Critical Area Ordinance (CAO) Update

Critical Area Ordinance Draft ready for review

Critical Area Ordinance Draft V1

Critical Area Ordinance Draft V2

Critical Area Ordinance Draft V3

The City is updating its Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) – Chapter 11.06 of Kent City Code – in accordance with state law and best available science. This update ensures that our natural resource protections reflect current ecological knowledge, legal requirements, and community values.

Critical areas include: wetlands, streams and shoreline buffers, critical aquifer recharge areas, geologically hazardous areas, and fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas.

Project Materials:

• Summary of Proposed Changes
• Memo from ESA: GAP Analysis (8/8/25)
• Memo from ESA: Proposed Waterbody Buffer Width Alignment with Best Available Science (2/3/26)
• Agency Comment Response Matrix
• Comments Received
  • Washington Department of Natural Resources - Washington Geological Survey (11/14/25)
  • Department of Ecology - Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program (12/12/25)
  • Department of Fish and Wildlife (12/18/25)
  • Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (1/26/26)
• SEPA Determination
• SEPA Checklist

Meetings:

• February 9, 2026 Land Use and Planning Board Hearing
• January 26, 2026 Land Use and Planning Board Meeting
• December 8, 2025 Land Use and Planning Board Meeting
• November 5, 2025 Land Use and Planning Board Meeting
• October 21, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting
• September 22, 2025 Land Use and Planning Board Meeting
• August 19, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting
• August 11, 2025 Land Use and Planning Board Meeting

The City encourages community participation. Key opportunities to get involved include:

• Written communication emailed to futurekent@kentwa.gov or mailed to ECD Long Range Planning, 400 West Gowe, Kent, WA 98032
• Written and verbal testimony: Land Use and Planning Board hearing February 9, 2026 at 6:00 pm