15.14.200 Aquatic.
A. Purpose. The purpose of the “aquatic” environment is to protect, restore, and manage the unique characteristics and resources of the areas waterward of the OHWM.
B. Designation Criteria. An “aquatic” environment designation will be assigned to shoreline areas waterward of the OHWM.
C. Management Policies. Development within the aquatic environment shall be consistent with the following policies:
1. New over-water structures should be prohibited except for water-dependent uses, public access, or ecological restoration.
2. The size of new over-water structures should be limited to the minimum necessary to support the structure’s intended use.
3. In order to reduce the impacts of shoreline development and increase effective use of water resources, multiple uses of over-water facilities should be encouraged.
4. All developments and uses on waters or their beds should be located and designed to minimize interference with surface navigation, to consider impacts to public views, and to allow for the safe, unobstructed passage of fish and wildlife, particularly those species dependent on migration.
5. Uses that adversely impact the ecological functions of critical freshwater habitats should not be allowed. Where those uses are necessary to achieve the objectives of RCW 90.58.020, their impacts shall be mitigated according to the sequence described in WAC 173-26-201(2)(e).
6. Shoreline uses and modifications should be designed and managed to prevent degradation of water quality and alteration of natural hydrographic conditions. [Ord. 580 Att. A § 3.2.1, 2019.]