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In addition to the general provisions of this chapter and the requirements of the underlying zone, the following minimum standards shall apply to development activities within and adjacent to fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas:

(1) Critical area reports for fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas shall include a habitat assessment to evaluate the presence or absence of a potential critical species or habitat;

(2) The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife priority habitat and species management recommendations shall be consulted in developing specific measures to protect a specific project site;

(3) All projects shall comply with the applicable federal, state and local regulations regarding the species and habitats identified to be upon a site;

(4) Establishment of Buffers. When needed to protect the functions and values of habitat conservation areas, the administrator shall require the establishment of buffer areas for activities in or adjacent to such areas. Buffers shall consist of an undisturbed area of native vegetation, or areas identified for restoration. Buffer widths shall reflect the sensitivity of the habitat and the intensity of activity proposed, and shall be consistent with the management recommendations issued by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife;

(5) As determined through the site-specific study, mitigation measures shall be implemented that maintain the base line populations and reproduction rates for the particular species; and

(6) As determined through the site-specific study, appropriate habitat conservation, management and monitoring plan(s) shall be developed and implemented, with any necessary surety to ensure compliance with such plan(s) being provided as described in this chapter.

(7) Any approved alteration or development shall be required to minimize impacts to native vegetation. Where disturbance is unavoidable, the applicant shall restore the area to the extent possible using native plants appropriate to the site. New plantings shall be monitored and maintained in good growing condition and kept free of invasive weeds until well established upon the site.

(8) Subdivision of lands, including both short and long plats, within habitat conservation areas shall be subject to the following:

(a) Uplands.

(i) Lot sizes shall conform to the underlying zone. Variances for smaller lots shall not be considered unless a habitat assessment is provided by applicant and a determination that subdivision will not negatively affect habitat quality can be determined.

(ii) Long plats located in upland habitat areas must reserve ample core habitat and connectivity designated as open space on the plat. Open space must connect adjacent habitat areas outside the project area. Open space must be landscaped and managed in a manner that protects the habitat area for the priority species.

(iii) Cumulative impacts to habitat fragmentation in uplands from consecutive short plats must be considered prior to approval of the subdivision.

(b) Riparian. Refer to shoreline master program. (Ord. 563 § 1, 2019; Ord. 367 § 2, 2005)