Spokane Municipal Code

Title 17E Environmental Standards

Chapter 17E.060 Shoreline Regulations

Article III. General Provisions: Part III. Vegetation Conservation and Replacement

1. Purpose.
   To achieve a no net loss of shoreline ecological functions by protecting and restoring the ecological functions and ecosystem-wide processes performed by vegetation along shorelines. Vegetation conservation also increases the stability of riverbanks, reduces the need for shoreline stabilization measures, improves the visual and aesthetic qualities of the shoreline, protects plant and animal species and their habitats, and enhances shoreline uses.
    
2. There shall be no net loss of vegetative cover within the shoreline jurisdiction.
    
3. Removal of or alteration to any vegetation within the shoreline jurisdiction shall not be allowed unless such activity is approved by the director as part of a vegetation replacement plan.
    
4. Proposed removal of vegetation for a permitted use shall be reviewed pursuant to the mitigation sequencing specified in SMC 17E.060.230. Avoidance of any impact to shoreline vegetative cover is the preferred method of mitigation.
    
5. Vegetation conservation provisions also apply to those shoreline uses, modifications, and developments that are exempt from the requirement to obtain a shoreline substantial development permit.
    
6. A tree or shrub may be removed if deemed hazardous by a certified arborist.
    
7. Normal maintenance or repair of existing utilities and facilities within an existing degraded shoreline area shall be allowed if the activity does not further alter or degrade shoreline ecological functions or vegetative cover, and there is no increased risk to life or property as a result of the proposed operation, maintenance or repair.
    
8. Vegetation management shall be in accordance with best management practices that are part of ongoing maintenance of structures, infrastructure, or utilities, provided that such management actions are part of a regular ongoing maintenance. These ongoing activities shall not be subject to new or additional mitigation when they do not expand further into the critical area, are not the result of an expansion of the structure or utility, or do not directly impact endangered species or result in no net loss of shoreline ecological functions. Whenever possible, maintenance activities shall be confined to late summer and fall.
    
9. When an applicant is required to submit a habitat management plan pursuant to SMC 17E.020.090, the requirements in SMC 17E.060.240 through SMC 17E.060.280 may be waived by the director or submitted as a component of the habitat management plan.

Date Passed: Monday, November 3, 2008

Effective Date: Monday, July 26, 2010

ORD C34326 Section 2