05 - 20241113 Chapter 5 - Natural SystemsChapter 5: Natural Systems
Chapter S. Natural Systems
5.1 Introduction
Port Orchard, which is located on the Sinclair Inlet of Puget Sound, contains interconnected creeks,
wetlands and urban forests that provide amenities for residents and key habitat corridors and
environments for terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. The City of Port Orchard serves as chief steward of
Natural Systems Vision
Port Orchard embraces its stewardship
of the environment and natural
resources, by protecting and retaining
natural systems and building for a
sustainable future. The City encourages
Port Orchard's environment and is responsible for the
implementation of many federal and state
environmental protection statutes. Through
regulation, operating programs and incentives, the
City actively works to protect the natural systems of
the community and promote sustainable
development.
the preservation, restoration and As Port Orchard continues to grow, development has
enhancement of natural systems within the potential to negatively impact Port Orchard's
its urban setting. J environmental resources, particularly natural open
spaces, water quality and tree cover. State law
requires cities to plan for the protection of environmentally sensitive areas (critical areas), such as
wetlands, streams and geologically- hazardous areas. Environmental sustainability and responsible
stewardship of natural resources require a continually improved relationship between the developed
and natural environments. The City supports an approach that includes:
• Maintaining critical areas regulations that protect and preserve the City's environmentally
sensitive areas.
• Encouraging the minimization of waste that can affect air, soil, and water resources.
• Promoting open space and opportunities for recreation within existing and new development.
• Assessing and reclaiming lost wildlife habitats when feasible. Encouraging the enhancement of
greenbelts, habitat conservation areas, and wildlife habitat corridors.
• Improving infrastructure systems to support healthy living for people and wildlife.
• Supporting Puget Sound recovery through actions such as protecting and restoring critical areas,
converting hardened shorelines to more natural conditions, protecting aquifers, promoting and
installing stormwater infrastructure and upgrading sewage treatment facilities.
• Increasing resilience by identifying and addressing the impacts of climate change and natural
hazards on the environment, infrastructure, economy and public health.
The City evaluates the impact of its administrative and legislative decisions on the urban environment,
with particular attention to impacts on environmentally sensitive areas — and weighs the merits and
costs of its environmental protection and enhancement against other important responsibilities (e.g.,
public safety, infrastructure needs and economic development). Non -regulatory efforts to protect
natural resources include habitat/open space acquisition and preservation, salmon recovery projects
and monitoring, and water quality projects and monitoring.
The City recognizes the importance of protecting its unique natural setting while providing for the needs
of the growing number of residents and businesses that call Port Orchard their home. Port Orchard's
attractiveness as a place to "live, work and play" depends on preserving the natural assets of the
community while simultaneously nurturing economic growth and social vibrancy. Therefore, the City
has and will continue to support standards that preserve Port Orchard's natural systems to protect
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Chapter 5: Natural Systems
public health, safety and welfare, and to maintain the integrity of the natural environment.
The Natural Systems element works in concert with other elements of the Comprehensive Plan,
particularly Land Use and Parks and Recreation, and within the framework of municipal financial
planning. The City's Critical Areas Ordinance is the regulatory authority for development and activities
within critical areas (wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat areas, geologically hazardous areas, frequently
flooded areas, critical aquifer recharge areas). Critical areas are discussed in more detail in Section 5.3
below. In the City's shoreline jurisdiction, the Shoreline Master Program establishes a regulatory
framework and planning policies that provides an additional layer of protection for the City's
shorelands and aquatic resources.
5.2 Existing Conditions
Port Orchard enjoys a wide variety of natural systems, recreational areas, open space, and ecosystem
connections. However, like most growing areas within the state, Port Orchard has experienced declines
in tree canopy, water quality and the health of salmon populations, as well as increases in traffic
congestion and surface water runoff from impervious surfaces.
Key elements of natural systems in the City are regulated critical areas, as defined by the state Growth
Management Act. Critical areas include the following areas and ecosystems:
• Wetlands
• Areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water
• Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas
• Frequently flooded areas
• Geologically hazardous areas.
These areas are regulated through the City's Critical Areas Ordinance (POMC 20.162) and are protected
with buffers and restrictions on development type and intensity. Critical areas also receive additional
protection from other City regulatory and planning
efforts for water quality, stormwater runoff, efficient
use of land, and provision of urban services.
Special status wildlife are those designated by federal or
state government agencies as endangered, threatened,
proposed, candidate, sensitive and monitor species, and
species of local importance in Kitsap County. Habitat
used by these species for breeding, foraging or
migration also requires protection. At present, listed
species that have been documented in the Port Orchard
vicinity include chinook, chum, coho, cutthroat, and
steelhead salmonid species; smelt; sand lance; bald
eagles; marbled murrelet; great blue heron; and Steller's
sea lion.
