18.04.070 Categorical exemptions and threshold determinations – Time estimates.
The time estimates contained in this section apply when the city processes licenses for all private projects and those governmental proposals submitted to the city by other agencies. The actual time may vary with the complexity of the project, availability of staff, cooperation of agencies with jurisdiction or expertise, etc. The time estimates contained herein shall not be construed to be mandatory. For the purposes of this section the word “day” shall mean a day upon which the city’s administrative offices are open for business.
A. Categorical Exemptions. The city will normally identify whether an action is categorically exempt within 10 days of receiving a completed application.
B. Threshold Determinations.
1. The city will normally complete threshold determinations for proposals that can be based solely upon review of the environmental checklist for the proposal within 14 days of the determination of a complete application, in accordance with GHMC Title 19.
2. When the responsible official requires further information from the applicant or consults with other agencies with jurisdiction:
a. The city will normally request such further information within 28 days of receiving an application;
b. The city will wait no longer than 15 days for a consulted agency to respond;
c. The responsible official shall issue a threshold determination at least 15 days prior to a public hearing on a proposal, if a public hearing is required. If a public hearing is not required, a threshold determination shall not issue until the public comment period on a notice of application has expired.
3. When the city must initiate further studies, including field investigations, to obtain the information to make the threshold determination, the city will normally complete the studies within 30 days of receiving a complete application.
4. The responsible official will normally respond to a request for early notice within 10 days. The threshold determination will normally be made within 15 days of receipt of the changed or clarified proposal, environmental checklist and/or permit application. (Ord. 721 § 2, 1996; Ord. 546 § 1(Exh. A), 1988).