Critical Areas

State law defines critical areas as wetlands, frequently flooded areas, fish and wildlife habitat, geologically hazardous areas (steep slopes, erosion and landslide hazards) and critical aquifer recharge areas (RCW 36.70A). The regulations seek to protect the functions and values of these environmentally and geological features to provide for a healthy environment, public benefit, public safety and provide for reasonable use of these areas to property owners.

The City adopted a Critical Areas Ordinance in 2004, codified as Chapter 16.15 of the Mountlake Terrace Municipal Code (MTMC). The purpose of the critical areas regulations is to protect the functions and values of those areas at the local level. The City updated its Critical Areas regulation in 2018.

Why are critical areas important?


Where are the critical areas located?

What do critical area regulations do?


What changes and updates will be mandated?
The state mandates include:

  • use of "Best Management Practices"
  • consistency with some specific development regulation, and
  • consistency with the City’s Comprehensive Plan of 2015

Other updates consist of setting forth a clear process for when and what type of review is to occur for a development activity proposed near or in critical area, what information or special report the proponent is to provide, what procedural steps the proponent and staff are to follow in each situation, what the criteria are for staff to reach a decision, what the applicant needs to do to proceed with their development, adopt critical area map into regulations, imminent and non-imminent hazard trees, how to regulate isolated wetlands, require a permit, and make other changes that will improve the implementation of the regulations to protect both critical areas and property owner’s rights. 

What is a negative or positive impact to a critical area?




Other benefits of critical area regulations