Figure 5-1. Marbled murrelet
Port Orchard also has a diverse and active shoreline. The
City's waterfront contains a multitude of docks, marinas and water -dependent businesses, which
provide economic vitality to the downtown merchants and Port Orchard as a whole and provide needed
services to residents throughout the region. Maintaining the general health of Port Orchard's shorelines
and aquatic areas is critical to maintaining a viable working shoreline and a marine attraction. As in
other urbanizing areas around Puget Sound, water quality and populations of marine life have declined
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Chapter 5: Natural Systems
due to development impacts. The City supports the restoration of natural system processes and
reduction of urban impacts that reduce the health of Sinclair Inlet and shorelands. The Inventory and
Characterization that was prepared for Port Orchard's Shoreline Master Program contains detailed
analysis of the City's shorelines and regulated water bodies.
5.3 Critical Areas and Shorelines
5.3.1 Geologically Hazardous Areas
Geologically hazardous areas are defined at the State level by WAC 365-190-120. Within Port Orchard,
geologically hazardous areas include unstable slopes over 30% grade, and areas of geologic concern
include unstable slopes less than 30% grade and other slopes that meet criteria for high erosion
potential, seismic hazard or groundwater seepage. These geologic hazardous areas are not discrete, and
may contain multiple hazardous criteria within the same location. Geologically hazardous areas are
located along several stream banks and bluffs near the shoreline. Areas of geologic concern are
widespread throughout the community and are often located in proximity to other critical areas such as
wetlands and streams. Both geologically hazardous areas and areas of geologic concern areas are
regulated through the City's Critical Areas Ordinance. Figure 5-6 below maps and identifies geologically
hazardous areas within the City.
Engineering provides some solutions to environmental constraints associated with geologic hazards, but
such solutions must be evaluated for suitability in individual circumstances. One of the most cost-
effective methods of preserving slope stability is the preservation of native vegetation and retention of
forested conditions within and at the top of geologic hazard areas. When vegetation removal is required
to stabilize slopes, proper replanting and maintenance in compliance with the City's Critical Areas
Ordinance is required.
In addition to providing significant habitat value in areas of high opportunity (bands of steep slope areas
extending throughout a city often provide habitat corridors in urbanized areas), the preservation of
native and non-invasive vegetation and forest features helps prevent erosion, retains important soil
binding root systems, and provides valuable open and green space. Along the shorelines, erosion of
coastal bluffs replenishes beach sediments that are lost to tidal action, storms and surface runoff.
5.3.2 Frequently Flooded Areas
Frequently flooded areas are defined as
lands, shorelands, and waters that are
within the 100-year floodplain as
designated by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) on Flood
Insurance Rate and Boundary Maps (see
end of the element for FEMA map).
Flooding is caused by excess surface water
runoff and is exacerbated when eroded soil
from cleared land or unstable slopes
reduces the waterway's natural capacity to
carry water. Construction and development
activity within the floodplain reduces the
floodway capacity. Flooding is also
exacerbated by king tides in conjunction
with heavy rain and wind.
Figure 5-2. Flooding occurrence
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Chapter 5: Natural Systems
Flooding causes significant public safety problems, property damage, and habitat destruction. Small
areas of floodplain exist within Port Orchard, generally along areas of Blackjack Creek, Johnson Creek
and Ross Creek (see City of Port Orchard Environmental Map at the end of this element). Under the
Federal Flood Insurance Program, a limited amount of floodplain development is allowed if eligibility
requirements are met; however, the City regulates land uses and land alteration activities to minimize
development within floodplains and the potential for damage from flooding.
5.3.3 Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas
Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas are defined as those areas identified as being of critical
importance to the maintenance of fish, wildlife, and plant species, including areas with which
endangered, threatened, and sensitive species have a primary association; habitats and species of local
importance; commercial and recreational shellfish areas; kelp and eelgrass beds; forage fish spawning
areas; naturally occurring ponds and their submerged aquatic beds that provide fish or wildlife habitat;
waters of the state; lakes, ponds, streams or rivers planted with game fish by a government or tribal
entity or private organization; state natural area preserves and natural resource conservation areas.
Areas that are critical for fish and wildlife are primarily conserved via regulatory means; other areas are
primarily dealt with through non -regulatory, incentive -based approaches.
Designated fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas in Port Orchard include riparian corridors,
wetlands, and naturally occurring ponds and lakes. Other lands may be given special consideration for
fish and wildlife habitat if there is a primary association with an endangered, threatened or sensitive
species. The City seeks to protect and sustain the existing natural functions of these areas and
encourages the enhancement of areas that have been degraded in the past.
