Langley board to talk about comp plan

Langley’s Planning Advisory Board has continued its earlier public hearing on proposed amendments to the city’s comprehensive plan, and the ordinance covering resource lands and environmentally sensitive (critical) areas management.

The deadline has been extended until 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24.

The July 27 hearing was continued to allow further discussion on additional code changes proposed at the hearing. All proposed amendments being considered by the city relate to critical areas and are intended to assure city compliance with the Growth Management Act, the state law that protects farm and forest lands from urban development.

The Planning Advisory Board will also discuss the additional proposed code changes in a public workshop to be held at City Hall at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 10.

The additional changes would add definitions for “habitat for a protected species,” “primary association,” “protected habitats” and “protected species,”; eliminate the exemption for existing farming and ranching activities (this amendment, intended to be consistent with a recent State Court of Appeals decision, would apply to on-going agriculture if located within a critical area); and change provisions relative to the rate at which stormwater enters wetlands and streams and stormwater-related water level fluctuations in wetlands and streams.

Complete copies of the proposed amendments are available for review at City Hall.

Comments may be made in writing through Aug. 18, and/or at the public hearing. Written comments should be addressed to: Planning Advisory Board, City of Langley, PO Box 366, Langley, WA 98260.

You may contact City Planning Official Alice Schisel at 221-4245 for more information about the proposed amendments.

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