City of Bellingham Municipal Code

16.55.210 - CRITICAL AREA REPORT - REQUIREMENTS

A. Prepared by Qualified Professional. The applicant shall submit a critical area report prepared by a qualified professional as defined in BMC 16.55.510, unless otherwise exempt.

B. Incorporation of Best Available Science. The critical area report shall use scientifically valid methods and studies in the analysis of critical area data and field reconnaissance and reference the source of science used. The critical area report shall evaluate the proposal and all probable impacts to critical areas in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.

C. Minimum Report Contents. At a minimum, the report shall contain the following:

1. The name and contact information of the applicant, a description of the proposal, and identification of the permit requested;

2. A copy of the site plan for the development proposal including:

a. A map to scale depicting critical areas and required buffers;

b. A map to scale of the development proposal and limits of construction overlaid on the critical areas map; and

c. A description of the proposed stormwater management plan for the development and consideration of impacts to drainage alterations.

3. The dates, names, and qualifications of the persons preparing the report and documentation of any fieldwork performed on the site;

4. Identification and characterization of all critical areas, wetlands, water bodies, and buffers adjacent to the proposed project area;

5. A statement specifying the accuracy of the report, and all assumptions made and relied upon;

6. An assessment of the probable cumulative impacts to critical areas resulting from development of the site and the proposed development;

7. An analysis of site development alternatives including a no development alternative;

8. A description of reasonable efforts made to apply mitigation sequencing pursuant to Mitigation Sequencing [Section 16.55.250] to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts to critical areas;

9. Plans for adequate mitigation, as needed, to offset any impacts, in accordance with Mitigation Plan Requirements and additional requirements specified for each critical area [Section 16.55.260], including, but not limited to:

a. The impacts of any proposed development within or adjacent to a critical area or buffer on the critical area; and

b. The impacts of any proposed alteration of a critical area or buffer on the development proposal, other properties and the environment;

10. A discussion of the performance standards applicable to the critical area and proposed activity;

11. Financial guarantees to ensure compliance; and

12. Any additional information required for the critical area as specified in the corresponding chapter.