A. The following areas of the environment are designated as environmentally sensitive areas pursuant to RCW 36.70A.060 and WAC 197-11-908:

B. Within each of these environmentally sensitive areas, the responsible official shall implement city codes, ordinances, resolutions, plans and policies to conserve these areas and to preclude land uses and development which cause significant adverse impacts to these areas.

C. The city’s “critical area maps” provides the general location of environmentally sensitive areas within the city and is adopted by this reference as if fully set forth in this chapter. Site specific studies will be needed to identify the precise location and to assess the characteristics of the environmentally sensitive area. Whenever there is evidence of an environmentally sensitive area located within or in proximity to a nonexempt action, the responsible official may require site specific studies to determine the location and characteristics of the environmentally sensitive area, and potential mitigating measures. (Ord. 4840 § 1, 1996.)