Critical Areas Ordinance

The Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) is a planning-related document that may be thought of as a separate “layer” of regulations that are in addition to those included in the underlying zone or district. The CAO addresses potential impacts to “critical areas” which include wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat areas, aquifer recharge areas, geologically hazardous areas, and flood hazard areas. Critical areas review usually occurs during the SEPA environmental review process for a project, which will identify critical area impacts and potential measures to mitigate those impacts.

The CAO is a requirement of the state, must include the use of best available science (BAS), and must be updated periodically. The City's CAO was revised and updated in 2004.

Who Do I See?

Contact one of our Planners for information about the CAO and the requirements associated with processing an application for a project that will impact critical areas by calling the Planning and Building Department at (360) 384-4006.

Download CAO Text (Chapter 16.08 of the Ferndale Municipal Code)

Download CAO Map