Streams and water bodies provide fish and wildlife habitat, convey stormwater flows, provide
recreational opportunities, and enhance the community's aesthetic appeal. In recent years, large areas
of Port Orchard's drainage basins have experienced rapid development, which increases impervious
surfaces within the watershed and results in a decline in surface water quality.'
Blackjack Creek is the largest stream
system in Port Orchard and extends into
tributaries spanning an area of approximately
three miles within the city limits. Blackjack
Creek is the only stream within the City that
falls within Shoreline Management Act (SMA)
jurisdiction based on flow rate, although a
portion of both Ross Creek and Blackjack
Creek estuaries are under SMA jurisdiction
based on tidal influence. Blackjack Creek is
one of the major fish producing streams in
South Kitsap, and supports Chinook, coho,
steelhead, cutthroat and summer chum
(chinook and steelhead are ESA listed
species). The summer chum run is the only
native (non -hatchery) summer chum run
known in the mid -Puget Sound area. Ross
Figure 5-3. Blackjack Creek
Creek is also a salmon stream and is surveyed annually for adult spawners.
' 2023 Port Orchard Stormwater and Watersheds Comprehensive Plan
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Chapter 5: Natural Systems
In recent years, the City has taken steps to protect the Blackjack Creek corridor and encourage
restoration, while continuing to allow and improve public enjoyment through trails and overlooks.
Further protections for both Blackjack and Ross Creek are appropriate and will be implemented through
development regulations.
5.3.4 Wetlands
Wetlands are integral to the local hydrologic cycle. They reduce floods, contribute to stream flows, and
improve water quality. Each wetland provides various beneficial functions, but not all wetlands perform
all functions, nor do they perform all functions equally well. Large wetlands, and wetlands hydrologically
associated with lakes and streams, have a relatively more important function in the watershed than
small, isolated wetlands.
Urbanization within a watershed Figure 5-4. Ross Creek
diminishes the function of individual
wetlands by increasing stormwater
volume, reducing runoff quality, isolating
wetlands from other habitats, and
decreasing vegetation. Undeveloped land
adjacent to a wetland provides a buffer to
help minimize the impacts of
urbanization. The long-term success in
function of the wetland is dependent on
land development strategies that protect
and restore wetland buffers. Science
indicates that an undeveloped vegetated
buffer is equally as important as the
wetland itself as it contributes to the
function of the wetland by providing
wildlife habitat, retaining stormwater,
filtering sediment and pollution, and
moderating water temperature.
When impacts to wetlands and their buffers due to development are unavoidable, and on -site wetland
replacement is infeasible, wetland mitigation banks may be utilized to offset these impacts at a
corresponding ratio of restoration, creation or enhancement in accordance with POMC 20.162. A new
wetland mitigation banking site is currently being developed on the Ross Creek estuary in Port Orchard
that may provide opportunities for development when on -site mitigation is infeasible as well as enhance
ecological functions and habitat within the estuary.
5.3.5 Aquifer Recharge Areas
All of the City of Port Orchard's public water supply is obtained from wells. The City's Critical Areas
Ordinance recognizes critical aquifer recharge areas around water system wellheads and in areas that
are highly susceptible to groundwater contamination. These areas are protected through a combination
of regulatory restrictions and low -density zoning.
Groundwater aquifers also supply water to lakes, wetlands, streams and to private wells. An aquifer is a
sizable and continuous body of porous material composed of sand, gravel or silt saturated with water
and capable of producing usable quantities of water to a well. As required by federal law, this water is
monitored and tested to ensure that it meets the high standards required for drinking water.
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Chapter 5: Natural Systems
For water to be pumped on a sustainable basis, new water must enter the aquifer. Aquifers are
recharged by rainwater infiltrating into the ground through permeable soils and by recharge from rivers,
streams and lakes. Wetlands and natural areawide landscape depressions that allow water to stand also
may aid in groundwater infiltration by slowing runoff and allowing it to seep into the ground when
located in suitable areas. Development can lessen the water entering the aquifer by covering recharge
areas with impervious surfaces or filling wetlands and natural depressions that contain standing water.
Groundwater contamination may also result from development. Once groundwater is contaminated, it
is difficult, costly, and sometimes impossible to clean up. Preventing contamination is necessary to avoid
exorbitant costs, hardships, and potential physical harm to people.
As in any urban area, maintaining effective groundwater recharge and groundwater quality will be
a continuing challenge as urbanization occurs.
5.3.6 Shorelines
Shorelines within the City of Port Orchard include those portions of Sinclair Inlet lying within the city
limits and all lands extending landward 200 feet from the ordinary high water mark, together with any
associated wetlands, river deltas, and floodways associated with tidal waters. The City also has one
creek, Blackjack Creek, which is regulated as a "shoreline of the state" due to its average flow level. The
estuarine portion of Ross Creek and portions of two lakes (Big Lake and Square Lake) also qualify as
shorelines of the state.
