HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-05-25 PC Agenda Packet
AGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION 321 East Fifth Street
May 25, 2016
6:00 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Pledge of Allegiance led by Chair
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regular meeting of May 11, 2016
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Proposed 2016 Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Update
2. Proposed Amendments to City Wetlands Protection Ordinance
V. WORK SESSION
VI. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
VII. REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
C OMMUNITY & E CONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
Port Angeles, Washington 98362 May 11, 2015 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Matt Bailey, Elwyn Gee, Brian Hunter, Duane Morris, John
Matthews, Andrew Schwab
Members Absent: Chad Aubin
Staff Present: Nathan West, Scott Johns, Ben Braudrick Allyson Brekke
Public Present: John Ralston, John Yarbrough, Annette Claycomb, Ed
Chadd, David Chamwal, Steve Bearman, Anne Murray
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Hunter opened the regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Commissioner Schwab moved to approve the Minutes of April 27, 2016. Commissioner Gee
Seconded the Motion, and all were in approval.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
WORK SESSION
1. Comprehensive Plan Process and Vision Statement Development
Director of Community and Economic Development Nathan West went over the previous
public process that had occurred in regard to the Comprehensive Plan Visioning process and
Introduced Bill Grimes, Principal of Studio Cascade and Consultant on the process.
Bill Grimes gave a presentation on the purpose of the comprehensive plan and the importance of
the public process and vision statement including therein. He also presented the process with
which Studio Cascade and the Port Angeles Planning Department had taken to ensure the
greatest diversity of participation was achieved, and the results of those processes.
The most recent events were the Community Conversations that took place at Jefferson Middle
School and Franklin Elementary, where community members were brought through a list of
elements inherently important in community development, and how previous public forums had
shaped the initial development of the aspirational descriptions of each element. Community
members chose whether they agreed, questioned, or disagreed with the statement, and
subsequently spoke together conversationally about the element and its relationship to Port
Angeles, its future, and its relative importance as a portion of the City’s available funding.
Mr. Grimes broke down the Comprehensive Plan process for the Commission and the
characteristics of the plan, including vision, goals, policy, and actions, and how the community
Planning Commission Minutes May 11, 2016 Page 2
conversations’ outcome related to policy development for each element. He then opened up the
conversation to the Commission and brought them through the same process.
Environmental Stewardship vs. Economic Growth
Commissioner Morris felt that environmental stewardship was a paramount issue that many
cities in Washington had left to the wayside in lieu of economic development and the needs of
their economy. The environmental aspects of our area are a key way that both residents and
visitors interact with the area. There needs to be a balance of the two that holds the line of
stewardship. As a policy, Port Angeles should be
Commissioner Schwab mentioned that he had read a comprehensive plan from 1973 that had a
policy to increase tourism. He mentioned that it hadn’t worked before, or had not been pushed
hard enough.
Commissioner Bailey stated that it might be an issue of identity that the city has still not
recovered from its loss of identity as a timber oriented community.
Commissioner Schwab felt that the community might be putting the cart before the horse.
Commissioner Gee felt it might not be a cart before the horse situation. Tourism isn’t always
the answer. There is a necessity for an economic base to support the tourist industry. Maybe we
could encourage non-polluting environmentally conscious industry.
Commissioner Schwab stated that Port Angeles was also a military community and College
town, but that the community did not seem to put their focus on those.
Commissioner Gee mentioned that the college students needed employment in the area for them
to stay after they received a degree.
Commissioner Schwab felt that it should also be noted that employment at the college growing
and that is also important. There are three prongs to the economy: service, industry, and tourism,
and all are important for a balanced economy.
Commissioner Morris stated that more emphasis on software engineering and technological
development would be attractive for those who are in those fields.
Commissioner Gee disagreed that there is an incentive for those tech oriented professions to live
here. The Community needs to entice them.
Commissioner Morris felt that we might not get them here, but that the commission’s role is to
create policy that direct the strategy to get them here.
Mr. Grimes added that the purpose of this process was to take a step back and ask whether what
the mix of economy that the community has was what it should be in the future.
Planning Commission Minutes May 11, 2016 Page 3 Chair Hunter commented that he attended one of the community conversations and one of the
speakers noted that we cannot allow the chipping away at the ecological diversity of the area.
Airport
Commissioner Bailey stated that the Airport is a necessity. It is an asset that is there and needs
to be pushed harder.
Commissioner Morris agreed. He could not imagine clean industry coming to the area without
an airport.
Parks and Rec
Commissioner Schwab thought that there were a very comprehensive number of parks.
Mr. Grimes stated that the previous public comment had regarded the parks in the direction of
protection and proper maintenance of those places.
Commissioner Gee mentioned safety in relation to parks and the drug use that can occur in
them. How does a community police those areas and help them become safer. Mr. Grimes
responded that keeping urban parks active was essential to keeping them safe
Homelessness
Commissioner Schwab asked if any citizen had offered a solution that was not draconian.
Mr. Grimes responded that there was not a specific answer that could be considered a toehold.
The creation of policy might not offer a solution, but it might produce an avenue to shape a
solution.
Commissioner Morris related his experience in Seattle and the role of the government in
assisting their homeless population. Port Angeles has independent groups that are assisting the
local homeless population. Deportation is not a solution. A person should not have to jump
through 35 hoops to get back on their feet and make the community better. Shutting down the
facility that are endeavoring to solve the problem is not the correct answer. Meeting the problem
is the best solution.
Commissioner Gee stated that the issue was exasperated by the laws and legal profession. They
have more advocacy and influence on policy and the creation of law. Port Angeles does a
phenomenal job of addressing the issue. No city can ultimately solve the problem on its own.
There is a percentage of the population that does not have the ability to coexist in the
community. He felt that Port Angeles had a much larger percentage of mental health assistance
than any other community this size or perhaps larger. For its population, the community does an
outstanding job for the problem.
Planning Commission Minutes May 11, 2016 Page 4 Commissioner Schwab asked about the homeless count and how the count was in relation to
other regional communities. Director West responded that he did not know the specific
differences, but that this is an issue nation-wide.
Transportation
Chair Hunter mentioned recently driving by 8th and G and he saw a woman with a walker and
there were no sidewalks at all on the streets.
Downtown
Commissioner Bailey state that with living downtown, there needs to be more access to parking
or a relief of parking requirements.
Commissioner Schwab mentioned that downtown business owners and workers did not want
large trucks in the downtown, but that the alternative is placing them in two school zones. There
has to be another alternative.
Waterfront
None Commented
Stormwater Management
Commissioner Bailey mention that the state requirements might make it more difficult to build
in the City.
Chair Hunter stated that he was stormwater planner for the State of Hawaii. It should be a
community wide plan and the burden should not be on the individual.
Commissioner Morris felt that access to water, with climate change, might be as big of an issue
as Storm Water.
Chair Hunter opened up public comment on the Workshop:
Ed Chadd – 307 W 6th Street
The Olympic Climate Action Group works peninsula-wide, and has about 500 participants who
follow them. They try to work together to protect the community and planet from climate
change. There is focus, but the implications are broader. The group has development a set of
policy recommendations for City Staff.
He read a list of policies the Olympic Climate Action Ground had suggested. He appreciated the
conversation that the Commission had previously and was intrigued by the environmental
stewardship and economic growth and how the government can involve itself in the solution. He
felt that, in regard to identity, the community did not have to make it up. The community already
has an identity. Whether tribal or turn of the century loggers and entrepreneurs, if there was a
way to honor that legacy and move that into a sustainable future, you’d have something amazing.
Planning Commission Minutes May 11, 2016 Page 5
Mr. Chadd commented that we have the forests, the mountains and rivers, the history; maritime
port and straits that are very unique and a strong component; and value added products and the
bleeding of wealth that leaves this community. Recreation possibilities in and around the
community are immense, and the electric highway is a great opportunity. Mr. Chadd stated he
strongly believes that in the not too distant future that there will be a large population of people
in the Seattle area that are going to want to recreate in an environmentally conscious way. We
already have great farmer and value added products. There is a history of environmental
stewardship that can be grasped. Nobody grows trees like we do and carbon sequestration may
enventually create jobs. The elements are all there.
Steve Bar – 71 Bluff Drive
Addressed economic issues and their components. He is an independent software developer with
coworkers in southern California. It is possible to have industry that does not pollute in his field.
What the community needs to attract his profession is what it already has. Suggests that
cooperation is encouraged between business owners. The modern world is moving very fast and
we need to keep up, educate, and encourage our residents and young people. Maker-spaces are
an option that help in assisting entrepreneurs and foster business development and collaboration.
Associate Planner Scott Johns walked the Planning Commission through the changes that were
made to the Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Chadd mentioned that the information he was working off of wasn’t the official ONP.
Anthropogenic Climate Disruption. Humans are changing the climate in ways that we cannot
change. There may be potential liabilities for local jurisdictions in managing climate change.
Director West commented that there have been potential conflicts already, but that recent
changes to the codes which govern environmentally sensitive areas are ameliorating that.
2. Proposed Amendments to City Wetlands Protection Ordinance
Associate Planner Scott Johns walked the Planning Commission through the changes that were
made to the Wetlands Protection Ordinance.
Commissioner Schwab asked if we city was already in compliance with the State. Planner Johns
answered that, with exception to the state manual reference that the City is currently in
compliance. Director West made it clear that no previous action will be retroactively changed.
Chair Hunter asked what kind of environmental review had been done. Planner Johns stated that
all ordinance change has environmental review.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Planning Commission Minutes May 11, 2016 Page 6
John Ralston – PO 898 Port Angeles
Asked if he was able to comment on the changes to the wetlands ordinance. Planner Johns
responded that the SEPA comment period is currently open. Director West commented that the
Wetlands item was on the agenda, and was noticed properly.
STAFF REPORTS
Director West introduced Allyson Brekke, the City’s new Planning Manager. He also made the
Commission aware of the public process happening at the old Maurice’s building for Phase III of
the Waterfront Project.
REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS
Commissioner Matthews apologized for being absent from the last meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.
Ben Braudrick, Secretary Bryan Hunter, Chair
PREPARED BY: Ben Braudrick
THE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
FOR
THE CITY
OF
PORT ANGELES
AMENDED
June 24, 2010
2016 Update
Version #1 3 4 5
2/234/8 4/19 4/255/25/2016
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City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Acknowledgements
Page i
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
2004 2016 updates
The following citizens, past and present elected officials and staff are acknowledged for their various
contributions to the 2004 2016 updating of this comprehensive plan, many of which devoted volunteer
hours to provide assistance to staff and develop a citizen participation process that would reflect the
wishes of the community in the Comprehensive Plan. Everyone's efforts have made this planning effort a
success and are greatly appreciated.
Minor amendments are made to the Comprehensive Plan on an annual basis.
2004 2015 City Council Members
Richard A. Headrick,Patrick Downie, Mayor Larry G. WilliamsDan Gase
Gary Braun,Cherie Kidd, Deputy Mayor Karen RogersMichael Merideth
Jack N. PittisBrad Collins Grant J. MunroLee Whetham
Lauren M. EricksonSissi Bruch
2004 2016 Planning Commission Members
Robert PhilpottDuane Morris Linda NutterAndrew Schwab
Charles SchrammBrian Hunter Leonard RasmussenMatt Bailey
Fred HewinsChad Aubin Dylan HonnoldElwyn Gee
Fred NortonJohn Mathews
2004 Citizen Advisory Committee MembersConsultants: Studio Cascade Inc. Spokane WA
2016 Staff
Brad CollinsNathan West, Community and
Economic Development Director
Tim Smith, Economic Development Director
Mike QuinnDan McKeen, City Manager Scott Johns, Associate Planner
Glenn CutlerCraig Fulton, Public Works Director Sue RoberdsBen Braudrick, Planning
ManagerAssistant Planner
Yvonne ZiomkowskiByron Olson, Finance
Director
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City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Adopting Ordinance
Page iii
ADOPTING ORDINANCE
Insert ordinance once adopted
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Adopting Ordinance
Page iv
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Amendments
Page v
AMENDMENTS
DATE OF AMENDMENT
June 20, 1995 #2873
June 4, 1996 #2917
June 17, 1997 #2960
June 2, 1998 #2992 (Map change only)
June 1, 1999 #3021 (Map change only)
June 19, 2000 #3056 (Map change only)
June 18, 2001 #3082
June 17, 2002 #3118
June 25, 2003 #3142
June 14, 2004 #3163
June 7, 2005 #3204
June 6, 2006 #3246
June 6, 2006 #3247 (Map change only)
June 5, 2007 #3284
May 25, 2008 #3334
June 16, 2009 #3368
June 24, 2010 #3401
June 21, 2016 #XXXX
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Amendments
Page vi
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City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Table of Contents
Page vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................... i
ADOPTING ORDINANCE............................................................................................... iii
AMENDMENTS .................................................................................................................v
TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................. vii
LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................... ix
LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................... viii
LIST OF APPENDICES .................................................................................................. viii
I. INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................1
Compliance with the State Growth Management Act ............................................ 1
Purpose of the Comprehensive Plan ....................................................................... 1
Compliance With The Comprehensive Plan ........................................................... 2
Development of the Comprehensive Plan and Public Participation ....................... 3
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN...........................................................................................2
Organization and Requirements of the Comprehensive Plan ............................... 54
1. Requirements for the Land Use Element ..................................................... 65
2. Requirements for the Housing Element ....................................................... 86
3. Requirements for the Capital Facilities Element ......................................... 98
4. Requirements for the Utilities and Public Services Element ..................... 109
5. Requirements for the Transportation Element ........................................... 119
6. Requirements for Siting Public Facilities ................................................ 1311
Use of the Comprehensive Plan ........................................................................ 1412
Results ……….. ........................................................................................................
II. COMMUNITY PROFILE .............................................................................1715
History of the City ............................................................................................ 1715
Current Characteristics of the City ................................................................... 1917
Location ............................................................................................................ 1917
Air ..................................................................................................................... 2017
Water ................................................................................................................. 2118
Wildlife ............................................................................................................. 2118
Natural Resources ............................................................................................. 2420
Noise ................................................................................................................. 2522
Population ......................................................................................................... 2623
Land Use ........................................................................................................... 2623
Housing ............................................................................................................. 3835
Transportation ................................................................................................... 3935
Urban Services .................................................................................................. 4238
Economic Development .................................................................................... 5047
III. DEFINITIONS ...............................................................................................5349
IV. GROWTH MANAGEMENT ELEMENT ....................................................6358
V. LAND-USE ELEMENT ................................................................................7368
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Table of Contents
Page viii
VI. TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT ................................................................8378
VII. UTILITIES AND PUBLIC SERVICES ELEMENT ....................................8984
VIII. HOUSING ELEMENT ..................................................................................9489
IX. CONSERVATION ELEMENT .....................................................................9993
X. CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT .........................................................106100
XI. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT ............................................114108
XII. PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT ...............................................120113
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan List of Figures
Page ix
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1. Compliance with Comprehensive Plan ...............................................2
2. Vicinity Map .....................................................................................14
3. City Planning Areas Map ..................................................................20
4. Acreage by Type of Zoning ..............................................................22
5. Vacant Industrial land - City and Urban Growth Area .....................22
6. Vacant Residential Land in Port Angeles ........................................23
7. Vacant Commercial Land in Port Angeles .......................................23
8. Vacant Residential Land in Urban Growth Area ..............................24
9. Vacant Commercial Land in Urban Growth Area ............................24
10. City Street Map .................................................................................25
11. Parks and Recreation Map ................................................................28
12. Park Planning Neighborhoods ..........................................................29
13. Proposed southwestern Urban Growth Area expansion ...................43
14. Proposed additions to southwestern Urban Growth Area .................44
15. Port Angeles Urban Growth Area Map ............................................46
16. Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map.................................................58
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan List of Tables
Page x
LIST OF TABLES
1. GMA Requirements for the Land Use Element ...........................................5
2. GMA Requirements for the Housing Element.............................................6
3. GMA Requirements for the Capital Facilities Element ...............................7
4. GMA Requirements for the Utilities Element .............................................7
5. GMA Requirements for the Transportation Element...................................9
6. GMA Requirements for Siting of Public Facilities....................................10
7. Population Projections ...............................................................................17
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan List of Appendices
Page xi
LIST OF APPENDICES
8. Environmental Impact Statement and Addendums
A. Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement November 14, 1995 &
Second Addendum to the 1993 EIS for the City of Port Angeles 2004
Comprehensive Plan update.County-Wide Planning Policy
B. SEPA review / Determination of Non Significance #1374 dated May 23, 2016
C. Clallam County County-Wide Planning Policy, June 30, 1992
A.D. Background Report Clallam County Housing Needs Assessment; April 1991
E. Clallam County Housing Needs Assessment; Population, Economic and Housing
Profile, Port AngelesMeasuring Housing Need: A Data Toolkit for Clallam
County; May 2006
B.F. Peninsula RTPO Comprehensive Plan Consistency and Certification Checklist
C.G. Public Surveys and Response Summaries
D.H. Stormwater Management Plan
E.I. Comprehensive Water System Plan 2010 (update to be completed in 2016)
F.J. Transportation Services and Facilities Plan & Transportation Improvement Plan
G.K. Facility Plan for Port Angeles Secondary Level Wastewater Treatment Facilities
L. Capital Facilities Plan
H.M. Port Angeles Preliminary Park and Recreation Inventory & Year 2010 Level of
Service Analysis,
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan List of Appendices
Page xi
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City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Page 1
I. INTRODUCTION
Compliance with the State Growth Management Act
In 1990 the Washington State Legislature enacted the State Growth Management Act (GMA), which
requires all cities and counties subject to the Act to develop and adopt comprehensive plans and
implementing ordinances that will regulate and guide future growth and development. In accordance
with the Act, each county must also establish independent urban growth areas capable of containing
future growth projected for cities, and other urban areas, for the next 20 years. To ensure
compatibility between various comprehensive plans, the cities, county, and other affected agencies
cooperatively developed a set of county-wide planning policies to guide this process.
To ensure orderly development, the City of Port Angeles agreed to work with the County in the
development of comprehensive plan goals and policies for the Port Angeles Urban Growth Area
(UGA).
The Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan has been developed and periodically updated to meet the
requirements of the Growth Management Act and is consistent with the Clallam County-Wide
Planning Policy.
In 2004 the City undertook a public participation program to seek input into updates to the
Comprehensive Plan. Citizen comments were received during public meetings, through written
comments, and over the Internet. Various opportunities for community involvement were provided
and comments were received represented several hundred people.This 2016 update was undertaken to
meet the State's Growth Management Act requirements and included a process intended to capture
comments and suggestions from the broadest range of the public. The public participation process
was led by Studio Cascade, Community Planning and Design.
The following sections of this chapter will hopefully help users of this document better understand
what a Comprehensive Plan is and how it relates to other rules and regulations of the City.
Purpose of the Comprehensive Plan
A City's Comprehensive Plan serves as the core of the land use controls which all other city plans,
ordinances, and regulations must be in compliance with and support (See Figure 1).
Prior to the passage of the State Growth Management Act, such compliance was considered desirable
but actual consistency was not required. The GMA now makes such compliance a requirement.
If subordinate planning or regulations, such as the City's Zoning Ordinance or Capital Facility Plan,
are not consistent with the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan, then those documents may
be determined to be illegal and rendered invalid.
The Comprehensive Plan is the basis upon which local governmental decisions are to be made. It sets
forth the City's goals and policies and visualizes directions the City will take over the next two
decades. The Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map illustrates the desired urban design or
development pattern for the city.
It is, therefore, important that the Comprehensive Plan truly reflect the goals and desires of the
community. In order for that to take place, it is vital that citizens take an active role in determining
the quality, context, and vision incorporated within this Comprehensive Plan.
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Page 2
Compliance With The Comprehensive Plan
The Comprehensive Plan is the foundation upon which the City’s development regulations (Zoning,
Critical Environmentally Sensitive Areas Protection, Parking and Sign codes, and Subdivision
Ordinances) and Urban Services Standards and Guidelines Manual, (Capital Facilities Plan and
Urban Services and Utilities Plan) are based, and from which the City’s future urban designland use
pattern will come.
Figure 1 The Comprehensive Plan is the foundation of the City’s future
A community is a diverse and heterogeneous grouping of people. Individually, each of us has a set of
treasured values. Together, we give the community a set of shared values.
In a community, individual values often clash and indeed must confront each other if the shared
values of the community are to develop. Good planning uncovers the values we share as a
community and uses the shared values to guide development of the Comprehensive Plan.
No plan can be expected to last for all time. Times change, conditions change, and what we value in
our community changes. Even though this Comprehensive Plan is intended to covers a 20-year
period, it must be reviewed at least every seven years and can be amended every year. This allows
the City to adjust the Comprehensive Plan as conditions, needs, and desires of the community change.
Through the on-going development of this Comprehensive Plan, the City of the Port Angeles
reaffirms that it is the rightful goal of the people of our community to take an active role, sharing the
work and responsibility involved in determining the character, quality, and destiny of this
community.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
URBAN SERVICES
STANDARDS & GUIDELINES SERVICES & UTILITIES PLAN CAPITAL FACILITIES PLAN DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS SUBDIVISION ORDINANCES CRITICAL AREAS ORDINANCES ZONING ORDINANCE City’s Future Character, Appearance, Density, Land Use, Economic
Development
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Page 3
Development of the Comprehensive Plan and Public Participation
The Comprehensive Plan was initially updated from its 1976 version under the Growth Management
Act in June of 1994. The City's has been involved in a three-year program to update the
Comprehensive Plan. In 2002 the City focused its Comprehensive Plan changes on the downtown
and waterfront areas. In 2003, the City focused its amendments on the east side and east UGAlast
major update to the Comprehensive Plan was in 2004. Several minor amendments have been
approved since that time. The 2004 2016 updates reflected a citywide approach with an ambitious
public participation program.
The current version (2016) of the Comprehensive Plan was updated to meet the requirements of the
Growth Management Act. Areas of the plan that have been expanded include handling of
Archaeologic discoveries and sites, the inclusion of low impact stormwater management methods that
more closely mimic natural processes, increased emphasis on urban forestry and landscaping and
consideration of issues surrounding climatic change.
The City of Port Angeles allows amendments to the Comprehensive Plan to occur on an annual basis,
within limited time periods. Individual citizens or groups may propose Comprehensive Plan
amendments during the three month period between January 1 and March 31 of each year. Proposed
amendments require environmental review and a public hearing prior adoption by the City Council.
Visioning:
The public process resulted in the following vision statements for a variety of specific areas of
interest to citizens, Vision statements are based on the anticipated conditions of Port Angeles in
2036.
The City of Port Angeles is vibrant and prospering, nurturing a balance of
innovation and tradition to create an environmentally, economically, and fiscally
sustainable community, accepting and cherishing its social diversity, small-town
character and natural setting.
In achieving this vision, Port Angeles recognizes the important roles each of the following plays:
Environment
Port Angeles’ natural setting – with the Strait to the north and the Olympics to the
south – is unique and special, with creeks, wetlands, steep slopes and a weather
pattern that can be demanding. The town balances the community’s need for
economic stability, its potential for growth and the preservation of the areas’
natural systems.
Economic Development
Keeping the community employed, prosperous, educated, and well served are key
economic development objectives. The City of Port Angeles facilitates sustained
economic growth, directing investment to revitalize activity downtown, support
local employment, and keep public services affordable and of high quality.
Neighborhoods
Slightly more than 25,000 people call Port Angeles home in 2036, residing in
neighborhoods that are safe, attractive and rich in character.
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Page 4
Airport
Fairchild International Airport is an important aviation resource for local
residents and businesses, operating as an important economic development and
community safety priority and with regular commercial service to SeaTac
International Airport.
Downtown
Port Angeles’ central business district is vital and prominent. The central
commercial district is one of Port Angeles’ major assets, intimately connected to
the waterfront and featuring a variety of retail, civic, residential and professional
office uses.
Small Commercial Centers
Small-scale commercial centers are located in areas convenient for nearby
residents and workers, offering a modest array of goods and services within an
easy, enjoyable walk from nearby homes and employment centers.
Waterfront
The central waterfront is an active and successful civic and social space, equally
welcoming to residents and visitors.
Transportation
Port Angeles’ transportation network that moves people and goods to, through and
within the community, harmoniously accommodating cars, bikes, trucks, public
transportation, planes, boats, ferries, and travel by foot.
Community Services
The community’s systems of housing, transportation, economic development and
parks and recreation coordinate to serve all of Port Angeles’ residents, ensuring
public safety, economic opportunity, public health and overall community
wellness.
Trails
Port Angeles’ trail system builds on the Olympic Discovery Trail and miles of local
trails, contributing to the local quality of life by inviting community residents and
visitors of all ages to wander and explore.
Parks and Recreation
Leisure is an important contributor to quality of life, and Port Angeles is
committed to provide a robust parks and recreation system in response. Open
spaces, both constructed and natural, function to enliven the human spirit.
Whether it’s a small pocket park near downtown, a waterfront esplanade, a
sculpture garden on the hill, or a vast sports complex, the system serves multiple
community needs.
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Page 5
The City of Port Angeles undertook the task of making major updates to its Comprehensive Plan over
a three-year period beginning in 2002. Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan made that year
focused on the Downtown and shoreline areas of the City. In 2003, the primary focus was on the
eastern portion of the City and the use of low impact development techniques to address stormwater
issues and development costs. The third year, 2004, incorporated citywide changes that were
developed through an intense public participation program as required by the State. To do this, the
City appointed a Citizen Advisory Committee comprised of nine members who helped design the
Program specifically to reach a large number of citizens and solicit responses that could be used in
crafting any proposed amendments. The advisory committee was made up of citizens involved with
neighborhood issues, local business and economic development, past Planning Commission and City
Council members, and a sitting member of both the City Council and Planning Commission. This
group was given the task of designing a program to involve citizens in contributing their ideas to the
planning process and to assist staff in crafting proposals for changes to the Comprehensive Plan.
The program that was developed consisted of a weeklong open house, followed by three weeks of
neighborhood meetings. The open house and meetings were advertised by several means, including
placing a large banner across US 101 on Front Street, the main street through the City. Press releases
were issued weekly to the newspaper and local radio station. The Peninsula Daily News published
seven articles on the planning process over the five-week period and carried two City sponsored
advertisements. Additionally, planning meetings were announced in the Things To Do column on
three occasions. The Department of Community Development participated in the two-day Home
Show held at the Port Angeles High School gymnasium. The meeting times, dates, and locations
were scheduled so that a broad section of the population could participate. Times were varied from
early afternoon (1:00 pm to 3:00 pm), later afternoon (4:00 pm to 6:00 pm) and later evening (7:00
pm to 9:00 pm). Meetings were held on various days of the week and seven different locations were
used to hold meetings. A web page was developed and linked to the City’s homepage listing the
meeting dates, times and focus. The web page was updated throughout the process and the comment
questions were made available on-line to provide an additional and easy method of response to the
written comments form made available at all the meetings and various public locations such as City
Hall.
Members of the Citizen Advisory Committee volunteered their time to contact and attend meetings of
21 organizations that were identified as potential stakeholders. Those organizations were informed of
the planning effort being taken by the City and were invited to participate in the process by
suggesting changes that might be made to the Comprehensive Plan. A three-hour forum specifically
for these civic and business organizations to comment on or make proposals was held at the end to
the three-week public meeting period.
The Comprehensive Plan update process has had contact with 300 - 400 individuals through open
houses, public meetings, organization/stakeholder presentation, comment forms returned, and use of
the Internet. Eighty-five people attended at least one public meeting as indicated by sign-in sheets.
A total of 58 comment sheets were submitted. In addition, five different organizations made formal
presentations to the Citizen Advisory Committee. As a result, 68 specific amendments were drafted
and submitted to the Planning Commission for review.
Organization and Requirements of the Comprehensive Plan
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Page 6
The Comprehensive Plan is organized as with an introduction, a community profile, a definition
section, a series of elements, and various appendixes including the Capital Facilities Plan, Housing
Needs Assessment, and Environmental Impact Statement. Each element addresses a particular topic
and contains a general comment section and one or more goals with various related policies and
objectives. Some of the elements have an associated map or plan.
The Comprehensive Plan goals are expressed as broad statements of intent that will fulfill the vision
of what the city intends to become or how the city should look or feel in the future. The goals in the
Comprehensive Plan are supported by policy statements that usually include the word should. The
policy statements are directive and provide a basis for decision making and establish a principal of
wise management leading to achievement of a goal. Objectives are statements of specific actions that
when taken will result in the realization of a goal.
The Growth Management Act requires that a comprehensive plan consist of a map or maps and
descriptive text covering objectives, principles, and standards used to develop the comprehensive
plan. The plan shall be an internally consistent document, and all elements shall be consistent with
the future land use map.
The Land Use Map is provided to show general uses to be located in generalized areas of the City.
The plan shows six general land use categories; Low, medium and high density residential,
Commercial, Industrial, and Open Space. These general land use areas are not specifically bounded
by streets, parcel lines, or other political boundaries. They are separated by an area referred to as an
imprecise margin. The imprecise margin and lack of specific boundaries for general use areas
provides a framework and direction to the desired development patterns of the city and at the same
time allows for flexibility in applying zone designations.
The Growth Management Act requires that theEach comprehensive plan shall include a plan, scheme,
or design for each of the following:
1. Land Use Element
2. Housing Element
3. Capital Facilities Plan Element
4. Utilities Element
5. Transportation Element.
Additionally each plan shall contain a process for identifying and siting essential public facilities.
This plan contains each of the required elements as well as four additional optional elements; a
conservation Conservation elementElement, an economic Economic development Development
elementElement, and a growth Growth management Management elementElement and a . A Parks
and Recreation Element was added in 2007. Each of the elements have been developed to be
consistent with the Growth Management Act and to reflect the needs and desires of the City of Port
Angeles and its citizens. Following are the minimum requirements for the various elements as listed
in the State of Washington Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative
Code (WAC). Included with the requirements for each mandated element is a table, which shows
how this comprehensive plan meets these requirements.
1. Requirements for the Land Use Element
This element shall contain at least the following features:
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Page 7
Aa. A future land use map showing city limits and urban growth area (UGA) boundaries.
[RCW 36.70A.070(1), RCW 36.70A.110(6) and WAC 365-196-400(2), WAC 365-
196-405(2)(i)(ii)] Designation of the proposed general distribution and general
location and extent of the uses of land, where appropriate, for agriculture, timber
production, housing, commerce, industry, recreation, open spaces, public utilities,
public facilities, and other land uses (WAC 365-195-305 1, a).
Bb. Consideration of urban planning approaches that increase physical activity. [RCW
36.70A.070(1), WAC 365-196-405(2)(f)]
c. A consistent population projection throughout the plan which should be consistent
with the Office of Financial Management forecast for the county or the county's
subcounty allocation of that forecast. [RCW 43.62.035; WAC 365-196-405(2)(i)].
d. Estimates of pPopulation densities, and building intensities based on future land uses,
and estimates of future population growth (WAC 365-195-305 1, b)[RCW
36.70A.070(1); WAC 365-196-405(2)(i)].
Ce. Provisions for protection of the quality and quantity of ground water used for public
water supplies (WAC 365-195-305 1, c)[RCW 36.70A.070(1)].
f. Identification of lands useful for public purposes such as utility corridors,
transportation corridors, landfills, sewage treatment facilities, stormwater management
facilities, recreation, schools, and other public uses. [RCW 36.70A.150; WAC 365-
196-340].
g. Identification of open space corridors within and between urban growth areas,
including land useful for recreation, wildlife habitat, trails, and connections of critical
areas. [RCW 36.70A.160, WAC 365-196-335]
h. Policies, land use designation (and zoning) to discourage the siting of incompatible
uses adjacent to general aviation airports. [RCW 36.70A.510, RCW 36.70A.547;
WAC 365-196-475].
i. Policies, land use designation, and consistent zoning to discourage the siting of
incompatible uses adjacent to military bases. [RCW 36.70A.530(3); WAC 365-196-
475].
j. A review of drainage, flooding, and stormwater run-off in the area and nearby
jurisdictions, and provide guidance for corrective actions to mitigate or cleanse those
discharges that pollute water of the state. [RCW 36.70A.70(1), WAC 365-196-
405(2)(c)].
k. Policies to designate and protect critical areas including wetlands, fish and wildlife
habitat protection areas, frequently flooded areas, critical aquifer recharge areas and
geologically hazardous areas. RCW 36.70A.030(5), RCW 36.70A.172; WAC 365-
195-900 through 925, WAC 365-190-080].
Where applicable, a review of drainage, flooding, and storm-water run-off in the area covered by the
plan and nearby jurisdictions, and guidance for corrective actions to mitigate or cleanse those
discharges that pollute waters of the state, including Puget Sound or waters entering Puget Sound
(WAC 365-195-305 1, d).
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Page 8
Table 1
GMA Requirements for the Land Use Element
Legislative
Requirement
How the above listed land use requirements are addressed in the
Comprehensive Plan
1A1a Land Use Element Text
1A1a Land Use Map, GIS data base
1B1b Community Profile Text
1B1b Appendix A EIS and Addendums
1B1b Land Use Element Text
1B1b Land Use Map, GIS data base
1c & d Community Profile Text
1e Conservation Element Goals, Policies and Objectives
1d Appendix A, EIS and Addendums
1D1j Conservation Element Goals, Policies and Objectives
1i Shoreline Master Program
1j Appendix E. Stormwater Management Plan
1k PAMC 15.20 Environmentally Sensitive Areas Protection Ordinance
1k Conservation Element Goals
2. Requirements for the Housing Element
This element shall contain at least the following features:
Aa. Goals, policies, and objectives for the preservation, improvement, and development of
housing. [RCW 36.70A.070(2)(b); WAC 365-196-410(2)(a).]
b. An inventory and analysis of existing and projected housing needs (RCW
36.70A.070(2)(a); WAC 365-195196-310 410 (2)(b) &(c)]1, a).
B. A statement of the goals, policies, and objectives for the preservation, improvement,
and development of housing (WAC 365-195-310 1, b).
Cc. Identification of sufficient land for housing, including, but not limited to, government-
assisted housing, housing for low-income families, manufactured housing, multifamily
housing, and group homes and foster care facilities ([RCW 36.70A.070(2)(c).]WAC
365-195-310 1, c).
Dd. Adequate provisions for existing and projected housing needs of all economic
segments of the community ([RCW 36.70A.070(2)(d); WAC 365-195196-310 410]1,
d).
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Page 9
e. Identification of land use designation within a geographic area where increased
residential development will assist in achieving local growth management and housing
policies. [RCW 36.70A.540; WAC 365-196-870].
f. Policies so that manufactured housing is not regulated differently than site built
housing. [RCW 35.21.684, 35.63.160, 35A.21.312 &36.01.225
Table 2
GMA Requirements for the Housing Element
Legislative
Requirement
How the above listed housing requirements are addressed in the
Comprehensive Plan
2A2a Community Profile Text
2A2a Appendix A; EIS and Addendums
2A2a
Appendix C, Measuring Housing Need: A Data Toolkit for Clallam
County.
2a Housing Element Goals, Policies, and Objectives.
2B2b Housing Goals, Policies and ObjectivesCommunity Profile Text.
2C2c Land UseCommunity Profile Text
2C2c Land Use Map, GIS data base
2C2c Appendix A; EIS and Addendums
2D2d Housing Element Goals, Policies and Objectives
2D2d Land Use Map, GIS data base
2e Land Use Map, GIS data base
2f Land Use Element, Policy C6
3. Requirements for the Capital Facilities Element
This element shall contain at least the following features:
Aa. Policies or procedures to ensure capital budget decisions are in conformity with the
Comprehensive Plan. [RCW 36.70A.120]
b. An inventory of existing capital facilities owned by public entities showing the
locations and capacities of the capital facilities. ([RCW 36.70A.070(3)(a); WAC 365-
195196-315 415(2)(1, a)].
Bc. A forecast of the future needs for such capital facilities. ([RCW 36.70A.070(3)(b);
WAC 365-195196-315 415(1, b)].
Cd. The proposed locations and capacities of expanded or new capital facilities. ([RCW
36.70A.070(3)(c); WAC 365-195196-315 415(3)(1, cC)].
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Page 10
e. At least a six-year plan that will finance such capital facilities within projected funding
capacities and clearly identifyinges sources of public money for such purposesto
finance planned capital facilities. ([RCW 36.70A.070(3)(d) &36.70A.120; WAC 365-
1956-4315 1, d)].
f. A requirement policy or procedure to reassess the Land Use Element if probable
funding falls short of meeting existing needs and to ensure that the Land Use Element,
Capital Facilities Plan Element, and financing plan within the Capital Facilities Plan
Element are coordinated and consistent. ([RCW 36.70A.070(3)(e); WAC 365-
195196-315 4151, e)].
Table 3
GMA Requirements for the Capital Facilities Element
4. Requirements for the Utilities and Public Services Element
This element shall contain at least the following features:
a. The general location, proposed location, and capacity of all existing and proposed
utilities, including, but not limited to, electrical lines, telecommunication lines, and
natural gas lines ([RCW 36.70A.070(4); WAC 365-195196-3420 1)].
Legislative
Requirement
How the above listed capital facilities requirements are
addressed in the Comprehensive Plan
3a Capital Facilities Element Goals and Policies
3A3b Community Profile
3A3b
Appendix Appendices E, Stormwater Management Plan
F,. Comprehensive Water System Plan 2010
G, . Transportation Services and Facilities Plan
H. Facility Plan for Port Angeles Secondary Level
Wastewater treatment Facilities
3b GIS data base
3B3c Appendix A; EIS and Addendums
3C3d Appendix A; EIS and addendums
3D3e Appendix ICapita Facilities Plan
3E3f Capital Facilities Element Goals and Policies
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Page 11
Table 4
GMA Requirements for the Utilities and Public Services Element
5. Requirements for the Transportation Element
This element shall contain at least the following features:
A. Land use assumptions used in estimating travel (WAC 365-195-325 1, a).
B. Facilities and services needs including:
a.1) An inventory of air, water, and land transportation facilities and services, including
transit alignments, state owned transportation facilities, and general aviation airports,
to define existing capital facilities and travel levels as a basis for future planning.
b.2) Adopted Llevels of service (LOS) standards for all arterial streets, and transit routes
and highways to serve as a gauge to judge performance of the system. These
standards should be regionally coordinated. [RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(iii)(B); WAC
365-196-430.]
c.3) Identification of Sspecific actions and requirements forto bringing locally-owned
transportation into compliance any facilities orand services to established LOS. that
are below an established level of service standard. [RCW 36.70A.070(6)(iii)(D);
WAC 365-196-430.]
d.4) A Fforecasts of traffic for at least ten years based on the adopted land use plan to
provide information on the location, timing, and capacity needs of future growth
including land use assumptions used in estimating travel. [RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(i),
36.70A.070(6)(a)(iii)(E); WAC365-196-430(2)(f).]
e.5) Identification A projection of state and local system expansion needs and
transportation system management needs to meet current and future demands ([RCW
36.70A070(6)(a)(iii)(F); WAC 365-195196-325 1, b430(2)(F)].
C. Finance, including:
f. A pedestrian and bicycle component. [RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(vii); WAC 365-196-
430(2)(k)(iv)].
Legislative
Requirement
How the above listed utilities requirements are
addressed in the Comprehensive Plan
4a Capital Facilities Element Goals, Policies and Objectives
4a
Appendix Appendices E, Stormwater Management Plan; ,
F,. Comprehensive Water System Plan;
G,. Transportation Services and Facilities Plan;
H. Facility Plan for Port Angeles Secondary Level
Wastewater Treatment Facilities;
I. Capital Facilities Plan.
4a GIS data base
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Page 12
g. A description of any existing and planned transportation demand management (TMD)
strategies, such as HOV lanes or subsidy programs, parking policies, etc. [RCW
36.70A.070(6)(a)(vi); WAC 365-196-430(2)(k)(iv).]
h.1) An analysis of future funding capability to judge needs against probable funding
resources. [RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(iv)(A); WAC 365-196-430(2)(k)(iv)].
i.2) A multi-year financing plan based on the needs identified in the comprehensive plan,
the appropriate parts of which shall serve as the basis for the six-year street, road, or
transit program. required by [RCW 35.77.010 & RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(iv)(B); for
cities, RCW 36.81.121 for counties, and RCW 35.58.2795 for public transportation
systemsWAC 365-196-430(2)(k)(ii)].
j.3) If probable funding falls short of meeting identified needs, a discussion of how
additional funding will be raised or how land use assumptions will be reassessed to
ensure that level of service standards will be met ([RCW 36.70A.070(6)(iv)(C); WAC
365-1956-325 1, c430(2)(L)(ii))].
k.D. A description of Iintergovernmental coordination efforts, including an assessment of
the impacts of the transportation plan and land use assumptions on the transportation
systems of adjacent jurisdictions and how it is consistent with the regional
transportation plan. ([RCW 36.70A.070(6)(a)(v); WAC 365-1965-325430(2)(a)(iv) 1,
d)].
E. Demand-management strategies (WAC 365-195-325 1, e).
Table 5
GMA Requirements for the Transportation Element
Legislative
Requirement
How the above listed transportation requirements are addressed in
the Comprehensive Plan
5A5a Appendix A, EIS and Addendums
5A5a Appendix G, Transportation Services and Facilities Plan
5a GIS data base
5B5b Capital Facilities Element Goals, Policies and Objectives
5B5b Transportation Element Goals, Policies and Objectives
5B5b Appendix A, EIS and addendums
5B5b
Appendix Appendices E. Stormwater Management Plan,
F,. Comprehensive Water System Plan,
G, . Transportation Services and Facilities Plan,
H, . Facilities Plan for Port Angeles Secondary Level Wastewater
Treatment Facilities,
I. Capital Facilities Plan
5C5c Capital Facilities Element Goals, Policies and Objectives
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Page 13
Legislative
Requirement
How the above listed transportation requirements are addressed in
the Comprehensive Plan
5C5c
Appendices E. Stormwater Management Plan,
F. Comprehensive Water System Plan,
G. Transportation Services and Facilities Plan,
H. Facilities Plan for Port Angeles Secondary Level Wastewater
Treatment Facilities,
I. Capital Facilities PlanAppendix E, F, G, H, I
5D5d Transportation Element Goals, Policies and Objectives
5E5e Transportation Element Goals, Policies and Objectives
6. Requirements for Siting Public Facilities
The Comprehensive Plan shall be consistent with the following:
Aa. A process or criteria for identifying Eessential public facilities (EPF)include those
facilities that are typically difficult to site such as, airports, state education facilities,
state or regional transportation facilities, solid waste handling facilities, and in-patient
facilities including substance abuse facilities, mental health facilities, and group
homes. ([RCW 36.70A.200; WAC 365-195196-340 550(d)1, a)].
B. The office of financial management shall maintain a list of those essential state public
facilities that are required or likely to be built within the next six years. Facilities may
be added to this list at any time (WAC 365-195-340 1, b).
b. Policies or procedures that ensure the Comprehensive Plan does notNo local
comprehensive plan may preclude the siting of essential public facilities. [RCW
36.70A.200(5); WAC 365-196-550(3)].
Table 6
GMA Requirements for Siting Public Facilities
Legislative
Requirement
How the above listed siting of public facilities requirements are
addressed in the Comprehensive Plan
6A6a Definitions
6B NA
6C6b Capital Facilities Element Goals, Policies and Objectives
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Page 14
Use of the Comprehensive Plan
The Comprehensive Plan is designed to be used by the public as a way for citizens to learn the long-
range goals and policies of the City as a base upon which City officials make land use and other
decisions, and as a tool which City staff uses to insure the desirable development of the City. This
document provides a sense of predictability to citizens of the city or potential residents considering
relocating to Port Angeles.
The Plan's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS, Appendix A) is designed as a programmatic EIS
and may be used as a phased reviewed environmental document for any plans, ordinances, programs,
or development projects that are consistent with the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
The EIS has been updated through addendums and regular SEPA review as amendments to the
Comprehensive Plan have been periodically approved. Any project proposed in the City will have to
show that it is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. If it is not, it cannot be approved unless the
Comprehensive Plan is amended and additional environmental review is completed.
Actions taken by the City since the 2004 update of the Comprehensive Plan
Since the last major update of the Comprehensive Plan, several objectives have been accomplished.
Those accomplishments include the replacement of both century old trestle bridges spanning Valley
Creek and Tumwater Creek on 8th Street. The bridge spanning Peabody Creek at Lauridsen
Boulevard was replaced with a structure that will allow truck traffic to make the turn and follow
Lauridsen as intended for the cross-town alternative to Highway 101.
The City's landfill has been closed and converted into a regional transfer station and work to remove
waste materials that remain in the marine bluff and stabilize the bluff to prevent further adverse
impacts to the shoreline is underway and will be completed in 2016. A major project to resolve long
standing issues with combined sewer/stormwater systems overflowing into the Strait of Juan de Fuca
has been completed and the second project phase is underway and nearing completion.
The City has followed through with the creation of new zone designations in anticipation of future
annexations, especially the eastern Urban Growth Area. The Commercial Regional zone was created
to be applied to areas along Highway 101 where existing large commercial uses such as car
dealerships and large volume stores currently exist or where land is available for such uses. A major
infrastructure goal was achieved with the extension of a sewer main line to the eastern Urban Growth
Area.
A second new zone was created for large suburban scale residential lots. The Residential Single
Family zone RS-11, restricting residential lots to a minimum of 11,000 square feet or larger has been
applied to areas within the existing city limits.
An Industrial Marine (IM) zone was also created to be applied to shoreline areas focusing primarily
on marine trades that may need the support of commercial uses to provide a framework for mixed
uses in a campus-like environment.
Industrial zoning was modified to include the potential for work/live situations where working artists
requiring large work studios with industrial types of activities are permitted to live at their studios by
conditional use permit.
A major planning effort was completed in 2014. The Shoreline Master Program (SMP) was approved
and accepted by the Department of Ecology, completing a five-year effort that included the writing of
a new Harbor Resource Management Plan, Shoreline Inventory/Characterization/Analysis Document,
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Page 15
a Cumulative Impacts Analysis and a Shoreline Restoration Plan. The shoreline planning effort took
place concurrently with several restoration projects occurring on the south shoreline of Ediz Hook.
The last phase of shoreline restoration was completed during the summer months of 2016 and will
result in a continuous restored shoreline from Harbor View Park on the east to Sail and Paddle Park
on the west. As a Result of the new Environmental Designations applied to Ediz Hook by the SMP
and the restoration work that has been accomplished, the objective to develop an Ediz Hook Master
Plan has been made unnecessary.
