The city of Renton is making changes to its Critical Areas Ordinance to meet state regulations.

The Critical Areas Ordinance consists of local development regulations cities must adopt and enforce to protect specific environmentally sensitive areas, and it safeguards the public from natural hazards, according to Renton Associate Planner Mariah Kerrihard. The ordinance is mandated by the state’s Growth Management Act.

“It protects environmentally sensitive areas, which for us includes wetlands, streams, flood hazard zones, wellhead protection areas, geologically hazardous areas and fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas,” Kerrihard said.

Renton Principal Planner Paul Hintz said regulations depend on the critical area where the construction is wanted. He said it is important to be c

See Full Page