County Council to chew on wetlands code further May 14

The Snohomish County Council will hold a public hearing on May 14 regarding updates to its Critical Areas Regulations, which oversee development near sensitive ecological areas. The council's deliberations have revealed a divide, with members Jared Mead and Nate Nehring proposing amendments that could ease development restrictions. Mead's latest amendment suggests reducing buffer zones from 100 feet to 75 feet for both wetlands and streams, raising alarms among environmental advocates. Bill Lider, a stormwater engineering expert, cautions that this reduction could jeopardize critical salmon habitats. The planning department's proposed updates initially aimed to strengthen protections for wetlands, requiring a 100-foot buffer.

This hearing will provide a platform for community voices, with the potential for significant impacts on local environmental policy. The meeting will begin at 10:30 a. m. at the Everett county office, with virtual attendance options available. Stakeholders await the council's decision, which balances development needs against ecological conservation.