A 358 acre area was annexed into the City in 2005. The area is located along the south side of
Highway 101, west of the city limits at that time. The area is primarily an industrial site,
accommodating several large operations and much of the area is zoned Industrial Heavy. Portions of
the annexed area along Highway 101 include residential uses.
Another major accomplishment is the construction of a Waterfront Promenade located between Oak
Street and Laurel Street in the city's downtown. The promenade was the first phase of a multi-phase
project planned for the downtown waterfront. The second phase, west of Oak Street to the Valley
Creek Estuary Park included creation of two small beach area where hard armored shoreline once
existed has also been completed. Enhancements to the Waterfront Trail are an integral portion of the
project. Subsequent phases of the project will improve the portion of Railroad Avenue east of Laurel
Street to City Pier Park.
An associated downtown project that had been anticipated for several years was also completed. The
Gateway project resulted in a downtown transit center and covered pavilion area for public activities.
The pavilion is used weekly for the local Farmers' Market but is also used as a venue for various
festivals.
A portion of downtown sidewalks and water lines were replaced beginning in 2006. As part of that
project, the west side of Laurel Street between First and Front was developed to preserve the last
remaining portion of the "Port Angeles Underground".
Regionally, the major effort has been the removal of the two dams placed on the Elwha River a
century ago. This project included reconstruction of the City's water collection system and the intake
for the industrial water supply. In addition, a new bridge was built spanning the river. The new
bridge includes a suspended pedestrian/bicycle segment of the Olympic Discovery Trail.
The Olympic Discovery Trail between the western city limits and 18th Street was improved as the
trail right-of-way and was also used for a sewer line extension to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe's
reservation lands. The sewer extension outside of the city was made necessary by the removal of the
dams upstream from the reservation. The removal of the dams resulted in a higher ground water
table, making on-site sewer drainfields unusable. The reservation is now served by city sewer
facilities.
In 2007 the City added a Parks and Recreation Element to the Comprehensive Plan. In 2009, the City
implemented a Façade and Sign Improvement Grant program to help small business enhance the
appearance of buildings in the city.
In another attempt at citywide beautification was accomplished in 2014 by the passage of a Street
Tree Ordinance. The passage of the ordinance resulted in the City being awarded the Tree City USA
designation from the National Arbor Day Foundation.
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Introduction
Page 16
All of the above mentioned projects were included in the earlier version of the Comprehensive Plan
as Goals, Policies, or Objectives.
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Community Profile
Page 17
II. COMMUNITY PROFILE
History of the City History
The City of Port Angeles has long been the primary urban center of the North Olympic Peninsula.
The earliest residents of the area were Native Americans such as the Klallam ("Strong People")
and Makah Indian tribes, who were sustained by the region's abundant natural resources. These
same natural resources - the naturally protected deep-water harbor, abundant coniferous forests,
prolific wildlife and marine resources, and an overall natural beauty also attracted the first non-
natives to the area and continue today to encourage visitors and new residents alike from all walks
of life.
Known variously as "Old Dungeness," "False Dungeness," "Cherbourg," and "Port Angeles,"
settlement was intermittent and sporadic throughout the early history of the City.
In 1862 (due largely to the efforts of one man: Victor Smith, the "Father of Port Angeles"),
President Abraham Lincoln signed an executive order setting aside 3,520 acres of land on the site
as a U.S. Government Lighthouse and Military Reservation. Soon after, the original townsite
layout was platted by the US Army Corp of Engineers, and the Townsite of Port Angeles has
endured to this day.
Patterned after the plan of Cincinnati, Ohio (substituting the Harbor for the Ohio River), the streets
are arranged and named the same: Front, First, Second, etc. and at right angles to these are
Tumwater, Cedar, Pine, Valley, Cherry, Oak, Laurel, Vine, and Race Street.
While the City has benefited greatly from that original planning with its grid-pattern street layout,
various challenges were also created such as utility service provision and circulatory problems, due
to the topography of the land. Seven different streams, with associated ravines, travel through the
community running south-to-flowing north from the foothills of the Olympic Mountains as they
wend their way to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. They are: Dry Creek, Tumwater Creek, Valley
Creek, Peabody Creek, Ennis/White's Creek, with Lee's Creek, and Morse Creek located within the
eastern Urban Growth Area.
Despite such early planning, major settlement did not take place within the City until 1887 with
the founding of the Puget Sound Cooperative Colony. A social experiment in communal living the
Colony contributed greatly to the early expansion of Port Angeles.
Although short-lived, this settlement near the mouth of Ennis Creek built a sawmill, lath-mill, and
shipyard; constructed a 58-foot propeller-driven schooner, "The Angeles"; started the first
newspaper in town (The Model Commonwealth); and built the first schoolhouse, office building,
and a City Opera House, in addition to founding four different churches in Port Angeles. The
Colony was largely disbanded by 1889 due to internal disputes, but many of the colonists stayed
and blended with the rest of the thriving community.
By 1890, the City population had soared to over 3,000 people, and the Government Reserve
established 28 years earlier had become a bottleneck to progress, completely restricting further
development of the City since it could not legally be homesteaded. The result was a "land rush"
onto the federal property as citizens took matters into their own hands as "Reserve Jumpers" that
4th of July, moving en masse onto the reserve, platting lots, and establishing homesteads.
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Community Profile
Page 18
Eventually, forced to recognize this matter officially, Congress conceded ownership to the
squatters and opened the Reserve for sale to the public.
The year 1890 was also notable as the year Port Angeles was officially incorporated as a City in
the newly established State of Washington, and that same year it also became the County Seat of
Clallam County.
Thereafter, the City grew more slowly and developed much, as did other small towns in the Pacific
Northwest. Gone were the early pretensions of becoming a great seaport or Second National City
patterned after Washington, D.C.
Logging and timber have long been important industries, and in 1912 1914 Port Angeles was home
to the world’s largest sawmill. In 1920, a large pulp and paper mill was built by Washington Pulp
and Paper Company. Purchased a few years later and operated by Crown Zellerbach for over 60
years, the paper mill, located at the base of Ediz Hook, is now owned and operated by Nippon
USA Co.Paper Mill.
The City experienced sporadic growth until the linking of Port Angeles with the transcontinental
railroad in 1914 brought increased prosperity. As rail transport increased and sea travel waned,
Port Angeles surpassed Port Townsend as the major center for trade and commerce on the
Olympic Peninsula. Sustained largely by marine trades and the lumber forest products and fishing
industries, Port Angeles became a classic American small town and the center of urban life on the
North Olympic Peninsula.
In 1922, the Port of Port Angeles was formed. The natural deep-water harbor has always attracted
shipping and bothas well as commercial and sports fishing. The Port now operates a the Boat
Haven marinaMarina, boat haven, and The William Fairchild iInternational airportAirport, in
addition to managing much of the shoreline properties west of downtown Port Angeles.
The first Coast Guard air station on the Pacific Coast was established at Ediz Hook on June 1,
1935. It is the oldest United States Coast Guard Station in the country. The piece of land
currently occupied by the Coast Guard Station is the one remaining part of the military reservation
that once included all of what is now Port Angeles. The station officially became Coast Guard
Group Port Angeles in September of 1944 and received its first helicopter in 1946.
By far, the largest civic project was the regrading of the downtown streets, which occurred in
1914. That project created the current street elevation in the downtown which resulted in
basement levels for the existing businesses (now the Port Angeles Underground). The Olympic
Power Company was formed in 1911 to construct the Lower Elwha Dam. The county Courthouse
was built on Lincoln St. in 1915. A new fire station was built in 1931. A new Police station and
jail was built in 1954 and a new city hall in 1987. In 1953 Port Angeles received the All American
City Award.
Over the past forty years, except for a few periods of more rapid growth in the 1920's and 30's, the
City has grown at a fairly stable rate of approximately 1 per cent per year, to its present population
of 18,74019,090.
The City has used zoning to coordinate development and growth since the 1930's, and in the early
1960's made a determined effort to improve planning efforts through development of a "701"
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Page 19
master plan along with a new zoning ordinance and subdivision ordinance. In 1976 the City again
reviewed its planning goals and process and adopted the 1976 Comprehensive Plan, which is the
immediate predecessor of this Comprehensive Plan.
Even before the State passed the Growth Management Act of 1990, requiring cities and counties to
revise or adopt comprehensive plans, the City of Port Angeles had decided it was time to revise the
existing Comprehensive Plan and had already begun that process when the Act established new
requirements for comprehensive plans. In response, the City has continued to move forward
consistent with the Growth Management Act meeting all of its requirements, including the
mandated completion dates.
Current Characteristics of the City
An essential part of developing goals and setting directions for the future lies in reviewing the past
and evaluating the present. The An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), prepared by the
consulting firm of Nancy A. Ryan and Company for the 1994 Comprehensive Plan, takes an in in-
depth look at the physical, social, and economic aspects of Port Angeles. A second addendum to
the original EIS was prepared and adopted for the updates that have occurred over a three-year
period ending in 2004. The following descriptions are intended to provide the users of this
document a general view of the community. For a more detailed analysis, one should refer to the
EIS and the 2004 update addendum.
Location
The City of Port Angeles is located in Clallam County on the northern coast of Washington's
Olympic Peninsula (See Figure 2). It is less than three hours driving time (including the ferry ride)
from Seattle or Olympia and sits is located at the base of the Olympic Mountains north slope.
Immediately to the north is the coastal marine environment of the Port Angeles Harbor, one of the
deepest naturally protected harbors on the West Coast, and Strait of Juan de Fuca. To the south are
the pristine alpine wilderness areas of the Olympic National Park, to the east is the semi-arid
climate of the Sequim-Dungeness Valley, and within two hours time to the west is the Hoh Rain
Forest and the beaches and rugged beauty of the Pacific Coast. See Figure 21, Vicinity Map, page
1418.
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Figure 1. Vicinity Map
Air
The circulation of air around the Olympic Mountains and through the Strait of Juan de Fuca results
in mostly easterly or westerly winds in the vicinity of Port Angeles. Highest winds are generally
associated with intense winter storms and may be from either an easterly or westerly direction. On
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Community Profile
Page 21
most summer afternoons, a moderate to fresh westerly breeze can be expected. Wind velocity and
direction vary with the season. Winds from the west predominate and are strongest during the
summer, averaging about 14 miles per hour. Winds from the south and east occur more frequently
during the winter with an average velocity of about 9 miles per hour.
Water
Port Angeles is located in the Port Angeles watershed, which drains 65,000 acres (101.5 square
miles). A gradually descending slope from the Olympic Mountains north to the Strait of Juan de
Fuca characterizes the topography of the immediate Port Angeles area. Steep hillsides and bluffs
of 50 to 150 feet in elevation mark the northern edge of the slope. This region is segmented by
streams, which flow from the mountains toward the strait and have formed V-shaped ravines that
are much lower in elevation than the surrounding areas. The ravines contain the following major
creeks, which passing through the community to Port Angeles Harbor and the Strait of Juan de
Fucaand Port Angeles Harbor; Dry Creek, Tumwater Creek, Valley Creek, Peabody Creek,
Ennis/White's Creek, with Lee's Creek, and Morse Creek being located east of the City limits in
the Urban Growth Area. The Elwha River is located just approximately 1.25 miles west of the
City, and is the primary water source for the city. Very few sites in the City obtain potable water
from wells.
Wildlife
Port Angeles is located in an area replete with wildlife. The City is located adjacent to Olympic
National Park and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The drainages that pass through Port Angeles
provide wooded corridors and habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Various freshwater wetlands
are scattered throughout the city. Port Angeles Harbor is approximately 2,435 acres in size and is
one of the deepest natural harbors on the west coast. It provides habitat for many aquatic species.
Identification and classification of all fish and wildlife habitats within the City has not been
developed. A Shoreline Habitat Assessment authored by Pentec Environmental was completed in
2001 and provides a basis for understanding the Port Angeles Harbor nearshore environment. In
addition, several studies have evaluated eelgrass beds and kelp forests, habitat conditions, water
quality, and substrate contamination in the harbor. (Eelgrass Mapping Along the Elwha Nearshore
June and September 2006, Norris & Frasier)
A Wetlands Inventory developed in 1995 by Sheldon and Associates of Seattle, Washington,
provides a foundation for protection of local surface and ground waters from degradation,
identifies habitat areas to protect and restore, and for developing a City wide stormwater
management plan. Additional wetland delineations have been completed and added to the
inventory since the original inventory.
The wooded riparian areas provide food, cover, spawning, breeding, and rearing areas for a wide
variety of wildlife species. Trees and other plants shade streams and help keep water cool while
stabilizing banks and providing food and habitat for insects, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds
and fish. Trees also provide cover for wildlife. When trees die and fall into the streams, the logs
create small dams and pools that offer fish rearing habitat and cover from predators. Logs that
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Community Profile
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remain on land provide cover for wildlife. Wildlife from the ravines also make use of surrounding
developed properties and undeveloped lands for foraging.
Within Clallam County, the Washington State Department of Wildlife (Priority Habitats and
Species program) has indicated that there are 15 priority habitats and 104 priority species listed in
Clallam County, (State of Washington Priority Habitats and Species List August 2008). Due to an
agreement with the Department of Wildlife, the location of these habitats is not made available.
The locations have been reviewed and considered as part of this analysis.
The location of other less sensitive species has been identified in the DEIS. In particular, there are
three areas that harbor seals use for haul out. Those sites are the beach at the former Rayonier Mill
site, Hollywood Beach near downtown and the south shore of Ediz Hook in Port Angeles Harbor.
Department of Wildlife maps identify an area along the Harbor side of Ediz Hook that has "regular
large concentrations" of shorebirds. The bluff along the shoreline also provides a special and
valuable habitat for shorebirds and other wildlife.
Within the Olympic National Park, Roosevelt Elk roam the slopes of the mountains. Other
wildlife include black bears, cougars, coyotes, beavers, minks, raccoons, otters, wolves, eagles,
hawks, ravens, and grouse. Fisher have recently been reintroduced into the Olympic National Park
as well. Mountain goats were introduced to the Olympic National Park during the last century and
have become well established.
All of the creeks that make up the Port Angeles watershed are used for fish habitat, but most have
barriers to fish migration. Coho, Cutthroat and possibly Steelhead use Dry Creek. Tumwater
Creek provides anadromous use by Coho, Cutthroat, and Steelhead well upstream of the City
limits. Valley Creek and Peabody Creek may be used by sea run Cutthroat, however, these runs
are not felt to be self-sustaining. The stream ravines provide sections of relatively high quality
habitat and are recognized by the State as sustaining significant populations of resident fish and
potentially having salmon runs restored, once downstream impediments are removed. The resident
fish currently present in Ennis Creek are Coho, sea run Cutthroat, and Steelhead. The fish migrate
up to 4.9 miles from the Port Angeles Harbor. White's Creek, which joins Ennis Creek, contains
Coho, Steelhead, and sea run Cutthroat only up to Front Street The estuary at Valley Creek was
restored to its original condition as a mitigation action in 1996. Extensive restoration of Valley
Creek has been accomplished upstream from the southern end of Valley Street to the Hwy 101
crossing. Restoration efforts have been supported by City land acquisitions along the lower
portions of Valley Creek with the intent of future restoration projects.
The marine wetlands are primarily Marine Intertidal Beaches or Marine Intertidal Aquatic Beds.
There are a few Estuarine Subtidal Open Water wetlands (the log ponds) near the shoreline at the
Nippon Industries and K-ply mills and various Class II, III, and IV freshwater wetlands scattered
through the City.
Identification and classification of all fish and wildlife habitats within the City has not been
developed. The Pentec Shoreline Habitat Assessment has been completed since the original
drafting of the Comprehensive Plan and provides a much better basis for understanding the Port
Angeles Harbor nearshore environment. The City of Port Angeles Wetland Inventory developed
in 1995 by Sheldon and Associates of Seattle, Washington, provides a foundation for protection of
local surface and ground waters from degradation, identifies habitat areas to protect and restore
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Community Profile
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and to develop a City wide stormwater management plan. The presence of wooded ravines with a
water source provides areas of riparian habitat and corridors for wildlife movement.
Riparian areas help provide most of the food, cover, spawning, breeding, and rearing for a wide
variety of wildlife species. Trees and other plant, which shade streams help, keep water cool while
stabilizing banks and providing food (leaves, twigs, etc) for insects that fish eat. Trees also
provide cover for wildlife. When trees die and fall into the streams, the logs create small dams and
pools that offer fish rearing habitat and cover from predators. Logs that remain on land provide
cover for wildlife. Wildlife from the ravines typically makes use of surrounding properties and
undeveloped lands for foraging.
Within the general area, the Washington State Department of Wildlife (Priority Habitats and
Species program) has indicated that there are specific Eagle and Pileated Woodpecker habitats. In
addition, the region includes habitats for priority species of State Candidates being studied for
inclusion as threatened or endangered and other species that are being monitored. Priority habitats
for several game species are located in the vicinity. State Candidate species (for inclusion as
threatened or endangered) include the Marbled Murrelet and Fisher, and the Great Blue Heron is a
State Monitored species. Due to an agreement with the Department of Wildlife, the location of
these habitats is not immediately available. The locations have been reviewed and considered as
part of this analysis. Habitat for the State Endangered Spotted Owl occurs within, but is not
limited to, the National Forest.
The location of other less sensitive species has been identified in the DEIS. In particular, there are
two areas that harbor seals use for haulout. One is near the Rayonier Mill and the other is at the
base of Ediz Hook in Port Angeles Harbor. The Department of Wildlife maps identify an area
along the Harbor side of Ediz Hook that has "regular large concentrations" of shorebirds. The
bluff along the shoreline also provides a special and valuable habitat for shorebirds.
Within the Olympic National Park, Roosevelt Elk roam the slopes of the mountains. Other
wildlife include black bears, cougars, coyotes, beavers, minks, raccoons, otters, wolves, eagles,
hawks, ravens, and grouse. Fisher have recently been reintroduced into the Olympic National
Park.
All of the creeks are used for fish habitat, but most have barriers, which limit migration. Coho,
Cutthroat and possibly Steelhead use Dry Creek. Tumwater Creek provides anadromous use by
Coho, Cutthroat, and Steelhead well upstream of the City limits. Valley Creek may be used by sea
run Cutthroat and Steelhead, and some Coho return to the lower reaches of Peabody Creek.
However, these runs are not felt to be self-sustaining. Some of the ravines, such as the White's
Creek and Ennis Creek ravines, are recognized by the State as sustaining significant populations of
resident fish and potentially having salmon runs restored, once downstream impediments are
removed. The resident fish currently present in Ennis Creek are Coho, sea run Cutthroat, and
Steelhead. The fish migrate up to 4.9 miles from the Port Angeles Harbor. White's Creek, which
joins Ennis Creek, contains Coho, Steelhead, and sea run Cutthroat up to Front Street. Significant
restoration efforts have been undertaken along Valley Creek. In exchange for a log storage area,
K-ply Mill cooperated with local citizen groups to reestablish the Valley Creek estuary. Extensive
restoration has been accomplished upstream from the end of Valley Street to the Hwy 101
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crossing. This effort is accompanied by land acquisitions along the lower portions of Valley Creek
with the intent of future restoration projects.
Natural Resources
There are very limited forest areas, and no mineral lands located within the City. Much of the
forested areas are located within stream ravines or along the marine bluffs. Approximately 35
acres of developable lands remain forested. Lincoln Park and Shane park also contain forested
areas that are protected from development, however the trees in Lincoln Park are beginning to
penetrate the air space needed for approach to Fairchild Airport and will likely be removed in the
future. Those that do exist are discussed in the DEIS
The City of Port Angeles contains 26 miles of marine shoreline including Ediz Hook, a 4-mile-
long sand spit, and 17 miles of streams.
Diverse scenic resources are abundant in Port Angeles. Notable visual elements include the Strait
of Juan de Fuca, Ediz Hook, Vancouver Island, San Juan Islands, Mt. Baker, Hurricane Ridge, and
the Olympic National Park.
There are numerous public and private panoramic views of both the Strait of Juan de Fuca and
Hurricane Ridge from various places in the city. Of special note are the views along the bluffs to
the west, east, and above Port Angeles Harbor. The Ocean View Cemetery at the west edge of
town provides unobstructed views northward and along the coastline. The beaches and beachfront
trail along the shoreline also offer spectacular views of Ediz Hook, the StraitStrait of Juan de Fuca,
and distant Vancouver Island. Ediz Hook has superlative views of the oceanStrait, mountains,
waterfront, and the City. Exceptional views are also available from the roads around Lincoln
School and Port Angeles High School, the City Hall area, and Lauridsen Boulevard.
The vegetated creek ravines offer wooded open space that providinges attractive views as well as
wildlife habitat and corridors connecting the waterfront with the foothills. Other open space
amenities include wetlands, steep slopes, marshes, hilltops, and even open fields.
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Community Profile
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Figure XX 2 Natural Features
Noise
The primary sources of noise in Port Angeles are is theairport traffic from the airport and the Coast
Guard base, industrial activities at the mills,along the Port Angeles Harbor shoreline, vehicular
traffic, and construction activities. The ambient noise levels within the City of Port Angeles would
be expected to vary depending on location within the City.
In 1986, a Noise Compatibility Planning Study was conducted for the Fairchild International
Airport under the guidelines of the Federal Aviation Regulations. The Planning Study included
analyses of both existing and projected noise levels associated with the aviation traffic.
The one remaining mills along the waterfront are is a source of noise and isare in a difficult place
to provide noise attenuation. Since the mills areis visible from many residential areas on the hill
bluff top to the south, these residences can be expected to receive the greatest noise impacts.
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The Rayonier Mill closed in late 1990s leaving no noise producing industries east of the downtown
area. Redevelopment of the mill site to heavy industrial uses may once again create a noise source
there.The K-Ply mill near downtown closed in 2011 with site remediation completed in 2016. The
Port of Port Angeles intends redevelopment of the site for marine trades industries.
Higher noise levels are allowed for motor vehicles operations on public roads. Warning sirens and
temporary construction equipment are generally exempt from the noise regulations. Traffic levels
would be expected to be highest along major transportation routes of US 101, First Street, Front
Street, Lincoln, Lauridsen Boulevard, Race Street, Tumwater Truck Route, and Marine Drive.
Population
The population for the City of Port Angeles in 1993 was 18,270; this is an increase of 3 per cent
over the 1990 population of 17,710. The population for Clallam County in 1993 was 61,400. The
percentage of the County population residing in the City has dropped to 28.5% in 2004. The 2000
population of 18,397 is a 3.7% increase over the 1990 population. The population hads risen to
18,740 in by 2007 and is 19,090 in 2015.
The State Office of Financial Management has projected a 5 per cent growth rate over the next 20
years for Clallam County, this along with a linear projection for Port Angeles is illustrated in Table
7. Note the City has already exceeded projected growth rates.The city population has not grown at
the projected rate.
Table 7 Population Projections based on Office of Financial Management
Population 20052010 20102015 20152025 20202035 20252045
Port Angeles
18,51619,
038
19,30920,50
9
22,13823,80
2
21,19027,6
23
22,15932,05
8
Clallam County
64,96971,
404
67,75275,71
7
77,67885,14
2
74,35095,73
9
77,751107,6
55
The population figures in table 7 are projections based on an estimated 1.5% growth rate. These
numbers are considered high due to the historic growth rate for the City of 0.36% per year. The
population figures in the above table are based on Washington State Office of Financial
Management’s projected medium population growth for Clallam County and usingUsing
information from the 2000 2010 census, the percentage of Clallam County population attributed to
the City of Port Angeles (was 28.5%). The portion of the County population occurring in the City
has been declining in recent years from a high of 47% in 1970 to a 2014 low of 26.3%. City
population has grown by 52 people since the 2010 census data was collected, while the population
of Clallam County increased by 1,096 people.
Land Use
The City of Port Angeles contains 10.7 square miles or 6,856 acres of land area., 26 miles of
marine shoreline including Ediz Hook, a 4-mile sand spit and 17 miles of streams. There are
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Page 27
residential areas, industrial areas which include 2 large pulp, paper and wood product mills
(Nippon Industries, and K-Ply), and commercial areas with a fairly well defined Central Business
District (CBD). The following chart shows the number of parcels within each zone.
Port Angeles currently has land available in each zone designation to meet the anticipated future
needs for developable lands. The following charts indicate the amount of available land for each
zone.
Industrial zones
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Residential zones
Currently, there are 567 parcels developed with infrastructure available for residentail
development.
Community Facilities
Community facilities include 10 public school facilities (including a college), a 126-bed hospital, 1
public library, 1 fire station, 1 police station, 28 22 developed parks, the a Senior Services
Community Center, the William Shore Memoriala public swimming Ppool, the Vern Burton
Community Center, Ocean Viewa publicly owned Ccemetery, 1 private golf course, 4 cultural
centers (Port Angeles Fine Arts Center, Arthur D. Fierro Marine Lab, The Lower Elwha Klallam
Cultural Center, and the Clallam County Historical Society Museum)., the William R. Fairchild
International Airport, 2 ferry terminals serving privately owned ferries, the Coho and Victoria
Express,
The Port Angeles School District Number 121 serves the City of Port Angeles and its surrounding
community. The District operates four elementary schools, one middle school (grades 6-8), one
comprehensive high school, one alternative high school, and is host to the North Olympic
Peninsula Skills Center. Within the City of Port Angeles there are three elementary schools; these
are Franklin Elementary, Hamilton Elementary, and Jefferson Elementary. Stevens Middle
School, Port Angeles High School and Choice Alternative School provide for secondary education.
The Skills Center, working closely with Peninsula College, provides the latest vocational/technical
education in a competency based learning environment. The Port Angeles School District has
closed one middle school and two elementary schools located outside of the city limits in recent
years. These closures result in a concentration of students in the schools remaining open within
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Community Profile
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the city limits. The closures reflect an aging demographic in Port Angeles and Clallam County in
general.
Peninsula College is a comprehensive community college located in Port Angeles. The campus is
located at the east edge of the city.
By partnering with community organizations and other institutions of higher education, Peninsula
College is helping to enhance and strengthen educational and training opportunities for everyone
on the peninsula. Recent initiatives include developing the Applied Environmental Technologies
Center of Excellence by working in collaboration with several local entities, including the Clallam
County Economic Development Council and private businesses, collaborating with the North
Olympic Peninsula Skills Center and Business Incubator Network to provide training programs for
young people, the work force, and growing local businesses, and partnering with the Workforce
Development Council to provide services to expand the use of technology in the Medical Assistant
Program and to provide training as part of the Work Source Affiliate Site.
Peninsula College also collaborates with several-four-year colleges and universities to provide
opportunities for local residents to earn bachelor degrees on the peninsula. These collaborations
include a new partnership with Western Washington University’s award-winning Huxley College
of the Environment that allows peninsula residents to earn their B.A. and B.S. degrees on the
Peninsula College campus without having to leave the area or face long commutes to Bellingham.
It is also possible to earn a bachelor’s degree in education. Collaboration with City University
allows Olympic Peninsula residents to earn a bachelor’s degree in education, University of
Washington—Bothell allows individuals to earn a bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Washington State
University allows residents to earn eleven different degrees via distance learning, and the East
Jefferson Education Consortium allows individuals to pursue a variety of degree opportunities
through the 12 universities and educational organizations that have partnered with Peninsula
College in this consortium. The partnering entities, in addition to Peninsula College, include
Centrum Center for the Arts, Chapman University Bangor Campus, City University, Port
Townsend Marine Science Center, Southern Illinois University Program in Workforce Education
and Development offered at Bangor, University of Washington, Washington State University, and
Western Washington University.
The college currently employs 66 full-time faculty, 146 part-time faculty and 96 persons as staff
and administration on the Port Angeles campus.
The Port of Port Angeles operates a 16.1 acre boat havenmarina, housing with approximately 375
boat slips with 57 boat houses, and 3,000 feet of dock for tie-ups, and a public boat yard for repair
and maintenance. The Boat Haven Marina was upgraded during 2007 – 2008. The port also
operates the William R. Fairchild International Airport and the downtown ferry terminal serving
the privately owned Coho ferry.
Planning Areas
The Comprehensive Plan divides the City into 8 planning areas. For the purpose of description,
the individual planning areas are identified as the Harbor, Northwest, Southwest, North Central,
South Central, East, Eastern Urban Growth Area and Southwestern Urban Growth Area planning
areas. These areas are located on Figure 3 and are described as follows.
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The Harbor planning area includes all shoreline areas adjacent to Port Angeles Harbor and
contains the Coast Guard Station, the Port and Salmon ClubCity operated boat ramps, Ediz
HookHarborview Park, and the Nippon Industries paper Mill, all on Ediz Hook. The historic
downtown and waterfront are also essential parts of this sub area. The boat haven marina, log
export terminal, the K-Ply mill, the Coho Ferry terminal, and City Pier Park line the waterfront.
Entertainment activities (movie theater, bookstores, antique shops, galleries, historic underground
tour and restaurants) abound within the pedestrian oriented central business district.
Also in the Harbor Planning Area is tThe former Rayonier Mill site. The mill site washas been
closed in since 1997 and has been demolished The site is undergoing site remediation for clean-
up of materials left from the previous mill operation. The site will is intended to become available
for redevelopment in the future.. Entertainment activities (movie theater, bookstores, antique
shops, galleries, historic underground tour and restaurants) abound within the pedestrian oriented
central business district. In 2013, the City purchased a 5 million gallon storage tank that remained
on the site and has incorporated the tank into its stormwater management facilities for the
remediation of combined sewer overflows into Port Angeles Harbor.
The Northwest planning area covers the western edge of town lying beyond west Tumwater Creek
and north of Fairchild International the aAirport. This area is comprised largely of older homes,
however, recent growth pressure has led to new subdivisions and home construction in the area.
There is a commercial area located at 8th and "C" Street, serving the residents along C Streetof the
west end of the city. A pocket of industrial/commercial activities is located along the Tumwater
Truck Route near the /US 101 junction. This area of town has limited access because of the
Tumwater Creek ravine and the bluffs. It alsoThe Northwest Planning Area has the largest
segment of undeveloped residential land within the current City limits.
The Southwest planning area includes Fairchild International Airport, the Clallam County
Fairgrounds, Ocean View Cemetery, the Port Angeles Regional Transfer Station, The Extreme
Sports Park, Fairchild International Airport and Lincoln Park. In 2005 the city annexed 358 acres
of land into the southwest planning area. Much of the area is included in the Eclipse Industrial
park. Industrial development is located at the airport industrial park and the area annexed in 2005.
A few homes lie within the City limits along Lower Elwha Road, but otherwise this planning area
contains predominantly industrial and park (recreation)Public land uses.
The North Central planning area is the an older, more denser portion of town. It is an area
bounded on the west by the Tumwater Creek ravine and divided by Valley Creek and , Peabody
Creek and Ennis/White's Creek ravines. It contains all of the municipal buildingsCity Hall,
Clallam County building and courthouse, the William Shore pool and the recently renovated
Carnegie Library museum. The commercial uses along Lincoln Street provide community
shopping opportunities. Recreation is provided by a number of neighborhood parks. Much of the
city's multifamily housing is within this planning area.
The South Central planning area is the area of town with newer homes, on larger lots. This
planning area is where thewas annexed into the city after much development had occurred. The
street pattern changes from traditional townsite blocks to smaller lots in older areas and large
blocks and cul-de-sacs in newer areas. Many views of Port Angeles Harbor and the Strait of Juan
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Community Profile
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de Fuca are available. The Port Angeles High School lies within this planning area. The Olympic
National Park Headquarters and Visitors Center is along the Heart of the Hills Road.
The East planning area is the area east of Race Street to the eastern city limits. This area has a
mix of older homes and newer residential subdivisions and development, as well as a portion of
the main First and Front Street commercial corridor. Marine views from upper elevations are
possible, along with mountain views. This planning area includes Peninsula College facilities and
Peninsula Golf Club.
Figure XX 3 Planning Area Map
Urban Growth Areas
The Eastern Urban Growth Area is generally the area east of the city limits. Remnant properties
in the UGA that are located south of the city limits and east of Valley Creek are considered to be in
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Community Profile
Page 32
this urban growth area until annexation occurs whereby they will be considered to be part of the
adjacent planning area. Policies for this planning area are adopted by Clallam County as a part of
the Port Angeles Regional Comprehensive Plan.
The Western Urban Growth Area is generally the area west and south of the city limits.
Remnant properties in the UGA that are located south of the pre 2005 city limits, north of
Highway 101 and west of Valley Tumwater Creek as far as Reddick Road are considered to be in
this urban growth area until annexation occurs whereby they will be considered to be part of the
adjacent planning area. Policies for this planning area are adopted by Clallam County as a part of
the Port Angeles Regional Comprehensive Plan.
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Figure XX 4 Urban Growth Areas
The Regional Transportation Planning Organization has designated Port Angeles as a primary
center of mixed use development and the Urban Growth Areas as a secondary center of mixed use
development in the Regional Transportation Plan. Goals and Policies in the Growth Management
Element of this Comprehensive Plan support focusing new growth and mixed use opportunities in
the City and UGA
Figure XX City Planning Areas map HERE
NEIGHBORHOODS
The City's planning areas are made up of 18 separate neighborhoods. The distinct neighborhoods
are described in the following sections.
Figure XXX 5 Neighborhoods
Downtown
The downtown neighborhood is the smallest neighborhood, extending north from the marine bluff
to the waterfront and east from Valley Street to Chase Street on the east, and extending east along
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Community Profile
Page 34
the Waterfront trail to Vine Street (extended). The Downtown neighborhood is the traditional
community center of the City. Many of the structures are two stories tall, with a few having
residential uses on the second floor, but many others remain in disrepair, are vacant or are used for
office use. Buildings in the downtown area span several decades and architectural styles, some
dating to the early 20th century. Few structures are more than 2 stories tall. The Lee Plaza is the
major residential structure in the downtown area, however it is managed by the Clallam County
Housing Authority for low income individuals. The City's Comprehensive Plan and zoning
ordinance support increased residential uses in the downtown.
The downtown is a walkable neighborhood with ample sidewalk areas, midblock crosswalks and a
large variety of eateries and gathering places. A locally owned natural foods market, specializing
in organic product and locally grown produce anchors the west end of the downtown area.
Washington State Department of Health and Human Services operates out of a downtown location.
Ample parking is scattered throughout the downtown area. There are no longer any large anchor
chain stores in the Downtown, however there are many individual shops providing unique items,
such as beads, books, candy, brewing supplies, boutique clothing, athletic goods, auto parts,
novelties, gifts, art and furniture.
Several City projects have been undertaken in the downtown in recent years. Water mains, sewer
lines, sidewalks and street trees have been replaced. The sidewalks are constructed of pavers to
enhance the aesthetics of the area.
A second project has replaced shoreline armoring along a portion of Railroad Avenue, west of the
ferry landing, with an improved waterfront treatment and hard armoring has been replaced with
two pocket beach areas, returning the area to a much more natural appearance. This project has
resulted in a formal extension of the Olympic Discovery/Waterfront Trail through the downtown
area and created a block long park on the west end of the Downtown, which complements City
Pier Park located at the east end of the Downtown.
The Downtown is an international port, hosting the Coho Ferry, which provides direct access to
Victoria Canada.
Pine Hill
The Pine hill neighborhood extends from the center of Valley Creek ravine on the east to the
center of Tumwater Creek ravine on the west. The northern boundary of the neighborhood is the
marine bluff and the southern boundary is Highway 101.
Pine Hill neighborhood is one of the older central city neighborhoods. The urban character of this
neighborhood is similar to several other older neighborhoods typically 7,000 square foot lots and a
standard grid pattern streets. The homes in this area typically are older structures built in the early
20th century, with a variety of more recent infill homes scattered throughout the area. The
predominant style of house is typically American craftsmen.
The area is generally level with a slight rise from north to south. This aspect limits views towards
the water (north) but many homes have views of the Olympic Mountains to the south.
Very few commercial uses exist in this neighborhood. Those commercial uses that do exist are
located along the 8th Street corridor. The Pine Hill neighborhood is only served by transit along 8th
Street. Sidewalks do exist throughout the neighborhood.
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West End
The West End neighborhood extends west from 'M' Street to the marine bluff, and south from 10th
Street to 18th Street, and is one of the least developed areas of the city. Larger lot zoning (up to
11,000 square foot lots) and the allowance for curvilinear streets and cul-de-sacs result in a more
suburban character in this neighborhood. The neighborhood contains 5 different zone
designations, allowing a range of densities from less than 4 dwelling units per acre to 12.44
dwelling units per acre. Two residential manufactured home parks exist in the neighborhood.
Serenity House of Clallam County, Clallam County Housing Authority, and Habitat for Humanity
all have developed housing for low-income families in the area.
Much of this area remains undeveloped with large tracts of forested land. Two areas in the
neighborhood have been set aside and used by industrial interests to store low hazardous waste
materials, making those sites unusable for the near future.
Several newer (1970's to current) subdivisions have been developed in this neighborhood, however
not all of the developed lots are occupied yet. Many excellent building sites are developed with
urban services but remain vacant. Homes in the area are newer, many of them single story, ranch
style structures.
Although the development in this area is newer than other neighborhoods, the streets are
developed with few sidewalks for pedestrian use. No commercial services are available in the
area. Due to this limitation, the neighborhood is not considered highly walkable. The Olympic
Discovery Trail spans the neighborhood following Milwaukee Drive from 10th Street to 18th Street.
The City owned Ocean View Cemetery is located at the northwest limit of the neighborhood.
Views from this neighborhood are primarily to the Olympic Mountains, however, the few
developments west of Milwaukee Drive have outstanding views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Airport
The airport neighborhood extends west from 'M' Street to the western City limit and south from
18th Street to the City's southern limits, and is the City's largest neighborhood with 1,217 acres.
The primary land use is the William Fairchild Airport. The airport also contains an industrial park
situated on the north side of the runways, south of 18th Street. The neighborhood also contains the
City's refuse transfer station, recycling center, and compost facility. The Extreme Sports Park is
located in the neighborhood's southwest corner. Several large tracts of forested land and farm sites
exist in this neighborhood. This is the least populated neighborhood in the City.
Cherry Hill
The Cherry Hill neighborhood extends from Lincoln Street on the east to Valley Creek on the
west, and from Lauridsen Boulevard on the south to marine bluff on the north. This is an older
neighborhood, and contains a large portion of the City's High Density residential zoning located at
the north end of the neighborhood. The southern portion of the neighborhood is primarily single
family residential zoning. The 8th Street commercial corridor separates the two zoning districts,
and a second commercial corridor extends north and south along the west side of Lincoln Street.
The neighborhood contains 3 small parks and the east slope of the Valley Creel ravine. The homes
in the area are mostly older structures.
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Peabody Creek
The Peabody neighborhood extends east of Lincoln Street to Race Street and from 8th Street on the
south to the Georgiana/Front alley on the north. The boundaries of the Peabody neighborhood are
all comprised of commercial corridors, with high density residential uses west of Peabody Creek
and single family residential uses east of Peabody Creek. Peabody Creek Ravine divides the
neighborhood diagonally from the southeast to the northwest. The neighborhood contains Jesse
Webster Park, Erikson Park, and the Dream Playground and also contains City Hall, Clallam
County Courthouse, and the Senior Center.
Crown
The Crown neighborhood extends from 'I' Street on the east to the marine bluff on the west and
from 10th Street on the south to the top of the marine bluff on the north. The Crown neighborhood
contains Crown Park which provides panoramic views from the bluff top. Hamilton Elementary
School is located within this neighborhood. The neighborhood is primarily a single family
residential neighborhood and contains no commercial zones. Much of the housing in the area is
newer and there are still areas that are undeveloped.
Ediz Hook
The Ediz Hook neighborhood is made up of Ediz Hook itself along with the waterfront area
extending west of Valley Street. The neighborhood is unique in that there are no residential uses
in the neighborhood, with the exception of full time residential use of boats in the marina. The
primary uses are industrial with a few commercial activities that support the industries. Several
large industries make up the major uses, including the Nippon USA paper mill, Westport Marine
and Platypus Marine. Tesoro Petroleum provides fueling operations for large ocean going vessels.
Icicle Seafoods and the Puget Sound Pilots office and facility are located at the east end of Ediz
Hook. The Port of Port Angeles owns and operates several industrial/commercial operations along
the waterfront, including log storage and bark removal, topside repair of large ocean going vessels
and berthing of navy support boats. They also own and operate the Boat Haven Marina. The
Native American village Tse-wit-wen is also located within the Ediz Hook neighborhood. Ediz
Hook itself provides outdoor recreation opportunities through the Sail and Paddle Park at the west
end of the spit and Harbor View Park at the east end. The parks are connected by an extension of
the Olympic Discovery Trail. A boat launch is provided at the east end of the spit and at the Boat
Haven Marina. Ediz Hook has recently undergone extensive habitat restoration efforts led by the
Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.
Georgiana
The Georgiana neighborhood extends north from the Georgiana/Front Street alley to the
waterfront, and extends from Vine Street on the west to the Whites Creek Ravine on the west.
Although this is primarily a single family residential neighborhood, the Olympic Medical Center's
hospital and associated medical support offices make up the bulk of uses in the central portion of
the neighborhood. Two parks are located in the neighborhood, Georgiana Park and Francis Street
Park, which provides access to the Waterfront Trail. The abandoned Rayonier Mill site is located
on the waterfront at the east end of the neighborhood.
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Harbor View
The Harbor View neighborhood extends from the Tumwater Creek Ravine west to 'I' Street and
north from 8th Street to the marine bluff. This is also primarily a single family residential zone
with commercial uses located only at the intersection of 8th and 'C' Street. Shane Park is the only
park in the neighborhood.
Jefferson
The Jefferson neighborhood is located between Lincoln Street on the west and Race Street on the
east. It is bounded on the south by Lauridsen Boulevard and on the north be the 8th Street corridor.
This neighborhood is also primarily a single family residential neighborhood, with the exception of
the south side of the 8th Street corridor. Jefferson Elementary School is located in the southwest
corner of the neighborhood.
Civic
The Civic neighborhood extends east from Race Street to the Whites Creek ravine, and north from
Lauridsen Boulevard to the Georgiana/Front Street Ally. The neighborhood contains the major
commercial strip of First and Front Streets, but is otherwise a single family neighborhood. Low
intensity commercial uses are also located alone Race Street. This neighborhood contains Civic
Field, the City's major sports facility and the Fine Art Center and Webster Woods, a premier art
venue providing unique outdoor art.
Lauridsen
The Lauridsen neighborhood extends south of Lauridsen Boulevard to Park Avenue and from the
Valley Creek ravine on the west to Race Street on the east. Commercial uses in this neighborhood
are confined to the western portion of Lauridsen Boulevard. The Housing Authority of Clallam
County manages Mount Angeles View, a housing project of affordable housing. Lyons Park is the
only formal City park in the neighborhood.
Lincoln Park
The Lincoln Park neighborhood extends south from 8th Street to Highway 101 and west from
Tumwater Truck Route west to 'M' Street (with some variation). Commercial areas are located
along the 'C' Street corridor and at the west end of the neighborhood along Highway 101. An
industrially zoned area exists at the south end of the Tumwater Truck Route where several small
manufacturing and construction related industry occur. Park View Lane, a senior/retirement center
is located in the neighborhood as well as a cluster of high density apartments located in the vicinity
of the 'C' Street and Lauridsen Boulevard intersection. The remainder of the neighborhood is
single family residential.
Schools in the area include Stevens Middle School, the only middle school in the City and the
North Olympic Skill Center and Choice Alternative school. The one-time Lincoln School has
become the Clallam County Historical Society headquarters and is planned to become the Clallam
County museum.
Lincoln Park is the City's largest park and contains the Clallam County Fair Grounds, baseball
fields, two ponds, and a large wooded area. Big Boy Pond, one of the City's largest wetland areas
is located west of Stevens Middle School.
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Mill Creek
The Mill Creek neighborhood extends south from Park Street to the southern City Boundary and
from the western City boundary to Race Street and Hurricane Ridge Road on the east. This
neighborhood contains the northern most portion of the Olympic National Park and the Park
headquarters building and maintenance areas. Also located in this neighborhood is Port Angeles
High School.
The area directly around the High School is primarily single family residential uses situated on
standard size lots. The southern portion of the neighborhood is also single family residential,
however the lots are larger, less developed and with newer homes for the most part. No
commercial uses are located within the neighborhood.
Mt. Angeles
The Mt. Angeles neighborhood extends south from Lauridsen Boulevard to the southern City
limits and from Hurricane Ridge Road on the west to the Whites Creek ravine and the eastern City
limits. A large portion of this neighborhood is occupied by Peninsula College, the only institute of
higher education in the City. The neighborhood also contains Franklin Elementary School.
Land use is primarily single family residential on larger suburban size lots, however, some
medium and high density residential uses are located near the college campus.
Southwest
The southwest neighborhood is located south of Highway 101 and includes the entire area annexed
into the City in 2005.
Whites Creek
The Whites Creek neighborhood extends east from the whites Creek ravine east to the City limits
on the north, south and east. This neighborhood contains a large private golf course, the only golf
course in the City. Also contained within this neighborhood is the City's wastewater treatment
plant, which now includes a 5 million gallon storage tank recently acquired from Rayonier
corporation. The area includes the eastern portion of the Rayonier mill site, which is currently
unused and awaiting further clean-up efforts. Recently, the City constructed a new bridge
spanning Ennis Creek to provide an appropriate crossing for sewer and stormwater pipes and
capable of carrying the Olympic Discovery/Waterfront Trail as well as vehicle traffic.
Figure XX City Neighborhoods map HERE
Housing
In 1990, 7,553 dwelling units were located in Port Angeles. By 1992 the dwelling units had
increased by 422 units (or 5.6%) to a total of 7,975 dwelling units. By 2004 the dwelling units
have increased by another 797 units (or 10%) to a total of 9,479.
In the decade of the 1990s, the City of Port Angeles grew at a slow rate of 3.9%. The growth in
the UGA during the same time was 6.3%. During the period of 1996 to 2003, building permit
activity shows that only 10.7% of the county-wide residential building units were constructed in
the City of Port Angeles, while 14.2% of the county’s residential construction was in rural areas of
the Port Angeles planning region. Recent amendments to the Comprehensive Plan are intended to
reverse the City’s no growth trend.
