Critical Areas
Critical Area review is required for all land uses, development activity, and alteration of any land, water, vegetation, structure or improvement in the City of Ellensburg regardless of whether or not a permit or authorization is required from the City. The purpose of Critical Area review is “to designate and classify ecologically sensitive and hazardous areas and to protect these areas and their functions and values, while also allowing for reasonable use of private property,” per Ellensburg City Code, Section 15.600.010.
Critical Area Review Process, Bulletin PB-28
Critical Area Review Application Form, Form PA-02
There are minimum requirements for submitting a Critical Area Report outlined in Section 15.610.100.
Additional Critical Area Report Requirements for Wetlands: If determined that a project is within three hundred feet (300’) of wetlands, then additional requirements shall apply, per Section 15.620.020.
Additional Critical Area Report Requirements for Frequently Flooded Areas: If determined that a project is in a “Frequently Flooded Area,” then additional requirements shall apply, per Section 15.630.020.
Additional Critical Area Report Requirements for Geologically Hazardous Areas: If determined that a project is in a “Geographically Hazardous Area,” then additional requirements shall apply, per Section 15.640.040.
Additional Critical Area Report Requirements for Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas: If determined that a project is located within three hundred feet (300') of a “Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area,” then additional requirements shall apply, per Section 15.650.020.
Additional Critical Area Report Requirements for aquifer Recharge Areas: If determined that a project may impact a critical aquifer recharge area, then additional requirements shall apply, per Section 15.660.050.
Critical Area review is in addition to all other reviews, including State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review, that are required to be performed by the City for any underlying permit or authorization. Applicants seeking to develop land may consult with the department for maps of Critical Areas within the city limits of Ellensburg.
Critical Area Review Process, Bulletin PB-28
Critical Area Review Application Form, Form PA-02
Additional Critical Area Report Requirements
If the Director determines that a Critical Area or areas may be affected by the proposed project, then the Director shall notify the applicant that a Critical Area report must be submitted prior to further review of the project.There are minimum requirements for submitting a Critical Area Report outlined in Section 15.610.100.
Additional Critical Area Report Requirements for Wetlands: If determined that a project is within three hundred feet (300’) of wetlands, then additional requirements shall apply, per Section 15.620.020.
Additional Critical Area Report Requirements for Frequently Flooded Areas: If determined that a project is in a “Frequently Flooded Area,” then additional requirements shall apply, per Section 15.630.020.
Additional Critical Area Report Requirements for Geologically Hazardous Areas: If determined that a project is in a “Geographically Hazardous Area,” then additional requirements shall apply, per Section 15.640.040.
Additional Critical Area Report Requirements for Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas: If determined that a project is located within three hundred feet (300') of a “Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area,” then additional requirements shall apply, per Section 15.650.020.
Additional Critical Area Report Requirements for aquifer Recharge Areas: If determined that a project may impact a critical aquifer recharge area, then additional requirements shall apply, per Section 15.660.050.
Critical Area review is in addition to all other reviews, including State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review, that are required to be performed by the City for any underlying permit or authorization. Applicants seeking to develop land may consult with the department for maps of Critical Areas within the city limits of Ellensburg.