Environmentally Critical Areas Update - What & Why

What's Happening Now? 

The City of Seattle is updating its critical areas code.

Streams, wetlands, and landslide hazard areas are just a few of the environmentally critical areas (ECAs) that occur in Seattle. The Growth Management Act (GMA) requires all cities and counties in Washington to adopt development rules that protect critical areas. These rules help to preserve the natural environment, maintain fish and wildlife habitat, and protect resources like drinking water. Protecting critical areas also helps reduce exposure to risks, such as landslides or flooding. The City must regulate these areas using the best available scientific information. 

Seattle’s last major update of the environmentally critical areas code was in 2017. Since then, there have been scientific advances in how to protect streams.

We will use the best available science to protect streams, support development while maintaining environmental protections, and improve clarity and consistency. We will comply with updated requirements from the Washington departments of ecology, commerce, and fish and wildlife.

Project Benefits

Updating our ECA policies and rules to include current best available science will improve their effectiveness. As a result, we can better protect our environmentally critical areas and manage development in hazardous areas. We can also enhance the urban environment by protecting wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, riparian corridors, and other ecological resources. The health of these areas is an important indicator of the overall health and well-being of our city. 

The End Result

Our updated ECA policies and regulations continue to comply with the Growth Management Act and include current best available science.