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Currently the City has 6,845 parcels that are zoned for residential use. Of those residentially zoned
parcels, 567 are developed with complete infrastructure but remain available for building. The
City currently has a number of large undeveloped areas and based on the anticipated density, the
currently undeveloped parcels would provide area for 2,280 additional dwelling units.
Transportation
The Regional Transportation Planning Organization has designated Port Angeles as a primary
center of mixed use development and the Urban Growth Areas as a secondary center of mixed use
development in the Regional Transportation Plan. Goals and Policies in the Growth Management
Element of this Comprehensive Plan support focusing new growth and mixed use opportunities in
the City and UGA
The road network in the City of Port Angeles is characterized by a grid street pattern that is
oriented east to west (parallel to the waterfront) and north to south. This pattern shifts slightly
south of Lauridsen Blvd. where the streets street orientation shifts to match the platting pattern
established by the County before the City boundaries were expanded. The regular geometry of this
pattern is generally retained, except where the topography of the foot hills, the deep ravines or the
bluffs along the Straight of Juan de Fuca cause the road realignment. The street pattern is shown
on Figure 7.Some areas located in the western portion of the City diverge from the grid pattern
forming more curvilinear suburban pattern
The street grades are moderate in most areas, as they adapt to the topography, which goes up rises
from the waterfront and gently undulates as the foothills flatten to meet the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The most unique characteristic of the street network is the way it is interrupted by several deep
ravines, which bisect the east-west street network connectivity, resulting in a limited number of
streets that run continuously from one end of the City to the other.
The Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) identifies US 101 as the only
Highway of Statewide Significance in Port Angeles. The level of service for Highways of
Statewide Significance is established by Washington State Department of Transportation. There
are five Highways of Regional Significance through the City (US 101, State Route 117 Tumwater
Truck Route, Race Street leading to the Olympic Park Visitor Center and Hurricane Ridge, the
First/Front couplet/Marine Drive from US 101 to SR 117, and Lincoln/Laurel/Oak Streets
connecting US 101 with the Railroad Avenue Coho Ferry landing on Railroad Avenue).
There is one designated truck route in the City that runs from east to west along the Front/First
Street couplet to Tumwater Truck Route (State Route 117) and along Tumwater Truck Route south
to US 101. All roads in Port Angeles including highways of statewide and regional significance
operate and level of service D or better.
The City of Port Angeles is served by Clallam Transit, the Public Transit Benefit Area (PTBA)
Agency that serves the Clallam County with a combination of scheduled and para-transit services.
Clallam Transit currently identifies four routes that circulate within the City limits. These routes
all originate from the downtown area. The four routes provide service to east City limits at the
Plaza shopping center, the west side to the Elwha Tribal Center and Fairchild International Airport,
the near west side to the fairgrounds, and south through the central portion of the City to Ahlvers
Road. A In addition to local in-city transit second functionClallam Transit is to move
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peopleprovides commuter service between Port Angeles and other smaller cities and communities
on the PeninsulaSequim and Forks.
Clallam Transit System ridership has shown an overall increase in numbers on all routes in the past
decade. This may in part be contributed to the status of the economy in during that period.
A private carrier, Olympic BusDungeness Lines, provides daily service between Port Angeles and
the Seattle area, including regular stops at the major hospitals, the Seattle Greyhound Bus Station,
and SeaTac International Airport.
Figure XX6 City Street Map
The Port of Port Angeles is responsible for the portmost operations along the waterfront, including
ownership of the Black Ball Ferry Terminal, the Boat Haven Marina, and other waterfront
properties supporting water related industry. The Port is also responsible for , and at theoperations
at Fairchild International Airport including and the Airport Industrial Park.
The William R. Fairchild International Airport is located approximately three miles southwest of
the central city and serves a combination of commercial and private aviation demands in the
region. The airport is owned and operated by the Port of Port Angeles and is classified as a
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Community Profile
Page 41
commercial service airport by both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Washington
State Department of Transportation, Aviation Division (WSDOT Aviation). The airport serves the
commercial service needs of the entire Peninsula including Clallam, Jefferson and portions of
Mason Counties and the general aviation needs of Clallam and portions of Jefferson Counties. The
airport has more than 800 acres of property, with 690 in aeronautical use, and 110 in industrial
park use.
Two runways are available at the Airport for the needs of larger and smaller aircraft. The Primary
runway is 6,350-feet long by 150-feet wide with the secondary smaller runway being 3,250-feet
long by 50-feet wide and available during daylight hours only. The primary runway has the
capacity for aircraft up to 115,000 pounds. The runway is equipped with an instrument landing
system, visual approach slope indicator, eight runway-end identifier lights, medium intensity
approach lighting system with runway alignment indicator, runway and taxiway lighting, and
signage.
The 2011 Airport Master Plan describes the short, intermediate and long-term plans for facility
development and maintenance. A copy of this plan is available on the Port of Port Angeles
website at http://www.portofpa.com/index.aspx?NID=276
Because of its international status, this airport has a unique market for passengers traveling
between Canada and the United States. With a full time U.S. and Immigration staff, regional
airlines serving Victoria stop in Port Angeles for clearance to avoid the congestion and delay at
SeaTac. Early in 2004, Horizon Air, a major carrier from Port Angeles to Sea-Tac International
Airport, withdrew service due to lack of customers. San Juan Air began flights from Port Angeles
to Boeing Field in Seattle at the beginning of 2004, and Kenmore Air Service began flights to
Boeing Field in July of 2004.
Air Cargo is an ever-increasing component of airport operations with a 58 percent increase in
airfreight tonnage in the past 10 years. The two-runway airport is well situated to serve increased
volume because the long runways remaining from this original military airfield can serve the trend
to larger aircraft.Land uses surrounding the William R. Fairchild International Airport include
residential, industrial and park/open space. The main landing approach area for the airport is over
the most densely populated portion of the City, with the final approach over Lincoln Park located
immediately east of the airport. Due to the height of the trees growing in Lincoln Park, debate
over the future of Lincoln Park has been an on-going discussion.
The area to the west of the airport (the primary take-off area contains the City’s landfillsolid waste
Transfer Station, recycling center and composting facility. This landfill is currently planned to be
closed in 2006 and converted into a solid waste transfer station to reduce the hazards associated
with conflicts between airplanes and scavenger birds feeding at the landfill. Farther to the west,
the area is located in the County and is zoned Rural Low and Moderate density and Rural
Character Conservation (RCC3) to maintain low-density residential areas in the flight path area.
The lands adjacent to the airport on both the north and south are designated and zoned as industrial
to buffer minimize the impacts that may be expected from more intensiveairport use to less intense
land uses adjacent to an the airport.
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Urban Services
The Port Angeles Police Department currently provides police protection within the city limits of
Port Angeles and operates PENCOM, the emergency dispatch for eastern Clallam County. The
police headquarters are located at City Hall. The Department has 53.5 personnel, of which 29 are
sworn officers and 5.5 are volunteers.Police
The Port Angeles Police Department currently provides police protection within the city limits of
Port Angeles and operates PENCOM, the 9-1-1 emergency dispatch center for almost all police
and fire agencies in Clallam County. The police headquarters are located at City Hall. The
Department has 62 personnel; 31 commissioned police officer positions (authorized 33), one (1)
half-time commissioned officer, two (2) reserve officers, 20 communications officers, seven (7)
clerical positions, and, one (1) part-time parking enforcement position. There are also 15 civilian
volunteers associated with the department.
Fire
The Port Angeles Fire Department provides fire response and advanced life support emergency
medical services within the city limits of Port Angeles. The Fire Department headquarters station
is located at 5th and Laurel Streets. The Department has 23 career personnel, including 21
firefighters who are cross-trained as emergency medical technicians, with 11 certified as
paramedics. In addition to career personnel, the Department has an active volunteer component
that is consolidated with the adjoining fire district.
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Community Profile
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Figure 7
The Port Angeles Fire Department currently provides fire and Medic 1 protection within the city
limits of Port Angeles. The headquarters are located at 5th and Laurel Streets. The department
has 23 full-time personnel, of which 15 are fire fighters, six of whom maintain paramedic
certification, and all are emergency medical technicians.
City Parks and Recreation Facilities
The City Parks and Recreation Department maintains over 114 acres of developed park land,
another 81.5 acres of undeveloped land reserved for future park development, and 91.8 acres of
undeveloped lands set aside for protection as open space. The Parks Department maintains 14
playground equipment sites, 13 baseball and/or softball fields, 9 football and/or soccer fields, and
12 tennis courts. Approximately 10 acres are taken up by community facilities. The William
Shore Memorial Swimming Pool, Senior and Community Services Center and the Vern Burton
Community Center provide a wide range of year-around recreational services.
Figure XX City Parks map HERE
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Community Profile
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Figure 8
Civic Field provides a full athletic complex for soccer, football and baseball, with lighting for
nighttime activities, concessions, covered stadium seating, and locker rooms. The Carnegie
Library has been converted to a museum leased by the Clallam County Historical Society and
neighbors the City's former fire hall. The City owns and operates the 41 acre Ocean View
Cemetery.
Other city facilities include the Feiro Marine Life Center, located in City Pier Park, and a
traditional native long house, the Loomis Building and several other log structures at Lincoln Park.
The Port Angeles Fine Arts Center is located in Webster Woods Park. Two public walkways
connecting the downtown area with the residential area at the top of the bluff are owned and
maintained by the City. One of those walkways terminates at the Conard Dyar Memorial Fountain
in downtown. The City operates a boat launch ramp and floats for boat moorage on the eastern
end of Ediz Hook. The City pier also provides moorage for transient boaters.
The City maintains the Olympic Discovery/Waterfront Trail from Morse Creek to the Coast Guard
Base entry on Ediz Hook and through the city to the western city limits at Lower Elwha Road.
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Water Utility
The City of Port Angeles water service area includes the land within the city boundaries, along
with services within Clallam County P.U.D. No. 1, 52 Dry Creek customers, 5 Black Diamond
customers, and one government account outside the city limits. The City also provides wholesale
water to Clallam County P.U.D. No. 1, subject to certain conditions consistent with GMA. In the
City's 2002 Water Comprehensive Water Plan, the future service area limit was from Morse Creek
to the Elwha River and bordered on the south by the Olympic National Park.
The current water supply for the City is from the Elwha River. The Elwha River Ranney Well
System with a minimum yield of 11 million gallons was originally constructed in 1977 with major
renovations made during the Elwha Dam removal project started in 2010. This source provides for
domestic and commercial and some industrial needs of the City. There is also a separate industrial
water supply line for serving the Nippon mMills. The source is a small diversion dam on the
Elwha River approximately eight miles from the city limits. Water treatment plants are being
planned to treat the Elwha River waters once the Elwha dams are removed in 2006.
Stormwater Management
The City maintains all public storm sewers, and culverts, and stormwater facilities, . The City
maintainsincluding the WSDOT conduits, and culverts, and stormwater facilities along the US 101
corridor within the city limits. The City is currently making a major shift in its approach to
stormwater management, moving away from the more traditional system of hard surfaces draining
to catch basins and being piped to the nearest waterbody to a more natural acting system of
allowing stormwater to be absorbed into the earth through the installation of raingardens and
enhancing vegetative cover, including vegetated roof systems.
The City has only limited legal access to natural drainage courses throughout the city. Public
access is available for some of the sites and areas.
Sanitary or combined sewers serve approximately 3,700 acres in Port Angeles. The city has
mostly 8-inch local sanitary sewers and even some small 6-inch. However, the city's original
collection system was designed as a combined sewer system with storm water. This occurs
primarily in old downtown in an area approximately bounded by the waterfront on the north,
Valley Street on the west, Peabody Street on the east and 6th Street on the south. There were no
storm sewers in the city until the 1950's. The existing storm sewer system grew in bits and pieces
as individual renovation projects and LIDs responded to local problems. The storm sewers are 6"
and 8" diameter due to the steep terrain of the city. The existing storm sewers run primarily in the
north/south "short block" orientation picking up catch basins, which happen to be at the east/west
"long block" intersections. In summary, the old downtown has combined sewers and the rest of
the city has varying degrees of partially separated sewers.
The sewage collection system has 10 pumping stations. Eight are operated and maintained by the
City, with Rayonier and Nippon Industries mills each having one private pump. Three of the
City's stations are along the main interceptor leading to the treatment plant. The Nippon Mill also
operates its own water treatment facility.
The City Parks and Recreation Department maintains over 194 acres of parkland, 14 playground
equipment sites, 13 baseball and/or softball fields, 9 football fields and/or soccer fields, 12 tennis
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Community Profile
Page 46
courts, and an indoor pool. The City also provides excellent general recreation and senior activity
programs. A review of the parks and recreation facilities is included in the DEIS, and the location
of the facilities is shown on Figure 11.
The existing interceptor system was constructed in 1969 for the purpose of eliminating six major
and numerous minor outfalls of raw sewage into Port Angeles Harbor. These outfalls are now
used for the combined sewer overflows. Overflows occur during high intensity storm conditions
because of the hydraulic limitations of the interceptor system. Newer storm systems are separated
from sanitary sewer systems.
The treatment plant is located on a 3.5-acre site on the eastern city limit of Port Angeles and just
east of the former Rayonier mill site. The treatment plant was completed in 1994 to provide
secondary level treatment of sewage and to accommodate 10.6 million gallons peak capacity per
day of sewage. In the future, the City intends to construct facilities to reduce the combined sewer
overflows.
Wastewater Utility
The City’s wastewater system includes a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) built in 1968-69 as
a primary treatment facility , and upgraded to a secondary wastewater treatment plant built in
1994. The plant is the trickling filter/solids contact treatment system. Biosolids are hauled to the
City’s composting facility where it is composted and sold for beneficial reuse. The sewer
conveyance system includes 119 miles of sanitary and combined sewer pipe ranging from 4 to 36
inches in diameter, 17 pump stations, and two marine outfalls. The treatment plant was modified
most recently in 2014, when the first phase of the CSO Reduction program was completed.
Modifications included a 4.9 million gallon storage tank for temporary storage of peak flows of
sewage diluted by stormwater (combined sewage) during rain events, a refurbished deep water
marine outfall providing improved dispersion of WWTP effluent, improvements to the trickling
filters and headworks, and associated elements. The wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) located
at the west end of Ennis Creek road, has a treatment capacity expected to be adequate beyond
2021. The wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is rated at 10.8 million gallons per day (MGD)
maximum month design flow, and can handle peak combined sewer flows of up to 20 MGD. The
WWTP treated an average of 2.5 MGD of domestic sewage in 2014. Peak system flow capacities
average 3.3 MGD (dry weather) with a maximum peak flow of 13.4 MGD. The peak system flow
for 2014 was 9.86 MGD.
The second and final phase of the CSO Reduction program is under construction, and scheduled
for completion in 2016. When complete, combined sewer overflows to Port Angeles harbor will
be reduced to less than once per year per outfall location. By design, overflows will occur at the
8000 foot long refurbished marine outfall before they occur at the two nearshore outfalls. One
outfall location will be eliminated entirely. This represents a significant reduction, from an
average of over 70 overflow events per year, and is a big pollution control achievement for the
City.
The Utility serves unincorporated areas of Clallam County (the Eastern and Western Urban
Growth areas, and the Lower Elwha reservation land) and treats 2 million gallons annually of
septage generated in Clallam and Jefferson County that is trucked to the WWTP. The WWTP
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Page 47
treats about 0.5 million gallons of leachate generated by the COPA landfill and the Rayonier
Mount Pleasant landfill annually.
The sewer system serves approximately 3,700 acres in Port Angeles. The city has mostly 8-inch
local sanitary sewers and even some small 6-inch. However, the city's original collection system
was designed as a combined sewer system with storm water. There were no storm sewers in the
city until the 1950's. The existing storm sewer system grew in bits and pieces as individual
renovation projects and Local Improvement Districts (LID) responded to local problems. The
storm sewers are 6" and 8" diameter due to the steep terrain of the city. The existing storm sewers
run primarily in the north/south "short block" orientation picking up catch basins, which happen to
be at the east/west "long block" intersections. In summary, the old downtown has combined
sewers and the rest of the city has varying degrees of partially separated sewers.
The Wastewater Utility employs a Source Control Specialist as part of the Pretreatment program,
to better control what comes to the WWTP and to provide education and technical assistance to
business owners. Several sources of grease and oils have been identified and remedied to relieve
sewer backups.
The Wastewater Utility staff operates, inspects, maintains and repairs the sewer conveyance
system, the pump stations, and the WWTP. The Utility funds an organized program of Capital
Improvement projects that is approved by City Council each year and includes a six-year plan for
future projects.
The Solid Waste Utility
The Solid Waste Utility through operated by the Port Angeles Public Works and Utilities
Department provides solid waste services. Refuse collection is mandatory for the residents of Port
Angeles. Residential customer's waste is picked up weekly or bi-weekly and collection is
mandatory. Commercial customers are picked up 6 days a week. Curbside yardwaste and
recycling is offered and provided by a private contractor. Current participation in the curbside
recycling program is 80% per cent of the residential customers. Curbside participation in the
yardwaste program is around 50% per cent of the residential customers.
The City of Port Angeles has a policy of not accepting quantities of out-of-county waste at the Port
Angeles landfill.
The City of Port Angeles owns and operates the Port Angeles transfer station. The Port Angeles
Regional Transfer Station began operation in 2007 after conversion from a landfill. The landfill
conversion was mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration because of the potential for
scavenger birds at the landfill interfering with air traffic from the adjacent airport. This site
accepts municipal solid waste from residential, commercial, and industrial customers throughout
Clallam County. The Port Angeles Regional Transfer Station does not accept out-of-county waste.
Recycling drop boxes are provided and accept glass, aluminum, and paper. Used oil, antifreeze,
and batteries are also accepted at the site. Municipal solid waste is transported to regional landfills
in Eastern Washington or Oregon.
A second issue related to the landfill has been the release of buried refuse onto the beach as normal
bluff erosion continued. Two major projects have been undertaken by the City to relocate waste
materials and stabilize the bluff erosion to resolve the problem.
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This site provides disposal services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers throughout
Clallam County, including curbside collection of recyclable materials inside the City limits.
Current participation in the curbside recycling program is 30 to 35%. In addition to disposal, a
recycling program is conducted at the transfer station site. White goods, aluminum, glass,
cardboard, newsprint, catalogues, magazines, used oil, and used car and truck batteries are the
primary target materials. A co-composting facility for managing green waste and biosolids from
the wastewater treatment plant is also operated at the site. The city landfill was converted to a
transfer station in 2006. The landfill closure was mandated by the Federal Aviation
Administration because of the potential for scavenger birds at the landfill interfering with air
traffic from the adjacent airport. Since the conversion of the landfill to a transfer station, waste is
transported to regional landfills in Eastern Washington.A composting facility for managing green
yard waste received from the public, curbside yardwaste pick-up and biosolids from the
wastewater treatment plant at the facility. Yardwaste and biosolids are processed then tested and
becomes finished compost available for sale to the public.
Electric Utility
The Light Division of the City of Port Angeles Public Works and Light Utilitiesy Department is
the electric power provider within the city limits. Clallam County P.U.D. is the electric power
provider for the unincorporated areas surrounding Port Angeles. However, there are several areas
outside the City that the City serves. These include an area near the Peninsula Golf Course, homes
south of the City along Mount Angeles Road, west of the airport and the Fairmont Trailer Park.
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) via its transmission lines delivers the power used by
both the City of Port Angeles City Light and Clallam County P.U.D. The P.U.D. has one
substation within the Eastern PAUGA at Monroe Street, and another in the Western UGA near
Benson Road and Highway 101. There are 8 7 electrical substations within owned by the City of
Port Angeles within the City limits.
Schools
The Port Angeles School District Number 121 serves the City of Port Angeles and its surrounding
community. The District operates four five elementary schools, one middle schools (grades 67-8),
one comprehensive high school, one alternative high school, and is host to the North Olympic
Peninsula Skills Center. Within the City of Port Angeles there are three elementary schools; these
are Franklin Elementary, Hamilton Elementary, and Jefferson Elementary. Dry Creek Elementary
School is located west of the city limits and Roosevelt Elementary is located east of the City limits.
Stevens Middle School, Port Angeles High School and Choice AlternativeLincoln High School
provide for secondary education. The Skills Center, working closely with Peninsula College,
provides the latest vocational/technical education in a competency based learning environment.
The Skills Center, working closely with Peninsula College and five neighboring school districts -
Cape Flattery, Crescent, Quileute, Port Angeles and Sequim School Districts - provides the latest
vocational/technical education in a competency-based learning environment.
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Community Profile
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Figure 9 Schools and school walking routes
The Port Angeles School District has closed one middle school and two elementary schools that
are located outside of the city limits in recent years. These closures result in a concentration of
students in the schools remaining open within the city limits. The closures reflect an aging
demographic in Port Angeles and Clallam County in general.
The Peninsula Community College is a comprehensive community college located in Port
Angeles. The campus is located at the east edge of the city.
By partnering with community organizations and other institutions of higher education, Peninsula
College is helping to enhance and strengthen educational and training opportunities for everyone
on the peninsula. Recent initiatives include developing the Applied Environmental Technologies
Center of Excellence by working in collaboration with several local entities, including the Clallam
County Economic Development Council and private businesses, collaborating with the North
Olympic Peninsula Skills Center and Business Incubator Network to provide training programs for
young people, the work force, and growing local businesses, and partnering with the Workforce
Development Council to provide services to expand the use of technology in the Medical Assistant
Program and to provide training as part of the Work Source Affiliate Site.
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Community Profile
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Peninsula College also collaborates with several-four-year colleges and universities to provide
opportunities for local residents to earn bachelor degrees on the peninsula. These collaborations
include a new partnership with Western Washington University’s award-winning Huxley College
of the Environment that allows peninsula residents to earn their B.A. and B.S. degrees on the
Peninsula College campus without having to leave the area or face long commutes to Bellingham.
The program will commence effective with the start of the 2004 fall quarter. It is also possible to
earn a bachelor’s degree in education. Collaboration with City University allows Olympic
Peninsula residents to earn a bachelor’s degree in education, University of Washington—Bothell
allows individuals to earn a bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Washington State University allows
residents to earn eleven different degrees via distance learning, and the East Jefferson Education
Consortium allows individuals to pursue a variety of degree opportunities through the 12
universities and educational organizations that have partnered with Peninsula College in this
consortium. The partnering entities, in addition to Peninsula College, include Centrum Center for
the Arts, Chapman University Bangor Campus, City University, Port Townsend Marine Science
Center, Southern Illinois University Program in Workforce Education and Development offered at
Bangor, University of Washington, Washington State University, and Western Washington
University.
The college currently employs 66 full-time faculty, 146 part-time faculty and 96 persons as staff
and administration on the Port Angeles campus.
Peninsula College, with its main campus located in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains and
overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca, provides a vital center for higher education and diverse
cultural opportunities, enhancing and strengthening community bonds for the residents of the
North Olympic Peninsula. College programs include traditional academic transfer offerings,
professional-technical training, Basic Education for Adults and adult continuing education, on-
line learning courses and a center for baccalaureate degrees, allowing students many educational
options.
In addition to the many associate degree and certificate programs, Peninsula College offers a
baccalaureate degree in Applied Management. The college also works with key university
partners, providing numerous opportunities for residents to earn bachelor degrees locally. These
partners include City University, Western Washington University, Goddard College and Evergreen
State College.
Peninsula College is committed to providing college/community connections and has numerous
partnerships and collaborations in the community with the City of Port Angeles, the Port of Port
Angeles, the Port Angeles School District, the Economic Development Council, local tribes,
private businesses and others. The college offers classes, training and resources in support of
workforce development and community enrichment.
The college currently serves over 5,000 students and employs 145 full-time faculty and staff and
approximately 390 part-time faculty and staff.
Economic Development
Clallam County and the City of Port Angeles are rich in natural resources. The Olympic Peninsula
has proved to be one of the country's most productive timber growing areas, while the Strait of
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Community Profile
Page 51
Juan de Fuca has provided the area with a vast fishery. However, recent declines in these resource
industries have had a major impact on the economy of both Clallam County and the City of Port
Angeles. The Rayonier pulp mill closed in 1997 putting up to 200 people out of work, the K-Ply
plywood mill was closed and demolished in 2011, and Green Creek lumber mill closed in 2014.
Currently, Nippon USA paper mill and Port Angeles Hardwoods lumber mill remain in operation
within the City limits and Interfor Pacific lumber mill operates just west of the city.
The decline of salmon and the subsequent listing of Chinook salmon, summer chum, steelhead and
bull trout as endangered species have reduced the commercial and sport fishing industry industries
dramatically. These economic declines are being replaced to some extent by service industries that
are driven by tourism and the popularity of the Olympic Peninsula as a retirement destination. The
City has worked with local tribes, state and federal agencies and local citizen and non-
governmental organizations to restore salmon habitats and runs throughout Clallam County.
Port Angeles is also striving to strengthen its marine trades and industries. Westport Shipyard
recently located a continues to operate a yacht manufacturing facility in Port Angeles, producing
high-end yachts for the world market. Armstrong Marine has moved into the city and produces a
variety of aluminum boats and Platypus Marine continues to maintain and repair boats at its harbor
location. Port Angeles Hardwoods opened a new sawmill, specifically for milling locally grown
maple and alder woods, in 2005.
In the past, the area's natural resources provided the majority of jobs in the area. The largest
manufacturing firms in Clallam County are all located in Port Angeles or the PAUGA. Currently,
Nippon Industries employs 270 people, K-Ply Plywood employs 175 people, and Crown Pacific
employs another 96 people. Port Angeles’ newest employer, Westport Shipyard now employs
approximately 200. Major shipments of forest products to Japan, Korea, and China Asian markets
have historically provided a strong market., bolstering tThe log export segment of the local
economy has grown in recent years while value added wood products segment has declined.
Export and oOld growth timber harvesting are is expected to be reduced significantly in coming
years due to various government restrictions.
In light of the recent developments in the timber and fishery industries, it is important for Port
Angeles to develop and improve its other economic resources, such as technology, tourism and
manufacturing.
Port Angeles is part of a major international tourist route. The presence of the Olympic National
Park with over three million visitors a year, two an international ferry terminals with providing
service to Victoria and Vancouver IslandCanada which carries carrying approximately 500400,000
passengers per year, combined with the local freshwater and ocean sport fishing brings a steady
flow of tourists to the City, creating an important economic resource. Eco-tourism has grown with
the removal of the two hydro-electric dams from the Elwha River. Port Angeles in recent years
has established itself as a vibrant arts and performance center.
In general, the local economy appears to be relatively stable despite much uncertainty in the timber
harvesting and log exports segment. Growth in the retirement community has been continuing,
and tourism is expanding rapidly. The forest products industry will most likely stabilize at a lower
level of activity from past years.
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Community Profile
Page 52
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Definitions
Page 53
III. DEFINITIONS
General Comments
The following definitions are for terms, which are used in thise document and are provided
for clarification purposes in the interpretation and implementation of the various goals and
policies.
Definitions of Terms
Adequate Public
Facilities:
facilities, which have the capacity to serve development without
decreasing levels of service below locally established minimums.
Affordable Housing: the adequacy of the community's housing stock to fulfill the housing
needs of all economic segments of the population.
Accessory Residential
Unit:
a residential unit, which is subordinate in area, extent, or purpose to
a principal residential unit and is located on the same zoning lot as
the principal residential unit.
Available Public
Facilities:
that facilities or services are in place or that a financial commitment
is in place to provide the facilities or services within a specified time.
Best Available Science: that scientific information applicable to the critical area prepared by
local, state or federal natural resource agencies, a qualified scientific
professional or team of qualified scientific professionals, that is
consistent with criteria established in WAC 365-195-900 through
WAC 365-195-925.
Best Management
Practices:
Methods or techniques found to be the most effective and practical
means in achieving an objective (such as preventing or minimizing
pollution) while making the optimum use of available
resources.conservation practices or systems of practices and
management measures that:
Control soil loss and reduce water quality degradation caused by
high concentrations of nutrients, animal waste, toxics, and sediment;
Minimize adverse impacts to surface water and ground water flow,
circulation patterns, and to the chemical, physical, and biological
characteristics of wetlands;
Protect trees and vegetation designated to be retained during and
following site construction; and
Provide standards for proper use of chemical herbicides within
critical areas.
Bioretention BMP
Engineered facilities that store and treat stormwater by passing it
through a specified soil profile, and either retain or detain the treated
stormwater for flow attenuation. Refer to Chapter 7 of Volume V of
the Department of Ecology's SWMMWW (2014) for Bioretention
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Definitions
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City: BMP types and design specifications.the City of Port Angeles,
Washington.
City: the City of Port Angeles, Washington.
Climatic Change A change in global or regional climate patterns, especially a change
due to an increase in the average atmospheric temperature. Climatic
change may be attributed largely to the increased levels of
atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels, but
may also result from natural events such as volcanic eruption or
earth quake.
Cluster Commercial
Development
retail or other commercial uses, usually arranged in a group of
buildings, that create a node of uses with a cohesive design plan and
shared access points on an arterial street. Cluster commercial
development is characterized by a cohesive design plan that includes
at least two of the following elements: (1) pedestrian connections,
(2) shared parking concepts, (3) buildings arranged in groups to
create a node of commercial uses without individual street access
points rather than along the linear pattern of a strip commercial
development, and (4) common building design features and signage.
Community Services: cultural, social and recreational services necessary to enhance the
quality of life, such as libraries, parks and recreation services, fine
arts, and festivals.
Concurrency: that adequate public facilities are available when the impacts of
development occur. This definition includes the two concepts of
"adequate public facilities" and of "available public facilities" as
defined above.
Consistency: requires that no feature of a plan or regulation is incompatible with
any other feature of a plan or regulation. Consistency is indicative of
a capacity for orderly integration or operation with other elements in
a system.
County: Clallam County, Washington.
District: a portion of a planning area, which is defined by the primary uses
located in that portion of the planning area.
Development: any activity which would alter the elevation of the land, remove or
destroy plant life, cause structures of any kind to be installed,
erected, or removed, divide land into two or more parcels, or any use
or extension of the use of the land.
Development Rights: a broad range of less-than-fee-simple-ownership interests.
Domestic Water System: any system providing a supply of potable water, which is deemed
adequate pursuant to RCW 19.27.097 for the intended use of a
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Definitions
Page 55
development.
Essential Public
Facilities:
public capital facilities of a county-wide or state-wide nature which
are typically difficult to site. Essential public facilities include the
following:
Airports
Hazardous waste facilities
State education facilities
State or regional transportation facilities
State and local correctional facilities
Solid waste handling facilities
In-patient facilities including
substance abuse facilities
mental health facilities
group homes
Regional Transit Authority facilities
Emergency Services: services, which are a City responsibility, and consists of provisions
for police, fire, emergency medical and disaster services.
Environmentally
Sensitive/Critical Areas
Environmentally Sensitive Areas means any of the following areas
and their associated buffers:
Aquifer recharge areas
Streams or Stream corridors
Frequently flooded areas
Geologically hazardous areas:
o Erosion hazard areas
o Landslide hazard areas
o Seismic hazard areas
Habitat areas for priority species and species of concern
Locally unique features
o Ravines
o Marine bluff
o Beaches and associated coastal drift processes
Wetlands
Facility: something designed, built, installed or utilized for the specific
purpose of providing a service.
Financial Commitment: that sources of public or private funds or combinations thereof have
been identified which will be sufficient to finance public facilities
necessary to support development and that there is reasonable
assurance that such funds will be timely put to that end.
Impact Fees: Payments payments to the city for the acquisition and development
of new infrastructure or facilities, i.e., parks, schools, transportation
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Definitions
Page 56
systems, etc. based on a per unit (impact) assessment.
Imprecise Margin The area between land use designations is called an imprecise
margin. The margin is used to provide flexibility in determining the
boundary between various zones. When determining appropriate
zoning designations for an area near a margin, the goals, policies and
objectives of the Land Use Element should take precedence.
Growth Management
Act:
the Growth Management Act as enacted in Chapter 17, Laws of
1990 1st ex. sess., and chapter 32, Laws of 1991 sp. sess., state of
Washington.
Level of Service (LOS): an established minimum capacity of public facilities or services that
must be provided per unit of demand or other appropriate measure of
need.
Level of Service:Low
Impact Development
(LID)
an established minimum capacity of public facilities or services that
must be provided per unit of demand or other appropriate measure of
need.A stormwater and land use management strategy that strives to
mimic pre-disturbance hydrologic processes of infiltration, filtration,
storage, evaporation and transpiration be emphasizing conservation,
use of on-site natural features, site planning and distributed
stormwater management practices that are integrated into a project
design.
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Definitions
Page 57
Manufactured Home: a factory built, single-family structures that meet the National
Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act (42
U.S.C. Sec. 5401), commonly known as the HUD (U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development) Code., and
Manufactured homes placed in Port Angeles must that also meets the
following requirements:
1. Consists of two or more fully enclosed parallel sections each
of not less than 12 feet wide by 36 feet long.
2. Bears an insignia issued by the appropriate federal agency
indicating compliance with the construction standards of the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
as amended and as approved by the State of Washington.
3. Is placed on an on-grade permanent foundation or on footings
and piers or on blocks in accordance with HUD’s
specifications for the specific home with skirting installed so
no more than one foot of the skirting is visible above grade.
4. Has all travel appurtenances removed.
5. Is served by underground electrical power.
6. Was originally constructed with and now has a composition
or wood shake or shingle, coated metal, or similar roof of not
less than 3:12 pitch.
Medical Services: licensed professional medical services and retail services directly
related to medical services, such as hospitals, physicians' clinics, and
pharmacies.
Mixed-use a type of urban development that blends residential, commercial,
cultural, institutional, or industrial uses, where those functions are
physically and functionally integrated, and that provides pedestrian
connections.
Neighborhood: an area located within a district or planning area where people live,
which and is defined by the primary type and/or density of the
residential units located in that particular area of the district.
Permeable Pavement:
Planning Area:
Pervious concrete, porous asphalt, permeable pavers or other forms
of pervious paving material intended to allow passage of water
through the pavement section. It often includes an aggregate base
that provides structural support and acts as a stormwater reservoir.a
large geographical area of the City which is defined by physical
characteristics and boundaries.
Planning Area: a large geographical area of the City which is defined by physical
characteristics and boundaries.
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Definitions
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Public Capital Facilities: existing, new or expanded physical facilities, which are owned,
licensed or sanctioned by a public entity, are large in size and serve a
county-wide or statewide population. Public capital facilities of a
county-wide or state-wide nature may include but are not limited to
the following:
Airports
State educational facilities
State and federal transportation facilities
Regional transportation facilities
State correctional facilities
Local correctional facilities
Solid waste handling, disposal and storage facilities
In-patient facilities including:
abuse facilities
mental health facilities
group homes
National, state and regional parks and recreational facilities
Marine terminals
Libraries
Fairgrounds
Hospitals
County courthouse
Public Services: includes fire protection and suppression, law enforcement, public
health, education, recreation, environmental protection, and other
governmental services.
Public Facilities: includes streets, roads, highways, sidewalks, street and road lighting
systems, traffic signals, domestic water systems, storm and sanitary
sewer systems, parks and recreational facilities, and schools.
Rain garden:
Regional Transportation
Plan:
a non-engineered shallow, landscaped depression, with compost-
amended native soils and adapted plants. The depression is designed
to pond and temporarily store stormwater runoff from adjacent areas,
and to allow stormwater to pass through the amended soil profile.the
transportation plan for the regional designated transportation system,
which is produced by the regional transportation planning
organization.
Regional Transportation
Plan:
the transportation plan for the regional designated transportation
system, which is produced by the regional transportation planning
organization.
Regional Transportation
Planning Organization:
the voluntary organization conforming to RCW 47.80.020,
consisting of local governments within a region containing one or
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Definitions
Page 59
more counties, which have common transportation interests.
Regulatory Reform Act: Engrossed Substitute House Bill, ESHB 1724 was enacted in 1995 to
establish new approaches to make government regulation more
effective, and to make it easier and less costly for citizens and
businesses to understand and comply with requirements. ESHB
1724 amended a number of laws, including the Growth Management
Act (GMA), Shoreline Management Act (SMA), and State
Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). Commonly referred to as the
Regulatory Reform Act, ESHB 1724 amended the Growth
Management Act and State Environmental Policy Act to more
thoroughly integrate the SEPA process into the planning process.
Appeals of SEPA determinations or permits must also be
consolidated so that only one public hearing is held. ESHB 1724 is
codified by the City of Port Angeles in Chapter 18.02 PAMC.
Residential Care
Services:
the providing of residential care on a daily or live-in basis including
special needs housing such as group homes, adult-care homes and
day-care facilities.
Sanitary Sewer Systems: all facilities, including approved on-site disposal facilities, used in
the collection, transmission, storage, treatment, or discharge of any
waterborne waste, whether domestic in origin or a combination of
domestic, commercial, or industrial waste.
Scattered Site Housing: smaller scale, publicly assisted housing, new construction and
conversion which is dispersed throughout the community as opposed
to high density, public housing "projects" concentrated on one large
site or in one area of the City.
School District: the Port Angeles School District No. 121.
Service: the supplying or providing of utilities, commodities,
accommodations and/or activities.
Shall: means the statement is mandatory, and the action so stated is
required to be done without discretion by decision-makers. The use
of "shall" in a statement indicates that the action is imperative and
ministerial.
Should: means the statement ought to be done, but the action so stated is not
required to be done by decision-makers. The use of "should" in a
statement indicates that discretion may be used in deciding whether
or not to take action. The use of "should" is intended to give
decision-makers discretion in matters where exceptions are
warranted by such factors as physical hardships and special
circumstances or when funding must be taken into consideration.
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Definitions
Page 60
Solid Waste Handling
Facility:
any facility for the transfer or ultimate disposal of solid waste,
including landfills, waste transfer stations and municipal
incinerators.
Social Services: those services necessary to support life and health, such as food
banks, hospices, home health, congregate care, and day care services.
Strip Commercial
Development
retail or other commercial uses, usually one-story high and one-store
deep, that front on an arterial street with individual access points.
Strip commercial development differs from central business districts,
shopping centers, or other cluster commercial developments in at
least two of the following characteristics: (1) there are no provisions
for pedestrian access between individual uses, (2) the uses are only
one-store deep, (3) the buildings are arranged linearly with
individual street access points rather than clustered, and (4) there is
no design integration among the buildings.
Transfer of Development
Rights:
the conveyance of development rights by deed, easement, or other
legal instrument to another parcel of land and the recording of that
conveyance.
Transportation Facilities: include capital facilities related to air, water, or land transportation.
Transportation Systems
Management:
the use of low capital expenditures to increase the capacity of the
transportation system. TSM strategies include but are not limited to
signalization, channelization, and bus turnouts.
Urban Growth: refers to growth that makes intensive use of land for the location of
buildings, structures, and impermeable surfaces to such a degree as
to be incompatible with the primary use of the land for the
production of food, other agricultural products, or fiber, or the
extraction of mineral resources. When allowed to spread over wide
areas, urban growth typically requires urban governmental services.
"Characterized by urban growth" refers to land having urban growth
located on it, or to land located in relationship to an area with urban
growth on it as to be appropriate for urban growth.
Urban Growth Area: those areas designated by the County to accept future urban
population densities with the intent of future annexation into the city
pursuant to RCW 36.70A
Urban Services: services that are normally available in an urban environment which
include provisions for sanitary waste systems, solid waste disposal
systems, water systems, urban roads and pedestrian facilities, transit
systems, stormwater systems, police and fire and emergency services
systems, electrical and communication systems, school and health
care facilities, and neighborhood and/or community parks.
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Definitions
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Utilities: enterprises or facilities serving the public by means of an integrated
system of collection, transmission, distribution, and processing
facilities through more or less permanent physical connections
between the plant of the serving entity and the premises of the
customer. Included are systems for the delivery of natural gas,
electricity, telecommunications services, and water, and for the
disposal of sewage.
Will: the statement is an action decision-makers intend to do to implement
plan goals and policies. The use of "will" in a statement indicates
that the outcome can be measured.
Work/live space a living arrangement where the residential use and living area is
subordinate in size and use to the work space.
City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Definitions
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The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Growth Management Element
Page 63
IV. GROWTH MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
General Comments
This Comprehensive Plan has been developed in accordance with the requirements of the State
Growth Management Act. The City has met all of the Act's required deadlines for compliance and
has participated with Clallam County, the City of Forks, the City of Sequim, the Tribes and
various other agencies in the development of a County-Wide Planning Policy.
Early in the planning process the City agreed with the County to address only areas within the
current city limits in the City's Comprehensive Plan and to work with the County on a Joint
Comprehensive Plan for the Urban Growth Area. On April 13, 1993, the Board of Clallam County
Commissioners adopted an Interim Port Angeles Urban Growth Area (see Figure 9). When
completed, the Joint Comprehensive Plan for the Port Angeles Urban Growth Area will identify
land use designations and locationsThe City and County entered into an interlocal agreement in
2005 on a phased annexation plan for the Eastern Urban Growth Area. A similar agreement was
reached regarding the western Urban Growth Area. At that time, the City established the intended
zones that would be applied to areas annexed to the City from the EUGA.
The following goals and policies are included in the Comprehensive Plan to insure continued
compliance with the Growth Management Act and compatibility with the County's Comprehensive
Plan outside of the PAUGA.
Goals, Policies, and Objectives
Goal
A. To manage growth in a responsible manner that is beneficial to the community as a whole,
is sensitive to the rights and needs of individuals and is consistent with the State of
Washington's Growth Management Act.
Policies
1. In all its actions and to the extent consistent with the provisions of this
comprehensive plan, the City should strive to implement the following goals of the
State Growth Management Act:
a. Urban growth. Encourage development in urban areas where adequate public
facilities and services exist or can be provided in an efficient manner.
b. Reduce sprawl. Reduce the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land
into sprawling, low-density development.
c. Transportation. Encourage efficient multimodal transportation systems that
are based on regional priorities and coordinated with county and city
comprehensive plans.
d. Housing. Encourage the availability of affordable housing to all economic
segments of the population. Promote a variety of residential densities and
housing types and sizes, and encourage preservation and expansion of existing
housing stock.
e. Economic development. Encourage economic development throughout the
region that is consistent with adopted comprehensive plans, promote
economic opportunity, especially for unemployed and for disadvantaged
persons, and encourage growth in areas experiencing insufficient economic
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Growth Management Element
Page 64
growth, all within the capacities of the region's natural resources, public
services and public facilities.
f. Property rights. Private property should not be taken for public use without
just compensation having been made. The property rights of landowners
should be protected from arbitrary and discriminatory actions.
g. Permits. Applications for both state and local government permits should be
processed in a timely and fair manner to ensure predictability.
h. Natural resource industries. Maintain and enhance regional natural resource-
based industries, including productive timber management, agricultural, and
fisheries industries.
i. Open space and recreation. Encourage the retention of open space and
development of recreational opportunities, conserve fish and wildlife habitat
areas, increase access to natural resource lands and water, and develop parks.
j. Environment. Protect the environment and enhance the state's high quality of
life, including air and water quality, and the availability of water.
k. Citizen participation and coordination. Encourage the involvement of citizens
in the planning process and ensure coordination between communities and
jurisdictions to reconcile conflicts.
l. Public facilities and services. Ensure that those public facilities and services
necessary to support development should be adequate to serve the
development at the time the development is available for occupancy and use
without decreasing current service levels below locally established minimum
standards.
m. Historic preservation. Identify and encourage the preservation of lands, sites
and structures that have historical or archaeological significance.
2. The Port Angeles Urban Growth Area (PAUGA) should be established based at a
minimum upon land use demand as determined by the Clallam County 20-year
population forecast for Clallam County and specified sub-areas, so long as the
county-wide forecast is not less than the most recent forecasts available from the
State Office of Financial Management.
3. The City should work with the County to develop an annexation plan which allows
the annexation of land characterized by urban development and which is consistent
with the extension of services and the land development policies of the City's
Comprehensive Plan and Capital Facilities Plan.
4. The City should work with the County to ensure appropriate techniques for
managing future growth consistent with the urban density, such as a minimum
density within the PAUGA and a maximum density outside the PAUGA. A range
of densities should be provided by the City for lands within the PAUGA, including
some lands for relatively low density single-family development and some lands at
a range of densities both allowing and encouraging multi-family development.
5. Urban services/facilities should be provided consistent with the Capital Facilities
Element.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Growth Management Element
Page 65
6. The City should work with the County and other service providers to determine the
appropriate levels of service for such facilities and services and to ensure
consistency between service provision within the City, the PAUGA, and the
County.
7. The City's preferred policy is to recognize a density of one unit per acre as
urban/suburban and to use this density as the demarcation between urban and rural
for purposes of establishing or amending the PAUGA; however, the City will
continue to discuss this issue with the County with the goal of arriving at a
consistent City/County policy prior to finalization of the UGA.
8. The PAUGA should include areas characterized by urban growth adjacent to the
existing City boundaries and should take into account the area's physical features.
9. Land designated for commercial or industrial uses, which encourage adjacent urban
development, should be located within the PAUGA.
10. The amount of acreage designated for commercial, industrial, or other non-
residential uses within the PAUGA should be based upon the Land Use Element
and Economic Development Element in the City's Comprehensive Plan.
11. The PAUGA should be established to avoid critical areas, unless addressed as part of
the City's Comprehensive Plan, and to exclude resource lands.
12. Urban services to be provided within the PAUGA should include, at a minimum,
sanitary sewer systems, solid waste collection/disposal systems, water systems,
urban roads and pedestrian facilities, street cleaning services, transit systems,
stormwater systems, police, and fire and emergency services systems, electrical and
communication systems, school and health care facilities, and neighborhood and/or
community parks.
13. The City should be the ultimate provider of urban services within the City limits and
the PAUGA for those services the City provides except to the extent otherwise
provided in a UGA Urban Services and Development Agreement that is reached
pursuant to the County-Wide Planning Policy.
14. Urban services/facilities for which the City is the ultimate provider should be
provided and constructed to meet the design and construction standards of the City.
15. The City or service provider should demonstrate the financial capability for
continued operation of the facility following construction.
16. Regulations to protect critical areas, which occur within the PAUGA, should be
developed to ensure protection of such areas.
17. All development regulations should be promulgated with due regard for private
property rights in order to avoid regulatory takings or violation of due process and
to protect property rights of landowners from arbitrary and discriminatory actions.
