The City of Seattle is commencing the first major update to environmentally critical areas (ECAs) regulations and policies since they were first adopted in 1992. These regulations address how development on and adjacent to Seattle's ECAs should be regulated.

ECAs include the City’s wetlands, areas important for fish and wildlife, riparian corridors (such as creeks), geologic hazard areas (such as landslide-prone, steep-slope and liquefaction-prone areas), flood-prone areas, frequently flooded areas, and abandoned landfills.

Local governments are required by the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) to designate and protect ECAs by adopting policies and development regulations. The GMA requires the City to consider the “best available science” in developing updated codes and policies. It also requires cities to give special consideration to the habitat requrements of anadromous fish, such as salmon.

DPD is currently engaged in reviewing the most up-to-date science available for applicability to the City’s local circumstances. In early spring, DPD will distribute a report outlining the City’s best available science findings and solicit input on draft policies and codes.

Link to Seattle Environmentally Critical Areas Regulations
Seattle's Environmentally Critical Areas regulations are contained in Ch. 25.09 of the Seattle Municipal Code. (NOTE: This link takes you directly to the City Clerk's website).