Environmentally Critical Areas Update - What & Why

What's Happening Now? 

The City of Seattle is updating its critical areas code.

Environmentally critical areas (ECA) represent the areas of Seattle that require additional regulation due to their high environmental function or unique geologic conditions. Addressing the unique circumstances of these areas is important for environmental conservation and to prevent possible harm to people and structures from landslides, floods, and other events. 

The Growth Management Act (GMA) requires local governments to adopt development regulations that protect critical areas. These regulations help preserve the natural environment, maintain fish and wildlife habitat, and reduce exposure to risks, such as landslides or flooding. The GMA requires local governments to include the Best Available Science (BAS) in developing policies and development regulations to protect the functions and values of critical areas. Several state agencies provide helpful guidance on addressing the GMA's Best Available Science requirements.  

Seattle’s ECA code update will include review and consideration of BAS to support updated critical areas regulations. The update will also review and revise current critical areas regulations to align with local and state planning documents and statutes that have changed since Seattle’s last update to its critical areas code in 2017 (such as the One Seattle Plan / Comprehensive Plan Update). 

Attend a Listening Session

We're hosting four one-hour online listening sessions to hear from people who work with critical areas. 

• Session 1: Local Watershed Groups
  Thursday, October 22, 11 AM - noon
  Register Here
• Session 2: Environmental Organizations
  Friday, October 23, 11 AM - noon
  Register Here
• Session 3: Environmental Professionals
  Wednesday, October 28, noon - 1 PM
  Register Here
• Session 4: Open Session
  (all interested stakeholders, including those with permitting experience)
  Thursday, October 29, noon - 1 PM
  Register Here

If you're unable to attend the listening sessions, you can submit comments to Chanda Emery or attend the open house tentatively scheduled for January 2027.

Project Benefits

Updating our ECA policies and rules to include current best available science will improve their effectiveness. As a result, we can better protect our environmentally critical areas and manage development in hazardous areas. We can also enhance the urban environment by protecting wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, riparian corridors, and other ecological resources. The health of these areas is an important indicator of the overall health and well-being of our city. 

The End Result

Our updated regulations meet all state requirements. They take BAS into account and help carry out the Comprehensive Plan, giving clear and predictable guidance for future development.