18. The City and County should together designate and set aside additional lands on the
west side of the City for industrial and commercial purposes, both inside the City
limits and in the UGA.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Growth Management Element
Page 66
19. The City should establish performance measures to review progress toward
accommodating growth and to ensure appropriate actions are taken to achieve the
goals of our community.
Objective
1. The City will continue its efforts to comply in a timely manner with the
requirements of the State Growth Management Act.
2.1.
3. The City will recommend expansion of the southwestern Urban Growth
Area to include the area between Edgewood Drive to U.S. 101 from the City
limits west to include the areas east of Laird Road currently zoned by
Clallam County as RLC, RNC, RCC3, and RCC5 and the areas west of
Laird Road currently zoned by Clallam County as RNC and RCC3. Figure
13 below.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22. Figure 13. Proposed southwestern Urban
Growth Area expansion
This map is not to be used as a legal description. This map/drawing is produced by the City of Port Angeles
for its own use and purposes. Any other use of this map/drawing shall not be the responsibility of the City.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Growth Management Element
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2. The City will recommend expansion of the southwestern Urban Growth
Area to include twelve parcels located in an area bounded on the north by
US 101, on the east by Old Joe Road (the western City limits at that
location), on the west by the existing Urban growth Boundary, and on the
south by a line parallel to the Old Joe Road right-of-way extended west to
the Urban Growth Boundary. Also two a single parcels described as Parcel
Number 063018410000, PT N810’ of NE1/4 of SE ¼ and Parcel Number
063017230050, Parcel 5 Volume 12 of Surveys Page 130, SW ¼ of NW
1/4¼, and a single parcel described as Parcel Number 063018120210. .
1.
Figure 14 10 Proposed area for expansion of the western Urban Growth Area.
This map is not to be used as a legal description. This map/drawing is produced by the City of Port Angeles
for its own use and purposes. Any other use of this map/drawing shall not be the responsibility of the City.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Growth Management Element
Page 68
23.3. The City will conduct a Buildable Lands Inventory to examine the need for
UGA expansions.
Goal
B. To ensure the orderly transition of land within the PAUGA into the City of Port Angeles.
Policies
1. Annexation of land, which is outside the established boundaries of the
PAUGA, shall not be allowed.
2. Annexation of land from within the established boundaries of the PAUGA
shall be in accordance with the adopted annexation laws.
3. Annexation of land, which is not adjacent to and/or contiguous with the
established City Limits boundary-line, should not be allowed.
4. At the time of annexation, the City should appropriately classify and zone such
land, based upon the City Comprehensive Land Use Map and the City
Comprehensive Plan. Thereafter, the provisions, restrictions, and requirements
of City Ordinance #1709, The Port Angeles Zoning Code, shall apply to
development of the annexed area.
5. Annexation and development of land should be consistent with the orderly
extension of urban services/facilities and be in accordance with the City's
Comprehensive Plan and capital facility planning.
6. No annexation of land should be allowed in which existing development
cannot meet the established concurrency requirements of the City within six
years from the time of annexation.
7. No annexation of land should be allowed which results in decreased minimum
standards for City streets, water service, sewer service, and/or electrical service
provided to existing residents of the City.
8. No annexation of land should be allowed which results in decreased minimum
standards for City solid waste collection, stormwater management programs,
emergency services and/or telecommunication services provided to existing
residents of the City.
9. Annexation boundaries should be drawn to eliminate boundary,
interjurisdictional, and service problems.
10. Necessary rights-of-way and easements should be obtained prior to or at the
time of annexation.
11. The City should facilitate any annexation in a manner that will minimize
financial impact to all residents and businesses.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Growth Management Element
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12. The City should annex its urban growth areas (UGAs) in accordance with State
statutes its urban growth areas (UGAs) as facilities are extended into those
areas and as new urban development takes place.
Objectives:
1. The City will work with Clallam County and affected special districts to
develop fair and equitable interlocal revenue sharing agreements to insure
the orderly transition of land within the PAUGA into the City.
2. As the ultimate provider of urban services within the City limits and the urban
growth areas, the City will work with Clallam County and the affected
special districts to facilitate economic growth and new residential
construction and to encourage annexation of land within the PAUGA into
the City.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Growth Management Element
Page 70
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Growth Management Element
Page 71
This map is not to be used as a legal description. This map is produced by the City of Port Angeles for its own use and purposes. Any other use of
this map/drawing shall not be the responsibility of the City.
Figure 15 11 Urban Growth Area map
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Growth Management Element
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The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element
Page 73
V. LAND-USE ELEMENT
General Comments
The Land Use Element establishes City policy regarding how land may be developed. This
element and its Land Use Map establishes the following six comprehensive plan land use
categories:
Low Density Residential,
Medium Density Residential,
High Density Residential,
Commercial,
Industrial, and
Open Space.
These land use categories are described below and located on the Land Use Map (See Figure
1012).
Low Density Residential (Up to 7 Units per Acre)
The Land Use Map identifies three separate categories of residential development. The first is
Low Density Residential, which allows an overall residential density of a project or property to
range up to 7 units per acre. The high majority of residentially designated property in the City
will be of this designation. It is intended for the development of single family homes. It also
allows for the development of accessory residential units and duplexes and planned residential
developments in accordance with the underlying zoning.
Medium Density Residential (Up to 13 Units per Acre)
The primary intent of this designation is for the development of multiple residential unit projects
including but not limited to duplexes, townhouses, condominiums, and apartments , and planned
residential developments at a density up to 13 units per acre.
High Density Residential (Up to 39 Units per Acre, except that existing motel or hotel units
may be converted to residential units at a density greater than 39 Units per Acre).
The primary intent of this designation is for development at a density up to 39 units per acre and
is intended for areas where a higher concentration of residents is compatible with the surrounding
area and uses. Condominiums, and apartments, and planned residential developments are the
types of building designs appropriate for this category.
Commercial
The Land Use Map contains one commercial category, thus providing maximum flexibility to the
City's Zoning Ordinance in regulating the types of commercial uses and their permitted locations.
Industrial
The Land Use Map also designates only one industrial category, thus again providing maximum
flexibility to the City's Zoning Ordinance in regulating the types of industrial uses and their
permitted locations.
Open Space
The Open Space category includes areas of the City that contain unique or major physical features,
such as marine shorelines, bluffs, ravines, major streams, wetlands, critical wildlife habitat, and
other natural areas deemed of significant importance to the community. This category also
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element
Page 74
includes developed parks and recreational uses. The development of natural open space areas
should be limited to only that which is necessary and does not degrade the significance of the area.
Figure 12 Land Use Map
Land Use Map, Goals, Policies, and Objectives
Goal
A. To guide current and future development within the City in a manner that provides
certainty to its citizens about future land use and the flexibility necessary to meet the
challenges and opportunities of the future.
Policies
1. The Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map should be used as a conceptual guide for
determining current and long-range zoning and other land use decisions. The map's
land use designations are intended to show areas where general land use types are
allowed. The area between land use designations should be considered an
imprecise margin in order to provide flexibility in determining the boundary of
such areas. When determining appropriate zoning designations for an area near a
margin, the goals, policies and objectives of the Land Use Element should take
precedence.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element
Page 75
2. All land use decisions and approvals made by the City Council and/or any of its
appointed Commissions, Boards or Committees should be consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan and its land use map.
3. The City should investigate the value and utility of form-based codes, either as
applied to the entire City or to specific areas within the City.
4. All development within the City should be encouraged to utilize low impact
development techniques and BMPs, where feasible.
3.5. The City should consider the projected climatic change impacts and adaptation
strategies contained in the Climatic Change Preparedness Plan for the North
Olympic Peninsula, September 2015.
Objective
1. The City will review and revise as necessary the existing Zoning Ordinance,
Zoning Map, and other development regulations to ensure consistency with
the Comprehensive Plan.
Residential Goals, Policies, and Objectives
Goal
B. To have a community where residential development and use of the land are done in a
manner that is compatible with the environment, the characteristics of the use and the users,
and the desired urban design of the City.
Policies
1. Urban services should be available for all residential areas as required by the
Capital Facilities Element concurrency policy.
2. Single family lots should be of reasonable shape and should have access provided
by a collector arterial, local access street or an alley or by a local access street or a
collector arterial.
3. Large lots should allow for future subdivisions at the densities permitted for the
zone in which they are located.
4. All residential developments should be designed with the provisions of fire
protection and service vehicle access as key factors in street design and circulation
pattern.
5. For efficient circulation, rights-of-way should be obtained and improvements made
to further the grid street pattern in the central Townsite area of the City. Cul-de-
sacs and curvilinear streets may be permitted when designed as an integral part of
the major grid street pattern in the outlying areas of the City, where low impact
development standards may apply.
6. All residential developments should be encouraged to preserve and capitalize on
existing unusual, unique, and interesting natural, historic, archaeological, and/or
cultural features, should preserve and utilize natural native and drought tolerant
vegetation, should utilize and preserve scenic views, should maximize southern
exposures and solar efficiency, should offer protection from prevailing winds, and
should be designed to minimize energy use.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element
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7. Planned Residential Development techniques should emphasize the overall density
of the development rather than minimum lot sizes.
Goal
C. To have a community of viable districts and neighborhoods with a variety of residential
opportunities for personal interaction, fulfillment, and enjoyment, that are attractive to
people of all ages, characteristics and interests.
Policies
1. Residential land should be developed on the district and neighborhood concept.
Although such districts may be composed primarily of residential uses of a uniform
density, a healthy, viable district should be composed of residential uses of varying
densities, which may be augmented, by subordinate and compatible uses. Single
family and multi-family homes, parks and open-spaces, schools, churches, daycare
and residential services, home occupations, and district shopping areas are all
legitimate components of district development and enhancement. A neighborhood
should be primarily composed of low, medium, or high density housing.
2. Medium and high density housing should be located in areas of the community
most suitable for such uses, based on existing services, public facilities, and
transportation.
3. Medium and high density housing should be served by arterial streets of sufficient
size in order to satisfy traffic demand and to lessen neighborhood traffic congestion.
4. Medium and high density housing could be a transitional use between different land
uses, provided such other uses would not adversely impact the residential nature of
the housing.
5. Medium and high density housing policies should apply to mobile home parks.
6. Manufactured homes that meet current state regulations should be treated as site
constructed housing for zoning purposes.
7. The City should expand housing opportunities in the Central Business District for
all income levels, with an emphasis on providing additional moderately priced
owner-occupied units.
Objective
1. The City will develop a Residential, Single Family (RS-11) zone with
minimum 11,000 square foot lots.
Commercial Goals, Policies, and Objectives
Goal
D. To create and maintain a healthy and diverse commercial sector for a balanced and stable
local economy.
Policies
1. The City should encourage the recruitment of new and the retention of existing
commercial developments and businesses, which are consistent with the goals and
policies of this Comprehensive Plan.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element
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2. Public uses such as government offices, public service buildings, and other public
and quasi-public facilities and services should be allowed in commercially
designated areas.
3. The City should vacate rights-of-way to facilitate retention of existing businesses
and location of new businesses where land assembly is necessary to achieve the
desired urban design of the City.
3.4. The City should consider potential environmental consequences, such as
greenhouse-gas emissions an carbon footprints, when encouraging new commercial
developments and businesses.
Objectives
1. The City will work with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe to develop a cultural
center and marina for large pleasure boats in Port Angeles Harbor.
2. The City will develop an Ediz Hook master plan that designates land uses,
improves public access to shorelines, abates deteriorating structures, and
allows for expanded recreational and commercial uses.
3. The City will develop a Commercial Regional (CR) zone to allow and
encourage land intensive commercial uses (e.g. large regional shopping
centers or “big box” stores), where sufficient vacant, buildable, commercial
designated land and adequate transportation facilities exist.
Goal
E. To provide shopping opportunities which meet the needs of all City residents and visitors
in safe, usable shopping areas that are compatible with the surrounding area and uses, the
environment, and the desired urban design of the City.
Policies
1. Urban services should be available for all commercial areas as required by the
Capital Facilities Element concurrency policy.
2. New commercial developments should follow a cluster configuration rather than a
strip pattern.
3. Commercial development should buffer its impacts on adjacent residential uses.
Where commercial development is adjacent to residential uses, the commercial
development should incorporate elements in the site design to soften the impacts on
the residential uses.
4. Service access should be distinct frommay overlap with parking areas to minimize
impervious area. Service areas should be and separated from pedestrian areas
wherever and whenever possible to accommodate pedestrian and vehicular traffic
and pedestrian safety.
5. Commercial development outside the US 101 corridor should not be in a strip
pattern.
6. New Comprehensive Plan commercial area designations should not be located
along the alternate local cross-town route or the cross-town truck route.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element
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7. District shopping areas should be located at the intersections of arterial streets of
sufficient size to satisfy traffic demand and at the boundaries of neighborhoods so
that more than one neighborhood may be served.
8. The City should allow neighborhood shopping nodes in residentially designated
areas as long as they are in accordance with the planning area/district/neighborhood
land use concept and as long as they do not encourage traffic from outside the
neighborhood or increase traffic congestion within residential neighborhoods.
9. The City should identify neighborhoods lacking nearby accessible services.
7.10. The City should identify locations to develop small commercial opportunities in
neighborhoods.
The City should allow neighborhood shopping nodes in residentially designated areas as
long as they are in accordance with the planning area/district/neighborhood land use
concept and as long as they do not encourage traffic from outside the neighborhood
or increase traffic congestion within residential neighborhoods.
Objective
The City will increase the commercial area available for development of new businesses
or the expansion of existing businesses by extending the Commercial Arterial (CA)
zone a half block to include the whole blocks north of Front Street (from Francis
Street east to White’s Creek Ravine) and south of First Street (from Eunice Street
east to Chambers Street).
Goal
F. To provide a pleasant, safe, and attractive shopping environment in the traditional
downtown waterfront area which provides a wide variety of shopping, dining,
entertainment, arts, culture, and housing opportunities for visitors and residents alike.
Policies
1. Commercial development in the traditional downtown should reemphasize its
waterfront location and historic heritage, should be oriented to pedestrians and
tourists, and should provide maximum enjoyment of the environment and public
amenities as well as protection from adverse weather conditions.
2. The City should continue to promote improvements to the traditional downtown
area, through beautification projects and in cooperation with downtown business
merchants.
3. Residential uses should be encouraged for the downtown area as part of a mixed-
use development concept. The City should encourage the development of live/work
spaces in the downtown area while ensuring that the physical environment of
downtown residential development is compatible with housing uses by minimizing
traffic impacts, maintaining security, and providing and maintaining amenities.
4. The City should work with the Port Angeles Downtown Association and all
interested parties to develop urban design review guidelines that facilitate
architectural elements/features, which should encourage complimentary and
aesthetically pleasing new development in the Central Business District (CBD).
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element
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Objectives
1. The City will assist the Chamber of Commerce and the Port Angeles
Downtown Association in developing heritage tourism and the Downtown
underground.
2. The City will assist the Chamber of Commerce and the Port Angeles
Downtown Association in developing a waterfront promenade along the
Downtown waterfront.
3.1. The City will encourage community events such as holiday ceremonies, town
gatherings, arts and crafts displays, and special business activities such as a
Farmer’s Market, particularly in the Downtown.
4. The City will consider various parking options to mitigate parking impacts
from the Gateway Project and other Downtown projects.
Industrial Goals, Policies, and Objectives
Goal
G. To create and maintain a healthy and diverse industrial sector for a balanced and stable
local economy.
Policies
1. The City should promote a cooperative intergovernmental plan for comprehensive
development of industrial infrastructure and amenities to attract and support light
and heavy industry.
2. Office, commercial, and limited work/live uses should be allowed in specifically
designated industrial areas.
3. The William R. Fairchild International Airport should be considered an essential
public facility as referenced in Appendix B (Clallam County-Wide Planning
Process).
4. The City will create the necessary ordinances to regulate limited work/live
situations in industrial areas.
Goal
H. To provide opportunities for industrial development in a manner, which efficiently uses the
community's various attributes and natural resources, has minimal impact on the
environment, contributes to the City's quality of life, and is compatible with the desired
urban design development pattern of the City.
Policies
1. Urban services should be available for all industrial areas as required by the Capital
Facilities Element concurrency policy.
2. Infrastructure, which makes sites attractive and ready to develop, including
transportation facilities and utilities, should be available at industrial parks.
Industrial development should be encouraged to follow industrial park design
concepts.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element
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3. Industrial areas should buffer their impact to mitigate nuisance and hazardous
characteristics such as noise, particulate matter in the air, water or odor pollution, or
objectionable visual material.
4. Industrial activity should be located in three major areas: adjacent to the harbor,
around the airport, and along Hwy 101 west of Benson Road.
5. Because they are hazardous to the community and detrimental to the general
environment of the area petroleum refineries, liquefied natural gas and liquefied
petroleum gas facilities, energy facilities, energy plants and their associated
facilities and associated transmission facilities, as defined in Chapter 80.50 RCW,
should not be permitted outside the heavy industrial use area and without
conditional use review.
6. The City should discourage the siting of incompatible uses adjacent to the William
R. Fairchild International Airport recognizing the need to coordinate airport related
uses and other existing land uses that are already established in the vicinity.
7. Limited work/live environments in industrial zones should be encouraged for art or
cultural activities that engage in media that are consistent with industrial use.
Circumstances should facilitate art opportunities without impacting the industrial
integrity of the underlying zone.
8. The City should consider the siting of clean-energy facilities (e.g., solar, wind,
geothermal, wave, tidal) outside of industrial areas, as a conditional use.
7.9. The City should consider the climatic change impacts of any proposed new
industrial activity or expansion.
Objectives
1. The City will develop an industrial marine (IM) zone for shoreline uses similar
to the upland industrial park (IP) zone, which allows for mixed commercial
and industrial uses.
2. The City will establish a Harbor Study committee comprised of private and
public stakeholders in harbor uses and activities to review and revise the
Harbor Resource Management Plan, considering changes that have occurred
since its adoption and visions that now seem possible.
3. The City will incorporate wording in the zoning code which establishes
opportunities for limited work/live environments consistent with industrial
zoning.
Goal
I To facilitate and encourage redevelopment and reuse of large closed or isolated industrial
areas within the City in a manner that fosters the local economy and a stable job base.
Policies
1. The City should consider a wider range of uses for redevelopment of large closed or
isolated industrial areas than would otherwise be permitted under industrial zoning,
including mixed-use development, commercial development and/or residential
development as well as industrial uses.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element
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2. The City should consider proposals for any needed amendment of the
Comprehensive Plan and zoning concurrently with an application for a binding site
plan for some or all of the site of a large closed or isolated industrial property,
provided that any change to the comprehensive plan will be acted on as part of the
City’s annual Comprehensive Plan amendment cycle.
3. The City should approve mixed-use or nonindustrial development of large closed or
isolated industrial sites, where it is shown that permitting a wider range of uses on
the site will not contribute to or encourage the conversion of other industrial areas
to nonindustrial use.
4. The City should create a planned industrial development overlay zone for the
purpose of allowing mixed-use development for large closed or isolated industrial
sites.
Open Space Goals, Policies, and Objectives
Goal
J. To create open space for relief within the urban landscape, to retain natural landscapes, to
preserve fish and wildlife habitat, and to provide natural corridors, which connect wildlife
habitats.
Policies
1. The City should further public interest by designating open spaces to preserve
unique or major physical features, such as marine shorelines, bluffs, ravines,
streams, wetlands, wildlife habitat and other environmentally sensitive areas
deemed of significant importance to the community.
1.2. The City should continue to acquire property that provide opportunities to preserve
major physical features providing wildlife habitat and open space corridors between
the waterfront and the Olympic National Park.
2.3. The City should limit the use of and access to such natural areas to only that which
does not degrade the significance of the area and which protects the rights of
property owners.
3.4. Wooded areas, vegetation, and individual trees serve a functional purpose in
climate, noise, light, habitat, and pollution control and should be preserved as part
of the urban landscape.
4.5. The City should discourage intensive recreational uses and impervious surfaces in
sensitive open space areas. Permeable materials should be used for walkways and
trails in open space areas where feasible.
5.6. The City should consider separating the Public Buildings and Parks zone to an
Open Space zone and a PBP zone to differentiate environmentally sensitive areas or
natural features and spaces from sites containing public facilities and buildings.
Objectives
1. The City will develop a program of land banking, transfer of development
rights, or other innovative techniques, which preserve open spaces.
2. The City will support development of a public golf course.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element
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3. The City will develop an Ediz Hook master plan that designates land uses,
improves public access to shorelines, abates deteriorating structures, and
allows for expanded recreational and commercial uses.
Goal
K. To encourage the development of parks and recreational opportunities for all residents of
the City and to increase access to natural areas in a manner that minimizes adverse impacts,
and to achieve the desired urban design of the City.
Policies
1. The City should include all City-owned parks in its designated open spaces and
establish development standards that discourage conversion of open spaces to other
uses.
2. Development and planning of parks and recreational facilities should follow a
comprehensive service and facility plan consistent with the Capital Facilities
Element.
3. Public parks and recreational facilities should be equitably distributed throughout
the City to afford access to all residents.
4. Every effort should be made to consolidate and utilize land donated for public use
to provide common open space, public buildings, parks, and recreational
opportunities, while incorporating LID techniques and BMPs in all projects where
feasible.
5. The City should preserve and maintain unique or major physical features contained
within the boundaries of City parks and recreational areas for access and enjoyment
by residents of the community.
6. The City should cooperate with the County and other jurisdictions in planning,
funding, constructing, and managing multi-purpose recreation and transportation
trails which link together various areas of the City, the Port Angeles Urban Growth
Area (PAUGA), and other areas of the County and region.
7. The City should develop neighborhood parks for the developing areas on the west,
south and east sides of the City to support new subdivisions.
Objective
1. The City will establish standards for development of trails, which minimize the
impact on designated open space. The use of permeable materials for walkways
and trails will be required where feasible.
Figure XX Comprehensive Plan Land Use map
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element
Page 83
VI. TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
General Comments
The intent of the Transportation Element is to define in a comprehensive manner how vehicular
traffic and nonmotorized means modes of travel are to be routed from one portion of the
community to another in the most efficient, economical, and compatible manner. The City's
Circulation Plan in accordance with the Statewide National Functional Classification System
identifies the City's principal arterial streets, minor arterial streets, and collectors with the
remaining streets classified as local streets (See Figure XX6). The City’s Circulation Plan
acknowledges that such a regional trail system serves many functions. It is a means of intercity
commuting, a way to promote economic development, a means to promote a healthy lifestyle, and
a way to provide future utility right-of-way.
Goals, Policies, and Objectives
Goal
A. To develop a coordinated, multimodal transportation system, which serves all areas of the
city and all types of users in a safe, economical, and efficient manner.
Policies
1. Pedestrian, bicycle, and other non-motorized paths, bike racks, storage facilities,
drinking fountains, and benches should be an integral part of the circulation system.
2. The safety of non-motorized modes of transportation shall be a primary
consideration in the circulation system. Adequate sidewalks, crosswalks, and
handicapped access shall be provided in relation to all new subdivisions, and
required for all development projects where sidewalks do not exist.
3. The collector arterial streets and local access streets should serve primarily local
traffic with special emphasis on safety for pedestrian, bicycle, and non-motorized
traffic.
4. A multimodal transportation center should be located in or near the downtown core
and public transportation system.
5. The City should consider securing rights to the use of air space where it may be
valuable to the community.
6.4. Planning for transportation services and facilities (including public streets,
bikeways, pedestrian walkways, and public and private air, marine and land transit
services and facilities) shall be performed consistent with the goals and policies of
the Capital Facilities Element.
5. The City should update the Transportation Element to be consistent with Bill 1487
and the Regional Transportation Plan.
6. The City should encourage development of low-carbon-impact transportation
infrastructure.
7. The City should improve amenities for walking and biking, connecting
neighborhoods to downtown, commercial centers and the regional trail system.
8. The City should consider converting alleyways into attractive pedestrian zones for
access to local businesses. Encourage alleyways for use as pedestrian zones.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element
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7.9. The City should improve trails, sidewalks, streets, and public facilities to encourage
walkability and non-motorized transportation.
Objectives
1. The City will be an active partner in the development of the Olympic
Discovery Trail which passes through and along key parts of its park, street,
pedestrian, and nonmotorized transportation systems and facilities.
2. The City will support extension of the Waterfront (Olympic Discovery) Trail
from Marine Drive at Hill Street to the Elwha River.
3. The City will support extension of the Waterfront Trail from City Pier along
Railroad Avenue to the Valley Creek Estuary.
4. The City will designate 'N' Street as a bike route on the Nonmotorized
Transportation Plan Map.
5.4. The City’s Comprehensive Plan will continue efforts to improve or provide
access to Valley, Tumwater, Peabody, Ennis, and White’s Creeks and the
development of the Foothills Trail System.
6. The City will work with the property owner to assure completion of the
Waterfront Trail through the former Rayonier Mill site.
7.5. The City will incorporate bicycle friendly amenities including bike path
development and maintenance, signage, and storage into new transportation
facility improvements.
6. The City will encourage public streetscape improvements, such as street trees,
art and creative community-oriented beautification efforts, non-motorized and
pedestrian and bicycle amenities, and LID techniques and BMPs where
feasible through a comprehensive streetscape development and maintenance
plan.
Goal
B. To improve circulation patterns across and within the community, and to achieve the
desired urban design of the City.
Policies
1. Traffic flow modifications such as signalization, signing, parking restrictions,
channelization, and one-way couplets should be made before physical alterations
are made to existing streets.
2. The City should divert cross-town truck traffic around the downtown area.
3. The City should facilitate the development of a cross-town truck route with
improvements, which provide full access to SR 117 to and from US 101, and
improvements to the Lauridsen Boulevard Bridge over Peabody Creek and the
intersections of Lauridsen Boulevard at Race Street and US 101.
4. The City should facilitate an additional route for local cross-town traffic along
Lauridsen Boulevard across White's Creek ultimately connecting with US 101.
5. In association with these two proposed cross-town routes the City should require
adequate mitigation measures to reduce any negative impacts on existing land uses,
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including buffer areas, pedestrian sidewalks and crossings, bikeways, and reduced
speeds.
6. The City should facilitate the development of an alternate local cross-town route
with improvements, which provide full access at US 101 and SR 117 (the
Tumwater Truck Route). Improvements should be made to the intersections of
Lauridsen Boulevard at Lincoln and Peabody Streets. Improvements should be
made to the Lauridsen Boulevard Bridge over Peabody Creek. Improvement should
be made for the development of a crossing over White's Creek. The City should
revise its development regulations as necessary to preserve the right-of-way within
an identified US 101 corridor.
7. Alternate local cross-town route and cross-town truck route improvements should
be given a high priority in capital facility planning.
8. The City should coordinate with the State Department of Transportation, Clallam
County, Clallam Transit System, and the Peninsula Regional Transportation
Planning Organization transportation planning efforts. This includes recognition of
US 101 and SR 117, along with connecting roadways of Front, Lincoln, Railroad,
Oak, and First Streets to and from the ferry landings, and along Front Street and
Marine Drive and First Street between US 101 and SR 117, as transportation
facilities of state-wide significance which are declared essential public facilities
under the Growth management Act. Review of potential impacts to these facilities
and LOS standards will be incorporated with future updates to the City’s
Comprehensive Plan, as required by the Act.
9. Traffic circulation to and from the airport and around associated industrial areas
should be improved.
10. The City should encourage and participate in the completion of the traffic
circulation system for west side development.
11. New arterial streets, local access streets, and alleys should be designed and
constructed to conform to the most current editions of the Statewide National
Functional Classification System for Federal Aid Systems, WSDOT, and
Transportation Improvement Board minimum design standards and standards as
adopted by the City. Permeable pavement is preferred for local access streets and
alleys where feasible.
12. Arterial street rights-of-way should be acquired by the City in advance of the time
of development in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan's Circulation Plan
Map.
13. Principal, minor, and collector arterial streets should be located on the edge of
district boundaries wherever possible.
14. Off-street parking should be sufficient and accessible within business and
residential areas to ensure that the traffic flow of the street is not impaired.
15. Road improvements should provide for alternate modes of transportation, and new
roads should be evaluated for the ability to accommodate alternate modes of
transportation.
16. Parking requirements should make allowances for shared parking facilities.
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17. The City should assist the public transit system by providing convenient access
between neighborhoods, residential, commercial, and industrial areas and between
major community facilities.
18. Police and fire protection should be a key factor in residential subdivision street
designs and circulation patterns.
19. The development of the City's comprehensive service and facilities plan for streets,
bikeways, pedestrian walkways, and the overall transportation system, and regional
transportation plans should all be consistent. These plans, as adopted and hereafter
amended, are incorporated herein.
20. The City should work with other jurisdictions to identify and protect a right-of-way
for a second street accessing the City from the east.
21. The City should consider undertaking traffic studies, discussions with Washington
State Department of Transportation, local stakeholders, and businesses to
investigate the potential impacts and benefits of returning the First and Front Street
corridor to two-way traffic on both streets.
22. The City should encourage public and private transportation providers to provide
greater access and opportunities to residents, including Sunday and holiday service.
23. The City should support reduced speed limits on portions of Highway 101 through
the City.
24. The City should include the development of Race Street intersections with Front
and First Streets as architecturally significant National Park gateway in its plans for
improvements to the Race Street corridor.
21.25. The City should assist public transit providers to develop transportation options for
local residents and tourists that showcase regional attractions without cars.
Objectives
1. Secondary and primary arterials will be designed with an appropriate balance
for moving through traffic and providing local access to uses that front on
these arterials. In commercially zoned areas, policies for consolidating access
and providing for joint access and maintenance of driveways would be
considered.
2. The City will develop a variety of funding techniques available for new
development projects to provide mitigation for transportation impacts
resulting from new development or redevelopment. The funding techniques
could include but are not limited to developer provided right-of-way and
partial improvement to the street along the frontage of their property,
establishing a road development or trip end fee, use of latecomers agreements,
waivers of protest to the formation of Local Improvement Districts and
bonding. The intent would be to match the technique to the development
circumstance in order for the City to fund the transportation improvements
that ensure concurrency. Whichever approaches are taken, they must be
equitable and proportional to the level of impact.
3. The City will develop road improvement design standards, which will include
accommodation for pedestrians and non-motorized transportation. Pedestrian
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facilities design will be appropriate for the safety, volume and character of
non-motorized/pedestrian traffic in each neighborhood or district.
4. The City will phase the implementation of the alternate local cross-town route
and cross-town truck route in a west to east progression.
5. The City will prepare a A study to evaluate options for easterly access across
Whites and Ennis Creeks in the vicinity of Golf Course Road will be
prepared.
6. The City will consider a variety of traffic management alternatives to increase
the existing street system capacity and implement appropriate options as
feasible. Such alternatives may include:
a. Taking into account nonmotorized use;
b. Remove parking at controlled intersections to provide auxiliary turn
lanes to increase capacity;
c. Remove parking during selected periods of the day (i.e., noon and
PM peak hour) to create additional through lane capacity;
d. Modify signal timing to respond to seasonal and/or daily peak traffic
periods to favor major flows and expand the number of signals that
are coordinated as part of a system, while assuring enough time for a
handicapped citizen to cross when a signal button is pushed.
7. The City will coordinate with the County, RTPO, and State and Federal
agencies in the study of a possible future US 101 corridor including the Heart
of the Hills Parkway and Coastal Corridor concepts. East of Race Street, the
alternate local cross-town route (along Lauridsen Boulevard) will not be
considered as a future US 101 corridor.
8. The City will plan and implement street improvements designed to provide
multi-modal access to and improve circulation around the south side of the
airport along Edgewood Drive, Lauridsen Boulevard, Airport Road adjacent
to the west side of the airport, and along Milwaukee Drive to Lower Elwha
Road.
9. The City will update the adopted Nonmotorized Transportation Map from
time to time and include specific bicycle routes on the map or on a separate
map.
10. The City will update transportation policies to refocus circulation patterns,
street improvements, essential state highways, truck routing, and traffic
controls throughout the City.
11. The City will facilitate the implementation of City-adopted transportation
plans.
12. The City will seek funding to evaluate and improve West 18th Street,
including the addition of nonmotorized facilities.
13. Selection of new or changed routes from any roads designated as being of
"statewide significance" will be evaluated against the following criteria
located in the 1999 U. S. 101 Port Angeles Alternative Study:
Mobility
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Connectivity
Safety
Economic Feasibility
Environmental Impacts
Social Impacts
Business Impacts
Public Acceptance
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The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Utilities and Public Services Element
Page 89
VII. UTILITIES AND PUBLIC SERVICES ELEMENT
General Comments
The Utilities and Public Services Element identifies and addresses the various services that make a
community a safe and desirable place to live. It also establishes policies that define which services
are the responsibility of the City to provide and which should be provided by the community as a
whole.
Goals, Policies, and Objectives
Goal
A. To provide or allow the opportunity for services and facilities which enhance the quality of
life for Port Angeles citizens of all ages, characteristics, needs, and interests and to achieve
the desired urban design of the City.
Policies
1. Public facilities should be equitably distributed across the City's planning areas
including designated Urban Growth Areas.
2. Public facilities should contain provisions for citizens with disabilities and should
be constructed according to accepted standards.
3. Social services providing home care should be located in residential neighborhoods
in a manner that maintains the character of the immediate neighborhood.
4. Comprehensive service and facility plans should be consistent with the City's
Comprehensive Plan and should be implemented through applicable land use
approvals and construction permits.
5. The City should plan and seek funding to expand its existing infrastructure, to
ensure economic vitality, and to improve the quality of life in Port Angeles.
6. The City should encourage age-appropriate services for all-age groups, including
youth and seniors.
7. The City should promote access to information by investing in a high quality ICT
(Information Communication Technology).
5.8. The City should incorporate tribal issues and interests into city projects.
Goal
B. To support services and facilities through different levels of participation in cooperation
with other public or private agencies.
Policies
1. The City should be the "primary responsible agency" and should take the lead in
cooperation with other governmental entities to provide:
Utility and emergency services (water, sewer, electrical, stormwater,
police, fire and emergency medical response services)
Transportation infrastructure, including trails and sidewalks and
Parks and recreation
2. The City should participate as a "financial partner" to support essential programs
and services including:
Youth recreation programs and facilities
Library facilities
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Senior programs
Low and moderate income housing programs
Facilities for senior programs
Utility assistance for low income households and
Social and public health services.
3. As a "supporter," the City should promote and cooperate in providing programs and
services including:
Library programs such as information and assistance
Affordable housing information and referral
Economic and business development services
Tourism information and services
Schools and community learning
Fine arts
Community recreation
Public and private youth, family and senior services
Telecommunications and
Crime prevention programs.
Health Care programs
4. The City should develop and use public facilities cooperatively, in the promotion of
social and community services.
Goal
C. To provide safe, clean, usable, and attractive public facilities which enhance the cultural,
educational, economic, recreational, and environmental attributes of the City.
Policies
1. Industrial diversification should be supported by the development of urban services.
2. The City should place a high priority on installing new utility lines underground
and in the existing rights-of-way to increase safety and reliability, and to improve
neighborhood appearance.
3. Where possible, new utilities should be located in alleys or in the existing right-of-
way.
4. Major parks and large open spaces should provide for a variety of outdoor activities
and be located to take advantage of natural processes (such as wetlands and tidal
actions) and unusual landscape features (such as cliffs and bluffs), and to integrate
stormwater facilities into the natural landscape where feasible (such as LID
techniques and BMPs and stormwater treatment wetlands).
5. The City’s park and recreation system should provide a variety of settings and
activities suitable to people of all ages, characteristics, and interests.
6. The City should place special emphasis on the recreational needs of the youth of the
community, including bicycle safety education programs.
6.7. The City should encourage more active involvement and communication between
education (professional and student), business, community, art and cultural
communities to help integrate key people into the startup community.
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Objectives
1. When development warrants, the City will coordinate the efforts for a new fire
station to the west with the Port of Port Angeles at Fairchild International
Airport and a new station to the east with Fire District No. 2.
2. The City will develop and implement maintenance programs for all public
facilities under its jurisdiction.
Goal
D. To provide utility services in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Policies
1. Urban services should be designed for the maximum planned density and/or land
use intensity of a given area as designated on the Comprehensive Plan Land Use
Map.
2. The City should provide urban services only in areas that are logical extensions of
areas, which are currently served by such services or needed to implement a
specific goal or policy of the Comprehensive Plan.
3. The City, at its sole discretion, should extend urban services outside the City
without annexation.
4. The City should promote and encourage energy conservation, renewable energy,
distributed energy generation, improved distribution efficiencies, and recycling
efforts throughout the community. The City's own practices should serve as a
model.
5. The City should promote the joint use of transportation rights-of-way and utility
corridors for all forms of transportation, including nonmotorized.
6. The City should promote coordination between road construction and utility
installation.
7. The City should allow for simultaneous processing of all development permits.
8. The City should promote coordination among adjacent planning jurisdictions to
encourage consistency between each jurisdiction's utility plans and standards and
the development of a coordinated process for siting utility facilities.
9. The City should identify lands useful for public purposes, such as utility corridors,
landfills, sewage treatment facilities, transportation (including nonmotorized),
recreation, schools, and other public uses.
10. Planning for utility services should be consistent with the goals and policies of the
Capital Facilities Element.
11. New development should be served by sanitary sewers.
12. The City, at its sole discretion, should provide sanitary sewer service to urban
development, outlying areas within the City limits and in the urban growth areas, to
selected areas of intensive rural development to protect basic public health and
safety, and the environment, and to the area of the Lower Elwha Valley where the
Clallam County Board of Health determines that the rise in the water table from
dam removal will cause on-site septic systems to contaminate the aquifer and create
an unacceptable risk of human disease, while prohibiting service to other areas of
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rural development. No provision of sanitary sewer service to a rural area shall
permit urban development in that or another rural area.
13. Urban services provided in areas outside the City limits and not designated for
future rural land uses on the Comprehensive Land Use Map should be sized for
potential urban growth in those areas, while generally prohibiting service to areas of
rural development.
14. The City should consider the policies adopted in the Water Resources Inventory
Area 18 Watershed Management Plan, including the provision of water supply to
the urban areas in and between the Elwha River and Morse Creek drainage basins.
15. The City should provide infrastructure to all industrial lands to encourage
development.
16. As water and sewer is extended into Urban Growth Areas (UGAs), those hooking
up should be required to sign a no-protest annexation agreement.
17. The City should extend sewer into the eastern Urban Growth Area (UGA).
18. The City should extend sewer into the southwestern Urban Growth Area (UGA).
18.19. The City should encourage the use of renewable energy in both the private and
public sectors, providing all reasonable support and advocacy at the State level for
regulations and incentives that encourage such installations.
Objectives
1. The City will develop a phased plan for the extension of urban services.
2. The City will institute a program to promote water and energy conservation
techniques in new development.
3. Recycling programs will be used to reduce solid waste disposal.
4. The City is mandated to close the Port Angeles landfill and will establish a
solid waste transfer station at the landfill site per the Public Works and
Utilities Department plan.
5. In conjunction with the National Park Service’s Elwha Dam Removal Project
the City will support the extension of sanitary sewer service to the Lower
Elwha Klallam Tribal Reservation and to the area of the Lower Elwha Valley
outside the Reservation where the Clallam County Board of Health determines
that the rise in the water table from dam removal will cause on-site septic
systems to contaminate the shallow aquifer and create an unacceptable risk of
human disease, and the City also may support extension of sanitary sewer
service to selected areas of intensive rural development, to protect basic public
health and safety, and the environment.
Goal
E. To provide quality customer service with honesty, integrity and flexibility.
Policies
1. The City should promote efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of
customer service.
2. The City should promote responsibility and fiscal accountability in the provision of
customer service.
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3. The City should encourage a positive attitude, trust, initiative, and compassion with
a high standard of professionalism and open communication among its employees
and with the public.
4. The City should respect diversity and foster a safe environment.
5. The City should work in partnership with the community as stewards of the area’s
unique environment and quality of life.
Objectives
1. The City will implement a customer commitment program that promotes
internal and external customer service.
2. The customer commitment program will include the development of a
citywide statement of values, which should be incorporated in all aspects of
customer service.
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VIII. HOUSING ELEMENT
General Comments
The City recognizes the extreme importance of available clean, safe, and affordable housing in the
community. In April of 1991, a Housing Needs Assessment Study was conducted for the Port
Angeles area as part of a larger two county study. A housing needs assessment, titled Measuring
Housing Needs: A Data Toolkit for Clallam County, was prepared in 2006 for the Housing
Authority of Clallam County. This report is included with the Comprehensive Plan as Appendix
C.
The results of this study and public comments greatly influenced the development of the following
goals and policies, which strive to improve the quality, affordability, and availability of housing
for all segments of the community.
Goals, Policies, and Objectives
Goal
A. To improve the variety, quality, availability, and attainability of housing opportunities in
the City of Port Angeles.
Policies
1. The City should expand the residential land use options in the Zoning Code by
classifying residential zones by allowed density rather than by housing types.
2. Residential uses should be allowed in all non-industrial zones, including
commercial and office zones. In situations where a limited work/live environment
is found to be compatible with an underlying industrial zoning, limited work/live
environments may be deemed suitable when the living space is subordinate in
nature to the industrial use component and the integrity and intent of the industrial
zone is maintained.
3. The retention and development of safe and attractive mobile home parks should be
encouraged.
4. The City should develop a program to improve substandard housing in the City of
Port Angeles.
5. The City should plan for sufficient urban services to support future housing in a
variety of allowable densities.
6. Accessory residential units should be allowed in certain single family residential
zones, upon approval of a Conditional Use Permit.
7. The City should promote acceptance of low and moderate income housing through
public information programs.
8. The City should consider the effect of impact fees on the affordability of housing
prior to establishing such impact fees.
9. In State and Federal publicly assisted housing under current contracts, the City
should require property owners who demolish, substantially rehabilitate, change the
use of residential property, or remove use restrictions developments to provide
relocation assistance to those tenants displaced as provided for in sections 49 and
50 of the Growth Management Act (See RCW 59.18.440 and .450).
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10. The City and the County should work together to increase densities in some areas of
the sparsely developed southwestern UGA along Lauridsen Boulevard from low
density to medium density, consistent with the recently developed airport safety
zones and FAA use recommendations.
11. The City should investigate the appropriate siting of additional land to be
designated medium density and high density.
12. The City should strive to achieve an appropriate balance between attainable market-
rate housing and affordable housing and ensure that affordable housing is provided
in a way that contributes to the physical appearance and economic and social health
of the neighborhoods and the City.
13. The City shall should encourage the use of Green Building techniques for new
developments and support Green Built certification for new developments.
14. The City should encourage the use of Low Impact Development stormwater
management techniques (such as vegetated roofs, permeable pavement, and
bioretention) for all new developments.
15. The City should allow for mixed-use opportunities in neighborhoods, including
commercial development and mix of housing densities.
16. The City should identify opportunities for housing revitalization in targeted areas
including the downtown core.
17. The City should promote and increase the number of downtown residential living
units.
18. The City should develop strategies to combat homelessness and housing insecurity
amongst residents.
13.19. The City should develop and implement tools to support a range of housing types
including affordable housing options.
Objectives
1.The City will work to eliminate barriers that prevent the use of innovative
green building techniques while maintaining safety and aesthetic quality in
the building process.
1.2. The City will continue to work to eliminate barriers that prevent the use of
low impact development techniques and BMPs, such as vegetated roofs,
permeable pavement, and bioretention , while maintain safety and aesthetic
quality in the building process.
Goal
B. To participate with Clallam County and other entities in programs to increase the
availability and affordability of public assisted housing and rental units as well as other
affordable housing opportunities.
Policies
1. The City should participate in a county-wide housing task force comprised of
representatives from government, financial institutions, business, construction, real
estate, non-profit housing entities, and other citizens interested in housing issues. A
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Housing Element
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major goal of the task force should be coordinating efforts to provide affordable
housing, encouraging rapid review of low and moderate income housing projects
throughout the County, and promoting public education and awareness regarding
the need for and nature of affordable housing.
2. The City should cooperate with the county-wide housing task force and other
agencies in assembling packages of publicly owned land, which could be used for
low and moderate income housing and for shelter or transitional housing.
3. The City, in cooperation with the County, should promote innovative housing
techniques and should explore creative regulatory programs for the purpose of
creating and preserving existing affordable housing opportunities. Such programs
may include the transfer of development rights into high density receiving zones,
density bonuses for inclusion of affordable housing in residential development
projects, floor area ratios, regulation allowances for guaranteed low and moderate
income housing projects, revisions to the existing planned residential developments
regulations, increased height limits in medium and high density zones, and high
density detached single family residential developments, such as cottage colonies or
housing clusters.
4. The City should invite the Clallam County Housing Authority to participate in a
variety of affordable housing opportunities.
5. The City should seek representation on the Clallam County Housing Authority and
non-profit housing organizations.
6. Adequate low and moderate income housing opportunities should be provided
within the Port Angeles Planning Area.
7. A scattered site housing construction program should be promoted.
8. The City should support affordable housing by developing utility cost savings
programs.
9. The City should help support the provision of transitional and temporary housing
for the homeless and/or displaced families.
10. The City should designate specific medium and high density zones where increased
building height limitations could be increased.
Objectives
1. The City will work with the housing task force to determine that the supply of
land will be sufficient for all housing needs including but not limited to
government-assisted housing, housing for low-income families, manufactured
housing, multifamily housing, group homes, foster-care facilities, and single-
room occupancies (SRO).
2. The City will reference the Clallam County Housing Needs Study and
subsequent analyses that update the information in evaluating the type,
amount, and location of needed housing.
3. The City will identify appropriate areas of the city to convert low density
residential designated areas into medium and high density designated areas to
increase the supply of areas zoned for higher density.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Housing Element
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4. The City will consider revising height limitations in all commercial, medium,
and high density zones to accommodate increased residential densities and
housing attainability.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Housing Element
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The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element
Page 99
IX. CONSERVATION ELEMENT
General Comments
The Conservation Element establishes the importance of quality of life to the people of Port
Angeles. A clean, healthy, and diverse natural environment along with a variety of historical and
cultural amenities are critical elements of a high quality community.
Goals, Policies, and Objectives
Goal
A. To create and maintain a community with a high quality of life where the land is used in a
manner that is compatible with the area's unique physical features, its natural, historical,
archaeological, and cultural amenities, and the overall environment.
Policies
1. The City should require all development, including the location and design of all
structures and open space areas, to be compatible with the unique physical features
and natural amenities of the land and complement the environment in which it is
placed, while recognizing the rights of private ownership.