The Port Orchard vicinity is experiencing an increasing amount of urban development, which has
affected the City's shorelines. Sinclair Inlet is a shallow, poorly flushing estuary, and the slow period of
discharge and replenishment is a factor
influencing its water and habitat quality
in the inlet. The Department of Ecology's
Total Maximum Daily Load (TDML) and
Water Quality Implementation Plan identifies
fecal coliform contamination, mostly from
non -point source pollution, in addition to
significant chemical contamination that
includes high levels of mercury and PCBs
have been documented in Sinclair Inlet.
Currently, existing impervious surfaces along
portions of Bay Street are not treated for
stormwater runoff and flow directly into
Sinclair Inlet. However, improvements are
being made with adoption of Low Impact
Development Standards and within the City's
Stormwater utility and updated NPDES
permit programs.
Figure 5-5. Sinclair Inlet
The Inventory and Characterization section of the City's Shoreline Master Program contains detailed
recommendations for land use, zoning, restoration plans and other actions that could assist in restoring
shoreline water quality and habitat functions.
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Chapter 5: Natural Systems
5.4 Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
Climate change poses significant challenges to the City of Port Orchard. Rising sea levels, exacerbated by
climate shifts, threaten Port Orchard's downtown area, while warmer marine waters impact both the
natural environment and public health. According to Kitsap County's Climate Change Resiliency
Assessment, under the low -emissions scenario, Port Orchard will as likely as not (50% likelihood)
experience sea level rise of 0.4 feet by 2030, 0.8 feet by 2050, and 2.2 feet by 2100. These rising sea
levels are expected to exacerbate existing challenges with saltwater in its downtown area. Additionally,
the City may expect to experience other climate impacts, including an increase in the number of
extreme heat days during the summer and decrease in freeze -free days during the winter and increased
intensity of maximum 24-hour precipitation events.
The impacts of a changing climate over time are likely to be felt across all aspects of life in Port Orchard.
These climate impacts emphasize the importance of implementing proactive planning and adaptation
strategies to protect Port Orchard's environment, infrastructure, and community well-being.
5.5 Goals and Policies
General
Goal I. Maintain accurate and scientifically sound development
regulations that protect the City's natural resources, while
allowing for compatible growth and development.
Policy NS-1 Maintain a Critical Areas Ordinance that protects surface water resources including fish
and wildlife habitats and wetlands with special consideration for special status wildlife
(listed species).
Policy NS-2 Utilize Best Available Science to improve the protection of and increase the accuracy of
information about wetlands, flood plains, channel migration zones, watershed boundaries
and stream locations and types.
Policy NS-3 Map wetlands, streams, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, geologically
hazardous areas, frequently flooded areas, flood plains, channel migration zones, and the
findings of professionally conducted local wetlands inventories into Critical Areas maps.
Policy NS-4 Support the development of private mitigation banking programs in coordination with
county, state and federal agencies, with sites in multiple watersheds to mitigate for
unavoidable impacts to wetlands, streams, and their buffers. Ensure that replacement of
altered or displaced wetland or stream functions occurs within the drainage basin or
service area identified by the department.
Policy NS-5 Inventory and monitor natural resource and climate resilience factors, such as tree
canopy, open space, stormwater runoff, urban heat effects, and sea level rise,
establishing baselines and monitoring programs to measure future progress and program
needs.
Goal 2. Protect the water quality, flows and ecological integrity of
streams, wetlands, and Sinclair Inlet by appropriately
regulating storm water and land use while allowing for
compatible growth and development.
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Policy NS-6 Protect marine and fresh surface water resources by requiring that development,
including rights -of -way, in critical areas is consistent with the Critical Areas Ordinance,
Shoreline Master Program, Stormwater and Watersheds Comprehensive Plan, and other
applicable local, state and federal regulations.
Policy NS-7 Evaluate, avoid, minimize, and mitigate unavoidable impacts to surface water quality and
quantity during the planning and development review process. Consider the cumulative
impacts of existing and future development on surface water quantity and quality.
Policy NS-8 Require native vegetation buffers along streams, marine and freshwater shorelines and
wetlands to protect the functions and values of those surface waters.
Goal 3. Preserve and enhance the City's tree canopy coverage to
improve human health, protect wildlife habitat and enhance
ecological function through the mitigation of urban heat
island effects, reduction in stormwater runoff, energy
consumption and release of carbon into the atmosphere.
Policy NS-9 Adopt a canopy coverage target, consistent with NPDES Permit requirements, for the City
and monitor progress on a regular basis to determine if policy changes are necessary to
reach the City's target.
Policy NS-10 Identify parks and open spaces in the City where tree canopy coverage could be
increased.
