Duvall city staff told council on Nov. 18 they are moving forward with a state‑required review and update of the city’s Sensitive Areas Ordinance, a set of regulations that govern wetlands, steep slopes, streams and other critical natural resources.

Naomi Montes de Oca introduced the review, and Millie Anne Van Devender, a planner working with consultant HBL, said Washington law “requires the city to review your sensitive areas ordinance in accordance with best available science and then make updates accordingly.” Van Devender described the five categories covered in the ordinance — wetlands; geologically hazardous areas (steep slopes/landslide risk); fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas; critical aquifer recharge areas; and frequently flooded areas — and said the update will identify code gaps and draft amendments where needed.

Staff said the Phase 1 work included a memo summarizing current best available science prepared with Herrera Environmental and a Department of Commerce critical‑areas checklist (the checklist is included in the council packet). The process will move from initiation and evaluation into drafting: staff will prepare red‑lined code changes and return to the Planning Commission and council for feedback. Van Devender told council the updated regulations would apply to development applications submitted after adoption and would not be retroactive to existing land uses.

Councilmembers raised questions about riparian buffers along the Snoqualmie River. Van Devender said shoreline regulation overlaps with the SAO but noted the team will evaluate appropriate riparian areas adjacent to water bodies and will coordinate with the Shoreline Master Program process and Ecology review where applicable.

Next steps: staff will refine code amendments based on the best available science memo and public/agency comments, present a 90%‑level draft to the council and Planning Commission, and aim to return with a finalized package for adoption in March.