2. The City should promote compatibility between the land and its use by regulating
the intensity of the land use.
3. The City should adopt development criteria, which promote the use of innovative
design techniques to provide for the use of the land in a manner compatible with
any unique physical features or valuable natural, historical, and/or cultural
amenities.
3.4. The City should promote and highlight Port Angeles' plentiful natural beauty,
amenities and cultural history.
Objective
1. The City will encourage streetscape improvements to beautify entryway
corridors. Incentives may be developed to encourage private property
participation in such beautification projects.
2. The City will maintain an Archaeological Database that shall include a
waterfront archaeological overlay, an archaeological and historical site
database, and an archaeological predictive model that prescribes areas of high,
medium, and low buried archaeological site potential for property within the
City limits.
Goal
B. To protect and enhance the area's unique physical features, its natural, historical,
archaeological, and cultural amenities, and the overall environment.
Policies
1. The City should further the public interest by protecting and enhancing the area's
unique physical features, valuable natural historical, archaeological, and cultural
amenities, and the overall environment, while recognizing the rights of private
ownership.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element
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2. The City should maintain and preserve its unique physical features and natural
amenities, such as creeks, streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands, ravines, bluffs,
shorelines, and fish and wildlife habitats.
3. The City should protect and enhance the characteristics of its unique residential
neighborhoods.
4. Building density should decrease as natural constraints increase.
5. The City should establish minimum standards for development of properties, which
contain or adjoin critical areas for the purpose of protecting such areas and
enhancing their natural functions.
6. The City should regulate site design, preparation, and development to avoid or
minimize damage to wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas.
7. Recognizing the functions and values of wetlands, the City should strive to achieve
no net loss of wetlands.
8. The City should preserve uniquely featured lands, which still exist in their natural
states and which are notable for their aesthetic, scenic, historic, or ecological
features and should prohibit any private or public development, which would
destroy such qualities, or are subject to damage from climatic change, while
recognizing the rights of private ownership.
9. The City should promote public access to the shoreline, while preserving a healthy
shoreline environment.
10. The City should enhance and preserve the quality of its air and water as two of its
unique physical features.
11. The City should protect its air and water quality by minimizing potential new
pollution from new and existing sources including climatic change impacts.
12. The City should develop and implement a plan to improve water quality, which
includes measures to reduce and minimize stormwater pollutants and combined
sewer overflow pollutant discharges.
13. The City should use regionally consistent requirements for industrial and
commercial sewer discharge pretreatment and require new indirect dischargers to
locate where appropriate sewer service can be made available.
14. The City should maintain and enhance the quality of water resources through the
regulation of clearing, grading, dumping, discharging, and draining and the
provision of flood and erosion control measures and regulations to protect wetlands
and other environmentally sensitive areas.
15. Through the retention of existing vegetation, the City should protect water quality
and prevent erosion.
16. The City should designate open space areas to preserve major or unique physical
features, to serve as natural greenbelts and wildlife corridors, and to establish an
urban edge to the PAUGA.
17. The City should identify and preserve significant public scenic view corridors.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element
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18. The City should encourage identification, preservation, and restoration of sites and
structures that have historical or cultural significance.
19. The City should give precedence to long-term environmental impacts and benefits
over short-term environmental impacts and benefits.
20. The City should promote and utilize environment enhancing conservation practices.
Those practices may include waste reduction, use of energy efficient and
conserving materials, and energy conservation techniques and should also
encourage the development and use of alternative forms of energy and
transportation.
21. The City should coordinate its environmental regulations with County, State, and
Federal regulations to simplify the permitting process and to reduce associated costs
to the land user.
22. The City should reference the 2004 Washington State Citations of Recommended
Sources of Best Available Science for Designating and Protecting Critical Areas (as
currently adopted) and other research identified as more locally appropriate and
applicable (when it is available) as Best Available Science in the Critical Areas
Ordinance.
23. The City should avoid adverse impacts to archaeological sites by following and
requiring best management practices for archaeological preservation.
24. The City should publicly recognize the many values provided by trees in an urban
setting, identify opportunities to plant trees, and establish a tree management plan.
25. The city should implement an urban tree management program intended to retain
and/or restore the overall tree canopy in the city by using plant materials as a
unifying element and tool to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public,
using the environmental services provided by trees to mitigate the negative effects
of impervious surfaces and vehicular traffic such as increased temperatures,
airborne particulates, carbon dioxide, nose, and stormwater runoff.
26. Trees should be planted along residential streets, in parking lots, and in other areas
as opportunities arise. Trees should be retained whenever possible and maintained
using Best Management Practices as appropriate for each tree type.
27. The City should seek strategies and technologies which reduce greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions by city facilities and operations.
28. The City should promote the use of alternative energy, energy conservation
technology, and smart energy grid.
29. The City should review all new development for impacts on climate change and
adaptation to sea level rise.
Objectives
1. The City will work closely with State agencies on further development of
regulations and coordinated enforcement of air quality standards.
2. The City will adopt and enforce adequate regulations designed to maintain and
enhance water quality.
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3. The City will identify and implement site-specific requirements for individual
development proposals to mitigate any negative impacts created by the
development, particularly to an area identified as an environmentally sensitive
area.
4. The City will adopt and enforce regulations, which require all new
development to provide adequate appropriate dispersion, infiltration, and/or
stormwater retention/detention facilities necessary to protect water quality and
provide flood protection and flow control.
5. The City will complete an inventory and identification of areas identified as
Habitats of Local Importance to assure that important habitat connections are
not severed.
6. The City will complete an inventory and identification of wetlands.
6.7. The City will complete an inventory and identification of lands that could be
subject to impacts from climate change.
7.8. The City will encourage clustering of residential development where necessary
to protect environmentally sensitive areas, or to avoid hazardous areas,
including those subject to climate change impacts or to preserve open space
areas.
8.9. The City will develop a stormwater management plan consistent with the
NPDES Phase II permit and will update the plan on a regular basis.
9.10. The City will develop guidelines to evaluate new development that occurs near
scenic resources.
10.11. The City will establish regulations that allow the preservation of identified
historically significant buildings/sites.
12. The City will participate in various watershed planning and salmon recovery
efforts. The City will incorporate appropriate measures for the protection of
habitat for listed or threatened species under the Federal Endangered Species
Act when providing public services and administering land use and
development regulations.
11.13. The City will incorporate the North Olympic Resource Conservation &
Development Report, Climate Change Preparedness Plan for the North
Olympic Peninsula, September 2015, as best available science to its
development regulations.
12. The City will add the definitions of Best Available Science and Best
Management Practices to the Critical Areas Ordinances.
13. The City will incorporate the 1995 Sheldon Wetland Report prepared by the
City, with the inclusion of site specific wetland delineations as addendums
into its Critical Areas Ordinance as Best Available Science.
14. The City will incorporate the 2001 Pentec Environmental Shoreline Habitat
Assessment prepared by the City, with the inclusion of site specific shoreline
habitat assessments as addendums into its Critical Areas Ordinance as Best
Available Science.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element
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14. The City will incorporate the Washington State Department of Ecology Coastal
Atlas photographs into its Critical Areas Ordinance as Best Available
Science.City staff will use the Archaeological Database to implement
archaeological conditions for permits with ground disturbing components
based upon the corresponding archaeological probability rating, the nearness
of previously recorded archaeological or historical sites, and presence of the
project within or outside of the archaeological overlay.
15. The City will create a tree management program that will meet the
requirements to maintain the 'Tree City USA' status for the city of Port
Angeles.
16. The City will promote tree conservation by establishing a desired minimum
city-wide tree density requirement. Tree density requirements will be met
primarily through the conservation of existing trees, replacing trees that are
removed and requiring tree to be include in development projects.
17. The City will create and follow an urban forest management plan in order to
establish a healthy and sustainable urban forest.
Goal
C. To promote community awareness of the importance of environmental, historical and
cultural amenities, the responsible use of such resources, and the use of the land with
minimal impact on its unique physical features, its natural, historical and cultural
amenities, and the overall environment.
Policies
1. The City should inform the public concerning the long-term benefits of protecting
and improving the quality of the region's air, land, and water.
2. The City should encourage the development and implementation of environmental,
historical, and cultural awareness programs which focus on local and regional
issues, including climate change impacts and preparedness.
Goal
D. To preserve and enhance the City's shoreline, its natural landscape, and flora and fauna and
to minimize conflicts with present and planned uses in a manner consistent with the State
Shoreline Management Act and the City's Shoreline Master Program.
Policies
1. Shoreline areas should be preserved for future generations by restricting or
prohibiting development that would interfere with the shoreline ecology or
irretrievably damage shoreline resources.
2. Where possible, riparian vegetation in shoreline areas and on tributary streams,
which affect shoreline resources, should be maintained and restored.
3. Where possible, techniques to rehabilitate degraded shorelines for the purpose of
shoreline stabilization and habitat enhancement should be employed.
4. Where possible, aquatic habitats including shellfish habitat, and important marine
vegetation should be preserved and protected.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element
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5. Development patterns and densities on lands adjacent to shorelines should be
compatible with shoreline uses and resources and reinforce the policies of the
Shoreline Management Act and the City's Shoreline Master Program.
6. Where possible, urban service facilities located in shoreline areas should utilize
common utility corridors.
7. Adequate shoreline area for water-oriented commercial and industrial development
should be designated based on the Land Use Element.
8. Shoreline uses and activities should be located to avoid environmentally sensitive
and ecologically valuable areas and to insure the preservation and protection of
shoreline natural areas and resources.
9. Where possible, utility facilities and rights-of-way should be located outside of the
shoreline area.
10. Shoreline ecology and resources should be protected when locating utilities in
shoreline areas.
Objective
1. The City will update its 1995 Shoreline Master Program consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan, the Shoreline Management Act, and the Growth
Management Act by 20112024.
2. The City will develop an Ediz Hook master plan that designates land uses,
improves public access to shorelines, abates deteriorating structures, and
allows for expanded recreational and commercial uses.City Staff will consult
the Archaeological Database for all Shoreline Permit-able activities and use
the information housed in the database to create appropriate conditions or
mitigations to identify, protect, and preserve archaeological sites and
culturally sensitive areas.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element
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The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Capital Facilities Element
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X. CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT
General Comments
The Capital Facilities Element consists of two parts. The first part is the listing of goals and
policies regarding the City's provision of urban services and its planning of capital improvements.
The second part is the Annual Capital Facilities Plan which is adopted separately from the
Comprehensive Plan but is included as part of the Plan as an attachment.
The Comprehensive Plan defines urban services in its definition section, which includes a listing
of the following services and facilities, which should be available in an urban environment:
Surface transportation facilities;
Water facilities;
Sewer facilities;
Stormwater facilities;
Solid waste facilities;
Parks and recreational facilities;
Emergency services (police, fire and medical response);
Public service buildings;
Public schools facilities; and
Regional facilities (libraries, corrections, and mass transit).
The following goals and policies provide guidance on how these services and facilities should be
provided. This includes the establishment of minimum levels of service standards for each service.
The policies also call for the development of individual comprehensive service and facility plans
which take an in-depth look at the current status of each service and the projected future demand
for each service and which include a financial feasibility analysis on the costs of providing each
service.
The Capital Facilities Plan is a six-year plan, which establishes how, where, and when the City
will develop the facilities necessary to provide its various services.
Goals, Policies, and Objectives
Goal
A. To provide and maintain safe and financially feasible urban services and capital facilities at
or above stated levels of service to all City residents and the general public.
Policies
1. The Comprehensive Plan should establish general level of service standards for
each urban utility and service. Such standards should be used to determine the
impacts of development.
2. The City should, at a minimum, ensure the continuation of established level of
service standards for all urban utilities and services to the extent and in the manner
provided herein.
3. The City should develop individual comprehensive service and facility plans for the
following capital facilities and/or services:
Transportation, including streets, and nonmotorized (bikeways and
pedestrian walkways),
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Capital Facilities Element
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Water system,
Sanitary sewer system,
Electrical system,
Parks and recreation services, and
Emergency services (police, fire, and medical response).
4. The City should co-operate with the appropriate private and/or public agencies to
develop individual comprehensive service and facility plans for each of the
following utilities and/or services:
Telecommunications,
Schools,
Transportation (air, marine and public transit), and
Solid waste collection and disposal.
5. Comprehensive service and facility plans should be consistent with the general
level of service standards established in the Comprehensive Plan and should
establish detailed level of service standards which, at a minimum, meet all local,
state and federal health and safety requirements. Each plan may also establish
desired level of service standards and should include an inventory of current
facilities, measurements of current and future service capacities, the determination
of future service and facility improvements necessary to serve the twenty-year
vision of the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map, and a financial feasibility
analysis.
6. The comprehensive service and facility plan for streets and nonmotorized facilities
(bikeways, trails, and pedestrian walkways) should include specific actions and
requirements for bringing into compliance any street facilities that fall below the
required level of service, including demand management strategies which
encourage reduced reliance on single occupant vehicle trips and encourage use of
alternate modes of transportation such as the bicycles, walkways, and transit riding
with incentive programs for and from local businesses.
7. The comprehensive service and facilities plan for streets, bikeways, and pedestrian
walkways should include a future US 101 corridor to meet long-term local and
regional transportation needs.
8. Each comprehensive service and facility plan should be consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan, the County-Wide Planning Policy, and the State Growth
Management Act.
9. The City should require concurrency at the time of development for the following
utilities and services:
Paved streets, curbs, and sidewalks
Water service,
Sanitary sewer service,
Electrical service,
Solid waste collection,
Stormwater management,
Telecommunications services, and
Emergency services (police, fire and emergency medical response).
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Capital Facilities Element
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10. The City should require the following services and facilities within six years from
the time of development:
Parks and recreation services and facilities, and
Transit system.
11. The City should adopt an annual Capital Facilities Plan consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan and State Growth Management Act. The Capital Facilities
Plan's financing schedule may be corrected, updated, or modified without being
considered as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, following a public hearing
before the City Council.
12. If projected funding fails for a capital project listed as funded in the City's approved
Capital Facilities Plan and development permits have been issued reliant upon that
capital project for concurrency, the City should take necessary actions to minimize
further degradation of the impacted service or facility. This may include one or any
combination of the following actions:
Reduce the level of service standard
Increase funding by increasing revenues
Reduce demand by revising the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map and/or
Zoning Map
Reduce demand by reducing consumption (i.e., conservation).
13. Where existing capital facilities are deficient, the City should remove obstacles to
economic development in an area with City participation through a New
Improvements for Community Enhancement (N.I.C.E.) Neighborhoods Program.
14. The City should adopt a Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan consistent with
the Comprehensive Plan and the Growth Management Act as an Element of the
Comprehensive Plan.
15. The City should require sidewalks be included in all development and
redevelopment proposals where sidewalks do not exist at the time of application for
development. Permeable materials are preferred for sidewalk construction where
feasible.
16. The City should investigate and consider the benefits and costs involved in
developing and implement an Urban Forestry Program designed to properly manage
street trees, park trees, and forested environmentally sensitive areas located within
the City.
17. The City should create a unified, coherent design element for signage, street
lighting, traffic control devices, and similar structures to be used throughout the
City and specifically in the downtown area as a method for improved way finding
and place identification for visitors and residents alike.
17. The City should consider climatic change impacts and adaptation strategies in
planning and designing capital facilities.
18. The City should consider implementation of a building façade restoration program
that will provide incentives and/or assistance to building owners to improve the
appearance of existing buildings.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Capital Facilities Element
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18.19. The City should improve aesthetics of the community by removing abandoned
infrastructure.
Objectives
1. The Capital Facilities Plan will be updated on an annual basis and should
implement the goals, policies, and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan.
2. The City will develop a schedule for preparation and adoption of each
required comprehensive service and facilities plan.
3. The City will study the development of a seasonal or permanent ice skating
rink facility.
4. The City will establish a review process with a more comprehensive analysis
of Capital Facilities Plan projects to address new mandates for environmental
protection such as the Endangered Species Act, climate change adaption
extension of urban services into the Urban Growth Area and new residential
areas within the City, and preservation and maintenance of service levels
impacted by changes such as the Elwha Dam removal, landfill closure, and
aging facilities.
5. The City will revise its Urban Services and Guidelines manual to include
sidewalks on both sides of all streets where sidewalks do not exist as a
standard requirement of all development and redevelopment projects.
6. The City will require the use of permeable paving materials for all sidewalks
where feasible.
5.7. The City will prepare a climate action plan in order to comply with RCW
70.235.070.
Goal
B. To provide urban streets and utilities at minimum levels of service for all city residents and
the general public.
Policies
1. All arterial streets shall function at an average daily Level of Service (LOS) of D or
better.
2. Development on all arterial streets and any other streets identified as school
walking routes should include pedestrian sidewalks on both sides of the street.
3. The City shall not approve any development that is not served with water service at
or greater than the following level of service standards at the time of development:
Single family units: 2 gallons per minute @ 30 psi
- (fire - 1000 gallons per minute @ 20 psi for single family residential >3,600
square feet.)
- (Fire - 500 gallons per minute @ 20 psi for single family residential 3,600
square feet.)
Multi-family units: 1 gallon per minute @ 30 psi
- (fire per Uniform Fire Code)
Commercial: per Uniform Fire Code
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Capital Facilities Element
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Industrial: per Uniform Fire Code
4. The City shall not approve any development that is not served with sewer service at
or greater than a level of service standard of 300 gallons per day per person at the
time of development.
5. The City shall not approve any development that is not served with electrical
service at or greater than a level of service standard of 118 volts (120 volt base) at
the time of development.
6. The City should not approve any development that increases a site's post-
development stormwater run-off beyond that allowed by the Department of Ecology
Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington (SWMMWW 2014) as
adopted by the City.
7. The City should not approve any development that cannot be served with
telecommunications service at or greater than the following level of service
standards at the time of development:
Telephone
Residential: 1 service per unit
Commercial: 1 service per business
Industrial: 1 service per business
Cable Television
Residential: 1 service per unit
Commercial: 0 service per business
Industrial: 0 service per business
11. Highways of Statewide Significance (HSS) should function at Level of Service
(LOS) D or better, consistent with the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP).
12. The City should develop a Capital Facilities Plan list, with public input, for
prioritizing pedestrian walkway needs.
13. The City should seek funding to increase the provision of sidewalks in already
developed areas where sidewalks do not occur.
Objective
1. The City will update design standards for street, water, sewer, and stormwater
facilities from time to time.
Goal
C. To provide urban services at minimum levels of service for all city residents and the
general public.
Policies
1. The Port Angeles School District should develop a capital facilities plan, which the
City will consider for inclusion in the Comprehensive Plan. The capital facilities
plan should contain at least a six-year plan for public financing of such facilities as
may be necessary to provide adequate public schools at or greater than the
following level of service standards in order to meet anticipated increases in student
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Capital Facilities Element
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enrollment, which may be anticipated based on the School District's projected
enrollment figures and residential growth as provided for in the Land Use Element
of the Comprehensive Plan:
High School: 125 square feet of permanent, appropriate educational
space per student,
Middle School: 104 square feet of permanent, appropriate educational
space per student, and
Elementary School: 100 square feet of permanent, appropriate educational
space per student.
If capacity is inadequate to house students at the established level of service
standards (LOS) and adequate school funding is not available, then the demand for
new facilities will be reduced (e.g. through year round use of schools or by
matching grade and enrollment to facility capacities) or the level of service
standards will be reduced to keep both schools and housing development affordable
to the majority of Port Angeles School District residents. Imposition of Growth
Management Act impact fees on or denial of new development will not be used as a
measure to prevent further degradation of school services, unless the reduced level
of service standards are deemed unacceptable to Port Angeles School District No.
121, Clallam County, and the City of Port Angeles.
2. The City should not approve any development that will not be served with adequate
transit service as determined in the comprehensive service and facilities plan for
transportation within six years from the time of development.
3. The City should not approve any development that will not be served at or greater
than a citywide level of service standard of 10 acres of parks per 1,000 population
within six years from the time of development.
4. The City should not approve any development that will not be served at or less than
the following level of service standards at the time of development.
Police: 677 persons per one officer
Fire: 4 minute response time or residential sprinkler system
installation
5. The City should not approve any development that will not be served with solid
waste collection service at or less than a city-wide level of service standard of 400
pick pick-up accounts per 1000 population within six years from the time of
development.
6. The City should participate with the County in the development, maintenance, and
implementation of a regional solid waste plan, which addresses collection, disposal,
and recycling of solid waste.
7. The City should consider the cumulative effect of development on the City's need
for adequate public service buildings.
8. The City should consider projected climatic change impacts and adaptation
strategies to determine whether adequate services can be provided into the future,
prior to approving any development.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Capital Facilities Element
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7.9. The City should prioritize and support public education and Peninsula College,
including initiatives for rebuilding schools.
Goal
D. To participate with the County, State, and Federal governments as well as other public
agencies to provide adequate regional public services.
Policies
1. The City should cooperate with the County and the community's health care
providers to ensure quality health care facilities within the City that serve the region
as a whole.
2. The City should cooperate with the County in planning regional library facilities
within the City.
3. The City should cooperate with the County in planning for adequate correctional
facilities.
4. Essential public facilities of a county-wide or statewide nature must meet existing
state laws and regulations requiring specific siting and permit requirements
consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Goal
E. To reduce the amount of impervious surface created by new developments and thereby
reduce stormwater management costs and environmental impacts to the City and its natural
resources, reduce development costs to private property owners, and provide safe and more
attractive streets through traffic calming, safe pedestrian amenities, and improved street
edge landscaping.
Policy
1. The City should further revise its existing urban development standards in low density
residential areas to include low impact development standards for street, pedestrian
and nonmotorized access, sewer, and fire suppression to more nearly reflect the needs
of suburban densities and conditions in outlying undeveloped areas of the City and
PAUGA.
1.2. The City should invest in Green Infrastructure, Low Impact Development (LID), and
similar technologies to maintain and enhance environmental quality.
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The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Economic Development Element
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XI. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
General Comments
The intent of the Economic Development Element is to benefit the community through the
diversification and strengthening of the local economy. The following policies address a variety of
subjects, some stand on their own, while others require coordination with other elements of the
Comprehensive Plan.
Goals, Policies, and Objectives
Goal
A. To create and maintain a balanced and stable local economy with full employment and
emphasis on strengthening the community's traditional natural resource related industries
as well as diversifying the overall economic base.
Policies
1. The City of Port Angeles should remain a major economic center on the North
Olympic Peninsula, meeting regional and local needs.
2. The City should promote the retention of employment in all sectors of the local
economy.
3. The City should promote long-term economic stability by encouraging businesses
and industries to invest in modernization and environmentally sound technology.
4. The City should promote the diversification of the community's economic base by
encouraging the location, retention, and expansion of local businesses.
5. The City should promote the location, retention, and expansion of small and
medium sized businesses, which access their markets and suppliers through
telecommunications and available shipping and transit.
6. The City should promote in the traditional downtown retail, dining, arts, culture,
and entertainment oriented activities that are attractive to both tourists and local
residents.
7. The City should develop sufficient utilities, improve traffic circulation, and identify
environmental constraints in the airport industrial area in cooperation with other
governmental agencies.
8. The City should encourage training and educational opportunities, which strengthen
and increase the variety of skills available in the work force.
9. The City should promote the motivation and availability of the community's work
force as a major economic development strength.
10. The City should encourage inter-jurisdictional discussion and cooperation with
other governmental agencies to foster the economic development of the region.
11. The City should work with other community organizations in developing an
effective business assistance program directed toward the commercial business
owner.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Economic Development Element
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12. The City should recognize the economic importance to the community in the
redevelopment of the Rayonier Mill site and take an active role in assisting property
owners to clean up the site to attract the interest of many potential investors.
13. The City should pursue a management agreement with Clallam County as a first
step to a partnership for developing the UGA.
14. The City should support continued development of a strong marine related industry
in the Port Angeles Harbor.
15. The City should promote the sustainability of the existing art and culture industry
encouraging community participation and involvement. Enhancement of the
creative economy contributes to the overall health of the community.
16. The City should encourage businesses with low carbon footprints,
17. The City should consider projected climatic change impacts and adaptation
strategies when encouraging new businesses to establish in Port Angeles.
18. The City should develop and economy which provides opportunities for Port
Angeles' vulnerable and at-risk community members.
19. The City should identify bureaucratic obstacles and work to expedite economic
development.
20. The City should seek to increase Port Angeles' military presence.
21. The City should invest in training and education for local residents, by providing
access to state-of-the-art technology and training opportunities.
22. The City should encourage and incentivize youth entrepreneurship as well as jobs
and businesses that attract young families.
23. The City should attract and retain businesses and industries which create family
wage jobs for local residents.
24. The City should provide opportunities for civic cooperation. Coordinate with local
non-profit and community service organizations to support economic development.
25. The City should prioritize the airport as major economic asset and identify specific
incentives to attract commercial services.
26. The City should promote and incentivize local business.
27. The City should support non-profits and associations which enhance local economic
development.
28. The City should establish a City Ombudsman to help people and businesses handle
complaints, understand and navigate through regulations, and apply for help in
coordinating permits and waivers for events, festivals, etc.
29. The City should establish an authority for community events, meetings, trade
shows, festivals, etc. to encourage and support them, help find venues, cut through
red tape, coordinate volunteer efforts, and publicize them.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Economic Development Element
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30. The City should encourage the location and support for adequate venues for
community meetings, shows, music art, hobby and user groups, and professional
and business meetings.
31. The City should support the location of low-cost places where people (especially
young people) can congregate and talk, and ensure that these have up-to-date
communication facilities.
32. The City should recognize art, architecture, music, and performance as important
community resources and continue to encourage and support cultural activities.
33. The City should support decorating public spaces with more art from the
community.
34. The City should encourage the design of public spaces that encourage people to
interact.
35. The City should support the concept and encourage the establishment of Maker's
Spaces. (See definition) Public spaces where people make things and collaborate
on projects. Spaces are usually equipped with tools, 3D printers, computers, design
software, art and craft tools and supplies.
15.
Objective
1. The City will work in cooperation with other stakeholders to update the
Harbor Resource Management Plan in 2005.
1. The City will work with the Port of Port Angeles, Clallam County, and the
Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe (LEKT) to study the future of the William R.
Fairchild International Airport, update the Airport Master Plan, and
accommodate the Terminal Relocation Plan.
2. The City will encourage the Port of Port Angeles to work with the City,
Clallam County, and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe (LEKT) to resolve
issues regarding the existence of trees in Lincoln Park that affect the flight
path for landing at William Fairchild International Airport.
3. The City will encourage activities and events that promote arts and culture
educational awareness and commerce.
Goal
B. To have a healthy local economy that co-exists with the community's high quality of life
through the protection, enhancement, and use of the community's natural, historical, and
cultural amenities.
Policies
1. The City should promote the region's high quality of environment and available
natural and cultural resources as factors in attracting and retaining business,
industry, and individual enterprises.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Economic Development Element
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2. The City should promote the community's quality public school system and its
diversity of other educational opportunities as factors in attracting and retaining
business and industry.
3. The City should encourage the enhancement of the existing two-year community
college through such means as the expansion of its technical curriculum and
additional four year degree opportunities.
4. The City should promote development of planned office, business, and industrial
parks, while conserving unique physical features of the land and maintaining
compatibility with other land uses in the surrounding area.
5. The City should encourage the availability of housing that meets the needs of the
entire spectrum of the community's work forceresidents.
6. The City should recognize, preserve and promote its historic and cultural properties
as a measure of its quality of life.
7. The City should support landscaping and detailing of the streetscape at the City’s
east and west entries.
7.8. The City should utilize the Climatic Change Preparedness Plan in attracting
businesses, to demonstrate a proactive approach to climatic change in the area.
Objective
1. The City will encourage streetscape improvements to beautify entryway
corridors. Incentives Outreach and educational materials may be developed to
encourage private property participation in such beautification projects.
2. The City will identify specific standards for street and parking lot tree
plantings and other landscaping requirements. The City will emphasize use of
appropriate vegetation in planter strips and bioretention facilities.
Goal
C. To create and promote a strong tourism industry for Port Angeles, as well as to recognize
and support existing and prospective tourism attractions.
Policies
1. The City should support improved access to the Olympic National Park, particularly
to Hurricane Ridge.
2. The City should work to enhance the commercial and public use of Ediz Hook.
3. The City should take a leading role in enhancing visitors' first impression of the
community by maintaining and upgrading the City’s public facilities, and green
infrastructure, and strengthen the nuisance abatement program.
4. The City should support development of an electric vehicle (EV) charging station
network and EV maintenance facilities around the Olympic Peninsula.
3.5. The City should support tourism and recreation activities which highlights Port
Angeles' natural, cultural and historical amenities.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Economic Development Element
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Objective
1. The City will support the creation of a skateboard/wheels park in Erickson
Park.
Goal
D. D. To strengthen and enhance the restoration and reinvigoration of our downtown historic
buildings, infrastructure improvements, and beautification projects.
1. The City should consider best available science on sea level rise and recommended
mitigation and adaptation strategies in the development of downtown.
2. The City should encourage and pursue economic development with positive
environmental consequences. Identify and attract non-polluting industries and eco-
friendly business.
Objective
1. The City will work cooperatively with the property owners to support the
repair and use of the Landing Mall pier.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Economic Development Element
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The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Parks and Recreation Element
Page 120
XII. PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT
General Comments
The intent of the Park Element is to provide a framework and guide for the development and
management of City parks in Port Angeles. The following policies address a variety of
subjects, some stand on their own, while others require coordination with other elements of the
Comprehensive Plan.
The Parks and Recreation Element of the City's Comprehensive Plan was developed as an
outgrowth of the Comprehensive Park, Open Space, and Recreation Plan created in 2003 by
City park staff and incorporated into the City's Comprehensive Plan in 2007.
Goals, Policies, and Objectives
Goal
A. To acquire, develop, renovate and maintain a system of parks, recreational facilities, and
open spaces to ensure that the contributions of natural resources and recreation to human
well-being are maintained and recognized as a value.
Policies
1. The City of Port Angeles should provide its citizens with a diversity of open
spaces, parks, and recreation facilities and programs appropriately distributed
throughout the City.
2. The City should strive to ensure that equality is achieved to the extent possible in
the types and variety of facilities, quality of maintenance, and the range of
recreation services provided.
3. The City should strive to retain and reflect the natural beauty that attracts
visitors, business, and residents to the area.
4. The City should continue to forge effective partnerships and strengthen its ties
with other public, private, and non-profit providers.
4.5. The City should identify waterfront improvements to increase marine
transportation and recreation.
6. The City should identify appropriate locations for small (pocket) parks,
community gardens and food forests throughout the community and integrate
them into its Parks system.
7. The City should investigate acquisition of the Rayonier property at Harbor Crest
cul-de-sac as park to serve as pedestrian access to waterfront trail.
Objective
1. The City will develop a parks impact fee to aid in funding the acquisition
and development of new park lands in areas where new development
creates a need for additional park facilities.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Park and Recreation Element
Page 121
2. The City will develop an Ediz Hook master plan that designates land uses,
improves public access to shorelines, abates deteriorating structures, and
allows for expanded recreational and commercial uses.
Goal
B. To enhance the quality of life in the community by providing facilities, services, and
programs that offer positive opportunities for building healthy, safe, and productive
lives.
Policies
3.2. The City should provide consistently high quality recreational experiences to
residents and visitors through a wide variety of park types and features.
4.3. The City should strive for excellence through efficient, accurate, and skillful
performance in every process, service and product delivered by the Parks and
Recreation providers.
5.4. The City should keep citizens involved and informed about parks and recreation
issues and services.
6.5. The City should manage park facilities in a manner that will ensure public safety,
and keep the parks free of misuse to the greatest extent possible and result in a
sustainable and resilient park system.
6. The City should not approve any development that will not be served at or
greater than a citywide level of service standard of 10 acres of parks per 1,000
population within six years from the time of development.
7. The City should incorporate health and nutrition into parks and recreation
programming.
7.8. The City should enhance its parks and recreation system’s safety, variety and
accessibility, and identify family friendly features and amenities.
Objective
1. The City will provide adequate means of support for the delivery of high
quality park and recreation services and products.
2. The City will provide a responsive, effective and high quality parks system
and recreational programs through community participation and
involvement in park facility and recreation programs to reflect community
needs.
3. The City will provide appropriate signage and follow best practices in
landscaping and design to provide adequate visibility of for park users.
4. The City will provide programs relative to park and recreation uses such as
swimming lessons and boating safety lessons to enhance user safety.
5. The City will provide programs and opportunities that are sensitive to the
needs of all of its citizens, including those with limited financial resources,
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Park and Recreation Element
Page 122
disadvantaged youth, the elderly, the disabled, and those with other special
needs.
5.6. The City will provide programs relative to park and recreation uses to
encourage increased physical activity.
Goal
C. To establish and protect a visual character of the community through open spaces,
streetscapes, borrowed landscapes, and publicly-owned natural resource areas.
Policies
1. The City should strive to protect and retain the natural beauty of the area.
2. The City should supplement and enhance the visual attractiveness of the city
through the use of formal landscaping in street medians, city gatewaysentryways,
and along sidewalks, as well as the use of other public spaces, flower beds, and
street trees. The City will emphasize use of planter strips with drought tolerant
vegetation and bioretention facilities.
Objective
1. The City will develop a landscape ordinance to provide for enhanced
street tree management, parking lot screening, and stormwater
management.
Goal
D. To provide a sustainable park system that meets the needs of the broadest segment of the
population as possible by managing the city's available fiscal resources in a responsible
manner.
Policies
1. The City should provide high quality services, emphasize the design of park
areas to reduce long-term maintenance and operating costs, and implement
improved technology to conserve limited resources such as water, power and
people.
Objective
1. The City will use modern equipment and utilize staff effectively and
properly plan maintenance activities.
1.2. The City will encourage the installation of LID BMPs in parks, including
bioretention facilities and permeable pavement trails. Installation of LID
BMPs in parks will include an element of public education (i.e., signage).
Goal
E. To promote economic growth through recreational tourism, and attract visitors and new
business by enhancing the image of the community through beautification and recreation
programs.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Park and Recreation Element
Page 123
Policies
1. The City should continue to provide or participate with private sponsors to
provide high quality recreational opportunities.
2. To encourage efficient transportation systems, the City should support the use of
shuttle services during events to move participants between venues.
Objective
1. The city will promote programs that encourage visitation and
participation from persons outside of Port Angeles to help off-set
program costs.
2. The City will work with the Port of Port Angeles, Clallam County, and
the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe (LEKT) to resolve issues regarding the
existence of trees in Lincoln Park that affect the flight path for landing at
William Fairchild International Airport.
Goal
F. To provide a system of walking trails and bicycle paths to complement and coordinate
with the existing street system and provide recreational opportunities and physical
activity while reducing the dependence on traditional automobile transportation.
Policies
1. The City should continue to participate as a partner in the extension of the
Olympic Discovery Trail through the City to the western City limits.
2. The City should continue efforts to improve or provide access to Valley,
Tumwater, Peabody, Ennis and White's Creeks through the development of an
integrated trails system.
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Page 124
Comprehensive Plan Goals, Policies and
Objectives that have been completed since the last
(2004) major update.
Land Use Element
Goal A
Policy 3. The City should work with the County to develop an annexation plan which allows the
annexation of land characterized by urban development and which is consistent with the
extension of services and the land development policies of the City's Comprehensive
Plan and Capital Facilities Plan.
Goal C
Objectives
1. The City will develop a Residential, Single Family (RS-11) zone with minimum 11,000
square foot lots.
Goal D
Objective
2. The City will develop a Commercial Regional (CR) zone to allow and encourage land
intensive commercial uses (e.g. large regional shopping centers or “big box” stores),
where sufficient vacant, buildable, commercial designated land and adequate
transportation facilities exist.
Goal F
Objective
1. The City will assist the Chamber of Commerce and the Port Angeles Downtown
Association in developing heritage tourism and the Downtown underground.
2. The City will assist the Chamber of Commerce and the Port Angeles Downtown
Association in developing a waterfront promenade along the Downtown waterfront.
4. The City will consider various parking options to mitigate parking impacts from the
Gateway Project and other Downtown projects.
Goal G
Objective
3. The City will develop an industrial marine (IM) zone for shoreline uses similar to the
upland industrial park (IP) zone, which allows for mixed commercial and industrial uses.
4. The City will establish a Harbor Study committee comprised of private and public
stakeholders in harbor uses and activities to review and revise the Harbor Resource
The City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan Page 125
Management Plan, considering changes that have occurred since its adoption and visions
that now seem possible.
5. The City will incorporate wording in the zoning code which establishes opportunities for
limited work/live environments consistent with industrial zoning.
Utilities and Public Services Element
Goal D
Objective
2.6. The City is mandated to close the Port Angeles landfill and will establish a solid waste
transfer station at the landfill site per the Public Works and Utilities Department plan.
3.7. In conjunction with the National Park Service’s Elwha Dam Removal Project the City will
support the extension of sanitary sewer service to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal
Reservation and to the area of the Lower Elwha Valley outside the Reservation where the
Clallam County Board of Health determines that the rise in the water table from dam
removal will cause on-site septic systems to contaminate the shallow aquifer and create an
unacceptable risk of human disease, and the City also may support extension of sanitary
sewer service to selected areas of intensive rural development, to protect basic public
health and safety, and the environment.
Conservation Element
Goal D
Objective
8. The City will update its 1995 Shoreline Master Program consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan, the Shoreline Management Act, and the Growth Management Act
by 2011.
Economic Development Element
Goal A
Objective
9. The City will work in cooperation with other stakeholders to update the Harbor Resource
Management Plan in 2005.
Goal C
Objective
4.10. The City will support the creation of a skateboard/wheels park in Erickson Park.
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Scott K. Johns AICP
DATE: May 25, 2016
RE: Comprehensive Plan Amendments - CPA 16-01
APPLICANT: City of Port Angeles
OWNER: SAME
LOCATION: Citywide
REQUEST: Amendments to the City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan to as
periodically required under the Washington State Growth Management
Act.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning Division recommends that the Planning Commission recommend
approval of the 2016 Comprehensive Plan amendments CPA 16-01 citing 9 findings and 3
conclusions in support of that action as listed in Attachment A.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS:
The Washington State Department of Commerce administers the Growth Management Act.
Under their direction, a periodic update of the City's Comprehensive Plan is required. The
proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan are drafted to meet the requirements of the
GMA. No amendments to the Comprehensive Plan have been made since 2010, and the last
major update occurred in 2004.
New vision statements have been developed from a public involvement process led by Studio
Cascade, Inc. of Spokane. The Vision Statements developed through the public process have
been included into the Introduction Section of the Comprehensive Plan.
The introductory portion of the Comprehensive Plan, including the Community Profile, City
history, population calculations, maps and lands inventory have been updated. Since the last
major update (2004) a total of 4 policies and 33 objectives have been substantially met. These
policies and objectives will be removed from the body of the Comprehensive Plan and moved to
an appendices to maintain a record of accomplishments.
New definitions have been incorporated and existing definitions amended in the draft
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Comprehensive Plan Amendment CPA 16-01 Page 2
May 25, 2016
Comprehensive Plan. Several of these amendments reflect the shift towards low impact
development stormwater management, including a definition of low impact development (LID),
permeable pavement and rain garden. Definitions of level of service, imprecise margin,
environmentally sensitive areas, and regional transportation plan have been included.
Amendments to several other definitions have been made to clarify the definition or to update
them to more current language.
The City of Port Angeles operates under a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
(Phase 2) permit issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Under that permit, the
City is required to make low impact development techniques its preferred method of managing
stormwater. As a result, the City hired a consultant to review the Comprehensive Plan and
development regulations to find areas where changes could be made to support that directive. A
large number of amendments are included to support that shift in approach.
Since the last major update, the City has experienced the impacts from developments that disturb
historic and archaeologic resources. As a result, the City has revised its approach regarding the
potential for similar discoveries. Several policies and objectives intended to provide appropriate
direction and guidance associated with such discoveries have been incorporated into the draft
Comprehensive Plan.
More focus on stormwater issues and environmental concerns has highlighted the importance of
sustainable vegetation, including landscaped parking lots, street trees and park trees, and
improved management of native vegetation along the shoreline and stream ravines. A number of
policies and objectives intended to support a sustainable urban forest are proposed.
As concern over changes to the climate have been observed and data analyzed, the City is adding
new language to address climatic changes. These will include adding a definition of Climatic
Change, as well as specific policies and objectives. One policy addition will be the inclusion of
the North Olympic Resource Conservation and Development Report, Climate Change
Preparedness Plan for the North Olympic Peninsula, September 2015 as best available science.
Thirteen new policies and 3 new objectives have been included in the draft Comprehensive Plan
update since the May 11, 2016, work session where comments from a representative of Olympic
Climate Action (OCA) were heard. Written comments from OCA are attached to this staff
report.
The Growth Management Element previously had requested that Clallam County approve an
extension of the western urban growth area from its existing boundary west to Lairds Corner.
The County rejected that request and no action came of it. Additionally, population growth in
the City has lagged behind County and State population growth rates. Analysis of available
lands for future development indicate that such a request is not warranted at this time and that
request is being removed. The remaining two parcels from Growth Management Element, Goal
A, Policy 2, remain in the plan with the addition of one parcel not previously included.
A number of citizens provided comments and suggested amendment language that has been
incorporated into the draft Comprehensive Plan. A summary of amendments that have been
added since the May 11, 2016, work session as Attachment B.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
The City of Port Angeles hired Studio Cascade, Inc. of Spokane to manage a public outreach
process to collect comments from citizens of Port Angeles and to formulate a vision(s) for the
city to carry into the next 20 years. A series of events were scheduled for the process and a wide
Comprehensive Plan Amendment CPA 16-01 Page 3
May 25, 2016
range of citizens participated in the process. (The calendar of events is attached to this staff
report).
Official notification of the proposed action was placed in the Peninsula Daily News on May 6,
2016, posted at City Hall on May 6, 2016. A 60-day notice of intent to adopt Comprehensive
Plan amendments was mailed to the Washington State Department of Commerce (DOC) on
April 22, 2016. Department of Commerce acknowledged receipt of the notice on April 27, 2016.
A large number of citizens have participated in the planning process and many public comments
were received during the public comment period. Comments have been considered and
incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan as appropriate. State Departments have 60 days to
comment on the proposal and will do so prior to the date the City Council will act on the
proposed amendments.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS:
The proposed amendments meet the requirements of the Washington State Department of
Commerce for periodic updating of the Comprehensive Plan. The requirements of the
Washington State Department of Ecology to modify the City's approach to stormwater
management have been incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan.
Vision statements have been created by citizen driven meetings, workshops and discussions.
The public process involved a large number of opportunities for citizens to provide input and
ideas about the Comprehensive Plan. Public outreach was designed to provide contact with a
broad range of the city's demographics, including youth and elderly individuals, as well as major
stakeholders in the City. A calendar of those outreach opportunities is attached to this staff
report.
Climatic change has become a significant concern and has implications on a number of city
functions, including stormwater management. Also associated with climate change and
stormwater management is the inclusion of policy language to support sustainable vegetation
into the urban landscape. Improved urban forest management will contribute to mitigating
impacts from climatic change and stormwater management, as well as increasing property values
and improving the aesthetic image of the City.
STATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (SEPA) REVIEW:
A Determination of NonSignificance (DNS #1374) was issued for this proposed action on
May 23, 2016, per WAC 197-11-355.
Attachments: A - Findings, and Conclusions
B - Summary of amendments inserted after May 11, 2016 work session
Comprehensive Plan Amendment CPA 16-01 Page 4
May 25, 2016
ATTACHMENT A
RECOMMENDED FINDINGS, AND CONCLUSIONS
The Planning Division recommends that the Planning Commission forward a
recommendation to the City Council to approve the proposed amendments to the City of Port
Angeles Comprehensive Plan based on the following 9 findings and 3 conclusions in support of
the action:
Findings:
Based on the information provided in the Community and Economic Development Staff
Report for CPA 16-01 dated May 25, 2016, including all information in the public record file,
comments and testimony presented during the public hearing, the Planning Commission
discussion and deliberation, the City of Port Angeles Planning Commission hereby finds that:
1. The Washington State Department of Commerce required the City of Port Angeles to
update its Comprehensive Plan under the Washington State Growth Management Act.
The City submitted notice of intent to adopt the Comprehensive Plan amendments to the
Department of Commerce on April 22, 2016, that included a cover memo and cover
sheet, the Growth Management Services update checklist, the Comprehensive Plan
working draft, and appendix of completed objectives. Notice was received from DOC
that the materials were received for review on April 27, 2016. The City may not take
final action on the Comprehensive Plan Amendment proposal until after the required
review period.
2. Review of the City’s Comprehensive Plan may be done on an annual basis. Amendment
opportunity is provided and outlined in Chapter 18.04 of the Port Angeles Municipal
Code (PAMC). Per Section 18.04.040 PAMC, proposed amendments to the
Comprehensive Plan shall be considered on an annual basis, and shall be adopted no
more than once a year except when an emergency exists.
3. The proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan language are area-wide.
4. Notification of the Comprehensive Plan amendment permit application was placed in the
Peninsula Daily News on May 6, 2016, with comment extending to May 20, 2016.
5. The City of Port Angeles adopted its present Comprehensive Plan on June 28, 1994, by
Ordinance 2818, and has regularly amended it since. The Washington State Department
of Commerce established June 30, 2016, as the date by which the Comprehensive Plan
update must be completed by.
6. A public participation process was developed for the City by Studio Cascade Inc. of
Spokane, Washington. A series of public meetings, workshops and conversations were
held. Results of the process were incorporated into the updated Comprehensive Plan.
7. The entire Comprehensive Plan was reviewed and analyzed to determine the need for
revisions.
8. A Determination of Nonsignificance (DNS #1374) was issued for this proposal on May
23, 2016.
Comprehensive Plan Amendment CPA 16-01 Page 5
May 25, 2016
9. The Planning Commission conducted work sessions on the proposed Comprehensive
Plan amendments on April 27, and May 11, 2016, and a public hearing was held on the
proposal on May 25, 2016, regular meeting and forwarded a favorable recommendation
to the City Council on the matter.
