Environmentally Critical Areas Exemptions

What Is It?

We restrict development in environmentally critical areas (ECAs). ECAs may include:

• Landslide-prone areas (including steep slopes and potential and known landslide areas)
• Peat-settlement-prone areas (sites containing peat and organic soils that may settle when the area is developed or the water table is lowered)
• Liquefaction-prone areas (sites with loose, saturated soil that lose the strength needed to support a building during earthquakes)
• Abandoned landfills
• Flood-prone areas
• Wetlands
• Riparian corridors (a river, stream, or body of water and the land within 100 feet on each side)
• Fish and wildlife habitat

• Use our map to see which ECAs may be on your site

In some cases, we will give you an exemption from the ECA regulations for your development. The types of projects that may qualify for an ECA exemption are:

• Routine repair and maintenance of your buildings
• Stabilizing an emergency situation so that you have time to obtain a permit
• Project work is far enough away from an ECA that it doesn't impact the ECA

• Tip 327A, Environmentally Critical Areas Exemptions, Relief from Prohibition on Steep Slope Development, and Modifications to Submittal Requirements

How Much Does It Cost?

The fee for your ECA exemption application is based on the how long it takes us to complete the review.

• We charge an hourly rate to review your application
• You must pay for one half hour of review when you submit your application for an ECA exemption
• You pay the remaining review fee before receiving our ECA exemption decision

• Fee Subtitle

How Long Does It Take?

We try to finish the review of your ECA exemption application within 2 weeks.

Steps to Get an Exemption

You must receive an ECA Exemption decision from us before you apply for a building permit or master use permit. Your exemption application must be part of a specific project.

1. Attend a coaching session. We recommend that you contact our staff before you submit your exemption request. Video coaching is available through the Applicant Service Center.
2. Start your application. Begin your preliminary application and request your exemption or relief online through your Project Portal using the “Request an Exemption” link on the left side. You will need to upload a site plan and any documents you have to support your application. Examples of supporting documents include a geotechnical report, topographic survey, historical street grade profiles, and photographs.
3. Schedule a pre-application site visit. You'll receive an email once we have added the pre-application site visit (PASV) fees to your project. (Most projects require a PASV.) After you have paid the fee, we will perform the inspection. Your preliminary application materials will be sent to other departments for their review and comment as part of this process.
4. Submit additional information. As we review your application, we may ask for additional information.