27.11.400 Conversion from forestry use to nonforestry use.
(1) Purpose. A Class IV general forest practice application involves the conversion of forested lands to nonforestry uses, or forest operations being conducted on lands with a high likelihood for conversion to nonforestry use, such as in designated urban growth areas.
(2) SEPA Required. With the exception of a Class I FPA within an urban growth area, conversions (implemented through a Class IV general forest practice application) shall require SEPA environmental checklist per RCW 43.21C.037. The County will take the lead for the SEPA threshold determination when it is necessary to ensure that Clallam County codes are met. DCD may require Class IV general FPA to meet the Type 2 COHP standards (to the extent feasible) through the claiming of the SEPA lead, and the issuance of a threshold determination. The purpose of this is to ensure compliance with Clallam County codes and to mitigate significant impacts from conversions.
(3) Higher Level of Review. Environmental review and conditioning of Class IV general forest practice applications is intended to be at a higher level than for continuance of forestry use, or a timber harvest meeting the COHP standards. The conversion of forested lands to nonforestry uses also entails the transition of the subject lands from being exempt from critical areas to being subject to the critical areas and other requirements of the Clallam County Code (CCC).
(4) Applicability. Applications involving any of the following circumstances are considered Class IV general:
(a) Lands that have been or are being converted to nonforestry use;
(b) Forested land on parcels that are two acres or smaller in size within an urban growth area;
(c) Lands with a likelihood of future conversion to urban development within the next 10 years; and
(d) Forest practices that would otherwise be Class III, but are taking place on lands that are not to be reforested because of the likelihood of future conversion to urban development (WAC 222-16-060 and 222-34-050).
(e) All Class I, Class II (including timber harvest and road construction), Class III, and Class IV special forest practice applications in any designated unincorporated urban growth area.
(5) Continuing Forestry in Urban Growth Areas. Forest practices within a designated UGA require a Class IV general permit unless:
(a) The landowner submits a signed statement of intent not to convert for 10 years, with an application, accompanied by either a written forest management plan acceptable to the DNR or documentation that the land is enrolled under the provisions of Chapter 84.33 RCW (i.e., proof of forest tax class status). A mandatory development moratorium shall be applied (see CCC 27.11.500(1)); or
(b) A COHP approved by Clallam County is submitted to the DNR as part of an application.