Environment & Sustainability | Environmentally Critical Areas
iii. A habitat conservation area may be altered only if the proposed alteration of the habitat or the mitigation proposed does not reduce the quantitative and qualitative functions and values of the habitat, except in accordance with this chapter. iv. In addition to the provisions of SDC 21.03.020G., removal of any native vegetation or woody debris from the habitat conservation area may be allowed only as part of an approved habitat management plan, critical areas study, and/or alteration plan. v. Low impact uses and development activities which are consistent with the purpose and function of the habitat conservation area and do not detract from its integrity may be permitted within the conservation area depending on the sensitivity of the habitat area. Examples of uses and development activities which may be permitted in appropriate cases include trails that are pervious, viewing platforms, storm water management facilities such as grass-lined swales, utility easements and other similar uses and development activities; provided, that any impacts to the habitat resulting from such permitted facilities shall be fully mitigated. vi. Whenever development activities are proposed in or adjacent to a habitat conservation area with which state or federally endangered or threatened species have a primary association, such area shall be protected through the application of measures in accordance with a critical areas report prepared by a qualified professional and approved by the
City of Sammamish, with guidance provided by the appropriate state and/or federal agencies. vii. Plant, wildlife, or fish species not indigenous to the coastal region of the Pacific Northwest shall not be introduced into habitat conservation areas unless authorized by this chapter and by any required state or federal permit or approval. viii. Mitigation sites shall be located to achieve contiguous wildlife habitat corridors in accordance with a mitigation plan that is part of an approved critical areas report to minimize the isolating effects of development on habitat areas, so long as mitigation of aquatic habitat is located within the same aquatic ecosystem as the area disturbed. ix. The director shall condition approvals of development activities allowed within or adjacent to a habitat conservation area or its buffers, as necessary, to minimize or mitigate any potential adverse impacts. Conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
a) Establishment of buffer zones;
b) Preservation of critically important vegetation;
c) Limitation of public access to the habitat area, including fencing to deter unauthorized access;
d) Seasonal restriction of development activities;
e) Establishment of a duration and timetable for periodic review of mitigation activities; and
110 | Title 21: Sammamish Development Code
Effective | January 1, 2022
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