Planning and Sustainability
Clean Economy Strategy (CES) 2.0
The Clean Economy Strategy (CES) 2.0 is designed to serve as a roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance environmental sustainability, and prepare for climate change while maintaining and building a strong economy. Uniquely tailored to Renton’s needs, the CES 2.0 is a forward-looking, science-based plan that provides a framework designed to move us toward our goal of net zero emissions and community resilience in the face of climate impacts.
Adopted in 2023, the plan reflects the latest scientific evidence, incorporates recommendations from dozens of peer cities, and reflects community input.
Clean Economy Strategy 2.0 Plan
Key Objectives
The document’s two (2) overarching objectives are to:
- Build resilience among communities and natural systems to better prepare Renton for climate impacts, including extreme weather events; and
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions among City and community operations and introduce new sustainability practices.
The successful implementation of strategies and actions within the CES 2.0 will support the creation of local green jobs, public health benefits, safer walking and biking routes, more accessible transit, long- term energy cost savings and a more resilient grid, and stronger emergency management systems.
Plan Focus Area
The plan outlines 32 detailed actions across the following five focus areas: Transportation and Land Use, Buildings and Energy, Consumption and Materials Management, and Community Resilience and Wellbeing.
The successful implementation of strategies and actions within the CES 2.0 will support the creation of local green jobs, public health benefits, safer walking and biking routes, more accessible transit, long- term energy cost savings and a more resilient grid, and stronger emergency management systems.
Other Related Information
Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) Update
The Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) is a set of development regulations that all cities and counties in Washington State must adopt and enforce under the state’s (GMA). The CAO is designed to protect specific environmentally sensitive areas and safeguard the public from natural hazards such as floods and landslides. The purpose of the proposed code amendment is to align the City’s CAO with current state law and incorporate “best available science” (BAS) ahead of the year-end deadline.
Every ten years, counties and cities are required to take legislative action to review and, if needed, revise their comprehensive land use plans and development regulations to ensure the plans and regulations comply with the requirements of the GMA.
Critical Areas defined
RMC 4-11-030 defines Critical Areas as wetlands, aquifer protection areas, fish and wildlife habitat, frequently flooded and geologically hazardous areas as defined by the Growth Management Act and RMC 4-3-050, Critical Areas Regulations.
Requirements
- The Growth Management Act (GMA) (RCW 36.70A) mandates that all jurisdictions adopt and periodically update development regulations to protect critical areas.
- The law mandates periodic review to keep Critical Area Ordinances (CAO) current.
- Updates must integrate the Best Available Science.
- CAOs need to align with any new federal or state environmental regulations.
- The ultimate goal is to better safeguard critical areas for public well-being and environmental health.
Critical Areas Regulations Summary
1. Purpose
- Protect environmental quality, biodiversity and critical habitats
- Manage critical areas like wetlands, aquifers, habitats, flood zones, and geologically hazardous areas under the Growth Management Act (GMA) and Renton Municipal Code.
- Ensure public safety, mitigate environmental impacts, and promote sustainable development.
- Achieve no net loss of critical area functions, with a focus on restoration and enhancement.
2. Applicability
- Covers areas including:
- Flood hazards (floodways, channel migration zones).
- Geologic hazards (steep slopes, landslides, erosion, seismic, coal mines).
- Habitat conservation areas.
- Streams, lakes, and wetlands.
- Wellhead protection areas.
- Activities impacting critical areas and their buffers require adherence to regulations.
3. Exemptions
- Exempt activities include conservation, research, education, emergency responses, and ongoing agricultural activities, subject to conditions and Administrator approval.
- Site conditions or substantial barriers may limit applicability.
4. Prohibited Activities
- Prohibits construction, grazing, hazardous material use, and similar activities in restricted zones such as floodways and critical buffers.
- Specific restrictions for wellhead protection areas to prevent groundwater contamination.
5. Administration
- Designates a Floodplain Administrator to oversee compliance and permits.
- Adopts FEMA flood hazard maps and integrates local studies (e.g., Cedar River Channel Migration Study).
- Enforces stricter standards when local, state, or federal regulations overlap.
6. Mapping and Classification
- Critical areas identified via GIS and site-specific assessments.
- Boundaries determined by professional reports and Administrator approval.
- Categories defined for wetlands, streams, and other critical zones.
7. Development Standards
- Requires no net loss of critical area functions.
- Establishes buffer zones and setbacks for different critical areas, with detailed classifications for wetlands (e.g., Categories I-IV) and streams (e.g., Types F, Np, Ns).
- Permits and mitigations tailored to specific environmental conditions.
8. Submittal Requirements
- Pre-application consultations encouraged.
- Requires detailed plans, geotechnical reports, and other studies by qualified professionals.
- Validity of studies typically limited to five years unless extended by the Administrator.
9. Specific Provisions
- Detailed provisions for flood hazard management, wetland mitigation, and protection of geologically hazardous areas.
- Appeals and variances allowed under strict criteria.
- Maintenance and monitoring requirements to ensure long-term compliance.
10. Enforcement and Penalties
- Unauthorized alterations are subject to enforcement actions.
- Mitigation and restoration plans required for compliance failures.
Critical Areas Map
Check existing critical areas mapped within the City of Renton.
If you have a critical area and want more information about how to comply with the Code, please email planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov or call 425-430-7294. Please note that information provided in COR maps is not survey accurate; however, it provides a good reference. A qualified professional should be hired in order to determine accuracy.
Note: There will be anticipated buffer changes by the end of this year as part of the periodic update of critical areas ordinance (CAO) of all cities and counties as mandated by the State.
Best Available Science (BAS) in Critical Area Regulations
Best Available Science (BAS) refers to the use of credible, peer-reviewed scientific information and methodologies in the development and application of critical area regulations.
It ensures that policies and standards are grounded in reliable, up-to-date scientific understanding to protect critical areas effectively. This approach ensures that Renton's critical area regulations remain aligned with environmental science and best practices.
Timeline
The city of Renton is working on the public engagement plan for the CAO update and project specific information.
Do you have questions? Explore more about critical areas and connect with us directly through the project website. The city must update its critical area ordinance regulations by December 31, 2025.
Public Hearing Materials
Public Hearing Schedule
Planning Commission Public Hearing for Docket Group 19B, D-235: 2025 Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) Update, LUA25-000284, ECF took place last Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM at the 7F Council Chambers, Renton City Hall, 1055 S Grady Way, Renton WA. You may also join via Zoom:
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88034659736?pwd=z1TyxJNsMEloal0MglAamlJkjbnLaR.1
Webinar ID: 880 3465 9736
Passcode: Weplan2024
Planning Commission full agenda is found here.
Public comment period is open until close of business on October 1, 2025 (Wed) at 5:00pm. Please send comments by emailing planningcommission@rentonwa.gov or submitting them online at https://rb.gy/vaqabf.
Please find Public Hearing slides on Critical Areas Ordinance here.
CAO Draft Code Amendments
The materials provided on this page represent draft amendments to the City of Renton’s Critical Areas Ordinance (RMC 4‑3‑050). These documents are made available in compliance with the Growth Management Act to inform the public and solicit feedback. The draft amendments are not adopted regulations and carry no regulatory effect at this time. Final amendments will only take effect upon completion of the public review process and formal adoption by the Renton City Council.
Draft Code Amendment Materials