Chapter 22.20
NATURAL SYSTEMS

Sections:

22.20.010    Definition and enumeration.

22.20.020    General policies.

22.20.030    Specific policies.

22.20.010 Definition and enumeration.

Natural systems are physical features or phenomena of nature which are sensitive, in varying degrees, to man’s disruptive activity. Specific types of shoreline natural systems include the following:

1.    Biological wetlands including bogs, marshes, and swamps;

2.    Critical species habitats;

3.    Estuaries;

4.    Lakes, streams, and creeks;

5.    Spits, bars, and berms;

6.    Longshore drift zones;

7.    Kelp beds and eelgrass beds;

8.    Smelt and candlefish spawning beds;

9.    Shore processes; and

10.    Hood Canal.

Natural systems must be protected from disruptions caused by man. Whenever these natural systems are known to exist in or along the shorelines of the county, appropriate environment designations, as necessary to protect them, are assigned. Should an area along the shorelines not given a designation be found to be a natural system by the definition stated above, it shall be incumbent upon the administrator to apply the natural systems policies as if the area had been given a designation. The remaining portions of the shoreline areas are assigned separate environment designations as otherwise appropriate, or as necessary to supplement the adjacent natural systems environment designations.

To implement the review of development proposals involving natural systems, the administrator shall coordinate review under the Kitsap County Critical Areas Ordinance (Title 19 of this code) and shall prepare findings and conclusions regarding the potential impacts the proposal may have on the natural system. The proposed use or activity will not unreasonably interfere with natural systems.

(Res. 27-1999 Exh. A, Part V (A), 1999)

22.20.020 General policies.

The following policies should be applied whenever a natural system falls in or is adjacent to a proposed use:

1.    The natural system must be protected from man-made disruption regardless of which shoreline environment designation the system may have been given.

2.    The policies contained in WAC 173-16-050 should apply to natural systems in Kitsap County, whether or not enumerated in this title.

(Res. 27-1999 Exh. A, Part V (B), 1999)

22.20.030 Specific policies.

The following policies apply to all natural systems:

1.    Wetlands including bogs, marshes, swamps, and estuaries should be left undisturbed. They may be modified only when it is beneficial to wildlife or aquatic life. Impacts to wetlands should be avoided, minimized, and mitigated.

2.    Existing canopy and ground cover vegetation should be retained to protect water quality and maintain the character of the ecosystem.

3.    Critical habitats, whether for flora or fauna, should not be disturbed.

4.    Significant habitats, whether for flora or fauna, should be protected.

5.    Buffer zones along shorelines, lakes and streams should be required to prevent erosion, protect water quality, and maintain the character of the environment.

6.    Longshore drift zones, spits, bars, berms, and feeder bluffs should be allowed to function with minimal interference.

7.    Critical shore processes should be allowed to continue undisturbed.

8.    In recognition of Hood Canal as a unique area with unusual marine, mountain, and forest scenic values, fragile water quality, and low flushing rates, as well as a place to live, work, and play, Kitsap County shall recognize and minimize use conflicts, exercise responsibility toward the Canal’s resources, and require commitment to water quality preservation in order to preserve user privileges.

(Res. 27-1999 Exh. A, Part V (C), 1999)