18.04.123 Optional DNS process.
A. If the responsible official has a reasonable basis for determining that significant adverse environmental impacts are unlikely, the responsible official may elect to use the single integrated comment period set forth in this section. If this process is used, a second comment period will typically not be required when the DNS is issued.
B. If the optional process set forth in this section is used, the responsible official shall:
1. State on the first page of the notice of application that it expects to issue a DNS for the proposal, and that:
a. The optional DNS process is being used;
b. This may be the only opportunity to comment on the environmental impacts of the proposal;
c. The proposal may include mitigation measures under applicable codes, and the project review process may incorporate or require mitigation measures regardless of whether an EIS is prepared; and
d. A copy of the subsequent threshold determination for the specific proposal may be obtained upon request (in addition, the city may maintain a general mailing list for threshold determination distribution);
2. List in the notice of application the conditions being considered to mitigate environmental impacts, if a mitigated DNS is expected;
3. Comply with the requirements for a notice of application and public notice in GHMC 19.03.001; and
4. Send the notice of application and environmental checklist to:
a. Agencies with jurisdiction, the Department of Ecology, affected tribes, and each local agency or political subdivision whose public services would be changed as a result of implementation of the proposal; and
b. Anyone requesting a copy of the environmental checklist for the specific proposal (in addition, the city may maintain a general mailing list for checklist distribution).
C. If the responsible official indicates on the notice of application that a DNS is likely, an agency with jurisdiction may assume lead agency status during the comment period on the notice of application in accordance with GHMC 18.04.050, WAC 197-11-940 and 197-11-948.
D. The responsible official shall consider timely comments on the notice of application and either:
1. Issue a DNS or mitigated DNS with no comment period using the procedures in subsection (E) below;
2. Issue a DNS or mitigated DNS with a comment period using the procedures in subsection (E) below, if the responsible official determines a comment period is necessary;
3. Issue a DS; or
4. Require additional information or studies prior to making a threshold determination.
E. If a DNS or mitigated DNS is issued under subsection (D)(1) or (D)(2) above, the responsible official shall send a copy of the DNS or mitigated DNS to the Department of Ecology, agencies with jurisdiction, those who commented, and anyone requesting a copy. A copy of the environmental checklist need not be recirculated. (Ord. 791 § 5, 1998).