Title
A MOTION outlining the intent of the council to enhance citizen access to information about new requirements adopted through the critical areas, stormwater and clearing and grading ordinances without an hourly charge.
Body
WHEREAS, new standards are being adopted for protection of critical areas, stormwater management and clearing and grading, and
WHEREAS, the critical areas ordinance provides for new tools for flexible application of wetland and aquatic area buffers to rural residential properties, and
WHEREAS, both the critical areas ordinance and the stormwater ordinance place a strong emphasis on best management practices, including flow control best management practices, and
WHEREAS, during consideration of these ordinances, the council heard testimony of numerous landowners calling for easier up-front access to information about standards and permitting processes to inform decisions about how to proceed with the permitting process before spending time and money, and
WHEREAS, during consideration of those ordinances, the council heard testimony of numerous landowners noting the need for staff who can meet informally with rural residents without an hourly charge, and
WHEREAS, many rural residents live far from the department of development and environmental services office in Renton;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
A. Through the 2005 budget process, the council will identify current expense fund revenue to support two additional staff to work in the rural areas. These staff will be available to answer questions about critical areas, stormwater and clearing and grading requirements without an hourly charge; and
B. Through the 2005 budget process, the council will direct the department of development and environmental services to develop customer information bulletins related to best management practices, including the flow control best management practices referenced in the stormwater ordinance. The de...

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