City Manager Report – August 1, 2025

Critical Areas in Normandy Park

When attending a City Council meeting, you might hear the City Council talking about Critical Areas. Because of the importance of these areas, they typically have additional regulatory requirements. I wanted to provide some additional information about these areas and what it means for those residents who live in a Critical Area.

Introduction to Critical Areas

Washington State is home to a diverse array of ecosystems, many of which are considered critical areas due to their environmental significance and vulnerability. The Growth Management Act (GMA) (Chapter 36.70A RCW) requires all cities and counties in Washington to adopt regulations protecting “critical areas” to preserve the natural environment, wildlife habitats, and sources of fresh drinking water. Critical area regulations also encourage public safety by limiting development in areas prone to natural hazards like floods and landslides. These areas are some of the most important and sensitive parts of Washington’s natural environment, and protecting them is not only a legal requirement, but a wise investment in the long-term health and safety of our communities.

What Are Critical Areas?

Under Washington State law, critical areas include:

• Wetlands – filter pollutants, control floods, and provide habitat
• Flood-prone areas – protect life and property from water damage
• Geologically hazardous areas – like steep slopes, where landslides or erosion may occur
• Aquifer recharge areas – where groundwater supplies are replenished
• Fish and wildlife habitat areas – where species rely on clean, connected ecosystems

These areas are protected because of the valuable services they provide and the risks they can pose if damaged or developed irresponsibly.

Normandy Park: A Closer Look

Because we are located along Puget Sound, Normandy Park contains many critical areas, including marine shorelines, steep bluffs, creeks, and wetlands. These features help reduce flooding, support salmon runs, and maintain water quality in the region. Protecting these areas is especially important here because of:

• Erosion risks
• Sensitive marine habitats
• Stormwater runoff

Normandy Park enforces development rules and educates residents about the importance of these areas to protect the environment. So, if you are in a critical area and want to do some work on your property, please be sure to check in with Community Development to ensure you meet any permit requirements. For example, if you want to remove a tree on your private property and are in a critical area, you need to obtain a tree removal permit. When permit applications are under review, we extensively analyze proposals and their impact on local Critical Areas. Here is a link to Normandy Park’s Critical Area Map.

Why Protection Matters

When we protect critical areas, we protect:

• Our safety – by reducing flood and landslide risks
• Clean water – for drinking, recreation, and healthy ecosystems
• Biodiversity – including endangered species and vital habitats
• Future generations – ensuring they inherit a healthy environment

Ignoring or damaging these areas can lead to costly disasters, environmental decline, and loss of natural beauty.

Final Thoughts

Critical areas are not just places on a map; they are life-support systems for our communities and environment. Protecting them means acting responsibly today for a more resilient and sustainable tomorrow.

If you have any questions about the information above or any other City topic, please get in touch with me at aarrington@normandyparkwa.gov. Have a great week!

“Critical areas are not just places on a map; they are life-support systems for our communities and environment. Protecting them means acting responsibly today for a more resilient and sustainable tomorrow.“