Policy NS-11 Use trees and vegetation to mitigate erosion potential, meet drainage needs and reduce
the impacts of development.
Policy NS-12 Establish programs and policies that maintain and increase forests and vegetative cover
and prioritize the connectivity of forests that provide valuable wildlife corridors within the
City.
Goal 4. Adapt to changing climate conditions to minimize adverse
effects on the environment, infrastructure, economy, and
public health, especially as they relate to impacts on
vulnerable populations and areas that have been
disproportionately affected by climate change.
Policy NS-13 Plan for and consider impacts from climate change including sea level rise, flooding,
wildfire hazards, and urban heat on both existing and new development.
Policy NS-14 Develop greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventories and climate action plans to reduce
or eliminate emissions.
Policy NS-15 Develop and implement adaptation strategies to prevent or minimize the adverse effects
of climate change.
Policy NS-16 Consider and implement where feasible nature -based solutions to address climate
change, such as tree planting programs to sequester carbon, and low impact
development strategies to address stormwater runoff, flooding and pollution.
Policy NS-17 Reduce risk from natural hazards through mitigation, prioritizing vulnerable communities.
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Identify areas susceptible to flooding, wildfires, earthquakes, landslides and other natural
hazards that overlap with at -risk populations to prioritize capital improvements.
Policy NS-18 Apply an equity lens when considering the impacts of climate change on vulnerable and
disadvantaged populations who have the least resources to deal with its impacts.
Prioritize capital improvements in areas that have been traditionally underinvested in the
City.
Goal S. Ensure that all residents of the City, regardless of race, social
or economic status have clean air, clean water, and other
elements of a healthy environment.
Policy NS-19 Reduce impacts to vulnerable populations and areas that have been disproportionately
affected by noise, air pollution, or other environmental impacts.
Geologically Hazardous Areas
Goal 6. Protect the public health, safety and welfare from geologic
hazards.
Policy NS-20 Ensure that development in geologically hazardous areas occurs in a manner that
minimizes hazard to health or property and minimizes impacts to the natural
environment, including stream and shoreline processes.
Policy NS-21 Protect public safety and health, maintain water quality and habitat, minimize erosion of
soils and bluffs, and diminish the public cost of repairing areas from damage due to
landslides, erosion and seismic activities through appropriate regulation and development
conditions.
Policy NS-22 Where information about extensive fill areas is known, depict fill areas as areas of
geological hazard.
Policy NS-23 Restrict development in geologically hazardous areas according to the Critical Areas
Ordinance, unless the site is demonstrated by a qualified geotechnical engineer to be
suitable for building.
Policy NS-24 Protect forested steep slopes and ridgelines designated as geologically hazardous areas.
Policy NS-25 Require revegetation with appropriate native plant species and enhancement of existing
native vegetation on steep slopes that have been cleared in violation of the Critical Areas
Ordinance.
Goal 7. Consider geologically hazardous areas in assigning
comprehensive plan designations and implementing zones.
Policy NS-26 Maintain and update a City map for land use planning and regulatory purposes that
depicts both Geologically Hazardous Areas and Areas of Geologic Concern, per the
definitions in the Critical Areas Ordinance.
Policy NS-27 Maintain and update a Critical Areas Ordinance that addresses land use controls in
geologically hazardous areas.
Policy NS-28 Base the geologically hazardous areas map on best available scientific information, such
as the Coastal Zone Atlas of Washington, Quaternary Geology and Stratigraphy of Kitsap
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County, the Washington Geologic Survey (WGS) Geologic Information Portal, and other
available geotechnical reports.
Policy NS-29 Update the geologically hazardous areas map regularly to reflect the latest information.
Policy NS-30 Establish development standards in geologically hazardous areas that promote retention
and maintenance of existing native vegetation, and which discourages clearing of
ridgelines and slopes to provide scenic vistas, and to ameliorate stormwater drainage
impacts.
Policy NS-31 Encourage location of building sites away from steep slopes and breaks in slope.
Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas
Goal 8. Safeguard the quality and quantity of long-term water
supplies by preserving and protecting critical aquifer
recharge areas through use of the appropriate regulatory
means.
Policy NS-32 Coordinate with the US Geological Survey, Kitsap County Health District, and the City
Public Works Department to maintain and update the methodology and mapping used to
identify Category I and Category II Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas.
Policy NS-33 Limit land uses listed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of
Groundwater and Drinking Water exhibit titled "Potential Sources of Drinking Water
Contamination Index' within Category I Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas. Within Category
II areas, require appropriate safeguards and/or mitigation for listed land uses.
Policy NS-34 Require proposed projects that present a potential threat to critical aquifer recharge
areas and groundwater quality to provide hydrogeologic information to evaluate the
proposal, in accordance with adopted plans and regulations.
