Critical Areas Ordinance Walk-N-Talk

Join us for a free guided Nature Center Walk and Talk to learn how Tacoma is protecting our environment through important updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) and how you can provide input on the proposed changes. We’ll talk about local streams, wetlands, and other sensitive areas as we tour the trails around Snake Lake. This event is free and open to everyone, rain or shine. Light refreshments will be provided.

Doors open at 12:00 p.m., Walk starts at 1 p.m.

Why are we updating the Critical Areas Ordinances now?

Under Washington State Law, all counties and cities in the state must conduct a periodic review and update of their critical areas regulations. This happens every 10 years with the Comprehensive Plan update, which was adopted earlier this year. The Comprehensive Plan guides anticipated growth in the City for the next 20 years. The Comprehensive Plan update process included extensive public outreach to update City policies and goals regarding environmental protections. The CAO periodic update provides an opportunity for the City to make sure our regulations are consistent with the updated Comprehensive Plan policies, federal and state policies, and incorporate scientific advancements related to environmental conservation and natural hazards.

The City has produced a report on the Best Available Science (BAS) that will be incorporated into these regulations and a Gap Analysis that identifies regulations that need to be updated based on BAS.

For more information on the CAO update, please visit Natural Resources Program — Tacoma Permits. If you have questions regarding the CAO update or would like to join the listserv for project updates, please email CAOupdate@tacoma.gov.