If, based upon the data provided by WDFW or the applicant’s professional wildlife biologist, the administrator determines that a proposed use is likely to adversely affect a sensitive wildlife site or priority habitat, then a wildlife management plan shall be required. Wildlife management plans shall meet the following criteria:
A. Plans shall be prepared by a WDFW biologist or a professional wildlife biologist, hired by the project applicant.
B. All relevant background information shall be documented and considered, including biology of the affected species, published protection and management guidelines, physical characteristics of the subject parcel, past and present use of the subject parcel, and useful life of the wildlife site or priority habitat.
C. The core habitat of the sensitive species shall be delineated. It shall encompass the sensitive site or priority habitat and the attributes or key components that are essential to maintaining the long-term use and integrity of the site or habitat.
D. A wildlife buffer zone shall be employed. The buffer shall be wide enough to ensure that the core habitat is not adversely affected by new uses or developments. Buffer zones shall be delineated on the site plan map and shall reflect the physical characteristics of the project site.
E. The size, scope, configuration or density of new uses and developments within the core habitat and the wildlife buffer zone shall be regulated to protect sensitive wildlife species. The timing and duration of all uses and developments shall also be regulated to ensure that they do not occur during the time of year when species are sensitive to disturbance. The following guidelines shall apply:
1. New uses shall generally be prohibited within the core habitat. Exceptions may include uses that have temporary and negligible effects, such as the installation of underground residential utilities. Low intensity, nondestructive uses may be conditionally authorized in the core habitat.
2. Intensive uses and developments shall be generally prohibited within wildlife buffer zones. Such uses may be conditionally authorized when a wildlife site or priority habitat is inhabited seasonally; provided they will have only temporary effects on the wildlife buffer zone and rehabilitation and/or enhancement will be completed before a particular species returns.
3. Rehabilitation and enhancement actions shall be documented in the wildlife management plan and shall include a map and text. (Ord. 2005-04 (part): Ord. 1996-03 (part))