Policy NS-35 Implement plans created to improve water resource management, using resources
available to accomplish higher priority actions first.
Policy NS-36 Take immediate action to correct or limit saltwater intrusion in areas with evidence of
intrusion and prevent saltwater intrusion in areas where hydrologic information indicates
that saltwater intrusion is likely.
Wetlands
Goal 9. Protect the water quality, flows and ecological integrity of
wetlands by appropriately regulating land uses and storm
water through the development review process.
Policy NS-37 The City's Critical Areas Ordinance shall protect existing wetland functions in order to
maintain water quality, retention, and wildlife habitat. New development adjacent to
protected wetlands shall be subject to vegetative buffers as identified in the Critical Areas
Ordinance and other applicable development standards.
Policy NS-38 Strive to achieve no net loss of wetland function in the short term, and a measurable gain
of wetland function in the long term, in the following manner: Avoid direct impacts on
wetlands and buffers; minimize direct impacts to wetlands and buffers; and mitigate
impacts through creation, restoration, or enhancement of wetlands or buffers.
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Policy NS-39 Use of fencing, tape, or approved alternative to delineate wetland boundaries, buffers,
and construction setbacks during construction shall be required as a condition of the land
use permit or building permit. No construction activity or mechanical equipment shall be
allowed in these delineated areas.
Policy NS-40 Identification of wetlands and delineations of their boundaries shall be done in
accordance with the approved federal wetland delineation manual and applicable
regional supplements, and the most recent version of the Washington State Rating
System for Western Washington, or as required in the City's Critical Areas Ordinance.
Policy NS-41 Require the use of green infrastructure and low -impact development where such
approaches are feasible when mitigation is required to address increased storm
intensities and stormwater runoff.
Frequently Flooded Areas
Goal 10. Reduce the risk of damage to life, property, and the natural
environment from flooding through appropriate regulatory
means. Prevent development on floodplains that might have
the potential to damage property or increase height, flow or
velocity of floodwater.
Policy NS-42 Avoid development in frequently flooded areas except when no conditions will be created
which will be injurious to life, property or natural systems in times of flooding.
Policy NS-43 Require improvements to existing structures within frequently flooded areas to be
constructed using methods and practices that minimize flood damage.
Policy NS-44 Minimize diking and bank protection that may alter the natural hydrology of streams,
except where used to enhance habitat.
Policy NS-45 Prohibit the construction of flood barriers that will unnaturally divert floodwaters or that
may increase flood hazards in other areas.
Goal 11. Prevent land use in floodplains that may degrade water
quality during times of flooding.
Policy NS-46 Prohibit locating hazardous materials and solid waste facilities in floodplains.
Policy NS-47 Coordinate with the Kitsap County Health District to identify failing septic systems and
connect to sewer, where available.
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas
Goal 12. Preserve natural flood control, stormwater storage and
drainage or stream flow patterns.
Policy NS-48 Minimize habitat fragmentation and maximize connectivity of open space corridors when
designating land use and zoning classifications and reviewing development proposals.
Policy NS-49 Identify and protect habitat conservation areas throughout the city, where appropriate.
Policy NS-50 Coordinate with appropriate federal and state agencies, local tribal governments, and
community organizations to refine and maintain thorough assessments of habitat types
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and areas with important habitat elements. Based upon these assessments, develop a
habitat protection plan that identifies areas most in need of protection and restoration,
with special consideration for special status wildlife species.
Policy NS-51 Consider the potential development impacts to habitat conservation areas, plant
communities, and fish and wildlife populations in designating land use and zoning
classifications.
Policy NS-52 Require appropriate native vegetative buffers along surface waters to protect fish and
wildlife habitat. Larger or enhanced buffer areas may be required to adequately protect
priority fish and wildlife species. Buffer enhancement, restoration, and/or mitigation shall
be required where buffers have been degraded or removed during new development.
Policy NS-53 Review development applications located within identified habitat conservation areas and
forward those that may pose a potential adverse impact to the appropriate agencies for
review.
Policy NS-54 Encourage developers to protect continuous corridors of native vegetation wherever
possible, to disturb as little natural vegetation as feasible, and to enhance or restore
wildlife habitat by transplanting or planting native vegetation in the developed landscape.
Policy NS-55 Encourage redevelopment of areas within the city that were previously developed but
that are now underutilized or vacant, to promote the highest and best use of existing
properties and minimize new environmental impacts.
Policy NS-56 Encourage cluster development to protect fish and wildlife habitat and, where possible,
plan cooperatively with adjacent property owners to provide maximum habitat potential.
Restoration of native vegetation within undeveloped areas of cluster development should
be a requirement of such development.
Policy NS-57 Encourage best management practices in the use of herbicides and pesticides near
wetlands, surface waters or drainage ditches.
