A. Overview. Inquiries regarding conduct of a regulated activity in a wetland can be made to the department. The department shall utilize the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps and the Pierce County wetland atlas to establish general location of wetland sites. If the maps indicate the presence of a wetland, a wetland delineation report shall be filed, unless the department determines that a wetland is not on or within the site. This determination may be based on information provided by the applicant and from other sources. If the map does not indicate the presence of a wetland or wetland buffer zone within the site, but there are other indications that a wetland may be present, the department shall determine whether a wetland analysis report is required.

B. Permit Requirements. No separate application or permit is required to conduct regulated activities within a wetland or its associated buffer. Review of regulated activities within a wetland and buffers is subject to the permit processing procedure for the required permit type as defined under GHMC Title 19. The department shall utilize existing environmental review procedures, the city SEPA ordinance, Chapter 18.04 GHMC, to assess impacts to wetlands and impose required mitigation. Department review of proposed alterations to wetlands and buffer areas and a wetland mitigation plan may be required prior to issuance of a SEPA determination by the city’s responsible official.

C. Prior to submittal of a wetland delineation report, recommendation on wetland category, proposed alterations to wetlands and buffer areas, or wetland mitigation plan, the applicant may request a preapplication conference in accordance with the procedures established in GHMC 19.02.001.

D. Request for Official Determination. A request for an official determination of whether a proposed use or activity at a site is subject to this chapter must be in writing and made to the planning department. The request can be accompanied by a SEPA environmental checklist. The request shall contain plans, data and other information in sufficient detail to allow for determination, including a wetland delineation report. The applicant shall be responsible for providing plans and the wetland delineation report to the department.

E. A wetland analysis report shall be submitted to the department for review of a proposal for activity which lies within a wetland, or within 300 feet of a wetland. The purpose of the wetland analysis report is to determine the extent and function of wetlands to be impacted by the proposal.

F. Preliminary Site Inspection. Prior to conducting a wetland analysis report, the applicant may request that the department conduct a preliminary site inspection to determine if a wetland may be present on the proposal site. Upon receipt of the appropriate fee, the department shall make a site inspection. If the department determines that a wetland is not on the site, this shall be indicated to the applicant in writing, and a wetland analysis report shall not be required.

G. Prior to submittal of the wetland analysis report or the development of a lot which has a classified wetland, boundaries of wetlands shall be staked and flagged in the field by a qualified wetland specialist and surveyed by a licensed professional surveyor registered in the state. Field flagging shall be distinguishable from other survey flagging on the site.

H. If alteration of a wetland or buffer is proposed, a wetland mitigation plan shall be submitted pursuant to requirements of this chapter, subsequent to staff review of the wetland analysis report. In no event will a wetland mitigation plan be required prior to a determination of whether a designated wetland is present on a site. (Ord. 1322 § 7, 2015; Ord. 1036 § 14, 2006; Ord. 726 § 3, 1996; Ord. 628 § 1, 1992; Ord. 611 § 1, 1991).