendments to SMA and GMA

Department of Ecology Shoreline Management site

UW River history project - fluvial geomorphology for Puget Sound