Goal 13. Maintain accurate and sound development regulations that
preserve the biological diversity of Port Orchard and the
Puget Sound.
Policy NS-58 Improve mapping of critical areas and buffers throughout Port Orchard and the South
Kitsap Urban Growth Area.
Policy NS-59 Maintain a CAO and development regulations that protect habitat conservation areas and
important habitat elements.
Policy NS-60 Identify species of local importance within Port Orchard City Limits.
Goal 14. Preserve the biological diversity of Port Orchard and Puget
Sound using non -regulatory means as appropriate.
Policy NS-61 Maintain a citywide inventory of existing plant, fish, and wildlife habitat, including habitat
for all species of concern identified by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and
make information available to the public.
Policy NS-62 Map priority conservation areas based upon a synthesis of existing citywide assessments
of aquatic habitat quality, terrestrial habitat quality, and groundwater recharge potential.
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Work with appropriate state agencies, local tribal governments, and community
organizations to refine and maintain thorough citywide assessments of habitat types and
areas with important habitat elements. Based upon these assessments, develop a habitat
protection plan that identifies areas most in need of protection and restoration, with
special consideration for special status wildlife. Implement the habitat protection plan
through the Parks Plan and other incentive- based, non -regulatory efforts. Where
inventories are incomplete, make it a high priority to complete them.
Policy NS-63 Minimize habitat fragmentation and maximize connectivity of open space corridors when
implementing non -regulatory efforts.
Policy NS-64 Work with other government jurisdictions to coordinate watershed management and
habitat protection efforts for watersheds and corridors that cross jurisdictional
boundaries.
Policy NS-65 Ensure that the City's Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan is consistent with habitat
inventories and habitat protection plans.
Policy NS-66 Minimize impacts to fish and wildlife species when siting trail systems through habitat
conservation areas.
Policy NS-67 Encourage public -private partnerships and voluntary efforts to protect, restore, and
enhance fish and wildlife habitat. Provide information about existing government and
private programs pertaining to voluntary habitat protection, enhancement, and
restoration.
Goal IS. Protect anadromous fish runs in the City of Port Orchard
using appropriate regulatory means.
Policy NS-68 Give special consideration to the protection of anadromous fish species when
determining land use and zoning designations, and when developing and applying
development regulations. Consider the relative importance of a stream's fisheries
resource.
Goal 16. Protect and restore anadromous fish runs in the City of
Port Orchard using appropriate non -regulatory means.
Policy NS-69 Restore local salmon populations by participating in the West Sound Watersheds Council
Lead Entity and the Puget Sound Partnership.
Policy NS-70 Develop and implement recovery plans for anadromous fish and other listed species
under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Work with appropriate state and federal
agencies, local tribal governments, and community organizations and adjacent
jurisdictions to identify deficiencies in City programs and regulations.
Policy NS-71 Work with resource agencies, tribal governments, the County, and others to inventory
nearshore areas, prioritize and implement restoration projects.
Policy NS-72 Work with resource agencies, local tribal governments, the County, and others to
inventory, prioritize, and restore fish blockages, degraded stream reaches, and wetlands.
Policy NS-73 Support and coordinate volunteer stream and wetland restoration and preservation
efforts.
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 DRAFT: November 2024
Chapter 5: Natural Systems
Goal 17. Update the Ross and Blackjack Creek watershed plans to
improve water resource management and implement
improvements for ground and surface water quality and
quantity in cooperation with tribal governments and
interested citizens.
Policy NS-74 Implement plans created to improve water resource management and monitoring,
including the recommendations of the proposed Kitsap Peninsula (WRIA 15) Watershed
Plan and Kitsap County Groundwater Management Plan, using resources available to
accomplish higher priority actions first. Use watershed plans as a means of identifying
projects with a broad base of community support and coordinating with neighborhood
jurisdictions.
Policy NS-75 Coordinate with other jurisdictions, agencies, and private landowners to reduce the
impacts of non -point source pollution upon aquatic resources by implementing the
recommendations of approved watershed action plans.
Goal 18. Develop a funding strategy and financing plan that uses a mix
of local, state, federal and private funds to achieve
conservation and restoration priorities.
Policy NS-76 Develop locally controlled long-term funding source(s) for natural resource protection
and enhancement. Utilize these funds to the maximum extent possible to leverage grant
funds.
Policy NS-77 Coordinate with the State Department of Ecology, Kitsap Public Utility District, Kitsap
County, area tribal governments, and other jurisdictions and government agencies to
pursue funding for water resource management efforts.
Goal 19. Comprehensively monitor and manage water resources
through non -regulatory means to ensure their long-term
viability.