Conclusions:
Based on the information provided in the Department of Community and Economic
Development Staff Report for CPA 16-01 dated May 25, 2016, including all of the information
in the public record file, comments, and testimony presented during the public hearing, the
Planning Commission's discussion and deliberation, and listed findings, the City of Port Angeles
Planning Commission hereby concludes that:
1. The proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan are in compliance with the State’s
requirements for updating the Comprehensive Plan under the Growth Management Act
and with Section 18.04.040 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code.
2. The Comprehensive Plan amendments are not in conflict with the City’s development
regulations or Capital Facilities Plan and will not reduce the level of service required by
the Comprehensive Plan for those urban services necessary to serve development
projects.
3. The 2016 Comprehensive Plan update maintains internal consistency within the Port
Angeles Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan was last thoroughly reviewed
and updated between 2002 and 2004. This major update meets the requirements of the
Washington State Department of Commerce and the Washington State Growth
Management Act.
T:\COMP PLAN\2016 Amendment\FINAL Staff Report.doc
ATTACHMENT B
CPA 16-01
Planning Commission Staff Report
May 25. 2016
Policies And Objectives included in the draft 2016 Comprehensive Plan update, since Planning
Commission Work Session of May 11, 2016.
LAND USE ELEMENT
Goal A; To guide current and future development within the City in a manner that provides
certainty to its citizens about future land use and the flexibility necessary to meet the
challenges and opportunities of the future.
+New Policy #5. The City should consider the projected climatic change impacts and
adaptation strategies contained in the Climate Change Preparedness Plan for the
North Olympic Peninsula, September 2015.
Goal D; To create and maintain a healthy and diverse commercial sector for a balanced and
stable local economy.
+New Policy #4. The City should consider potential environmental consequences, such
as greenhouse-gas emissions and carbon footprints, when encouraging new
commercial developments and businesses.
Goal E: To provide shopping opportunities which meet the needs of all City residents and
visitors in safe, usable shopping areas that are compatible with the surrounding area and uses,
the environment, and the desired urban design of the City.
*New Policy #9. The City should identify neighborhoods lacking nearby accessible
services.
*New Policy #10. The City should identify locations to develop small commercial
opportunities in neighborhoods.
Goal H. To provide opportunities for industrial development in a manner, which efficiently uses
the community's various attributes and natural resources, has minimal impact on the
environment, contributes to the City's quality of life, and is compatible with the desired
development pattern of the City.
+New Policy #8. The City should consider the siting of clean-energy facilities (e.g.,
solar, wind, geothermal, wave, tidal) outside of industrial areas, as a conditional
use.
+New Policy #9. The City should consider the climatic change impacts of any proposed
new industrial activity or expansion.
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
Goal A; To develop a coordinated, multimodal transportation system, which serves all areas of
the city and all types of users in a safe, economical, and efficient manner.
+New Policy #6. The City should encourage development of low-carbon-impact
transportation infrastructure.
*New Policy #7. The City should improve amenities for walking and biking, connecting
neighborhoods to downtown, commercial centers and the regional trail system.
*New Policy #8. The City should consider converting alleyways into attractive
pedestrian zones for access to local businesses. Encourage alleyways for use as
pedestrian zones.
*New Policy #9. The City should improve trails, sidewalks, streets, and public facilities
to encourage walkability and non-motorized transportation.
~New Policy #24. The City should include the development of Race Street intersections
with Front and First Streets as architecturally significant National Park gateway in
its plans for improvements to the Race Street corridor.
Goal B. To improve circulation patterns across and within the community, and to achieve the
desired urban design of the City.
*New Policy #22. The City should encourage public and private transportation providers
to provide greater access and opportunities to residents, including Sunday and
holiday service.
~New Policy #23 The City should support reduced speed limits on portions of Highway
101 through the City.
UTILITIES AND PUBLIC SERVICES ELEMENT
Goal A. To provide or allow the opportunity for services and facilities which enhance the
quality of life for Port Angeles citizens of all ages, characteristics, needs, and interests and to
achieve the desired urban design of the City.
*New Policy #6. The City should encourage age-appropriate services for all-age groups,
including youth and seniors.
*New Policy #7. The City should promote access to information by investing in a high
quality ICT (Information Communication Technology).
*New Policy #8. The City should incorporate tribal issues and interests into city projects.
Goal C,
~New Policy #7. The City should encourage more active involvement and
communication between education (professional and student), business,
community, art and cultural communities to help integrate key people into the
startup community.
Goal D; To provide utility services in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
+Amend existing Policy #4. The City should promote and encourage energy
conservation, renewable energy, distributed energy generation, improved
distribution efficiencies, and recycling efforts throughout the community. The
City's own practices should serve as a model.
+New Policy #19. The City should encourage the use of renewable energy in both the
private and public sectors, providing all reasonable support and advocacy at the
State level for regulations and incentives that encourage such installations.
HOUSING ELEMENT
Goal A; To improve the variety, quality, availability, and attainability of housing opportunities
in the City of Port Angeles.
*New Policy #15. The City should allow for mixed-use opportunities in neighborhoods,
including commercial development and mix of housing densities. ***
*New Policy #16. The City should identify opportunities for housing revitalization in
targeted areas including the downtown core.
*New Policy #17. The City should promote and increase the number of downtown
residential living units.
*New Policy #18. The City should develop strategies to combat homelessness and
housing insecurity amongst residents.
*New Policy #19. The City should develop and implement tools to support a range of
housing types including affordable housing options.
+New Objective #2. The City will continue to work to eliminate barriers that prevent the
use of low impact development techniques and BMPs, such as vegetated roofs,
permeable pavement, and bioretention , while maintain safety and aesthetic
quality in the building process.
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Goal A. To create and maintain a community with a high quality of life where the land is used
in a manner that is compatible with the area's unique physical features, its natural,
historical, archaeological, and cultural amenities, and the overall environment.
*New Policy #4. The City should promote and highlight Port Angeles' plentiful natural
beauty, amenities and cultural history.
Goal B; To protect and enhance the area's unique physical features, its natural, historical,
archaeological, and cultural amenities, and the overall environment.
*New Policy #27. The City should seek strategies and technologies which reduce
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by city facilities and operations.
*New Policy #28. The City should promote the use of alternative energy, energy
conservation technology, and smart energy grid.
*New Policy #29. The City should review all new development for impacts on climate
change and adaptation to sea level rise.
+New Objective #13. The City will incorporate the North Olympic Resource
Conservation & Development Report, Climate Change Preparedness Plan for the
North Olympic Peninsula, September 2015, as best available science to its
development regulations.
CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT
Goal A; To provide and maintain safe and financially feasible urban services and capital
facilities at or above stated levels of service to all City residents and the general public.
+New Policy #18. The City should consider climatic change impacts and adaptation
strategies in planning and designing capital facilities.
*New Policy #19. The City should improve aesthetics of the community by removing
abandoned infrastructure.
+New Objective #7. The City will prepare a climate action plan in order to comply with
RCW 70.235.070.
Goal C; To provide urban services at minimum levels of service for all city residents and the
general public.
New Policy #8. The City should consider projected climatic change impacts and
adaptation strategies to determine whether adequate services can be provided into
the future, prior to approving any development.
*New Policy #9. The City should prioritize and support public education and Peninsula
College, including initiatives for rebuilding schools.
Goal E. To reduce the amount of impervious surface created by new developments and thereby
reduce stormwater management costs and environmental impacts to the City and its
natural resources, reduce development costs to private property owners, and provide safe
and more attractive streets through traffic calming, safe pedestrian amenities, and
improved street edge landscaping.
*New Policy #2. The City should invest in Green Infrastructure, Low Impact
Development (LID), and similar technologies to maintain and enhance
environmental quality.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
Goal A; To create and maintain a balanced and stable local economy with full employment and
emphasis on strengthening the community's traditional natural resource related
industries as well as diversifying the overall economic base.
+New Policy #16. The City will encourage businesses with low carbon footprints.
+New Policy #17. The City should consider projected climatic change impacts and
adaptation strategies when encouraging new businesses to establish in Port
Angeles.
*New Policy #18. The City should develop and economy which provides opportunities
for Port Angeles' vulnerable and at-risk community members.
*New Policy #19. The City should identify bureaucratic obstacles and work to expedite
economic development.
*New Policy #20. The City should seek to increase Port Angeles' military presence.
*New Policy #21. The City should invest in training and education for local residents, by
providing access to state-of-the-art technology and training opportunities.
*New Policy #22. The City should encourage and incentivize youth entrepreneurship as
well as jobs and businesses that attract young families.
*New Policy #23. The City should attract and retain businesses and industries which
create family wage jobs for local residents.
*New Policy #24. The City should provide opportunities for civic cooperation.
Coordinate with local non-profit and community service organizations to support
economic development.
*New Policy #25. The City should prioritize the airport as major economic asset and
identify specific incentives to attract commercial services.
*New Policy #26. The City should promote and incentivize local business.
*New Policy #27. The City should support non-profits and associations which enhance
local economic development.
~New Policy. #28 The City should establish a City Ombudsman to help people and
businesses handle complaints, understand and navigate through regulations, and
apply for help in coordinating permits and waivers for events, festivals, etc.
~ New Policy #29. The City should establish an authority for community events,
meetings, trade shows, festivals, etc. to encourage and support them, help find
venues, cut through red tape, coordinate volunteer efforts, and publicize them.
~New Policy #30. The City should encourage the location and support for adequate
venues for community meetings, shows, music art, hobby and user groups, and
professional and business meetings.
~New Policy #31. The City should support the location of low-cost places where people
(especially young people) can congregate and talk, and ensure that these have up-
to-date communication facilities.
~New Policy #32. The City should recognize art, architecture, music, and performance as
important community resources and continue to encourage and support cultural
activities.
~New Policy #33 The City should support decorating public spaces with more art from
the community.
~New Policy #34 The City should encourage the design of public spaces that encourage
people to interact.
~New Policy #35 The City should support the concept and encourage the establishment
of Maker's Spaces. (See definition) Public spaces where people make things and
collaborate on projects. Spaces are usually equipped with tools, 3D printers,
computers, design software, art and craft tools and supplies.
Goal B; To have a healthy local economy that co-exists with the community's high quality of life
through the protection, enhancement, and use of the community's natural, historical, and
cultural amenities.
+New Policy #8. The City should utilize the Climatic Change Preparedness Plan in
attracting businesses, to demonstrate a proactive approach to climatic change in
the area.
Goal C; To create and promote a strong tourism industry for Port Angeles, as well as to
recognize and support existing and prospective tourism attractions.
+New Policy #4. The City should support development of an electric vehicle (EV)
charging station network and EV maintenance facilities around the Olympic
Peninsula.
*New Policy #5. The City should support tourism and recreation activities which
highlights Port Angeles' natural, cultural and historical amenities.
Goal D; To strengthen and enhance the restoration and reinvigoration of our downtown historic
buildings, infrastructure improvements, and beautification projects.
+New Policy #1. The City should consider best available science on sea level rise and
recommended mitigation and adaptation strategies in the development of
downtown.
*New Policy #2. The City should encourage and pursue economic development with
positive environmental consequences. Identify and attract non-polluting
industries and eco-friendly business.
PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT
Goal A. To acquire, develop, renovate and maintain a system of parks, recreational facilities,
and open spaces to ensure that the contributions of natural resources and recreation to
human well-being are maintained and recognized as a value.
*New Policy #5. The City should identify waterfront improvements to increase marine
transportation and recreation.
*New Policy #6. The City should identify appropriate locations for small (pocket) parks,
community gardens and food forests throughout the community and integrate
them into its Parks system.
Goal B. To enhance the quality of life in the community by providing facilities, services, and
programs that offer positive opportunities for building healthy, safe, and productive lives.
*New Policy #7. The City should incorporate health and nutrition into parks and
recreation programming.
*New Policy #8. The City should enhance its parks and recreation system’s safety,
variety and accessibility, and identify family friendly features and amenities.
Policy language origination
* = Public Participation Process
+= Submittal from Organizations
~= individually submitted
Throughout the 2016 Draft Comprehensive Plan, the term "climate" has been replaced with the
term "climatic" when referring to changes in weather patterns to be more holistic in
nature.
***To support Housing, Goal A, new Policy #15, the following definition of Mixed-use
was added to the Definitions Section.
Mixed-use: a type of urban development that blends residential,
commercial, cultural, institutional, or industrial uses, where those
functions are physically and functionally integrated, and that provides
pedestrian connections.
The following Policy language was suggested.
Land Use Element, Goal H, Industrial Goals, Policies, and Objectives.
Policy 5: This policy states that the siting of energy facilities must be within the industrial zones.
The entire harbor is identified as Industrial on the Comprehensive Plan Map. Amend this
policy to prohibit expanded infrastructure in support of fossil fuel transport in the Harbor.
Not included.
Based on Case Law, jurisdictions are required to make available adequate areas for all types
of uses and may not prohibit specific uses.
The Addition of the proposed language could adversely impact existing businesses located
within the Port Angeles Harbor area.
T:\COMP PLAN\2016 Amendment\Public Participation\Public comments\climatic insertions.docx
ATTACHMENT C
CPA 16-01
Planning Commission Staff Report
May 25, 2016
Vision statements from the public participation process added to Comprehensive Plan.
Comprehensive Plan Vision Statement
Port Angeles is vibrant and prospering, nurturing a balance of innovation and tradition to create
an environmentally, economically, and fiscally sustainable community, accepting and cherishing
its social diversity, small-town character, and natural setting.
In achieving this vision, Port Angeles recognizes the important roles each of the following plays:
Environment
Port Angeles’ natural setting – with the Strait to the north and the Olympics to the south – is
unique and special, with creeks, wetlands, steep slopes and a weather pattern that can be
demanding. The town balances the community’s need for economic stability, its potential for
growth and the preservation of the areas’ natural systems.
Economic development
Keeping the community employed, prosperous, educated, and well served are key economic
development objectives. The City of Port Angeles facilitates sustained economic growth,
directing investment to revitalize activity downtown, support local employment, and keep public
services affordable and of high quality.
Neighborhoods
Slightly more than 25,000 people call Port Angeles home in 2036, residing in neighborhoods that
are safe, attractive and rich in character.
Airport
Fairchild International Airport is an important aviation resource for local residents and
businesses, operating as an important economic development and community safety priority and
with regular commercial service to SeaTac.
Downtown
Port Angeles’ central business district is vital and prominent. The central commercial district is
one of Port Angeles’ major assets, intimately connected to the waterfront and featuring a variety
of retail, civic, residential and professional office uses.
Small commercial centers
Small-scale commercial centers are located in areas convenient for nearby residents and workers,
offering a modest array of goods and services within an easy, enjoyable walk from nearby homes
and employment centers.
Waterfront
The central waterfront is an active and successful civic and social space, equally welcoming to
residents and visitors.
Transportation
Port Angeles’ transportation network that moves people and goods to, through and within the
community, harmoniously accommodating cars, bikes, trucks, public transportation, planes,
boats, ferries, and travel by foot.
Community services
The community’s systems of housing, transportation, economic development and parks and
recreation coordinate to serve all of Port Angeles’ residents, ensuring public safety, economic
opportunity, public health and overall community wellness.
Trails
Port Angeles’ trail system builds on the Olympic Discovery Trail and miles of local trails,
contributing to the local quality of life by inviting community residents and visitors of all ages to
wander and explore.
Parks and recreation
Leisure is an important contributor to quality of life, and Port Angeles is committed to provide a
robust parks and recreation system in response. Open spaces, both constructed and natural,
function to enliven the human spirit. Whether it’s a small pocket park near downtown, a
waterfront esplanade, a sculpture garden on the hill, or a vast sports complex, the system serves
multiple community needs.
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Scott K. Johns, AICP
DATE: May 25, 2016
RE: Municipal Code Amendment MCO 16-01, amendments to PAMC 15.24,
Wetlands Protection Ordinance.
APPLICANT: City of Port Angeles Community and Economic Development Department
OWNER: City of Port Angeles
LOCATION: Citywide
REQUEST: Amend the City's wetland ordinance to include updated references to State
and Federal guidance documents, remove sections that are not relevant to
regulating wetlands,
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission forward a
recommendation to the City Council to APPROVE the amendments to the Wetland Protection
Ordinance (PAMC 15.24)
BACKGROUND: The Wetland Protection Ordinance (PAMC 15.24) was last amended in
2008, following a major update in 2004. Since that time, the Washington State Department of
Ecology and the United States Army Corp of Engineers have modified their wetland guidance
and regulatory materials. The publications referenced for regulating wetlands under state and
national standards have been replaced.
A number of amendments to the Wetlands Protection Ordinance were suggested by the
Department of Ecology in 2014 during the City's process to update its Shoreline Master Program.
The proposed amendments were drafted to provide consistency between the Wetland Protection
ordinance and the Shoreline Master Program. The Department of Ecology reviewed and
commented on the proposed amendments at that time, however, no action was taken at that time.
DEPARTMENT COMMENTS:
Agencies and Departments reviewed the proposal and provided the following comments:
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Washington State Department of Ecology reviewed the application and recommended
miner amendments in a letter dated May 13, 2016. Staff has included the
recommended changes.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
No comments from the public were received during the public comment period which ended on
May 20, 2016,
ANALYSIS:
Proposed amendments to the Wetland Protection Ordinance include a number of changes,
however, the impacts of the changes to the regulation of wetlands will not be significantly
altered. The amendments reflect current thinking in wetland protection and add detail and
clarification to a number of sections.
Several definitions will be amended to remain consistent with best available science regarding
wetland protection and with state and federal guidelines and regulations. A new updated
definition of wetland is being introduced, along with amendments to the definition of wetland
creation, cumulative impacts, developable area, and wetland functions. New definitions for In-
Lieu-Fee, infiltration, monitoring, native vegetation, ordinary high water mark and qualified
professional have been added.
The current version of the Port Angeles Wetland Protection ordinance includes sections (i.e.,
15.24.045 Wetland functional assessment) that include interesting information regarding wetland
functions but do not provide regulatory guidance or requirements. Staff is recommending that
these sections be removed to reduce confusion regarding how development associated with
wetlands is regulated.
Amendments to the wetland rating system have been included to be consistent with state and
federal rating language. Wetland regulators have been using the state and federal language for
several years and this amendment will allow wetland delineation to mesh with local code.
Amendments to section 15.24.050(A) Regulated Activities, include changes to the use of
wetlands and their buffers for stormwater management to be consistent with the Stormwater
Maintenance Manual for Western Washington 2005, and additional details to how trails in
wetlands and buffers are designed. Section 15.24.050(B) Allowed Activities, will be amended to
reduce allowed activities that could be detrimental to wetlands, such as horseback riding, boating
activities and bicycling.
New subsections will be added to address the removal of nonnative invasive plants from
wetlands and to allow and encourage the use of drilling under wetlands when utility connections
are required. Another subsection will be added to address certain activities as exemptions from
the permitting process.
Section 15.24.065. Wetland Buffers will be entirely replaced with new language. The current
ordinance includes 2 levels of use intensity (high and low) relative to wetland impacts. The
intensity of use is used to determine the width of the buffer required for protection of wetlands.
Having only two levels of intensity resulted in a lack of options for certain uses. The proposed
amendment will include 3 use intensity levels, High, medium and low. A table detailing the use
intensity and density levels ascribed to each use level will be added. This approach will specify
uses that up to this point have been determined by interpretation. This section also addresses
buffer averaging, buffer reductions, and other standards for activities in wetland buffers.
The section relative to placing signs and fencing indicating the existence of a wetland has been
amended to become more specific as to the actual language used and when signage or fencing is
required for wetland protection.
A new subsection is being added regarding mitigation of adverse impacts to wetlands and
buffers. The Washington State mitigation sequencing standard has been included along with
preferred mitigation actions and requirements for the preservation of high quality wetlands.
Other minor amendments are intended to clarify existing language and add detail to the
document.
STATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (SEPA) REVIEW:
A Determination of NonSignificance (DNS #xxx) was issued for this proposed action on
May 23, 2016, per WAC 197-11-355. This satisfies the City’s responsibility under the State
Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
Attachments: A - Findings, and Conclusions
ATTACHMENT “A”
RECOMMENDED FINDINGS, AND CONCLUSIONS
Findings:
1. The City of Port Angeles is required under the Growth Management Act to periodically
update its Comprehensive Plan and development regulations. The City's Wetland
Protection Ordinance has not been updated since 2008, and is considered outdated by
Washington State Departments of Commerce and Ecology.
2. Amendments to the City's Wetland Protection Ordinance is a Citywide activity and will
affect all areas of the City.
3. Proposed amendments to the Wetland Protection Ordinance will include:
a. Updating references for consistency with state and federal regulatory and
guidance documents;
b. Adding and updating definitions to include current best management practices and
best available science.
c. Revising the language regarding the use of wetlands and buffers for the
management of stormwater, consistent with Department of Ecology's Stormwater
Management Manual for Western Washington 20065;
d. Replacing the present system of determining wetland buffer size based on the
intensity of abutting uses;
e. Removal of certain wetland allowed uses that could potentially have adverse
impacts to wetland and add language allowing the removal of invasive nonnative
plants;
f. Expanding the section regarding exempt activities in wetlands;
g. Updating the section regarding mitigation for wetland impacts for consistency
with state and federal wetland management.
4. A Determination of Nonsignificance (#1375) was issued on May 23, 2016, by the City’s
SEPA Responsible Official in compliance with RCW 43.21C and WAC 197-11.
Conclusions:
1. The proposed amendments to the Wetland Protection Ordinance is intended to create
consistency with state and federal wetland protection methods, standards, criteria.
2. The proposed amendments will meet the Washington State Growth Management Act
requirement for periodic updates to the City's development regulations.
3. The proposal is consistent with the Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan and the City’s
Zoning Ordinance.
Page 1
CHAPTER 15.24 - WETLANDS PROTECTION
Sections:
15.24.010 Findings of Fact and Purpose.
15.24.020 Definitions.
15.24.030 General Provisions.
15.24.040 Lands to Which this Chapter Applies.
15.24.045 Wetlands Functional Assessment.
15.24.050 Regulated Activities and Allowed Activities.
15.24.060 Procedures for Wetland Permits.
15.24.070 Standards for Permit Decisions.
15.24.080 Temporary Emergency Permit - Enforcement.
15.24.090 Non-Conforming Activities.
15.24.100 Judicial Review
15.24.110 Amendments.
15.24.120 Assessment Relief.
15.24.010 - Findings of fact and purpose.
A. Findings of fact. The City Council of the City of Port Angeles hereby finds that:
1. Wetlands and their buffer areas are valuable and fragile natural resources with significant
development constraints due to flooding, erosion, soil liquefaction potential, and septic disposal
limitations.
2. In their natural state, wetlands provide many valuable social services and ecological functions,
including:
a. Controlling flooding and stormwater runoff by storing or regulating natural flows;
b. Protecting water resources by filtering out water pollutants, processing biological and
chemical oxygen demand, recycling and storing nutrients, and serving as settling basins for
naturally occurring sedimentation;
c. Providing areas for groundwater recharge;
d. Preventing shoreline erosion by stabilizing the substrate;
e. Providing habitat areas for many species of fish, wildlife, and vegetation, many of which
are dependent on wetlands for their survival, and some of which are on Washington State
and Federal Endangered Species lists;
f. Providing open space and visual relief from intense development in urbanized areas;
g. Providing recreation opportunities; and
h. Serving as areas for scientific study and natural resource education.
3. Development in wetlands results in:
a. Increased soil erosion and sedimentation of downstream water bodies, including navigable
channels;
b. Increased shoreline erosion;
c. Degraded water quality due to increased turbidity and loss of pollutant removal processes;
d. Elimination or degradation of wildlife and fisheries habitat;
e. Loss of fishery resources from water quality degradation, increased peak flow rates,
decreased summer low flows, and changes in the streamflow regimen;
f. Loss of stormwater retention capacity and slow-release detention resulting in flooding,
degraded water quality, and changes in the streamflow regimen of watersheds;
Page 2
g. Loss of groundwater recharge areas.
4. Buffer areas surrounding wetlands are essential to maintenance and protection of wetland
functions and values. Buffer areas protect wetlands from degradation by:
a. Stabilizing soil and preventing erosion;
b. Filtering suspended solids, nutrients, and harmful or toxic substances;
c. Moderating impacts of stormwater runoff;
d. Moderating system microclimate;
e. Protecting wetland wildlife habitat from adverse impacts;
f. Maintaining and enhancing habitat diversity and/or integrity;
g. Supporting and protecting wetlands plant and animal species and biotic communities; and
h. Reducing disturbances to wetland resources caused by intrusion of humans and domestic
animals.
5. The loss of the social services and ecological functions provided by wetlands results in a
detriment to public safety and welfare; replacement of such functions, if possible at all, can
require considerable public expenditure.
6. A considerable acreage of these important natural resources has been lost or degraded by
draining, dredging, filling, excavating, building, polluting, and other acts inconsistent with the
natural uses of such areas. Remaining wetlands are in jeopardy of being lost, despoiled, or
impaired by such acts.
7. It is therefore necessary for the City of Port Angeles to ensure maximum protection for wetland
areas by discouraging development activities in wetlands and those activities at adjacent sites
that may adversely affect wetland functions and values; to encourage restoration and
enhancement of already degraded wetland systems; and to encourage creation of new wetland
areas.
B. Purpose. It is the policy of the City of Port Angeles to require site planning to avoid or minimize
damage to wetlands wherever possible; to require that activities not dependent upon a wetland
location be located at upland sites; and to achieve no net loss of wetlands by requiring restoration or
enhancement of degraded wetlands or creation of new wetlands to offset losses which are
unavoidable.
In addition, it is the intent of the City of Port Angeles that activities in or affecting wetlands not threaten
public safety, cause nuisances, or destroy or degrade natural wetland functions and values by:
1. Impeding flood flows, reducing flood storage capacity, or impairing natural flood control
functions, thereby resulting in increased flood heights, frequencies, or velocities on other lands;
2. Increasing water pollution through location of domestic waste disposal systems in wetlands;
unauthorized application of pesticides and herbicides; disposal of solid waste at inappropriate
sites; creation of unstable fills, or the destruction of wetland soils and vegetation;
3. Increasing erosion;
4. Decreasing breeding, nesting, and feeding areas for many species of waterfowl and shorebirds,
including those rare and endangered;
5. Interfering with the exchange of nutrients needed by fish and other forms of wildlife;
6. Decreasing habitat for fish and other forms of wildlife;
7. Adversely altering the recharge or discharge functions of wetlands, thereby impacting
groundwater or surface water supplies;
Page 3
8. Significantly altering wetland hydrology and thereby causing either short- or long-term changes
in vegetational composition, soils characteristics, nutrient cycling, or water chemistry;
9. Destroying sites needed for education and scientific research, such as outdoor biophysical
laboratories, living classrooms, and training areas;
10. Interfering with public rights in navigable waters and the recreation opportunities provided by
wetlands for fishing, boating, hiking, birdwatching, photography, and other passive uses; or
11. Destroying or damaging aesthetic and property values, including significant public viewsheds.
C. The purposes of this chapter are to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by preventing the
adverse environmental impacts of development enumerated in section 15.24.010, and by:
1. Preserving, protecting, and restoring wetlands by regulating development within them and
their buffers;
2. Protecting the public against losses from:
a. Unnecessary maintenance and replacement of public facilities, including the dredging
of ports and navigation channels;
b. Publicly funded mitigation of avoidable impacts;
c. Cost for public emergency rescue and relief operations; and
d. Potential litigation from improper construction practices authorized for wetland areas;
3. Alerting appraisers, assessors, owners, and potential buyers or lessees to the
development limitations of wetlands;
4. Providing City of Port Angeles officials with information to evaluate, approve, condition, or
deny public or private development proposals;
5. Adopting the Governor's interim goal of achieving no overall net loss in acreage and
functions of Washington's remaining wetland base and the long-term goal of increasing the
quantity and quality of Washington's wetland resource base;
6. Implementing the goals and policies of the City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan
encouraging development compatible with the environment of the City, encouraging
development to provide open space, encouraging development to preserve and
incorporate existing "unusual, unique and interesting natural features", reducing
development intensity as natural environmental constraints increase, and avoiding
intensive development of sites with severe environmental constraints;
7. Implementing the policies of the Growth Management Act; the State Environmental Policy
Act, Chapter 43.21C RCW; the Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan; Washington
State Executive Order 90-04; Port Angeles Environmental Policy Ordinance, Chapter 15.04
of the Port Angeles Municipal Code; Port Angeles Shoreline Management Ordinance,
Chapter 15.08 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code; Port Angeles Flood Damage
Prevention Ordinance, Chapter 15.12 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code; the Port
Angeles Zoning Code; the Port Angeles Stormwater Management Plan; and all other
present and future City of Port Angeles functional, environmental, and community plans,
programs and ordinances. (Ord. 3179 § 3 (part), 12/17/2004; Ord. 2655 § 1 (part), 11/29/1991)
15.24.020 - Definitions.
In addition to definitions contained in Chapter 15.02, the following definitions shall apply. Where
definitions exist in both Chapter 15.02 and section 15.24.020, the definitions in 15.24.020 shall apply:
For the purpose of this document, the following definition of a wetland is;
“Wetland” or “wetlands” means areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or
ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal
Page 4
circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in
saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and
similar areas.
Wetlands do not include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from non-wetland
sites, including, but not limited to, irrigation and drainage ditches, grass-lined swales,
canals, detention facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, farm ponds, and landscape
amenities, or those wetlands created after July 1, 1990, that were unintentionally created
as a result of the construction of a road, street, or highway. Wetlands do include those
artificial wetlands intentionally created from non-wetland areas created to mitigate
conversion of wetlands.
A. "Applicant" means a person who files an application for permit under this chapter and who is
either the owner of the land on which that proposed activity would be located, a contract
vendee, a lessee of the land, the person who would actually control and direct the proposed
activity, or the authorized agent of such a person.
B. "Buffer" means an undisturbed area adjacent contiguous to a wetland area that is required to
permanently remain in an undisturbed and untouched condition to protect or enhance the
functions of the wetland area and is considered part of the wetland area. A buffer is different
than a setback.
C. "Clearing" means the removal of timber, brush, grass, ground cover, or other vegetative matter
from a site which exposes the earth's surface on the site or results in the loss of forested areas.
D. "Compensation project" means actions necessary to replace project-induced wetland and
wetland buffer losses, including land acquisition, planning, construction plans, monitoring, and
contingency actions.
E. "Compensation" or "compensatory mitigation" means a form of mitigation that replaces project-
induced wetland losses or impacts, and includes, but is not limited to, restoration, enhancement,
substitute resources, creation, and preservation which are defined as follows:
1. "Restoration" means actions performed to reestablish wetlands or their buffer area's
functional and value characteristics and processes which have been lost by alterations,
activities, or catastrophic events within an area;
a. Active steps taken to restore damaged wetlands, or their buffers to the functioning
condition that existed prior to an alteration; and
b. Actions performed to reestablish structural and functional characteristics of wetlands
that have been lost by alteration, past management activities, or catastrophic events.
2. "Enhancement" means actions performed to improve the condition of an existing
environmentally sensitive area so that the functions and values provided are of a higher
quality;
3. "Substitute resources" means actions performed to provide for an alternative
environmentally sensitive area; or
4. "Creation" means the manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics to
develop a wetland on an upland site, where a wetland did not previously existmeans
actions performed to intentionally establish or expand an environmentally sensitive area
where it did not formerly exist.
5. "Preservation" means actions taken to ensure the permanent protection of existing, high-
quality environmentally sensitive areas.
F. Cumulative Impacts or Effects – The combined, incremental effects of human activity on
ecological or critical area functions and values.
Page 5
FG. "Developable area" means A site or portion of a site that may be used as the location of
development, in accordance with the rules of this Chapteran area of land outside of wetlands
and wetland buffers.
GH. "Director" means the Director of Community and Economic Development or an authorized agent
of the Director.
HI. "Existing and ongoing agriculture" includes those activities conducted on lands defined in RCW
84.34.030(2), and those activities involved in the production of crops or livestock. For example,
the operation and maintenance of farm and stock ponds or drainage ditches; operation and
maintenance of ditches; irrigation systems including irrigation laterals, canals, or irrigation
drainage ditches; changes between agricultural activities; and normal maintenance, repair, or
operation of existing serviceable structures, facilities, or improved areas. Activities which bring
an area into agricultural use are not part of an ongoing operation. An operation ceases to be
ongoing when the area on which it is conducted is converted to a nonagricultural use or has lain
idle for more than five years, unless the idle land is registered in a federal or state soils
conservation program, or unless the activity is maintenance of irrigation ditches, laterals, canals,
or drainage ditches related to an existing and ongoing agricultural activity. Forest practices are
not included in this definition.
IJ. "Extraordinary hardship" means strict application of this title and/or programs adopted to
implement this title by the City of Port Angeles would prevent all reasonable economic use of
the parcel.
JK. "Functions", "beneficial functions", or "functions and values" means the services provided by
critical areas to the environment and to society, including, but not limited to, improving and
maintaining water quality, providing fish and wildlife habitat, supporting terrestrial and aquatic
food chains, reducing flooding and erosive flows, wave attenuation, historical or archaeological
importance, educational opportunities, and recreationthe beneficial roles served by wetlands,
including, but not limited to, water quality protection and enhancement; fish and wildlife habitat;
food chain support; flood storage; conveyance and attenuation; groundwater recharge and
discharge; erosion control; wave attenuation; historical and archaeological and aesthetic value
protection; protection from hazards, and recreation. These beneficial roles are not listed in order
or priority.
KL. "High intensity land use" includes land uses which are associated with high levels of human
disturbance or substantial wetland habitat impacts including, but not limited to, residential
development greater than seven twelve (12) dwelling units per acre, active recreation, and
commercial and industrial land uses.
LM. "High quality wetlands" are those regulated wetlands which meet the following criteria:
1. No, or isolated, human alteration of the wetland topography;
2. No human-caused alteration of the hydrology or else the wetland appears to have
recovered from the alteration;
3. Low cover and frequency of exotic plant species;
4. Relatively little human-related disturbance of the native vegetation, or recovery from past
disturbance;
5. If the wetland system is degraded, it still contains a viable and high quality example of a
native wetland community; and
6. No known major water quality problems
MN. "Hydric soil" means a soil that is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing
season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part. The presence of hydric soil shall be
determined following the methods described in the Washington State Department of Ecology
Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation
Page 6
Manual, Technical Report Y-87-1 and Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland
Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0). For the
purposes of identifying wetland environmentally sensitive areas, hydric soils that qualify as
"prime agricultural soils" only through artificial means that will impair the existence of natural
wetlands (specifically soils that are prime agricultural land only when drained), are considered
potential wetlands indicators for the purposes of this chapter, and are not to be considered
agricultural resource lands.
NO. "Hydrophytic vegetation" means macrophytic plant life growing in water or on a substrate that is
at least periodically deficient in oxygen as a result of excessive water content. The presence of
hydrophytic vegetation shall be determined following the methods described in the Washington
State Department of Ecology Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual.
OP. "In-kind compensation" means to replace wetlands with substitute wetlands whose
characteristics closely approximate those destroyed or degraded by a regulated activity. It does
not mean replacement "in-category".
PQ. In-Lieu-Fee Program – An agreement between a regulatory agency (state, federal, or local) and
a single sponsor, generally a public agency or non-profit organization. Under an in-lieu-fee
agreement, the mitigation sponsor collects funds from an individual or a number of individuals
who are required to conduct compensatory mitigation required under a wetland regulatory
program. The sponsor may use the funds pooled from multiple permittees to create one or a
number of sites under the authority of the agreement to satisfy the permittees’ required
mitigation.
R. Infiltration – The downward entry of water into the immediate surface of soil.
S. "Isolated wetlands" means those regulated wetlands which:
1. Are outside of and not contiguous to any 100-year floodplain of a lake, river, or stream; and
2. Have no contiguous hydric soil or hydrophytic vegetation between the wetland and any
surface water.
QT. "Low-intensity land use" includes land uses which are associated with low levels of human
disturbance or low wetland habitat impacts, including, but not limited to, residential density of
seven or fewer dwelling units per acre, passive recreation, or open space, or agricultural or
forest management land uses.
RU. "Mitigation" means taking measures including avoiding, minimizing, or compensating for
adverse wetland impacts. Mitigation, in the following order of preference, is:
1. Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action;
2. Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its
implementation, by using appropriate technology, or by taking affirmative steps to avoid or
reduce impacts;
3. Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating or restoring the affected environment;
4. Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations
during the life of the action;
5. Compensating for the impact by replacing, enhancing, or providing substitute resources or
environments;
6. Monitoring the impact and the compensation project and taking appropriate corrective
measures. Mitigation for individual actions may include a combination of the above
measures.
SV. Moderate-intensity land use - includes land uses which are associated with moderate levels of
human disturbance or moderate wetland habitat impacts, including, but not limited to, residential
Page 7
density of more than seven (7) dwelling units per acre, but fewer than twelve (12) dwelling units
per acre, moderate-intensity recreation, open space, or agricultural (orchards, hay fields, etc.) or
forestry practices (cutting of trees only).
W. Monitoring – Evaluating the impacts of development proposals on the biological, hydrological,
and geological elements of such systems, and assessing the performance of required mitigation
measures through the collection and analysis of data by various methods for the purpose of
understanding and documenting changes in natural ecosystems and features. Monitoring
includes gathering baseline data.
X. Non-compensatory enhancement: Non-compensatory enhancements are those wetland
enhancement projects which are conducted solely to increase the functions and values of an
existing wetland and which are not required to be conducted pursuant to the requirements of
section 15.24.070(H)(6).
Y. Native Vegetation – Plant species that occur naturally in a particular region or environment and
were not introduced by human activities.
TZ. "Off-site compensation" means to replace wetlands away from the site on which a wetland has
been impacted by a regulated activity.
UAA. "On-site compensation" means to replace wetlands at or adjacent to the site on which a
wetland has been impacted by a regulated activity.
VBB. "Out-of-kind compensation" means to replace wetlands with substitute wetlands whose
characteristics do not closely approximate those destroyed or degraded by a regulated activity.
It does not refer to replacement "out-of-category".
CC. Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) – That mark which is found by examining the bed
and banks of water bodies and ascertaining where the presence and action of waters are so
common and usual, and so long continued in all ordinary years, that the soil has a character
distinct from that of the abutting upland in respect to vegetation.
WDD. "Practicable alternative" means an alternative that is available and capable of being
carried out after taking into consideration cost, existing technology, and logistics in light of
overall project purposes, and having less impacts to regulated wetlands. It may include an area
not owned by the applicant which could reasonably have been or be obtained, utilized,
expanded, or managed in order to fulfill the basic purposes of the proposed activity.
EEX. "Regulated activities" means any of the following activities which are directly undertaken
or originate in a regulated wetland or its buffer:
1. The removal, excavation, grading, or dredging of soil, sand, gravel, minerals, organic
matter, or material of any kind;
2. The dumping, discharging, or filling with any material;
3. The draining, flooding, or disturbing of the water level or water table;
4. The driving of pilings;
5. The placing of obstructions;
6. The construction, reconstruction, demolition, or expansion of any structure;
7. The destruction or alteration of wetlands vegetation through clearing, harvesting, shading,
intentional burning, or planting of vegetation that would alter the character of a regulated
wetland; provided that these activities are not part of a forest practice governed under
Chapter 76.09 RCW and its rules; or
8. Activities that result in a significant change of water temperature, a significant change of
physical or chemical characteristics of a wetland's water sources, including quantity, or the
introduction of pollutants.
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FF. Qualified Professional – A person with experience and training in the pertinent scientific
discipline, and who is a qualified scientific expert with expertise appropriate for the relevant critical
area subject in accordance with WAC 365-195-905. A qualified professional must have obtained a
B.S. or B.A. or equivalent degree in biology, engineering, environmental studies, fisheries,
geomorphology, or related field, and have at least five years of related work experience.
1. A qualified professional for wetlands must be a professional wetland scientist with at least two
years of full-time work experience as a wetlands professional, including delineating wetlands
using the state or federal manuals, preparing wetlands reports, conducting function assessments,
and developing and implementing mitigation plans.
2. A qualified professional for habitat must have a degree in biology or a related degree and
professional experience related to the subject species.
3. A qualified professional for a geological hazard must be a professional engineer or geologist,
licensed in the state of Washington.
4. A qualified professional for critical aquifer recharge areas means a hydrogeologist, geologist,
engineer, or other scientist with experience in preparing hydrogeologic assessments.
Y. "Regulated wetlands" means ponds 20 acres or less, including their submerged aquatic beds,
and those lands defined as wetlands under the Federal Clean Water Act, 33 USC Sec. 1251 et
seq., and rules promulgated pursuant thereto and shall be those areas that are inundated or
saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that
under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in
saturated soil conditions. Regulated wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and
similar areas. Wetlands created as mitigation and wetlands modified for approved land use
activities shall be considered as regulated wetlands. Category I, II, III and IV wetlands are
defined in Section 15.24.040D, Wetlands Rating System. All Category I wetlands shall be
considered regulated wetlands. Regulated wetlands do not include Category II and III wetlands
less than 2,500 square feet and Category IV wetlands less than 10,000 square feet. Regulated
wetlands do not include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from nonwetland sites,
including but not limited to, irrigation and drainage ditches, grass-lined swales, canals, detention
facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, farm ponds, and landscape amenities. The applicant
shall bear the burden of proving that the site was not previously a wetland. For identifying and
delineating a regulated wetland, local government shall consider the latest version of the
Washington State Department of Ecology Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual.
ZHH. "Repair or maintenance" means an activity that restores the character, scope, size, and
design of a serviceable area, structure, or land use to its previously authorized and undamaged
condition. Activities that change the character, size, or scope of a project beyond the original
design and drain, dredge, fill, flood, or otherwise alter additional regulated wetlands are not
included in this definition.
AAII. "Serviceable" means presently usable.
BBJJ. "Unavoidable and necessary impacts" are impacts to regulated wetlands that remain after
an applicant proposing to alter regulated wetlands has demonstrated that no additional
mitigation measures are practicable.
CC. "Wetlands", for the purposes of inventory, incentives, and nonregulatory programs, means
those lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually
at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water. For the purposes of this
definition, wetlands must have one or more of the following attributes:
1. At least periodically, the land supports predominantly hydrophytes;
2. The substrate is predominantly undrained hydric soil; and
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3. The substrate is nonsoil and is saturated with water or covered by shallow water at some
time during the growing season of each year.
DDKK. "Wetland buffers" or "wetland buffer zones" is an area that surrounds and protects a
wetland from adverse impacts to the functions and values of a regulated wetland.
EELL. "Wetland classes", "classes of wetlands", or "wetland types" means descriptive classes of
the wetlands taxonomic classification system of the Washington State Wetland Rating System
for Western Washington (Ecology Publication #04-06-025) Washington State Department of
Ecology Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual. Wetlands include the following classes
or types:
1. "Emergent wetland" means a regulated wetland with at least 30 percent of the surface area
covered by erect, rooted, herbaceous vegetation as the uppermost vegetative strata.
2. "Forested wetland" means a regulated wetland with at least 20 percent of the surface area
covered by woody vegetation greater than 20 feet in height.
3. "Scrub-shrub wetland" means a regulated wetland with at least 30 percent of its surface
area covered by woody vegetation less than 20 feet in height as the uppermost stratum.
4. "Estuarine wetland" means a regulated wetland that consists of or is adjacent to tidal
habitats and is usually semi-enclosed by land but often have open, partly obstructed, or
sporadic access to saltwater, and in which saltwater is at least occasionally diluted by
freshwater runoff from the land. Estuarine systems include both estuaries and lagoons.
FFMM. "Wetlands permit" means any permit issued, conditioned, or denied specifically to
implement this chapter.
GGNN. "Wetland edge" means the boundary of a wetland as delineated based on the definitions
contained in this chapter. (Ord. 3179 § 4 (part), 12/17/2004; Ord. 2655 § 1 (part), 11/29/1991.)
15.24.030 - General provisions.
A. Abrogation and greater restrictions. It is not intended that this chapter repeal, abrogate, or impair any
existing regulations, easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this chapter
imposes greater restrictions, the provisions of this chapter shall prevail.
B. Interpretation. The provisions of this chapter shall be held to be minimum requirements in their
interpretation and application and shall be liberally construed to serve the purposes of this chapter.
(Ord. 2655 § 1 (part), 11/29/1991.)
15.24.040 - Lands to which this chapter applies.
A. Applicability.
1. When any provision of any other chapter of the Port Angeles Municipal Code conflicts with this
chapter, that which provides more protection to wetlands and wetland buffers shall apply unless
specifically provided otherwise in this chapter.
2. The Director of Community and Economic Development is authorized to adopt written
procedures for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter. Prior to fulfilling the
requirements of this chapter, the City of Port Angeles shall not grant any approval or permission
to conduct a regulated activity in a wetland or wetland buffer, including but not limited to the
following: building permit, commercial or residential; binding site plan; conditional use permit;
franchise right-of-way construction permit; clearing and grading permit; master plan
development; planned residential development; right-of-way permit; shoreline substantial
development permit; shoreline variance; shoreline conditional use permit; shoreline
environmental redesignation; unclassified use permit; variance; zone reclassification;
subdivision; short subdivision; special use permit; utility and other use permit; or any
subsequently adopted permit or required approval not expressly exempted by this chapter.
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B. Maps and inventory. This chapter shall apply to all lots or parcels on which wetlands and/or wetland
buffers are located within the jurisdiction of the City of Port Angeles. The approximate location and
extent of wetlands in the City of Port Angeles is displayed on the following maps:
1. Wetlands identified on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory Angeles
Point, Ediz Hook, Elwha, Morse Creek, and Port Angeles maps.
2. Hydric soils and "wet spots" identified by the USDA Soils Conservation Service Soil Survey of
Clallam County Area area maps numbers 22, 31, 32, 33.
3. City of Port Angeles Composite Wetland Inventory and Hydric Soils map, as may be modified
from time to time.
These map resources are to be used as a guide to the general location and extent of wetlands. Wetlands
not shown on these maps but meeting the criteria set forth in this chapter are presumed to exist in the
City of Port Angeles and are protected under all the provisions of this chapter. In the event that any of the
wetland designations shown on the maps conflict with the criteria set forth in this chapter, the criteria shall
control.
C. Determination of regulatory wetland boundary. The exact location of the wetland boundary shall be
determined through the performance of a field investigation applying the wetland definition provided
in section 15.24.020 of this chapter. Qualified professional and technical scientists shall perform
wetland delineations using the latest version of the "approved federal wetland delineation manual
and applicable regional supplements)s). Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation
Manual". Publication #96-94 Washington Department of Ecology 1997. An applicant for a wetland
permit is required under subsection 15.24.060.C.3. to show the location of the wetland boundary on
a scaled drawing as a part of the permit application.
