19.04.003 Categorically exempt and planned actions.
A. Categorically Exempt. Actions categorically exempt under RCW 43.21C.110(1)(a) do not require environmental review or the preparation of an environmental impact statement. An action that is categorically exempt under the rules adopted by the Department of Ecology (Chapter 197-11 WAC) may not be conditioned or denied under SEPA.
B. Planned Actions.
1. A planned action does not require a threshold determination or the preparation of an environmental impact statement under SEPA, but is subject to environmental review and mitigation under SEPA.
2. A “planned action” means one or more types of project action that:
a. Are designated planned actions by an ordinance or resolution adopted by the city;
b. Have had the significant impacts adequately addressed in an environmental impact statement prepared in conjunction with:
i. A comprehensive plan or subarea plan adopted under Chapter 36.70A RCW, or
ii. A fully contained community, a master planned resort, a master planned development or a phased project;
c. Are subsequent or implementing projects for the proposals listed in paragraph (2)(b) of this subsection;
d. Are located within an urban growth area, as defined in RCW 36.70A.030;
e. Are not essential public facilities, as defined in RCW 36.70A.200; and
f. Are consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan adopted under Chapter 36.70A RCW.
C. Limitations on Planned Actions. The city shall limit planned actions to certain types of development or to specific geographical areas that are less extensive than the jurisdictional boundaries of the city, and may limit a planned action to a time period identified in the environmental impact statement or this title.
D. During project review, the city shall not re-examine alternatives to or hear appeals on the items identified in GHMC 19.04.001(B), except for issues of code interpretation.
E. Project review shall be used to identify specific project design and conditions relating to the character of development, such as the details of site plans, curb cuts, drainage swales, the payment of impact fees, or other measures to mitigate a proposal’s probable adverse environmental impacts. (Ord. 711 § 1, 1996).