Edmonds — At the Aug. 13 Edmonds Planning Board meeting planning staff briefed members and the public on progress toward a comprehensive update of the city’s Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), including plans to replace the current uniform buffer approach for streams with a more site‑specific riparian management zone (RMZ) approach and a timeline for an upcoming red-line draft.

Planning staff said they have conducted stakeholder meetings with local environmental groups and state agencies and intend to produce the first red-line draft in time for public review two weeks before the public hearing. Staff noted limited environmental staffing in the department and said they are relying on stakeholder input and state guidance as they finalize technical sections.

Public comments at the meeting urged the board to incorporate climate science into the CAO and to reconsider interim tree‑protection timelines. Georgina Armstrong, president of the Evans Climate Advisory Board, asked that language reading "best available science" be expanded to read "best available science, including climate science," and suggested the city consider extending the interim landmark-tree ordinance deadline because the urban-forest planner has not yet been hired. Armstrong told the board she had sent a letter earlier in the week and agreed to provide a condensed copy for staff to attach to the record.

What staff emphasized: Riparian management zones — described by staff as a shift from the current fixed-buffer method — would tailor protections to the ecological context of each stream: tree and canopy conditions, soil stabilization and shading, and the presence of species of concern. Staff said buffers historically applied by category (e.g., salmon-bearing, fish-bearing, seasonal) will be revisited and that Department of Fish and Wildlife guidance suggests a more holistic, context-based delineation.

Other points discussed: mapping and data sources (LIDAR/topography for slope and flood features), continuing stakeholder meetings, the need to coordinate with engineering and utilities on impact-fee and connection implications, and the current schedule — staff said the CAO update work will proceed quickly with a red-line available for the public hearing cycle and that the board should expect dense technical material.

Public commenters representing the Edmonds Environmental Council and other local groups asked for clearer code language, consistent cross-references between chapters, and stronger geological-hazard setbacks. Several commenters emphasized making critical area information easier to find on the public GIS layers and earlier incorporation of critical-area review into the design process (rather than leaving it to late-stage permit review).

Next steps and timeline: Staff will continue stakeholder meetings, finalize a red-line draft and distribute it two weeks before the public hearing. The board discussed timing for public review and the need to allow adequate time for public input given the technical nature of the package. Staff indicated the CAO work is on a tight calendar that will proceed toward an eventual recommendation to City Council.