Wetland delineations are valid for five years; after such date the City shall determine whether a revision
or additional assessment is necessary.
The Director of Community and Economic Development shall decide whether the qualified professionals
who perform the delineation of boundary requirement are retained by the applicant or by the City with the
applicant paying the City for the costs in accordance with the provisions of subsection 15.24.060.C.4. of
this chapter.
Where the delineation is performed under the Director of Community and Economic Development's
direction, such delineation shall be considered a final determination.
Where the applicant has provided a delineation of the wetland boundary, the Director of Community and
Economic Development shall verify the accuracy of, and may render adjustments to, the boundary
delineation. In the event the adjusted boundary delineation is contested by the applicant, the Director of
Community and Economic Development shall, at the applicant's expense, obtain expert services to
render a final delineation.
D. Rating. Wetlands shall be rated according to the Washington Department of Ecology wetland rating
system, as set forth in the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington –
2014 Update (Ecology Publication #14-06-029 October 2014), or as revised and approved by
Ecology), which contains the definitions and methods for determining whether the criteria below are
met.
DE. Wetlands rating system. The following Washington State rating system is hereby adopted as the
rating system for the City of Port Angeles. Wetlands buffer widths, replacement ratios, and
avoidance criteria shall be based on these rating systems.
1. Washington State Four-Tier Wetlands Rating System.
a. Category I Criteria. wetlands are: (1) relatively undisturbed estuarine wetlands larger than
1 acre; (2) wetlands of high conservation value that are identified by scientists of the
Washington Natural Heritage Program/DNR as high-quality wetlands; (3) bogs; (4) mature
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and old-growth forested wetlands larger than 1 acre; (5) wetlands in coastal lagoons; (6)
interdunal wetlands that score 8 or 9 habitat points and are larger than I acre; and (7)
wetlands that perform many functions well (scoring 23 points or more).
These wetlands: (1) represent unique or rare wetland types; (2) are more sensitive to
disturbance than most wetlands; (3) are relatively undisturbed and contain ecological
attributes that are impossible to replace within a human lifetime; or (4) provide a high level
of functions.
i. Documented habitat for endangered or threatened fish or animal species or for
potentially extirpated plant species recognized by State or Federal agencies; or
ii. High quality native wetland communities, including documented Category I or II quality
natural heritage wetland sites and sites which qualify as a Category I or II quality
national heritage wetland; or
iii. High quality, regionally rare wetland communities with irreplaceable ecological
functions, including sphagnum bogs and fens, estuarine wetlands, or mature forested
swamps; or
iv. Wetlands of exceptional local significance. The criteria for such a designation shall be
developed and adopted by the local jurisdiction under appropriate public review and
administrative appeal procedures. The criteria may include, but not be limited to,
rarity, groundwater recharge areas, significant habitats, unique educational sites, or
other specific functional values within a watershed or other regional boundary.
b. Category II Criteria. wetlands are: (1) estuarine wetlands smaller than 1 acre, or disturbed
estuarine wetlands larger than 1 acre; (2) interdunal wetlands larger than 1 acre or those
found in a mosaic of wetlands; or (3) wetlands with a moderately high level of functions
(scoring between 20 and 22 points).
i. Regulated wetlands that do not contain features outlined in Category I; and
ii. Documented habitats for sensitive plant, fish, or animal species recognized by Federal
or State agencies; or
iii. Rare wetland communities listed in subsection 15.24.040.D.1.a.iii. which are not high
quality; or
iv. Wetland types with significant functions which may not be adequately replicated
through creation or restoration.
v. Regulated wetlands with significant habitat value based on diversity and size.
vi. Regulated wetlands contiguous with salmonid fish-bearing waters, including streams
where flow is intermittent; or
vii. Regulated wetlands with significant use by fish and wildlife.
viii. Wetlands that contain plant, fish or animal species listed as priority species by the
Department of Fish and Wildlife.
c. Category III Criteria. wetlands are: (1) wetlands with a moderate level of functions (scoring
between 16 and 19 points); (2) Can often be adequately replaced with a well-planned
mitigation project; and (3) interdunal wetlands between 0.1 and 1 acre. Wetlands scoring
between 16 and 19 points generally have been disturbed in some ways and are often less
diverse or more isolated from other natural resources in the landscape than Category II
wetlands.
i. Regulated wetlands that do not contain features outlined in Category I, II, or IV.
d. Category IV Criteria. Category IV wetlands have the lowest levels of functions (scoring
fewer than 16 points) and are often heavily disturbed. These are wetlands that we should
be able to replace, or in some cases to improve. However, experience has shown that
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replacement cannot be guaranteed in any specific case. These wetlands may provide
some important functions, and should be protected to some degree.
i. Regulated wetlands which do not meet the criteria of a Category I or II wetland; and
ii. Isolated wetlands which are less than or equal to one acre in size; and have only one
wetland class; and have only one dominant plant species (monotypic vegetation); or
iii. Isolated wetlands which are less than or equal to two acres in size, and have only one
wetland class and a predominance of exotic species.
2. Wetland rating categories shall be applied as the regulated wetland exists on the date of
adoption of the rating system by the local governmentCity of Port Angeles; as the regulated
wetland may naturally change thereafter; or as the regulated wetland may change in
accordance with permitted activities. Wetland rating categories shall not be altered to recognize
illegal modifications.
3. The City of Port Angeles shall apply the latest version of the Washington State Department of
Ecology "Washington State Wetlands Rating System for Rating the Resource Value of
Regulated Wetlands" and "Field Methodology" "Washington State Wetland Rating System for
Western Washington (Ecology Publication #04-06-025" as its procedures for the wetland rating
system.
4. The City of Port Angeles will initially rate wetlands based on information derived from available
maps, reports, and similar materials. Wetlands may be reclassified into another category at a
subsequent date should field surveys or other new materials warrant such action. (Ord. 2655 § 1
(part), 11/29/1991.)
15.24.045 - Wetland functional assessment.
Wetlands functional assessment section is intended to assist in establishing a values based system
for reviewing and approving wetland permit requests and mitigation plans. The wording will
bring the Port Angeles method of wetland protection into closer consistency with the Clallam
County method of evaluations.
Wetlands provide valuable functions in providing and/or facilitating high quality habitat for plant and
animal species. Some of these plants and animals have been classified as endangered,
threatened, or monitored species, either by the federal government or by the State of
Washington. Most of the wetlands in Port Angeles do not provide primary habitat for these
plants or animals; however, all wetland functions facilitate a quality environment in areas that do
provide primary habitat. Water that enters streams, lakes, marine environments or groundwater
eventually impacts habitat. Wetlands function to cleanse and cool those waters, as well as
moderate the rate of flow into larger bodies of water. The functions of wetlands are discussed in
more detail in the following section.
Wetlands shall be classified based on hydrology types specified in Table 1 and assessed on
hydrologic functions as specified in Table 2. Wetland functions are also assessed through the
Class I - Class IV as characterized in Section 15.24.040.
Table 1
Classification of Wetland Hydrology Types
Hydrology
Type Landscape Position Water
Source**
Water
Output*
Type 1 Shallow soils formed on glacial till on hillsides Perched Discharges to stream
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Type 2
Moderately deep soils found in basins and
drainage ways formed in depressions in glacial
drift on hills
Perched Initiates streams
Type 3
Very deep soils occurring on basins on low
terraces formed in alluvium (i.e., stream
deposited materials)
Perched Enclosed basin
Type 4 Wetlands found in depressions associated with
coarse material over glacial till
Unconfined
aquifer Unconfined aquifer
Type 5 Very deep soils on level terraces and in
valleys, formed in organic material
Unconfined
aquifer
Initiates or supplements
streamflow
Type 6
Very deep soils on low level tereaces and
floodplains formed in alluvium near marine
shorelines
Unconfined
aquifer, tidally
influenced
Lower reaches of
streams and marine
waters
Type 7
Wetlands formed along the margin of surficial
geological units that have a restrictive layer
(i.e., glacial till), where they come into contact
with unrestricted coarse units
Perched or
unconfined
aquifer
Unconfined aquifer
Type 8 Wetlands formed within the floodplain of
streams
Stream
discharges to
wetland
Wetland discharges to
stream
Type 9
Wetlands (e.g., bogs) located in depressions
where water tables are at or near the surface
normally year-round
Precipitation Evapotranspiration
Type 10 Floodplains underlain by glacial till Perched Discharges to stream
Type 11 Wetlands associated with lakes Lake Lake
Type 12
Wetlands located along marine shorelines
behind coastal dunes, other land forms or
structures
Marine, tidally
influenced
Marine and
evapotranspiration
* Refers to the factors that control the sources(s) of water to a wetland and where the water goes after
leaving the wetland.
** Refers to natural wetland hydrology (i.e., does not include hydrologic modifications.)
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A. Wetland hydrologic functions shall be classified by the effect that classified wetland hydrology types
have on the overall flow and quality of water in the watershed in comparison to nonwetland areas.
For the purposes of this chapter, wetland hydrologic functions are defined as follows.
1. Floodflow desynchronization. Ability of a wetland to retain/detain floodwaters in the upper
watershed, reducing the severity of flooding and increasing the time of concentration above that
which occurs in adjacent upslope areas.
2. Surface water treatment. This wetland function is significant but not in the context that wetlands
act as the major source of surface water flow. Although some wetlands do provide a significant
amount of surface water to streams and rivers, the impacts are significant due to the fact that
wetlands in contact with surface water flows are capable of treating water quality prior to its
entry into the surface water body.
a. Nutrient removal/transformation opportunity. Ability of a wetland to retain or transform
inorganic phosphorus and/or nitrogen into their organic forms, or transform nitrogen into its
gaseous form on either a net annual basis, or during the growing season.
b. Sediment/toxicant/bacterial retention. Ability of a wetland to retain suspended solids and
chemical contaminants such s pesticides, pathogens, and heavy metals absorbed by them,
on a net annual basis.
c. Seawater intrusion prevention. Those wetlands which are the boundary between the
unconfined aquifer and the marine environment. Loss of water supply or drainage of
wetlands will likely increase seawater intrusion into estuarine wetlands.
d. Streamflow/channel maintenance. Wetlands that due to detention or groundwater
discharge supply a significant proportion of streamflow during summer and fall. These
areas regulate the amount and timing of stream energy and therefore are crucial to
defining the shape of stream channels since they largely determine the shape of the
hydrograph.
e. Temperature maintenance. Those wetlands that provide thermal refuges during winter and
summer months, due to influence from springs or contact with the unconfined aquifer.
During summer months wetlands with this function are important as fish habitat for
salmonids; during winter months, these wetlands provide waterfowl habitat by maintaining
ice-free conditions.
f. Water availability. The ability of a wetland through hydrologic continuity to provide surface
water for migratory and resident species based on the timing, duration, and depth of
surface water availability.
3. Groundwater recharge. This wetland function is significant but not in the context that wetlands
act as the major locations of ground water recharge to aquifers. Although some wetlands do
provide a significant amount of ground water recharge, ground water recharge is significant due
to the fact that wetlands in contact with the aquifer are most susceptible to carrying pollutants to
the aquifer. Conversely, if managed properly, such wetlands could assist in the treatment of
pollutants already carried in the aquifer.
a. Nutrient removal/transformation opportunity. Ability of a wetland to retain or transform
inorganic phosphorus and/or nitrogen into their organic forms, or transform nitrogen into its
gaseous form on either a net annual basis, or during the growing season.
b. Sediment/toxicant/bacterial retention. Ability of a wetland to retain suspended solids and
chemical contaminants such s pesticides, pathogens, and heavy metals absorbed to them,
on a net annual basis.
c. Seawater intrusion prevention. Those wetlands which are the boundary between the
unconfined aquifer and the marine environment. Loss of water supply or drainage of
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wetlands will likely increase seawater intrusion to unconfined aquifers supplying drinking
water to coastal inhabitants. The City of Port Angeles has no unconfined aquifers that
supply drinking water to coastal inhabitants.
d. Streamflow/channel maintenance. Wetlands that due to detention or groundwater
discharge supply a significant proportion of streamflow during summer and fall. These
areas regulate the amount and timing of stream energy and therefore are crucial to
defining the shape of stream channels since they largely determine the shape of the
hydrograph.
e. Temperature maintenance. Those wetlands that provide thermal refuges during winter and
summer months, due to influence from springs or contact with the unconfined aquifer.
During summer months wetlands with this function are important as fish habitat for
salmonids; during winter months, these wetlands provide waterfowl habitat by maintaining
ice-free conditions.
f. Water availability. The ability of a wetland through hydrologic continuity to provide surface
water for migratory and resident species based on the timing, duration, and depth of
surface water availability.
B. Drinking water. Ability of a wetland to recharge, maintain, and/or enhance surface or ground water
resources that yield potable water in sufficient quantities to be economically useful. Provision of
potable water in sufficient quantities to be economically useful is a low priority within the existing City
limits.
Table 2
Assessment of Wetland Hydrologic Functions
Wetland Hydrology Types
Hydrologic Function 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Flood storage L L L L L L L H L L H -
Floodflow desynchronization L H L L H L L H - H H -
Streamflow and channel maintenance L H N L* H H N H N L H N
Ground water recharge N N L H N L H H H H H -
Temperature maintenance L H L H H H N L H L L -
Sediment/bacterial removal L H H L H L L H H H H N
Nutrient removal L H L H H H H H H H H H
Toxicant removal opportunity L H L H H H H H H H H H
Seawater intrusion prevention N N N N N* H N N L N N N
Drinking water L H L H H H H H H L H N
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Water availability for fish H H L L H H
H L H H H
Water availability for amphibians H H H H H H H H H H H H
Water availability for migratory waterfowl L H H H H H L H H H H H
Water availability for other wildlife L H H H H H L H H H H L
H = High functional value
L = performs this function to a limited degree
N = Does not perform function
* = High value if associated with wetland hydrology
C. Wetland habitat functions. Wetland landscape functions shall be characterized and assessed
based on existing wetland and adjacent upland conditions, landscape position, documented
species use, and existing management /modifications pursuant to the criteria in subsections 2.a.
through 2.i. of this section as they relate to the subject property or within the jurisdiction of this
chapter as it applies to regulated wetlands. Based on these criteria, habitat functions shall be
further classified into one of four wetland classes, as specified in subsection 15.24.040.D. with
Class I being the most functional and Class IV being the least functional.
1. Habitat type. Classify and delineate wetland habitat types based on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats, Dated 1979, as now or hereafter
amended. Identify the dominant vegetation communities associated with each classified wetland
habitat type.
2. Habitat diversity. Calculate both the total number of wetland habitat types and the different
wetland habitat types identified in subsection 2.a. of this section for each wetland.
3. Habitat size. Calculate the total wetland acreage and acreage of each individual habitat type
identified in subsection 2.a. of this section for each wetland.
4. Upland habitat type. Classify and delineate all lands into one or more of the following land cover
categories: developed lands; agriculture; non-native plant species; water; native upland
grasses; native forests less than 20 feet in height; native forest greater that 20 feet in height;
and mature conifers.
5. Significant habitat features. Identify and delineate the presence of significant habitat features
including, but not limited to: estuaries, snags, islands, rare or unique plant communities, mature
conifers, Class I wildlife habitat conservation areas, and/or wetlands classified as exhibition a
high functional value of water availability for migratory waterfowl or other wildlife species.
6. Species use. Identify and delineate all known priority habitats for species listed as species of
concern or priority species.
7. Anadromous fish use. Identify wetlands contiguous to Type 1—23 aquatic habitat conservation
areas, or other waters containing anadromous fisheries recognized by local or state public
agencies.
8. Significant wildlife movement corridor. Identify whether one or more of the following areas is
located within:
a. Land and water areas designated as shorelines in the Shoreline Management Act of 1971
and the City of Port Angeles Shoreline master Program;
Page 17
b. Lands designated as significant wildlife movement corridors, open space and greenbelt
corridors;
c. Federal, state, and local parks, wildlife refuges, and other protected natural areas;
d. Easements or other dedicated lands granted to the City of Port Angeles or other
organizations devoted to protection and management of critical areas, open spaces, or
wildlife habitat.
9. Management and modification. Identify existing management and alteration s of wetlands, and
the impact of such actions on the above classification. Wetlands management activities include,
but are not limited to: forestry, livestock grazing, agriculture, commercial recreation (e.g., golf
courses), residential (e.g., lawns), public lands (e.g., parks, natural areas), and/or land not
managed for any other use. Wetland alterations include, but are not limited to: flooding,
impounding of water, excavation, filling, grading, draining, or discharge from irrigation or
drainage facilities. (Ord. 3179 § 4, (part), 12/17/2004)
15.24.050 - Regulated activities and allowed activities.
A. Regulated activities. A permit shall be obtained from local government prior to undertaking the
following activities in a regulated wetland or its buffer, unless authorized by subsection B. below:
1. The removal, excavation, grading, or dredging of soil, sand, gravel, minerals, organic matter, or
material of any kind;
2. The dumping, discharging, or filling with any material;
3. The draining, flooding, or disturbing of the water level or water table.
4. The driving of pilings;
5. The placing of obstructions;
6. The construction, reconstruction, demolition, or expansion of any structure;
7. The destruction or alteration of wetlands vegetation through clearing, harvesting, shading,
intentional burning, or planting of vegetation that would alter the character of a regulated
wetland, provided that these activities are not part of a forest practice governed under Chapter
76.09 RCW and its rules; or
8. "Class IV - General Forest Practices" under the authority of the "1992 Washington State Forest
Practices Act Rules and Regulations," WAC 222-12-030, or as thereafter amended.
89. Activities that result in:
a. a significant change of water temperature,
b. a significant change of physical or chemical characteristics of wetlands water sources,
including quantity,
c. or tThe introduction of pollutants. Stormwater discharges from stormwater facilities or
structures may be allowed when they are in accordance with City of Port Angeles'
stormwater plan in accordance with Appendix I-D of the Department of Ecology’s
SWMMWW (2014),. The discharge shall not significantly increase or decrease the rate of
flow and/or hydroperiod, nor decrease the water quality of the wetland. Pre-treatment of
surface water discharge through biofiltration or other best management practices (BMPs)
shall be required. Bioretention cells and swales, and conversion of existing drainage
ditches to bioretention cells and swales within the outer 25 percent of a wetland buffer
may be allowed if designed in accordance with Department of Ecology's SWMMWW
(2014).
910. Road/street repair and construction. Any private or public road or street repair, maintenance,
expansion or construction may be permitted, subject to the following standards:
Page 18
a. No other reasonable or practicable alternative exists and the road or street crossing serves
multiple properties whenever possible;
b. Publicly owned or maintained road or street crossings should provide for other purposes,
such as utility crossings, pedestrian or bicycle easements, viewing points, etc; and
c. The road or street repair and construction are the minimum necessary to provide safe
roads and streets.
d. Mitigation shall be performed in accordance with specific project mitigation plan
requirements.
1011. Land divisions and land use permits. All proposed divisions of land and land uses
(including but not limited to the following: short plats, subdivisions, planned residential
developments, binding site plans, conditional use permits, clearing, grading, and filling permits)
which include regulated wetlands, shall comply with the following procedures and development
standards:
a. Regulated wetlands and wetland buffers, except the area with permanent open water, and
wetland buffers may be included in the calculation of minimum lot area for proposed lots
provided that other standards, including subdivision (c) below, are met.
b Land division approvals shall be conditioned to require that regulated wetlands and
regulated wetland buffers be dedicated as open space tracts, or as an easement or
covenant encumbering the wetland and wetland buffer. Such dedication, easement or
covenant shall be recorded together with the land division and represented on the final
plat, short plat or binding site plan, and title.
c. In order to implement the goals and policies of this title, to accommodate innovation,
creativity, and design flexibility, and to achieve a level of environmental protection that
would not be possible by typical lot-by-lot development, the use of the clustered
development or similar innovative site planning is strongly encouraged for projects with
regulated wetlands on the site.
d. After preliminary approval and prior to final land division approval or other land use permit
approval, the department may require that the common boundary between a regulated
wetland or associated buffer and the adjacent land be identified using permanent signs
and/or fencing. In lieu of signs and/or fencing, alternative methods of wetland and buffer
identification may be approved when such methods are determined by the department to
provide adequate protection to the wetland and buffer.
1112. Trails and trail-related facilities. Construction of public and private trails and trail-related
facilities, such as benches and viewing platforms may be allowed in wetlands or wetland buffers
pursuant to the following guidelines:
a. Trails and wildlife viewing areas are allowed only after review of wetland permit application
materials substantiates that no adverse impacts to the wetland will occur as a result of the
trail or viewing area.
b. Trails and related facilities shall, to the extent feasible, be placed on existing road grades,
utility corridors, or any other previously disturbed areas.
bc. Trails and related facilities shall be planned to minimize removal of trees, soil disturbance
and existing hydrological characteristics, shrubs, snags and important wildlife habitat.
d. Walkways and trails proposed for crossing a wetland shall be limited to minor wetland
crossings having no adverse impact on water quality.
ce. Viewing platforms and benches, and access to them, shall be designed and located to
minimize disturbance of wildlife habitat and/or critical characteristics of the affected
wetland.
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df. Trails and related facilities shall generally be located outside required buffers. Where trails
are permitted within buffers they should be generally parallel to the perimeter of the
wetland, and shall be located only in the outer portion 25% of the buffer areaand a
minimum of 30 feet from the wetland edge, except where wetland crossings or viewing
areas have been approved through project review and adequate mitigation is proposed.
e. Trails shall generally be limited to pedestrian use unless other more intensive uses, such
as dike bike or horse trails, have been specifically allowed and mitigation has been
provided. Trail width shall not exceed five feet unless there is a demonstrated need,
subject to review and approval by the department. Trails shall be constructed with
pervious materials unless otherwise approved by the department.
1213. Parks. Development of public park and recreation facilities may be permitted provided that
the following standards are followed:
No alteration of wetlands or wetland buffers is allowed except for such uses which are allowed below.
For example eEnhancement of wetlands and development of trails may be allowed in wetlands and
wetland buffers subject to special use requirements and approval of a wetland mitigation plan.
B. Allowed activities. The following uses shall be allowed within a wetland or wetland buffer to the
extent that they are not prohibited by any other ordinance or law and provided they are conducted
using best management practices, except where such activities result in the conversion of a
regulated wetland or wetland buffer to a use to which it was not previously subjected, and provided
further that forest practices and conversions shall be governed by Chapter 76.09 RCW and its rules.
These activities do not require submission of a critical area report, except where such activities result
in a loss of the functions and values of a wetland or wetland buffer. These activities include;
1. Conservation or preservation of soil, water vegetation, fish, shellfish, and other wildlife that does
not include changing the structure or functions of the existing wetland;
2. Outdoor recreational activities, including but not limited to the use of nature trails, fishing,
birdwatching, and hiking, boating, horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, and bicycling;
3. The harvesting of wild crops in a manner that is not injurious to natural reproduction of such
crops and provided the harvesting does not require tilling of soil, planting of crops, or alteration
of the wetland by changing existing topography, water conditions, or water sources;
4. Existing and ongoing agricultural activities, including farming, horticulture, aquaculture,
irrigation, ranching or grazing of animals. Activities on areas lying fallow as part of a
conventional rotational cycle are part of an ongoing operation. Activities which bring an area into
agricultural use are not part of an ongoing operation. An operation ceases to be ongoing when
the area on which it was conducted has been converted to another use or has laid idle so long
that modifications to the hydrological regime are necessary to resume operations;
5. The maintenance (but not construction) of drainage ditches;
6. Education, and scientific research activities, and use of nature trails;
7. Navigation aids and boundary markers;
8. Boat mooring buoys;
97. Site investigative work necessary for land use application submittals, such as surveys, soil logs,
percolation tests, and other related activities. In every case, wetland impacts shall be
minimized and disturbed areas shall be immediately restored; and
108. The following uses are allowed within wetlands and/or wetland buffers provided that written
notice at least ten days prior to the commencement of such work has been given to the Director
of Community and Economic Development, and provided that wetland impacts are minimized
and that disturbed areas are immediately restored:
Page 20
a. Normal and routine maintenance and repair of any existing public or private facilities within
an existing right-of-way, provided that the maintenance or repair does not expand the
footprint of the facility or right-of-way.Normal maintenance, repair, or operation of existing
serviceable structures, facilities, or improved areas. Maintenance and repair does not
include any modification that changes the character, scope, or size of the original structure,
facility, or improved area and does not include the construction of a maintenance road; and
b. Minor modification of existing serviceable structures within a buffer zone where
modification does not adversely impact wetland functions.
9. Enhancement of a wetland through the removal of non-native invasive plant species. Removal
of invasive plant species shall be restricted to hand removal unless permits from the
appropriate regulatory agencies have been obtained for approved biological or chemical
treatments. All removed plant material shall be taken away from the site and appropriately
disposed of. Plants that appear on the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board list of
noxious weeds must be handled and disposed of according to a noxious weed control plan
appropriate to that species. Re-vegetation with appropriate native species at natural densities
is allowed in conjunction with removal of invasive plant species.
10. Drilling for utilities/utility corridors under a wetland, with entrance/exit portals located completely
outside of the wetland buffer, provided that the drilling does not interrupt the ground water
connection to the wetland or percolation of surface water down through the soil column.
Specific studies by a hydrologist are necessary to determine whether the ground water
connection to the wetland or percolation of surface water down through the soil column will be
disturbed.
C. Exemptions in Wetlands
1. The following wetlands may be exempt from the requirement to avoid impacts and they may be
filled if impacts are fully mitigated. If available, impacts should be mitigated through the
purchase of credits from an in-lieu fee program or mitigation bank. In order to verify the
following conditions, a critical area report for wetlands must be submitted.
a. All isolated Category III and IV wetlands less than 4,000 square feet that:
i. Are not associated with riparian areas or buffers;
ii. Are not associate with shorelines of the state or their associated buffers;
iii. Are not part of a wetland mosaic;
iv. Do not score 5 or more points for habitat function based on the 2014 update to
the WA Wetland Rating systems (WWA Pub. # 14-06-029);
v. Do not contain a Priority Habitat or a Priority Area for a Priority Species identified
be the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, do not contain federally
listed species or their critical habitat, or species of local importance identified in
Chapter 15.20.070(D).
2. Wetlands less than 1,000 square feet that meet the above criteria and do not contain federally
listed species or their critical habitat are exempt from the buffer provisions contained in this
chapter
CD. Special permit uses. Any activity other than those specified in subsection B. may not be conducted
in wetlands or wetland buffers except upon issuance of a wetland permit by the Director of
Community and Economic Development. (Ord. 3330 § 1, 4/25/2008; Ord. 3179 § 4 (part), 12/17/2004; Ord. 2655 §
1 (part), 11/29/1991)
15.24.060 - Procedures for wetland permits.
A. Permit requirements, compliance. Except as specifically provided in subsection 15.24.050.B., no
regulated activity shall occur or be permitted to occur within a regulated wetland or wetland buffer
without a written permit from the Director of Community and Economic Development. Any alteration
Page 21
approved by such written permit shall comply fully with the requirements and purposes of this
chapter, other applicable regulations, and any terms or conditions of said permit. All activities which
are not allowed or permitted shall be prohibited.
B. Wetland permits, extensions. Application for a wetland permit to conduct any regulated activity not
specifically authorized by subsection 15.24.050.B. within a wetland or wetland buffer shall be made
to the Director of Community and Economic Development on forms furnished by his/her office.
Permits shall normally be valid for a period of three years from the date of issue and shall expire at
the end of that time, unless a longer or shorter period is specified by the Director of Community and
Economic Development upon issuance of the permit.
An extension of an original permit may be granted upon written request to the Director of Community and
Economic Development by the original permit holder or the successor in title. Prior to the granting of an
extension, the Director of Community and Economic Development shall require updated studies and/or
additional hearings if, in his/her judgment, the original intent of the permit is altered or enlarged by the
renewal; if the circumstances relevant to the review and issuance of the original permit have changed
substantially; or if the applicant failed to abide by the terms of the original permit.
C. Permit applications.
1. Request for determination of applicability: Any person seeking to determine whether a
proposed activity or an area is subject to this chapter may request in writing a determination
from the Director of Community and Economic Development. Such a request for determination
shall contain plans, data, and other information as may be specified by the Director of
Community and Economic Development.
2. Pre-permit consultations: Any person intending to apply for a wetland permit is strongly
encouraged, but not required, to meet with the Director of Community and Economic
Development during the earliest possible stages of project planning in order to discuss wetland
impact avoidance and minimization and to discuss compensation, before large commitments
have been made to a particular project design. Effort put into pre-application consultations and
planning will help applicants create projects which will be more quickly and easily processed.
3. Information requirements—Wetlands: Unless the Director of Community and Economic
Development waives one or more of the following information requirements, applications for a
wetland permit under this chapter shall include a wetland report containing meeting the
following informationcriteria:
a. Prepared by a qualified professional. A wetland report shall be prepared by a qualified
professional who is a wetland biologist, with experience preparing wetland reports.
b. Area addressed in wetland report. The following areas shall be addressed in a wetland
report.
i. The project area of the proposed activity;
ii. All wetlands and recommended buffers within 300 feet of the project area.
iii. All shoreline areas, water features, flood plains, and other environmentally sensitive
areas, and related buffers within 300 feet.
c. Wetland analysis. In addition to the minimum required contents of environmentally
sensitive area reports, a wetland report shall contain an analysis of the wetlands including
the following site- and proposal-related information at a minimum.
i. A written assessment and accompanying maps of the wetlands and buffers within 300
feet of the project area, including the following information at a minimum:
(A) Wetland delineation and required buffers;
(B) Existing wetland acreage;
(C) Wetland category; vegetative, faunal, and hydrologic characteristics;
Page 22
(D) Soil and substrate conditions; and
(E) Topographic elevations, at two-foot contours.
ii. A discussion of measures, including avoidance, minimization, and mitigation,
proposed to preserve existing wetlands and restore any wetlands that were degraded
prior to the current proposed land use activity.
iii. Proposed mitigation, if needed, including a written assessment and accompanying
maps of the mitigation area, including the following information at a minimum:
(A) Existing and proposed wetland acreage;
(B) Vegetative, faunal, and hydrologic conditions;
(C) Relationship within watershed and to existing water bodies;
(D) Soil and substrate conditions, topographic elevations;
(E) Existing and proposed adjacent site conditions;
(F) Required wetland buffers; and
(G) Property ownership
iv. A discussion of ongoing management practices that will protect wetlands after the
project site has been developed, including proposed monitoring and maintenance
programs.
The Director of Community and Economic Development may require additional
information, including but not limited to, an assessment of wetland functional
characteristics, including a discussion of the methodology used; documentation of the
ecological, aesthetic, economic, or other values of the wetland; a study of flood, erosion, or
other hazards at the site and the effect of any protective measures that might be taken to
reduce such hazards; and any other information deemed necessary to verify compliance
with the provisions of this chapter or to evaluate the proposed use in terms of the purposes
of this chapter. The Director of Community and Economic Development shall maintain and
make available to the public, all information applicable to any wetland and its buffer.
4. Filing fees: At the time of an application or request for delineation, the applicant shall pay a filing
fee as determined by the Director of Community and Economic Development. Sufficient fees
shall be charged to the applicant to cover the costs of evaluation of the application or request
for delineation. These fees may be used by the Director of Community and Economic
Development to retain expert consultants to provide services pertaining to wetland boundary
determinations, functional assessments, and evaluation of mitigation measures. As deemed
necessary by the Director of Community and Economic Development, the Director of
Community and Economic Development may assess additional reasonable fees as needed to
monitor and evaluate permit compliance and mitigation measures.
5. Notification: Upon receipt of the completed permit application, the Planning Director shall notify
the individuals and agencies, including Federal and State agencies, having jurisdiction over or
an interest in the matter, to provide such individuals and agencies an opportunity to comment.
The Director of Community and Economic Development shall establish a mailing list of all
interested persons and agencies who wish to be notified of such application.
6. Notice on title:
a. The owner of any property with field verified presence of wetland or wetland buffer
pursuant to subsection 15.24.040.C., on which a development proposal is submitted shall
file for record with the Clallam County Auditor a notice approved by the Director of
Community and Economic Development in a form substantially as set forth in subsection b.
below. Such notice shall provide notice documentation in the public record of the presence
Page 23
of a wetland or wetland buffer, the application of this chapter to the property, and that
limitations on actions in or affecting such wetlands and their buffers may exist.
The applicant shall submit proof that the notice has been filed for record before the City of
Port Angeles shall approve any development proposal for such site. The notice shall run
with the land and failure to provide such notice to any purchaser prior to transferring any
interest in the property shall be in violation of this chapter.
Page 24
b. Form of Notice:
WETLAND AND/OR WETLAND BUFFER NOTICE
Legal Description: _____
Present Owner: _____
NOTICE: This property contains wetlands or their buffers as defined by City of Port Angeles
Ordinance. The property was the subject of a development proposal for (type of permit) application #
____________________ filed on (date). Restrictions on use or alteration of the wetlands or their
buffers may exist due to natural conditions of the property and resulting regulations. Review of such
application has provided information on the location of wetlands or wetland buffers and restrictions
on their use through setback areas. A copy of the plan showing such setback areas is attached
hereto.
____________
(Signature of owner)
STATE OF WASHINGTON )
) SS:
COUNTY OF CLALLAM )
On this day personally appeared before me to me known to be the individual(s) described
in and who executed the within and foregoing instrument and acknowledged that they
signed the same as their free and voluntary act and deed for the uses and purposes
therein stated.
Given under my hand and official seal this ;daterule; day of ____________,
20____________.
____________
NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of Washington, residing at ____________
Page 25
D. Permit processing.
1. Consolidation: The Director of Community and Economic Development shall, to the extent
practicable and feasible, consolidate the processing of wetlands-related aspects of other City of
Port Angeles regulatory programs which affect activities in wetlands, such as subdivision,
clearing and grading, floodplain, and environmentally sensitive areas, with the wetland permit
process established herein so as to provide a timely and coordinated permit process.
2. Completeness of application: No later than 28 working days after receipt of the permit
application, the Director of Community and Economic Development shall notify the applicant as
to the completeness of the application. An application shall not be deemed complete until and
unless all information necessary to evaluate the proposed activity, its impacts, and its
compliance with the provisions of this chapter have been provided to the satisfaction of the
Director of Community and Economic Development. Such determination of completeness shall
not be construed as an approval or denial of the permit application.
3. Permit Action:
a. Upon receipt of a complete application for a permit authorizing activities on a Category I
wetland or its buffer, the City of Port Angeles shall submit the application to the
Washington State Department of Ecology for its review and comment. When such permit
applications are submitted, the Washington State Department of Ecology should submit its
comments or should request an extension of the review period within 30 days. Extensions
may be up to 30 days in length. When submitted, no permit shall be issued under this
subsection prior to receipt of such comments or the expiration of the time period or any
extension.
b. The Director of Community and Economic Development shall approve, approve with
conditions, or deny a permit application based on compliance with the standards and
requirements of this chapter. The Director of Community and Economic Development's
decision shall include written findings. (Ord. 3179 § 4 (part), 12/17/2004; Ord. 2928 (part),
9/13/1996; Ord. 2655 § 1 (part), 11/29/1991)
15.24.065 – Wetland Buffers.
A. Standard Buffer Zone Widths: Wetland buffer zones shall be required for all regulated activities
adjacent to regulated wetlands. Any wetland created, restored, or enhanced as compensation for
approved wetland alterations shall also include the standard buffer required for the category of the
created, restored, or enhanced wetland. All buffers shall be measured from the wetland boundary as
surveyed in the field, pursuant to the applicable definitions in 15.24.020. The standard buffer widths
in Table 15.24.065.1 have been established in accordance with the best available science. They are
based on the category of wetland and the habitat score as determined by a qualified wetland
professional using the Washington state wetland rating system for western Washington. The width
of the wetland buffer zone shall be determined according to wetland category and the intensity of the
proposed land use, as follows:
Table 15.24.065.1 Width of buffers needed to protect wetlands in Western Washington considering
impacts of proposed land uses.
Category of Wetland Land Use with Low
Impact*
Land Use with
Moderate Impact*
Land Use with High
Impact*
IV 25 ft. 40 ft 50 ft
III 75 ft 110 ft 150 ft
II 150 ft 225 ft 300 ft
I 150 ft 225 ft 300 ft
*See Table 15.24.065.2 below for types of land uses that can result in low, moderate, and high impacts
to wetlands.
Page 26
Table 15.24.065.2 Types of proposed land use that can result in high, moderate, and low levels of
impacts to adjacent wetlands.
Level of
Impact from
Proposed
Change in
Land Use
Type of Land Use Based on Common Zoning Designations
High Commercial
Urban
Industrial
Institutional
Retail sales
Residential (more than 1 unit / acre
Conversion to high-intensity agriculture (dairies, nurseries, greenhouses,
growing and harvesting crops requiring annual tilling and raising and
maintaining animals, etc.)
High-intensity recreation (golf courses, ball fields, etc.)
Hobby farms
Moderate Residential (1 unit / acre or less)
Moderate-intensity open space (parks with biking, jogging, etc.)
Conversion to moderate-intensity agriculture (orchards, hay fields, etc,)
Paved trails
Building of logging roads
Utility corridor or right-of-way shared by several utilities and including
access/maintenance roads
Low Forestry (cutting of trees only)
Low intensity open space (hiking, bird-watching, preservation of natural
resources, etc.)
Unpaved trails
Utility corridor without a maintenance road and little or no vegetation
management.
B. Increased Wetland Buffers Zone Width: The Director of Community and Economic Development
shall require increased standard buffer zone widths on a case-by-case basis when a larger buffer is
necessary to protect wetlands functions and values, based on local conditions. This determination
shall be supported by appropriate documentation showing that it is reasonably related to protection
of the functions and values of the regulated wetland. Such determination shall be attached as a
permit condition and shall demonstrate that:
1. a larger buffer is necessary to maintain viable populations of existing species; or
2. the wetland is used by species proposed or listed by the Federal Government or the State as
endangered, threatened, rare, monitor, or sensitive, critical or outstanding potential habitat for
those species, or has unusual nesting or resting sites, such as heron rookeries or raptor nesting
trees; or
3. the adjacent land is susceptible to severe erosion, and erosion control measures will not
effectively prevent adverse wetland impacts; or
4. the adjacent land has minimal vegetative cover or slopes greater than 15 percent.
Page 27
C. Reduction of Standard Wetland Buffer Zone Width: The Director of Community and Economic
Development may reduce the standard wetland buffer zone widths on a case-by-case basis where it
can be demonstrated that:
1. the adjacent land is a well vegetated plant community appropriate to the ecoregion with has less
than 15 percent slopes and that no direct or indirect, short-term or long-term, adverse impacts to
regulated wetlands, as determined by the Director of Community and Economic Development,
will result from a regulated activity. The Director of Community and Economic Development may
require long-term monitoring of the project and subsequent corrective actions if adverse impacts
to regulated wetlands are discovered; or
2. the project includes a buffer enhancement plan using native vegetation which substantiates that
an enhanced buffer will improve the functional attributes of the buffer to provide additional
protection for wetlands functions and values. An enhanced buffer shall not result in greater than
a 25 percent reduction in the buffer width, and the reduced buffer shall not be less than 25 feet.
D. Standard Wetland Buffer Width Averaging: Standard wetland buffer zones may be modified by
averaging buffer widths. Wetland buffer width averaging shall be allowed only where the applicant
demonstrates all of the following:
1. averaging is necessary to avoid an extraordinary hardship to the applicant caused by
circumstances peculiar to the property;
2. the wetland contains variations in sensitivity due to existing physical characteristics;
3. low intensity land uses would be located adjacent to areas where buffer width is reduced, and
that such low intensity land uses are guaranteed in perpetuity by covenant, deed restriction,
easement, or other legally binding mechanism;
4. width averaging will not adversely impact the wetland functional values; and
5. the total area contained within the wetland buffer after averaging is no less than that contained
within the standard buffer prior to averaging. In no instance shall the buffer width be reduced by
more than 25 percent of the standard buffer width and the reduced buffer shall not be less than
75 feet for Category I and II, 50 feet for Category III and 25 feet for Category IV, whichever is
greater.
E. Sequence of buffer reductions. Buffer averaging to improve wetland protection may be permitted
when all of the following conditions are met:
1. the wetland has significant differences in characteristics that affect its habitat function such as a
wetland with a forested component adjacent to a degraded emergent component or;
2. the wetland is a "dual-rated" wetland with a Category I area adjacent to a lower-rated area;
3. The buffer is increased adjacent to the higher-functioning area of habitat or more-sensitive
portion of the wetland and decreased adjacent to the lower-functioning or less-sensitive portion
as demonstrated by a critical areas report from a qualified wetland professional;
4. The total area of the buffer after averaging is equal to the area required without averaging;
5. The buffer at its narrowest point is never less than 75% of the required width or 75 feet for
Category I and II, 50 feet for Category III and 25 feet for Category IV, whichever is greater.
F. Averaging to allow reasonable use of a parcel may be permitted when all of the following are met:
1. There are no feasible alternatives to the site design that could be accomplished without buffer
averaging.
2. The averaged buffer will not result in degradation of the wetland's function and values as
demonstrated by a critical areas report from a qualified wetland professional.
3. The total buffer area after averaging is equal to the area required without averaging.
Page 28
4. The buffer at its narrowest point is never less than 75% of the required width or 75 feet for
Category I and II, 50 feet for Category III and 25 feet for Category IV, whichever is greater.
G. Except as otherwise specified, wetland buffer zones shall be retained in their undisturbed natural
condition except where the buffer can be enhanced to improve its functional attributes. Buffers that
are in their natural condition should not be altered and should remain in their natural condition and
be enhanced whenever possible. Any buffer enhancement and/or limited view clearing activity must
be reviewed and approved by the Department of Community and Economic Development. No
refuse shall be placed in the buffer. Where buffers have been altered or disturbance has occurred
during construction and ecological functions and values have been lost, restoration is required to
replace lost functions and values. If the existing buffer is unvegetated, sparsely vegetated, or
vegetated with invasive species that do not perform needed functions, the buffer should either be
planted to create the appropriate plant community or the buffer should be widened to ensure that
adequate functions of the buffer are provided.
H. Allowed Buffer Uses. The following uses may be allowed within a wetland buffer in accordance with
the review procedures of this Chapter, provided they are not prohibited by any other applicable law
and they are conducted in a manner so as to minimize impacts to the buffer and adjacent wetland:
1. Conservation and Restoration Activities. Conservation or restoration activities aimed at
protecting the soil, water, vegetation, or wildlife.
2. Passive recreation. Passive recreation facilities designed and in accordance with an approved
critical area report, including:
a. Walkways and trails, provided that those pathways are limited to minor crossings having no
adverse impact on water quality. They should be generally parallel to the perimeter of the
wetland, located only in the outer twenty-five percent (25%) of the wetland buffer area, and
located to avoid removal of significant trees. They should be limited to pervious surfaces no
more than five (5) feet in width for pedestrian use only. Raised boardwalks utilizing non-
treated pilings may be acceptable.
b. Wildlife-viewing structures.
3. Educational and scientific research activities.
4. Normal and routine maintenance and repair of any existing public or private facilities within an
existing right-of-way, provided that the maintenance or repair does not increase the footprint or
use of the facility or right-of-way.
5. The harvesting of wild crops in a manner that is not injurious to natural reproduction of such
crops and provided the harvesting does not require tilling of soil, planting of crops, chemical
applications, or alteration of the wetland by changing existing topography, water conditions, or
water sources.
6. Drilling for utilities/utility corridors under a buffer, with entrance/exit portals located completely
outside of the wetland buffer boundary, provided that the drilling does not interrupt the ground
water connection to the wetland or percolation of surface water down through the soil column.
Specific studies by a hydrologist are necessary to determine whether the ground water
connection to the wetland or percolation of surface water down through the soil column is
disturbed.
7. Enhancement of a wetland buffer through the removal of non-native invasive plant species.
Removal of invasive plant species shall be restricted to hand removal. All removed plant
material shall be taken away from the site and appropriately disposed of. Plants that appear on
the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board list of noxious weeds must be handled and
disposed of according to a noxious weed control plan appropriate to that species. Revegetation
with appropriate native species at natural densities is allowed in conjunction with removal of
invasive plant species.
Page 29
8. Stormwater management facilities. Stormwater management facilities are limited to stormwater
dispersion outfalls and bioswales. They may be allowed within the outer twenty-five percent
(25%) of the buffer of Category III or IV wetlands only, provided that:
a. No other location is feasible; and
b. The location of such facilities will not degrade the functions or values of the wetland; and
c. Stormwater management facilities are not allowed in buffers of Category I or II wetlands.
9. Non-Conforming Uses. Repair and maintenance of non-conforming uses or structures, where
legally established within the buffer, provided they do not increase the degree of nonconformity.
10. Building and Impervious Surface Setback Lines: A building or impervious surface setback line of
fifteen (15) feet is required from the edge of any wetland buffer. Minor structural intrusions into
the area of the building setback may be allowed if the Director of Community and Economic
Development determines that such intrusions will not negatively impact the wetland. The
setback shall be identified on a site plan which is filed as an attachment to the notice on title
required by Subsection 15.24.060(C)(6).
11. In association with a single family residence only, the establishment and expansion of lawns,
landscaping, orchards, gardens, and fences, provided that:
a. Lawns, landscaping, orchards, and gardens are only allowed within the outer 25 percent of
the buffer width where no other area within a property is available to accommodate these
land uses. Native vegetation shall be protected within wetland buffers to the maximum
extent practicable. No structure other than fences nor any impervious surface shall be
included in the above. No pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers may be used in wetland
buffers; and
b. Fences shall be designed to allow the unimpeded passage of surface water beneath them.
c. Activities having minimal adverse impacts on buffers and no adverse impacts on regulated
wetlands may be allowed. These include low intensity, passive recreational activities such
as wildlife viewing and hiking.
d. Within the buffers of Category III and IV wetlands only, vegetation-lined swales and LID
BMPs designed for stormwater management or conveyance when topographic restraints
determine there are no other upland alternative location. Swales, LID BMPs, and any
stormwater discharges from the swales/BMPs must also protect wetland functions in
accordance with Appendix I-D of the Department of Ecology's SWMMWW (2014).
