18S.30.020 Archaeological, Cultural, and Historic Resources.
The intent of the Archaeological, Cultural, and Historic Resources policies and regulations is to recognize that these resources can be found throughout the County and that they are valuable because they are irreplaceable and limited. When these resources are found on shoreline sites they should be preserved, protected, and restored. Archaeological areas, ancient villages, military forts, old settlers' homes, ghost towns, historic trails, historical cemeteries, and other cultural sites and features are nonrenewable resources, many of which are in danger of being lost through present day changes in land use and urbanization.
A. Applicability. The policies and regulations of this Section shall apply to all uses and development, within all shoreline environment designations.
B. Policies.
1. Locate, design, and operate developments to be compatible with the protection of any adjacent identified archaeological, cultural, or historic site.
2. Where appropriate, locate access trails near protected, educational, historical, and archaeological sites and areas.
3. Encourage private and public owners of archaeological, cultural, or historic sites to provide public access and educational opportunities in a manner consistent with long-term protection of both historic values and shoreline ecological functions.
C. Regulations.
1. Should archaeological materials (e.g., bones, shells, stone tools, beads, ceramics, bottles, hearths, etc.) or human remains be observed during project activities on shorelines, all work in the immediate vicinity shall cease.
a. Upon discovery of such resources, the applicant shall immediately contact the State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, the County Planning and Land Services Department, the affected Tribe(s), and the County coroner (if applicable) to help assess the situation and determine how to preserve the resource(s).
b. Compliance with all applicable laws pertaining to archaeological resources (Chapter 27.53 RCW, Archaeological Sites and Resources, Chapter 27.44 RCW, Indian Graves and Records, and Chapter 25-48 WAC, Archaeological Excavation and Removal Permit) is required.
2. For known archaeological, cultural, and historic resources identified within a State, Federal, or local process for historic places or recorded as cultural resource sites, an archaeological, cultural, or historic resource management plan for the site shall be prepared by an archaeologist or historic preservation professional as a part of the shoreline review process.
a. For development within shorelines on a site with known historic buildings, the following items shall be included in the historical resource management plan:
(1) The purpose of the proposed development;
(2) A site plan for the proposed development;
(3) An assessment of any known or likely adverse impacts to the historic resources or building including, but not limited to, structural stability, historic character of the resources including buildings and surrounding area, views of or from the resources including buildings considered to be historically significant as a result of the proposed development;
(4) If impacts will occur, an analysis of how these impacts will be avoided, or where avoidance is not possible; and
(5) A recommendation of appropriate mitigation measures for any adverse impacts to the historic resources including buildings.
b. For development within shorelines on the same site as a known historical, cultural, or archaeological resource, the following items shall be included in the historic, cultural, or archaeological resource management plan:
(1) The purpose of the proposed development;
(2) A site plan for the proposed development;
(3) Identification of the location of any known historic, cultural, or archaeological resources;
(4) Likelihood of discovery of resources not yet identified on or surrounding the project site;
(5) Depth and location of all ground disturbing activities, including but not limited to utilities, driveways, clearing, and grading;
(6) An examination of project on-site design alternatives;
(7) An explanation of the need for the proposed development in the proposed location, or access across and/or through a historic, cultural, or archaeological resource;
(8) An assessment of the on-site resources and an analysis of the potential adverse impacts as a result of the development;
(9) If impacts will occur, an analysis of how these impacts have been avoided, or where avoidance is not possible; and
(10) A recommendation of appropriate mitigation measures.