The following examples have been proposed or adopted in the past few years by small cities and towns as part of the required Growth Management Act update process.  This list includes a range of communities, from small towns in relatively arid portions of eastern Washington, to metropolitan suburbs in the central Puget Sound.  These provide examples cities and towns can use as they develop their ordinances to include best available science.

The cities and towns developed these ordinances with their communities in mind.  As you develop your ordinance, keep in mind that one size does not fit all.  Any ordinance you consult must be tailored to the unique factors shaping your community.

These are not model ordinances (except one). Not every aspect of every ordinance represents the best possible solution for your community's problems.  These present a range of solutions that have been developed and adopted by a range of communities.  When reviewing these examples, keep in mind your particular physical context, rate of growth, remaining ecological function and administrative capability.

Note:  some of the documents listed below are large in size and may take longer to open.

• Jefferson County, Agriculture In Jefferson County Information Booklet, Summer 2004
• City of Cashmere
• Port Townsend CAO
• City of Mount Vernon
• City of Pullman
• City of Steilacoom
• City of Sumner
• City of Deer Park
• King County, Model Ordinance for Snoqualmie Watershed Cities
• Town of Index
• City of Port Angeles
  

 Small Communities Critical Areas Ordinance Implementation Guidebook, June 2007
Appendix A - State Agency Contact Information
Appendix B - Flow Chart of a CAO Process
Appendix C - Critical Areas Checklist
Appendix D - Information Sheet Handouts (Examples)
Appendix E - Critical Areas Report Checklist
Appendix F - Monitoring Report Checklist
Critical Area Help for Small Communities