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In addition to the general critical area report requirements of BMC 16.55.210, critical area reports for habitat conservation areas must meet the requirements of this section. Critical area reports for two or more types of critical areas must meet the report requirements for each relevant type of critical area.

A. Prepared by a Qualified Professional. A critical areas report for a habitat conservation area shall be prepared by a qualified professional in accordance with BMC 16.55.510.

B. Areas Addressed in Critical Area Report. The following areas shall be addressed in a critical area report for habitat conservation areas:

1. The project area of the proposed activity;

2. All habitat conservation areas and recommended buffers within 300 feet of the project area; and

3. All shoreline areas, floodplains, other critical areas, and related buffers within 300 feet of the project area.

C. Habitat Assessment. A habitat assessment is an investigation of the project area to evaluate the potential presence or absence of designated critical fish or wildlife species or habitat. A critical area report for a habitat conservation area shall contain an assessment of habitats including the following site- and proposal-related information at a minimum:

1. Detailed description of vegetation on and adjacent to the project area and its associated buffer;

2. Identification of any species of local importance, priority species, or endangered, threatened, sensitive, or candidate species that have a primary association with habitat on or adjacent to the project area, and assessment of potential project impacts to the use of the site by the species;

3. A discussion of any federal, state, or local special management recommendations, including Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife habitat management recommendations, that have been developed for species or habitats located on or adjacent to the project area;

4. A detailed discussion of the direct and indirect potential impacts on habitat by the project, including potential impacts to water quality;

5. A discussion of measures, including avoidance, minimization, and mitigation, proposed to preserve existing habitats and restore any habitat that was degraded prior to the current proposed land use activity and to be conducted in accordance with mitigation sequencing (BMC 16.55.250); and

6. A discussion of ongoing management practices that will protect habitat after the project site has been developed, including proposed monitoring and maintenance programs.

D. Additional Information May Be Required. When appropriate due to the type of habitat or species present or the project area conditions, the director may also require the habitat management plan to include:

1. An evaluation by an independent qualified professional regarding the applicant’s analysis and the effectiveness of any proposed mitigating measures or programs, to include any recommendations as appropriate;

2. A request for consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife or other appropriate agency; and

3. Detailed hydrologic features both on and adjacent to the site. [Ord. 2005-11-092].