(1) Commercial geoduck aquaculture may be permitted in all shoreline environment designations through a conditional use permit as indicated by Table 2-2 when it complies with this Program. Conversion of existing nongeoduck aquaculture to geoduck aquaculture shall require a conditional use permit.

(2) Conditional use permits shall recognize that commercial geoduck operators have a right to harvest geoduck once planted.

(3) A single conditional use permit may be submitted for multiple sites within an inlet, bay or other defined feature, provided the sites are all under control of the same applicant and all sites are within the County’s shoreline jurisdiction.

(4) Commercial geoduck aquaculture should only be allowed where sediments, topography, land and water access support geoduck aquaculture operations without significant clearing or grading.

(5) All subsequent cycles of planting and harvest shall not require a new conditional use permit, subject to CCC 35.50.110, Permit revisions.

(6) Commercial geoduck aquaculture workers shall be allowed to accomplish on-site work during low tides, which may occur at night or on weekends. Where such activities are necessary, noise and light impacts to nearby residents and existing uses shall be mitigated to the greatest extent practicable.

(7) The County shall require the applicant to provide baseline and periodic surveys, assessments, and operational monitoring by a qualified professional to determine the magnitude of any adverse impacts. Conditional use permits shall include specific performance measures and provisions for adjustment or termination of the project if monitoring indicates adverse environmental impacts that cannot be adequately mitigated. The County may rely on documentation submitted by an aquaculture operator to federal or State agencies to satisfy any monitoring or reporting requirements.