Policy NS-78 Ensure that local water resources are comprehensively monitored, paying special
attention to aquifer recharge areas, groundwater levels, stream flows, and saltwater
intrusion. Maintain a citywide water quality monitoring program.
Policy NS-79 Adequately maintain groundwater quantity to avoid saltwater intrusion and to protect in -
stream flows for anadromous fish populations. Utilize Best Available Science to determine
desired streamflow and determine means of achieving those flows.
Policy NS-80 Seek opportunities to use reclaimed water for wetland augmentation, irrigation, stream
enhancement, and aquifer replenishment.
Policy NS-81 Coordinate actions of the City of Port Orchard Public Works Department with other
agencies and jurisdictions to improve runoff quality and reduce runoff flow rates to
mitigate flooding and improve water quality. Utilize a basin approach to stormwater
facility planning.
"m Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 DRAFT: November 2024
Chapter 5: Natural Systems
Policy NS-82 Ensure all existing City -owned stormwater facilities, and all new private facilities and
culverts are properly designed, constructed and maintained to reduce the occurrence of
flooding, improve the quality of surface waters, and enhance aquifer recharge.
Maintenance shall occur on a regular basis to ensure flood protection and water quality
functions
Policy NS-83 Employ best management practices in the City's use of herbicides and pesticides near
surface waters or drainage ditches.
Policy NS-84 Educate City residents and businesses about the natural environment and the benefits of
healthy surface and groundwater resources.
Policy NS-85 Incorporate best available science related to the effects of climate change on water
availability and quality into future water resource planning. Ensure stormwater facilities
meet or exceed requirements for managing peak flows as climate change increases the
frequency and intensity of storm events.
Shorelines and Aquatic Areas
Goal 20. Encourage shoreline access and diversity by recognizing the
distribution and location requirements of housing,
commerce, industry, transportation, public buildings,
education, recreation and natural resources.
Policy NS-86 Encourage and support shoreline diversity through planned and coordinated
development, which gives preference to water -dependent uses, maintenance of shoreline
resource values, and continuing environmental protection.
Policy NS-87 Ensure shoreline access for all Port Orchard residents and visitors.
Goal 21. Water -dependent and water -related commercial uses should
be encouraged when the shoreline can accommodate such
development.
Policy NS-88 Encourage and support water -related and water -dependent commercial uses that are
environmentally compatible with the City's Shoreline Master Program and other shoreline
and aquatic area protection policies and regulations.
Policy NS-89 Land use activities shall be sited and designed to minimize conflicts with and avoid
impacts to the shoreline environment.
Policy NS-90 Encourage maritime dependent services and industry to remain and to improve their
services while operating in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Goal 22. Increase public awareness of the historical, cultural and
environmental influences of Port Orchard's shorelines.
Policy NS-91 Historical, cultural, educational or scientific areas should be identified, preserved and/or
restored and shoreline development within them should be minimized.
Policy NS-92 Waterfront historical districts (those identified now and in the future), cultural resource
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 DRAFT: November 2024
Chapter 5: Natural Systems
areas and specific historic sites and structures should be integrated into zoning and
planning maps and development regulations.
Policy NS-93 Public awareness of the historical, cultural and environmental influences of Port Orchard's
shoreline should be increased through educational and interpretive projects.
Goal 23. When development or redevelopment of shoreline properties
is proposed, the development proposal should include
restoration of degraded shoreline habitat where feasible,
consistent with the requirements of the City's shoreline
master program.
Policy NS-94 Shoreline development proposals should include an analysis of potential opportunities for
restoration of degraded shoreline habitat, including but not limited to opportunities for:
removal of shoreline fill, bank armoring and overwater structures; re-establishing
intertidal and riparian vegetation; and restoring tidal processes.
Policy NS-95 Shoreline development proposals should include an analysis of anticipated impacts to
shoreline ecological functions and provide mitigation measures sufficient to ensure no net
loss of such functions.
Goal 24. Manage land use and water resources so that shellfish and
finfish that utilize marine and freshwater in Port Orchard are
abundant and fit for human consumption.
Policy NS-96 Maintain or improve water quality such that shellfish within Port Orchard are safe to
consume.
Policy NS-97 Maintain or improve marine habitat such that there is no net loss of shellfish habitat
quantity and quality within Port Orchard compared to a baseline of 1995.
Policy NS-98 Maintain or improve fresh, estuarine, and marine habitat such that there is no net loss of
fin fish habitat quantity and quality within Port Orchard compared to a baseline of 1995.
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 DRAFT: November 2024
Chapter 5: Natural Systems
Figure 5-6. Port Orchard Environmental Map
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Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 DRAFT: November 2024
Chapter 5: Natural Systems
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Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 DRAFT: November 2024
Chapter 5: Natural Systems
igure 5-8. Port Orchard Shoreline Jurisdiction Map
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Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT: September 2024