18.65.420 Process to identify additional species and habitat of local importance.
(1) Designation Process. Any person may nominate for designation, or propose de-designation, of a species or habitat of local importance in accordance with a Type 4 permit process pursuant to CMC Title 14. Additional species and habitat of local importance may be designated pursuant to this section.
(2) Decision Criteria. A species may be designated a species of local importance only if it demonstrates the following characteristics:
(a) Local populations of native species are in danger of extirpation based on existing trends:
(i) Local populations of native species that are likely to become endangered; or
(ii) Local populations of native species that are vulnerable or declining;
(b) The species or habitat has recreational, commercial, cultural, tribal, or other special value;
(c) Long-term persistence of a species is dependent on the protection of the species or habitat through the provisions of this chapter;
(d) Protection by other County, State, or Federal policies, laws, regulations, or nonregulatory tools is not adequate to prevent degradation of the species or habitat in the City; and
(e) Without protection, there is a likelihood that the species or habitat will be diminished over the long term.
(3) Nominations for habitats or species of local importance shall include the following:
(a) Identification of the habitat or species being nominated. Identification shall include, at a minimum, the following information:
(i) A legible map or maps of species and/or habitat location(s);
(ii) Specific features to be protected (for example, nest sites, breeding areas, nurseries, vegetation communities) or, if a habitat is being nominated in its entirety, a description of the habitat, its structure, function, species, and geographic boundaries of the habitat(s) encompassed, and any other relevant attributes; and
(iii) An analysis of the habitat and hydrological functions and location of the area relative to already designated critical areas and the nearest similar habitat if known;
(iv) The Director has the authority to alter these requirements if he/she determines that alternative methods of identification or characterization are more accurate or reliable;
(b) Proposed management strategies for the species or habitats. Management strategies must be supported by best available science;
(c) Identification of effects on property ownership and use; and
(d) The Director may, on a case-by-case basis, require additional information needed to evaluate the resource being nominated.
(4) Effect of Designation. Designation of a species and habitat of local importance under this section shall not impact projects or proposals with a vested application or approved permit. (Ord. 09-19 § 9 (Exh. D); Ord. 06-17 § 4 (Exh. B))