15.24.070 - Standards for permit decisions.
A. A permit shall only be granted if the permit, as conditioned, is consistent with the provisions of this
chapter. Additionally, permits shall only be granted if:
1. A proposed action avoids adverse impacts to regulated wetlands, its functions, or their buffers
or takes affirmative and appropriate measures to minimize and compensate for unavoidable
impacts;
2. The proposed activity results in no net loss of wetland area and function; or
3. Denial of a permit would cause an extraordinary hardship on the applicant.
B. Wetlands permits shall not be effective and no activity thereunder shall be allowed during the time
provided to file a permit appeal.
C. Wetland buffers:
1. Standard buffer zone widths: Wetland buffer zones shall be required for all regulated activities
adjacent to regulated wetlands. Any wetland created, restored, or enhanced as compensation
for approved wetland alterations shall also include the standard buffer required for the category
Page 30
of the created, restored, or enhanced wetland. All buffers shall be measured from the wetland
boundary as surveyed in the field, pursuant to the applicable definitions in 15.24.020. The width
of the wetland buffer zone shall be determined according to wetland category and the intensity
of the proposed land use, as follows:
a. Category I:
High intensity 300 feet
Low intensity 200 feet
b. Category II:
High intensity 200 feet
Low intensity 100 feet
c. Category III:
High intensity 100 feet
Low intensity 50 feet
d. Category IV:
High intensity 50 feet
Low intensity 25 feet
2. Increased wetland buffers zone width: The Director of Community and Economic Development
shall require increased standard buffer zone widths on a case-by-case basis when a larger
buffer is necessary to protect wetlands functions and values, based on local conditions. This
determination shall be supported by appropriate documentation showing that it is reasonably
related to protection of the functions and values of the regulated wetland. Such determination
shall be attached as a permit condition and shall demonstrate that:
a. A larger buffer is necessary to maintain viable populations of existing species; or
b. The wetland is used by species proposed or listed by the Federal Government or the State
as endangered, threatened, rare, monitor, or sensitive, critical or outstanding potential
habitat for those species, or has unusual nesting or resting sites, such as heron rookeries
or raptor nesting trees; or
c. The adjacent land is susceptible to severe erosion, and erosion control measures will not
effectively prevent adverse wetland impacts; or
d. The adjacent land has minimal vegetative cover or slopes greater than 15 percent.
3. Reduction of standard wetland buffer zone width: The Director of Community and Economic
Development may reduce the standard wetland buffer zone widths on a case-by-case basis
where it can be demonstrated that:
a. The adjacent land is extensively vegetated and has less than 15 percent slopes and that
no direct or indirect, short-term or long-term, adverse impacts to regulated wetlands, as
determined by the Director of Community and Economic Development, will result from a
regulated activity. The Director of Community and Economic Development may require
long-term monitoring of the project and subsequent corrective actions if adverse impacts to
regulated wetlands are discovered; or
b. The project includes a buffer enhancement plan using native vegetation which
substantiates that an enhanced buffer will improve the functional attributes of the buffer to
provide additional protection for wetlands functions and values. An enhanced buffer shall
not result in greater than a 25 percent reduction in the buffer width, and the reduced buffer
shall not be less than 25 feet.
4. Standard wetland buffer width averaging: Standard wetland buffer zones may be modified by
averaging buffer widths. Wetland buffer width averaging shall be allowed only where the
applicant demonstrates all of the following:
a. That averaging is necessary to avoid an extraordinary hardship to the applicant caused by
circumstances peculiar to the property;
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b. That the wetland contains variations in sensitivity due to existing physical characteristics;
c. That low intensity land uses would be located adjacent to areas where buffer width is
reduced, and that such low intensity land uses are guaranteed in perpetuity by covenant,
deed restriction, easement, or other legally binding mechanism;
d. That width averaging will not adversely impact the wetland functional values; and
e. That the total area contained within the wetland buffer after averaging is no less than that
contained within the standard buffer prior to averaging. In no instance shall the buffer width
be reduced by more than 50 percent of the standard buffer or be less than 25 feet.
5. When applicable the order of sequence for buffer reductions shall be as follows:
a. Use of buffer averaging maintaining 100 percent of the buffer area under the standard
buffer requirement:
b. Reduction of the overall buffer area by no more than 25 percent of the area required under
the standard buffer requirement;
c. Enhancement of existing degraded buffer area and replanting of the disturbed buffer area;
d. Infiltration of stormwater where soils permit;
e. Retention of existing native vegetation on other portions of the site in order to offset habitat
loss from buffer reduction.
6. Except as otherwise specified, wetland buffer zones shall be retained in their undisturbed
natural condition except where the buffer can be enhanced to improve its functional attributes.
Buffers that are in their natural condition should not be altered and should remain in their natural
condition and be enhanced whenever possible. Any buffer enhancement and/or limited view
clearing activity must be reviewed and approved by the department. No refuse shall be placed
in the buffer. Where buffers have been altered or disturbance has occurred during construction
and ecological functions and values have been lost, restoration is required to replace lost
functions and values.
7. Permitted uses in a wetland buffer zone: In addition to those activities allowed in regulated
wetlands in this section, the following activities are allowed in wetland buffers without having to
meet the protection standards, or requirements for wetland studies or mitigation set forth in this
section, provided that impacts to buffers are minimized and that disturbed areas are
immediately restored.
a. In association with a single family residence only, the establishment and expansion of
lawns, landscaping, orchards, gardens, and fences, provided that:
i. Lawns, landscaping, orchards, and gardens shall be allowed within the outer 25
percent of the buffer width where no reasonable alternative is available. No structure
other than fences nor any impervious surface shall be included in the above. No
pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers may be used in wetland buffers; and
ii. Fences shall be designed to allow the unimpeded passage of surface water beneath
them.
b. Activities having minimal adverse impacts on buffers and no adverse impacts on regulated
wetlands. These include low intensity, passive recreational activities such as pervious
trails, nonpermanent wildlife watching blinds, and scientific or educational activities. Trails
within buffers shall be designed to minimize impacts to the wetland, and shall not include
any impervious surfaces.
c. Within the buffers of Category III and IV wetlands only, vegetation-lined swales designed
for stormwater management or conveyance when topographic restraints determine there
are no other upland alternative location. Swales used for detention purposes may only be
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placed in the outer 25 percent of the buffer. Conveyance swales may be placed through
the buffer, if necessary.
8. Building and impervious surface setback lines: A building or impervious surface setback line of
15 feet is required from the edge of any wetland buffer. Minor structural intrusions into the area
of the building setback may be allowed if the Director of Community and Economic
Development determines that such intrusions will not negatively impact the wetland. The
setback shall be identified on a site plan which is filed as an attachment to the notice on title
required by subsection 15.24.060.C.6.
DC. Avoiding wetland impacts:
1. Regulated activities shall not be authorized in a regulated wetland except where it can be
demonstrated that the impact is both unavoidable and necessary or that all reasonable
economic uses are denied.
2. With respect to Category I wetlands, an applicant must demonstrate that denial of the permit
would impose an extraordinary hardship on the part of the applicant brought about by
circumstances peculiar to the subject property.
3. With respect to Category II and III wetlands, the following provisions shall apply:
a. For water-dependent activities, unavoidable and necessary impacts can be demonstrated
where there are no practicable alternatives which would not involve a wetland or which
would not have less adverse impact on a wetland, and would not have other significant
adverse environmental consequences.
b. Where nonwater-dependent activities are proposed, it shall be presumed that adverse
impacts are avoidable. This presumption may be rebutted upon a demonstration that:
i. The basic project purpose cannot reasonably be accomplished utilizing one or more
other sites in the general region that would avoid, or result in less, adverse impact on
a regulated wetland; and
ii. A reduction in the size, scope, configuration, or density of the project as proposed and
all alternative designs of the project as proposed that would avoid, or result in less,
adverse impact on a regulated wetland or its buffer will not accomplish the basic
purpose of the project; and
iii. In cases where the applicant has rejected alternatives to the project as proposed due
to constraints such as zoning, deficiencies of infrastructure, or parcel size, the
applicant has made reasonable attempts to remove or accommodate such
constraints.
4. With respect to Category IV wetlands, unavoidable and necessary impacts can be
demonstrated where the proposed activity is the only reasonable alternative which will
accomplish the applicant's objectives.
ED. Reasonable use exception:
1. If an applicant for a development proposal demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Director of
Community and Economic Development that application of these standards would deny all
reasonable economic use of the property, development as conditioned may be allowed if the
applicant also demonstrates all of the following to the satisfaction of the Director of Community
and Economic Development:
a. That the proposed project is water-dependent or requires access to the wetland as a
central element of its basic function, or is not water-dependent but has no practicable
alternative, pursuant to subsection 15.24.070.D.;
b. That no reasonable use with less impact on the wetland and its buffer is possible (e.g.,
agriculture, aquaculture, transfer or sale of development rights or credits, sale of open
space easements, etc.);
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c. That there is no feasible on-site alternative to the proposed activities, including reduction in
density, phasing of project implementation, change in timing of activities, revision of road
and lot layout, and/or related site planning considerations, that would allow a reasonable
economic use with less adverse impacts to wetlands and wetland buffers;
d. That the proposed activities will result in minimum feasible alteration or impairment to the
wetland's functional characteristics and its existing contours, vegetation, fish and wildlife
resources, and hydrological conditions;
e. That disturbance of wetlands has been minimized by locating any necessary alteration in
wetland buffers to the extent possible;
f. That the proposed activities will not jeopardize the continued existence of endangered,
threatened, rare, sensitive, or monitor species as listed by the Federal government or the
State of Washington;
g. That the proposed activities will not cause significant degradation of groundwater or
surface water quality;
h. That the proposed activities comply with all State, local, and Federal laws, including those
related to sediment control, pollution control, floodplain restrictions, and on-site wastewater
disposal;
i. That any and all alterations to wetlands and wetland buffers will be mitigated as provided in
subsection 15.24.070.H.7E.;
j. That there will be no damage to nearby public or private property and no threat to the
health or safety of people on or off the property; and
k. That the inability to derive reasonable economic use of the property is not the result of
actions by the applicant in segregating or dividing the property and creating the
undevelopable condition after the original effective date of this chapter.
2. If the Director of Community and Economic Development determines that alteration of a wetland
and/or wetland buffer is necessary and unavoidable, the Director of Community and Economic
Development shall set forth in writing in the file he maintains regarding a permit application his
findings with respect to each of the items listed in this subsection.
3. Alternatively, if the Director of Community and Economic Development determines that
application of these standards would deny all reasonable economic use of the property, the City
may take the property for public use with just compensation being made.
FE. Minimizing wetlands impacts:
1. After it has been determined by the Director of Community and Economic Development
pursuant to subsection 15.24.070.D. that losses of wetland are necessary and unavoidable or
that all reasonable economic use has been denied, the applicant shall take deliberate measures
to minimize wetland impacts.
2. Minimizing impacts to wetlands shall include but is not limited to:
a. Limiting the degree or magnitude of the regulated activity;
b. Limiting the implementation of the regulated activity;
c. Using appropriate and best available technology;
d. Taking affirmative steps to avoid or reduce impacts;
e. Sensitive site design and siting of facilities and construction staging areas away from
regulated wetlands and their buffers;
f. Involving resource agencies early in site planning; and
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g. Providing protective measures and best management practices, such as siltation curtains,
hay bales, and other siltation prevention measures; scheduling the regulated activity to
avoid interference with wildlife and fisheries rearing, resting, nesting, or spawning activities.
GF. Limited density transfer: For development proposals on lands containing wetland buffers, the
Director of Community and Economic Development shall determine allowable dwelling units for
residential development proposals based on the formulas below.
The following formula for density calculations is designed to provide incentives for the preservation of
wetlands and wetland buffers, flexibility in design, and consistent treatment of different types of
development proposals. The formula shall apply to all properties within existing residential zones on
which wetlands and wetland buffers are located.
The maximum number of dwelling units (DU) for a lot or parcel which contains wetlands and wetland
buffers shall be equal to: (Acres in Wetland Buffer)(DU/Acre)(Density Credit).
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The density credit figure is derived from the following table:
Percentage of site
in buffers Density Credit
1—10% 100%
11—20% 90%
21—30% 80%
31—40% 70%
41—50% 60%
51—60% 50%
61—70% 40%
71—80% 30%
81—90% 20%
91—99% 10%
The density credit can only be transferred within the development proposal site. To the extent that
application of the formula may result in lot sizes less than the minimum allowed by the underlying district,
they are hereby authorized, provided that the resultant lot is of sufficient size for an on-site waste disposal
system if no sanitary sewer system exists. Should the density credit allow average lot size to fall below
the minimum standard allowed by underlying zoning, the applicant shall use planned residential
development procedures for project review.
The Director of Community and Economic Development shall not allow credit for density for the portions
of the site occupied by wetlands.
HG. Acting on the application:
1. Special use permit conditions:
a. Sensitive area tracts: As a condition of any permit issued pursuant to this chapter, the
permit holder may be required to create a separate sensitive area tract or tracts containing
the areas determined to be wetland and/or wetland buffer in field investigations performed
pursuant to subsection 15.24.040.C. Sensitive area tracts are legally created tracts
containing wetlands and their buffers that shall remain undeveloped in perpetuity.
Sensitive area tracts are an integral part of the lot in which they are created; are not
intended for sale, lease or transfer; and shall be included in the area of the parent lot for
purposes of subdivision method and minimum lot size.
b. Protection of sensitive area tracts: The Director of Community and Economic Development
shall require, as a condition of any permit issued pursuant to this chapter, that the sensitive
area tract or tracts created pursuant to subsection 15.24.070.HG.1. be protected by one of
the following methods:
i. The permit holder shall convey an irrevocable offer to dedicate to the City of Port
Angeles or other public or non-profit entity specified by the Director of Community and
Economic Development, an easement for the protection of native vegetation within a
wetland and/or its buffer; or
ii. The permit holder shall establish and record a permanent and irrevocable deed
restriction on the property title of all lots containing a sensitive area tract or tracts
created as a condition of this permit. Such deed restriction(s) shall prohibit in
perpetuity the development, alteration, or disturbance of vegetation within the
sensitive area tract except for purposes of habitat enhancement as part of an
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enhancement project which has received prior written approval from the City of Port
Angeles, and any other agency with jurisdiction over such activity.
c. The deed restriction shall also contain the following language:
"Before beginning and during the course of any grading, building construction, or other
development activity on a lot or development site subject to this deed restriction, the
common boundary between the area subject to the deed restriction and the area of
development activity must be fenced or otherwise marked to the satisfaction of the City of
Port Angeles."
d. Regardless of the legal method of protection chosen by the Director of Community and
Economic Development, responsibility for maintaining sensitive area tracts shall be held by
a homeowners association, adjacent lot owners, the permit applicant or designee, or other
appropriate entity as approved by the Director of Community and Economic Development.
e. The following note shall appear on the face of all plats, short plats, PRDs, or other
approved site plans containing separate sensitive area tracts, and shall be recorded on the
title of record for all affected lots:
"NOTE: All lots adjoining separate sensitive area tracts identified as Native Vegetation
Protection Easements or protected by deed restriction, are responsible for maintenance
and protection of the tracts. Maintenance includes ensuring that no alterations occur within
the separate tract and that all vegetation remains undisturbed for other than natural
reasons, unless the express written authorization of the City of Port Angeles has been
received."
f. The common boundary between a separate sensitive area tract and the adjacent land must
be permanently identified. This identification shall include permanent wooden fence and/or
metal signs on treated wood or metal posts.
i. Permanent signs shall be made of an enamel-coated metal face and attached to a
metal post or another non-treated material of equal durability. Signs must be posted
at an interval of one (1) per lot or every fifty (50) feet, whichever is less, and must be
maintained by the property owner in perpetuity.
ii. Signs shall be worded as follows:
"Protection of this natural area is in your care. Alteration or disturbance is prohibited by
law. Please call the Port Angeles Planning Department for more information."
Wetlands Area
Use of this Environmentally Sensitive Area is regulated by City
Ordinance. Its protection is in your care. Alteration or disturbance is
prohibited by law. Please call the Port Angeles Planning Division at 417-
4750 for more information.
iii. Signs shall include the official Port Angeles City Logo printed no less than a 5" X 5"
area.
g. Sign locations and size specifications shall be approved by the Director of Community and
Economic Development. When The the Director of Community and Economic
Development shall requires permanent fencing of the wetland/wetland buffer sensitive area
tract or tracts. , fencing shall be designed so as to not interfere with species migration,
including fish runs, and shall be constructed in a manner that minimizes impacts to the
wetland and associated habitat. In lieu of fencing, alternative methods of wetland and
buffer identification may be approved when such methods are determined by the
department to provide adequate protection to the wetland buffer.
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h. Additional conditions:
i. The location of the outer extent of the wetland buffer and the areas to be disturbed
pursuant to an approved permit shall be marked in the field, and such field marking
shall be approved by the Director of Community and Economic Development prior to
the commencement of permitted activities. Such field markings shall be maintained
throughout the duration of the permit.
ii. The Director of Community and Economic Development may attach such additional
conditions to the granting of a special use permit as deemed necessary to assure the
preservation and protection of affected wetlands and to assure compliance with the
purposes and requirements of this chapter.
2. Bonding:
a. Performance bonds: The Director of Community and Economic Development may require
the applicant of a development proposal to post a cash performance bond or other security
acceptable to the Director of Community and Economic Development in an amount and
with surety and conditions sufficient to fulfill the requirements of subsection 15.24.070.H.6.
and, in addition, to secure compliance with other conditions and limitations set forth in the
permit. The amount and the conditions of the bond shall be consistent with the purposes
of this chapter. In the event of a breach of any condition of any such bond, the City of Port
Angeles may institute an action in a court of competent jurisdiction upon such bond and
prosecute the same to judgment and execution. The Director of Community and Economic
Development shall release the bond upon determining the following, provided that prior to
such written release of the bond, the principal or surety cannot be terminated or canceled;
i. All activities, including any required compensatory mitigation, have been completed in
compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit and the requirements of this
chapter;
ii. The posting by the applicant of a maintenance bond has occurred.
b. Maintenance bonds: The Director of Community and Economic Development shall require
the holder of a development permit issued pursuant to this chapter to post a cash
performance bond or other security acceptable to the Director of Community and Economic
Development in an amount and with surety and conditions sufficient to guarantee that
structures, improvements, and mitigation required by the permit or by this chapter perform
satisfactorily for a minimum of two years after they have been completed. The Director of
Community and Economic Development shall release the maintenance bond upon
determining that performance standards established for evaluating the effectiveness and
success of the structures, improvements, and/or compensatory mitigation have been
satisfactorily met for the required period. For compensation projects, the performance
standards shall be those contained in the mitigation plan developed and approved during
the permit review process, pursuant to subsection 15.24.070.H.72. The maintenance bond
applicable to a compensation project shall not be released until the Director of Community
and Economic Development determines that performance standards established for
evaluating the effect and success of the project have been met.
3. Other laws and regulations: No permit granted pursuant to this chapter shall remove an
applicant's obligation to comply in all respects with the applicable provisions of any other
federal, state, or local law or regulation, including but not limited to the acquisition of any other
required permit or approval.
4. Suspension or revocation: In addition to other penalties provided for elsewhere, the Director of
Community and Economic Development may suspend or revoke a permit if he/she finds that the
applicant or permittee has not complied with any or all of the conditions or limitations set forth in
the permit; has exceeded the scope of work set forth in the permit; or has failed to undertake
the project in the manner set forth in the approved application.
Page 38
5. Publication of notice: The Director of Community and Economic Development shall cause notice
of his/her denial, issuance, conditional issuance, revocation, or suspension of a permit to be
published in a daily newspaper having a broad circulation in the area wherein the wetland lies.
Such notice shall be published within five working days of the decision or order and shall
include at least the following:
a. A brief description of the project, including location;
b. The decision or order of the City with respect to the project;
c. Notification that the permit file is open for public inspection during regular business hours,
and the address where such file may be inspected; and
d. A statement of the procedures regarding appeal or judicial review of the decision, if
applicable.
6H. Compensating for wetlands impacts:
1. As a condition of any permit allowing alteration of wetlands and/or wetland buffers, or as an
enforcement action pursuant to subsection 15.24.080.C., the Director of Community and
Economic Development shall require that the applicant engage in the restoration, creation, or
enhancement of wetlands and their buffers in order to offset the impacts resulting from the
applicant's or violator's actions. The applicant shall develop a plan which provides for land
acquisition, construction, maintenance, and monitoring of replacement wetlands that recreate as
nearly as possible the original wetlands in terms of acreage, function, geographic location and
setting, and that are larger than the original wetlands. Fencing shall be designed so as to not
interfere with species migration, including fish runs, and shall be constructed in a manner that
minimizes impacts to the wetland and associated habitat. The overall goal of any compensatory
project shall be no net loss of wetlands function and acreage and to strive for a new resource
gain in wetlands over present conditions. Compensation shall be completed prior to wetland
destruction, where possible.
Compensatory mitigation shall follow an approved mitigation plan pursuant to subsection
15.24.070.H.7. and shall meet the following minimum performance standards: All development
work shall remain stopped until a mitigation/restoration plan is prepared and approved by the
City. The mitigation/restoration plan shall meet the following minimum performance standards:
a. Given the uncertainties in scientific knowledge and the need for expertise and monitoring,
wetland compensatory projects may be permitted only when the Director of Community
and Economic Development finds that the compensation project is associated with an
activity or development otherwise permitted and that the restored, created, or enhanced
wetland will be as persistent as the wetland it replaces. Additionally, applicants shall:
i. Demonstrate sufficient scientific expertise, supervisory capability, and financial
resources to carry out the project;
ii. Demonstrate the capability for monitoring the site and to make corrections during this
period if the project fails to meet projected goals; and
iii. Protect and manage or provide for the protection and management of the
compensation area to avoid further development or degradation and to provide for
long-term persistence of the compensation area.
2. Mitigation Sequencing:
Before impacting any wetland or its buffer, an applicant shall demonstrate that the following actions
have been taken. Actions are listed in the order of preference:
a. Avoid the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action.
b. Minimize impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation, by
using appropriate technology, or by taking affirmative steps to avoid or reduce impacts.
Page 39
c. Rectify the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment.
d. Reduce or eliminate the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations.
e. Compensate for the impact by replacing, enhancing, or providing substitute resources or
environments.
f. Monitor the required compensation and take remedial or corrective measures when
necessary.
3. Preference of Mitigation Actions. Methods to achieve compensation for wetland functions shall
be approached in the following order of preference:
a. Restoration (re-establishment and rehabilitation) of wetlands.
b. Creation (establishment) of wetlands on disturbed upland sites such as those with vegetative
cover consisting primarily of non-native species. This should be attempted only when there is
an adequate source of water and it can be shown that the surface and subsurface hydrologic
regime is conducive to the wetland community that is anticipated in the design.
c. Enhancement of significantly degraded wetlands in combination with restoration or creation.
Enhancement alone will result in a loss of wetland acreage and is less effective at replacing
the functions lost. Enhancement should be part of a mitigation package that includes
replacing the impacted area and meeting appropriate ratio requirements.
d. Preservation of high-quality, at-risk wetlands as compensation is generally acceptable when
done in combination with restoration, creation, or enhancement, provided that a minimum of
1:1 acreage replacement is provided by re-establishment or creation.
4. Preservation of high-quality, at risk wetlands and habitat may be considered as the sole means of
compensation for wetland impacts when the following criteria are met:
a. Wetland impacts will not have a significant adverse impact on habitat for listed fish, or other
ESA listed species.
b. There is no net loss of habitat functions within the watershed or basin.
c. Mitigation ratios for preservation as the sole means of mitigation shall generally start at 20:1.
Specific ratios should depend upon the significance of the preservation project and the quality
of the wetland resources lost.
d. The impact area is small (generally <½ acre) and/or impacts are occurring to a low-
functioning system (Category III or IV wetland).
All preservation sites shall include buffer areas adequate to protect the habitat and its functions
from encroachment and degradation.
b5. Wetlands restoration and creation:
ia. Any person who alters regulated wetlands shall restore or create equivalent areas or greater
areas of wetlands than those altered in order to compensate for wetland losses.
iib. Where feasible, restored or created wetlands shall be a higher category than the altered
wetland.
iiic. Compensation areas shall be determined according to function, acreage, type, location, time
factors, ability to be self-sustaining, and projected success. Wetland functions and values
shall be calculated using the best professional judgment of a qualified wetland ecologist using
the best available techniques. Multiple compensation projects may be proposed for one
project in order to best achieve the goal of no net loss.
ivd. Acreage replacement ratio. The following ratios apply to creation or restoration which is in-
kind, on-site, timed prior to or concurrent with alteration, and has a high probability of
success. These ratios do not apply to remedial actions resulting from illegal alterations. The
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first number specifies the acreage of wetlands requiring replacement and the second
specifies the acreage of wetlands altered.
Category I 6:1
Category II or III
Forested 3:1
Scrub-shrub 2:1
Emergent 1.5:1
Category IV 1.25:1
Category and Type of
Wetland
Creation or
Reestablishment
Rehabilitation
Enhancement
Preservation
Category I:
Bog, Natural Heritage
site
Not considered possible 6:1 Case by case 10:1
Category I:
Mature Forested
6:1 12:1 24:1 24:1
Category I:
Based on functions
4:1 8:1 16:1 20:1
Category II 3:1 6:1 12:1 20:1
Category III 2:1 4:1 8:1 15:1
Category IV 1.5:1 3:1 6:1 10:1
(A)e Increased replacement ratio: The Director of Community and Economic Development
may increase the ratios under the following circumstances:
(1)i Uncertainty as to the probable success of the proposed restoration or creation;
(2)ii Significant period of time between destruction and replication of wetland
functions;
(3)iii Projected losses in functional value; or
(4)iv Off-site compensation.
(B)f Decreased replacement ratio: The Director of Community and Economic Development
may decrease these ratios based on findings of special studies coordinated with
agencies with expertise which demonstrate that no net loss of wetland function or value is
attained under the decreased ratio.
(C)g In all cases, a minimum acreage replacement ratio of 1:1 shall be required.
c5. Wetlands enhancement:
ia. Any applicant proposing to alter wetlands may propose to enhance existing significantly
degraded wetlands in order to compensate for wetland losses. Applicants proposing to
enhance wetlands shall identify how enhancement conforms to the overall goals and
requirements of the local wetlands protection program and established regional goals.
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iib. A wetlands enhancement compensation project shall be determined pursuant to
subsection 15.24.070.H.6., provided that enhancement for one function and value will not
degrade another function or value and that acreage replacement ratios shall be doubled
to recognize existing functional values and, provided further, that Category I wetlands
shall not be enhanced.
d6. Wetland type: In-kind compensation shall be provided except where the applicant can
demonstrate that:
i. In-kind compensation shall be provided except where the applicant can demonstrate
that:
(A)a The wetland system is already significantly degraded and out-of-kind replacement will
result in a wetland with greater functional value;
(B)b Scientific problems, such as exotic vegetation and changes in watershed hydrology make
implementation of in-kind compensation impossible; or
(C)c Out-of-kind replacement will best meet identified regional goals (e.g., replacement of
historically diminished wetland types).
(D)d Where out-of-kind replacement is accepted, greater acreage replacement ratios may be
required to compensate for lost functional values.
e7. Location:
ia. On-site compensation shall be provided except where the applicant can demonstrate
that:
(A)i The hydrology and ecosystem of the original wetland and those who benefit from
the hydrology and ecosystem will not be substantially damaged by the on-site
loss; and
(B)ii On-site compensation is not scientifically feasible due to problems with
hydrology, soils, waves, or other factors; or
(C)iii Compensation is not practical due to potentially adverse impact from surrounding
land uses; or
(D)iv Existing functional values at the site of the proposed restoration are significantly
greater than lost wetland functional values; or
(E)v That established regional goals for flood storage, flood conveyance, habitat or
other wetland functions have been established and strongly justify location of
compensatory measures at another site.
iib. Off-site compensation shall occur within the same watershed as the wetland loss
occurred; provided that Category IV wetlands may be replaced outside of the
watershed when there is no reasonable alternative.
iiic. In selecting compensation sites, applicants shall pursue siting in the following order of
preference:
(A)i Upland sites which were formerly wetlands;
(B)ii Idled upland sites generally having bare ground or vegetative cover consisting
primarily of exotic introduced species, weeds, or emergent vegetation;
(C)iii Other disturbed upland.
f8. Timing:
ia. Where feasible, compensation projects shall be completed prior to activities that will
disturb wetlands, and immediately after activities that will temporarily disturb wetlands.
In all other cases, except for Category I wetlands, compensatory projects should be
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completed prior to use or occupancy of the activity or development which was
conditioned upon such compensation. Construction of compensation projects shall be
timed to reduce impacts to existing wildlife and flora.
g9. Cooperative restoration, creation, or enhancement projects:
ia. The Director of Community and Economic Development may encourage, facilitate,
and approve cooperative projects wherein a single applicant or other organization with
demonstrated capability may undertake a compensation project with funding from
other applicants under the following circumstances:
(A)i Restoration, creation, or enhancement at a particular site may be scientifically
difficult or impossible; or
(B)ii Creation of one or several larger wetlands may be preferable to many small
wetlands.
iib. Persons proposing cooperative compensation projects shall:
(A)i Submit a joint permit application;
(B)ii Demonstrate compliance with all standards;
(C)iii Demonstrate the organizational and fiscal capability to act cooperatively; and
(D)iv Demonstrate that long-term management can and will be provided.
710. Non-compensatory enhancement: Non-compensatory enhancements are those wetland
enhancement projects which are conducted solely to increase the functions and values of an
existing wetland and which are not required to be conducted pursuant to the requirements of
section 15.24.070(H)(65). There are two types of non-compensatory enhancement:
a. Type 1 non-compensatory enhancement. Type 1 non-compensatory enhancement projects
involve the filling, draining, or excavating of a regulated wetland. All applications for Type 1
non-compensatory enhancement projects shall be accompanied by an enhancement plan
prepared in accordance with subsections (i)a) - b), below, which demonstrates that the
proposed activities will result in an increase in wetland functions and values.
i. The enhancement plan must be submitted for review and approval by the Director of
Community and Economic Development:
ii. The enhancement plan must either be prepared by a qualified wetlands consultant or
accepted in writing by the U.S. Fish and wildlife Service, and the Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife, or the Washington Department of Ecology.
b. Type 2 non-compensatory enhancement. Type 2 non-compensatory enhancement projects
involve wetland alterations that do not include the filling, draining, or excavation of a
regulated wetland. Such projects might involve the removal of non-native plant species.
All application for Type 2 non-compensatory enhancement projects shall be accompanied
by an enhancement plan prepared in accordance with subsections (ii)a) - b), below, which
demonstrates that the proposed activities will result in an increase in wetland functions and
values.
i. The enhancement plan shall be submitted for review and approval by the Director of
Community and Economic Development;
ii. The enhancement plan must include a detailed description of the activity including the
following information:
(A) The goal of the enhancement project;
(B) What plants, if any, will be removed or planted;
(C) How the activity will be conducted, including the type(s) of tools or machinery to
be used; and
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(D) The qualifications of the individual who will be conducting the enhancement
activity.
iii. The enhancement plan must either be prepared by a qualified wetlands consultant or
accepted in writing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Washington Department
of Fish and Wildlife, or the Washington department of Ecology.
811. Mitigation plans: All wetland restoration, creation, and/or enhancement projects required
pursuant to this chapter, either as a permit condition or as the result of an enforcement action,
shall follow a mitigation plan prepared by qualified wetland professionals approved by the
Director of Community and Economic Development. The applicant or violator shall receive
written approval of the mitigation plan by the Director of Community and Economic
Development prior to commencement of any wetland restoration, creation, or enhancement
activity. Unless the Director of Community and Economic Development, in consultation with
qualified wetland professionals, determines, based on the size and nature of the development
proposal, the nature of the impacted wetland, and the degree of cumulative impacts on the
wetland from other development proposals, that the scope and specific requirements of the
mitigation plan may be reduced from what is listed below, the mitigation plan shall contain at
least the following components:
a. Baseline information: A written assessment and accompanying maps of the:
i. Impacted wetland including, at a minimum, wetland delineation; existing wetland
acreage; vegetative, faunal, and hydrologic characteristics; soil and substrate
conditions; topographic elevations; and
ii. Compensation site, if different from the impacted wetland site, including, at a
minimum, existing acreage; vegetative, faunal, and hydrologic conditions; relationship
within watershed and to existing waterbodies; soil and substrate conditions;
topographic elevations; existing and proposed adjacent site conditions; buffers; and
ownership.
b. Environmental goals and objectives: A written report shall be provided identifying goals and
objectives and describing:
i. The purposes of the compensation measures, including a description of site selection
criteria; identification of compensation goals; identification of target evaluation species
and resource functions; dates for beginning and completion; and a complete
description of the structure and functional relationships sought in the new wetland.
The goals and objectives shall be related to the functions and values of the original
wetland, or if out-of-kind, the type of wetland to be emulated.
ii. A review of the available literature and/or experience to date in restoring or creating
the type of wetland proposed shall be provided. An analysis of the likelihood of
success of the compensation project at duplicating the original wetland shall be
provided based on the experiences of comparable projects, if any. An analysis of the
likelihood of persistence of the created or restored wetland shall be provided based on
such factors as surface and ground water supply and flow patterns; dynamics of the
wetland ecosystem; sediment or pollutant influx and/or erosion, periodic flooding and
drought, etc.; presence of invasive flora or fauna; potential human or animal
disturbance; and previous comparable projects, if any.
c. Performance standards: Specific criteria shall be provided for evaluating whether or not the
goals and objectives of the project and for beginning remedial action or contingency
measures. Such criteria may include water quality standards, survival rates of planted
vegetation, species abundance and diversity targets, habitat diversity indices, or other
ecological, geological, or hydrological criteria.
d. Detailed construction plans: Written specifications and descriptions of compensation
techniques shall be provided, including the proposed construction sequence; grading and
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excavation details; erosion and sediment control features needed for wetland construction
and long-term survival; a planting plan specifying plant species, quantities, locations, size,
spacing, and density; source of plant materials, propagules, or seeds; water and nutrient
requirements for planting; where appropriate, measures to protect plants from predation;
specification of substrate stockpiling techniques and planting instructions; descriptions of
water control structures and water-level maintenance practices needed to achieve the
necessary hydrocycle/hydroperiod characteristics; etc. These written specifications shall
be accompanied by detailed site diagrams, scaled cross-sectional drawings, topographic
maps showing slope percentage and final grade elevations, and any other drawings
appropriate to show construction techniques or anticipated final outcome. The plan shall
provide for elevations which are appropriate for the desired habitat type(s) and which
provide sufficient tidal prism and circulation data.
e. Monitoring program: A program outlining the approach for monitoring construction of the
compensation project and for assessing a completed project shall be provided. Monitoring
may include, but is not limited to:
i. Establishing vegetation plots to track changes in plant species composition and
density over time;
ii. Using photo stations to evaluate vegetation community response;
iii. Sampling surface and subsurface waters to determine pollutant loading, and changes
from the natural variability of background conditions (pH, nutrients, heavy metals);
iv. Measuring base flow rates and storm water runoff to model and evaluate water quality
predictions, if appropriate;
v. Measuring sedimentation rates, if applicable; and
vi. Sampling fish and wildlife populations to determine habitat utilization, species
abundance, and diversity.
A protocol shall be included outlining how the monitoring data will be evaluated by
agencies that are tracking the progress of the compensation project. A monitoring report
shall be submitted annually, at a minimum, documenting milestones, successes, problems,
and contingency actions of the compensation project. The compensation project shall be
monitored for a period necessary to establish that performance standards have been met,
but not for a period less than five (5) years.
f. Contingency plan: Identification of potential courses of action, and any corrective measures
to be taken when monitoring or evaluation indicates project performance standards are not
being met.
g. Permit conditions: Any compensation project prepared pursuant to this section and
approved by the Director of Community and Economic Development shall become part of
the application for the permit.
h. Performance bonds and demonstration of competence: A demonstration of financial
resources, administrative, supervisory, and technical competence and scientific expertise
of sufficient standard to successfully execute the compensation project shall be provided.
A compensation project manager shall be named and the qualifications of each team
member involved in preparing the mitigation plan and implementing and supervising the
project shall be provided, including educational background and areas of expertise, training
and experience with comparable projects. In addition, bonds ensuring fulfillment of the
compensation project, monitoring program, and any contingency measure shall be posted
pursuant to subsection 15.24.070.H. in the amount of 120 percent of the expected cost of
compensation.
i. Regulatory authorities are encouraged to consult with and solicit comments of any Federal,
State, regional, or local agency, including tribes, having any special expertise with respect
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to any environmental impact prior to approving a mitigation proposal which includes
wetlands compensation. The compensation project proponents should provide sufficient
information on plan design and implementation in order for such agencies to comment on
the overall adequacy of the mitigation proposal.
j. Compensatory mitigation is not required for regulated activities:
i. For which a permit has been obtained that occur only in the buffer or expanded buffer
and which have no adverse impacts to regulated wetlands; or
ii. Which are allowed pursuant to subsection 15.24.050.B., provided such activities
utilize best management practices to protect the functions and values of regulated
wetlands.
I. Appeals: Any decision of the Director of Community and Economic Development in the
administration of this chapter may be appealed in writing to the City Council within 14 days of the
issuance of notice of the decision. The time period for considering the appeal shall not exceed 90
days.
J. Modification of wetland permits: A wetland permit holder may request and the Director of Community
and Economic Development may approve modification of a previously issued wetland permit.
K. Resubmittal of denied permit applications: A wetland permit application which has been denied may
be modified and resubmitted no earlier than 180 days following action on the original application. A
permit application shall be considered a resubmittal if the site proposed for development was the
subject of a wetland permit application within the previous 180 days. A new fee will be required for
such resubmittal. (Ord. 3330 § 2, 4/25/2008; Ord. 3179 § 4 (part), 12/17/2004; Ord. 3007 § 3, 1/15/1999; Ord. 2928
(part), 9/13/1996; Ord. 2655 § 1 (part), 11/29/1991)
15.24.080 - Temporary emergency permit—Enforcement.
A. Temporary emergency permit: Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter or any other laws to the
contrary, the Director of Community and Economic Development may issue a temporary emergency
wetlands permit if:
1. The Director of Community and Economic Development determines that an unacceptable threat
to life or severe loss of property will occur if an emergency permit is not granted; and
2. The anticipated threat or loss may occur before a permit can be issued or modified under the
procedures otherwise required by this chapter and other applicable laws.
B. Any emergency permit granted shall incorporate, to the greatest extent practicable and feasible but
not inconsistent with the emergency situation, the standards and criteria required for non-emergency
activities under this act and shall:
1. Be limited in duration to the time required to complete the authorized emergency activity, not to
exceed 90 days; and
2. Require, within this 90-day period, the restoration of any wetland altered as a result of the
emergency activity; except that if more than the 90 days from the issuance of the emergency
permit is required to complete restoration, the emergency permit may be extended to complete
this restoration.
Issuance of an emergency permit by the Director of Community and Economic Development does not
preclude the necessity to obtain necessary approvals from appropriate Federal and State authorities.
Notice of the issuance of the emergency permit and request for public comments shall be published at
least once a week on the same day of the week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper having a
general circulation in the City of Port Angeles, the City publication to be no later than ten days after
issuance of the emergency permit.
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The emergency permit may be terminated at any time without process upon a determination by the
Director of Community and Economic Development that the action was not or is no longer necessary to
protect human health or the environment.
C. Enforcement:
1. General enforcement: The City of Port Angeles shall have authority to enforce this chapter, any
rule or regulation adopted, and any permit or order issued, pursuant to this chapter, against any
violation or threatened violation thereof. The City of Port Angeles is authorized to issue
violation notices and administrative orders, levy fines, and/or institute legal actions in court.
Recourse to any single remedy shall not preclude recourse to any of the other remedies. Each
violation of this chapter, or any rule or regulation adopted, or any permit, permit condition, or
order issued pursuant to this chapter, shall be a separate offense, and, in the case of a
continuing violation, each day's continuance shall be deemed to be a separate and distinct
offense. All costs, fees, and expenses in connection with enforcement actions may be
recovered as damages against the violator. Enforcement actions shall include civil penalties,
administrative orders and actions for damages and restoration.
2. Injunctive relief: The City of Port Angeles may bring appropriate actions at law or equity,
including actions for injunctive relief, to ensure that no uses are made of a regulated wetland or
their buffers which are inconsistent with this chapter or an applicable wetlands protection
program.
3. Cease and desist order: The City of Port Angeles may serve upon a person a cease and desist
order if an activity being undertaken on regulated wetlands or its buffer is in violation of this
chapter or any permit issued to implement this chapter. Whenever any person violates this
chapter or any permit issued to implement this chapter, the City of Port Angeles may issue an
order reasonably appropriate to cease such violation and to mitigate any environmental damage
resulting therefrom.
Content of order: The order shall set forth and contain:
a. A description of the specific nature, extent, and time of violation and the damage or
potential damages.
b. A notice that the violation or the potential violation cease and desist or, in appropriate
cases, the specific correction action to be taken within a given time. A civil penalty may be
issued with the order.
c. Effective date: The cease and desist order issued under this section shall become effective
immediately upon receipt by the person to whom the order is directed.
d. Compliance: Failure to comply with the terms of a cease and desist order can result in
enforcement actions including, but not limited to, the issuance of a civil penalty.
4. Penalties: Any person, party, firm, corporation, or other legal entity who undertakes any activity
within a regulated wetland or its buffer without first obtaining a permit required by this chapter,
except as allowed in subsection 15.24.050.B., or any person, party, firm, corporation, or other
legal entity who violates one or more conditions of any permit required by this chapter or of any
order issued pursuant to this section, shall incur a penalty allowed per violation. In the case of a
continuing violation, each permit violation and each day of activity without a required permit
shall be a separate and distinct violation. The penalty amount shall be set in consideration of
the previous history of the violator and the severity of the environmental impact of the violation.
The penalty provided in this subsection shall be appealable to the Superior Court of Clallam
County.
5. Aiding or abetting: Any person who, through an act of commission or omission, procures, aids,
or abets in the violation shall be considered to have committed a violation for the purposes of
the penalty.
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6. Notice of penalty: Civil penalties imposed under this section shall be imposed by a notice in
writing, either by certified mail with return receipt requested or by personal service, to the
person incurring the same from the Department and/or the City of Port Angeles, or from both
jointly. The notice shall describe the violation, approximate the date(s) of violation, and shall
order the acts constituting the violation to cease and desist, or, in appropriate cases, require
necessary correction corrective action within a specific time.
7. Application for remission or mitigation: Any person incurring a penalty may apply in writing
within 30 days of receipt of the penalty to the Director of Community and Economic
Development for remission or mitigation of such penalty. Upon receipt of the application, the
City of Port Angeles may remit or mitigate the penalty upon a demonstration of extraordinary
circumstances, such as the presence of information or factors not considered in setting the
original penalty.
8. Appeals: Orders and penalties issued pursuant to this subsection may be appealed as provided
for in subsection 15.24.070.I.
9. Criminal penalties shall be imposed on any person who wilfully or negligently violates this
chapter or who knowingly makes a false statement, representation, or certification in any
application, record or other document filed or required to be maintained under this chapter; or
who falsifies, tampers with, or knowingly renders inaccurate any monitoring device, record or
methodology required to be maintained pursuant to this chapter or pursuant to a wetland permit.
(Ord. 2655 § 1 (part), 11/29/1991)
15.24.090 - Non-conforming activities.
A regulated activity which was approved prior to the passage of this chapter and to which significant
economic resources have been committed pursuant to such approval, but which is not in conformity with
the provisions of this chapter, may be continued subject to the following:
A. No such activity shall be expanded, changed, enlarged, or altered in any way that increases the
extent of its non-conformity without a permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter;
B. Except for cases of discontinuance as part of normal agricultural practices, if a non-conforming
activity is discontinued for 12 consecutive months, any resumption of the activity shall conform
to this chapter;
C. If a non-conforming use or activity is destroyed by human activities or an act of Godnature, it
shall not be resumed except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter;
D. Activities or adjuncts thereof which are or become public nuisances shall not be entitled to
continue as non-conforming activities. (Ord. 2655 § 1 (part), 11/29/1991)
15.24.100 - Judicial review.
Any decision or order issued by the City of Port Angeles pursuant to this chapter, including decisions
concerning denial, approval, or conditional approval of a wetland permit, may be judicially reviewed in the
Clallam County Superior Court, provided that:
A. Available administrative remedies, including appeals available pursuant to subsection
15.24.070I1, have been exhausted; and
B. Such litigation is commenced within 21 days after service of such order or issuance of notice of
such decision, as the case may be.
Based on these proceedings and consistent with any decision of the court that is adverse to the
City of Port Angeles, the City may elect to:
1. Institute negotiated purchase or condemnation proceedings to acquire an easement or fee
interest in the applicant's land;
2. Approve the permit application with lesser restrictions or conditions; or
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3. Other appropriate actions ordered by the court that fall within the jurisdiction of the City of
Port Angeles. (Ord. 2990 § 2, 5/15/1998; Ord. 2655 § 1 (part), 11/29/1991)
15.24.110 - Amendments.
These regulations and the maps used to identify wetland critical areas may from time to time be amended
in accordance with the procedures and requirements in the general statutes and as new information
concerning wetland location, soils, hydrology, flooding, or wetland plants and wildlife become available.
(Ord. 2655 § 1 (part), 11/29/1991)
15.24.120 - Assessment relief.
The Assessor of Clallam County shall consider wetland regulations in determining the fair market value of
land. Any owner of an undeveloped wetland who has dedicated an easement or entered into a perpetual
conservation restriction with the City of Port Angeles or a non-profit organization to permanently control
some or all regulated activities in the wetland shall have that portion of land assessed consistent with
those restrictions. Such landowner shall also be exempted from special assessments on the controlled
wetland to defray the cost of municipal improvements such as sanitary sewers, storm sewers, and water
mains. (Ord. 2655 § 1 (part), 11/29/1991)
References:
Environmental Laboratory. (1987). "Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual,"
Technical Report Y-87-1, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg,
MS.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland
Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0), ed. J. S.
Wakeley, R. W. Lichvar, and C. V. Noble. ERDC/EL TR-10-3. Vicksburg, MS: U.S. Army
Engineer Research and Development Center.