CreekCheckerWalla Walla · Washington
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Washington · critical areas update

Benton County

Benton County and its cities face a Dec 31, 2026 state deadline to review their critical areas rules. A city under 25,000 people may adopt the county’s rules instead, and then does not do its own review. Here is what we know about its creek buffers.

DeadlineDec 31, 2026

Draft critical areas code published; Planning Commission hearing held Oct 6, 2026. Raises stream buffers to 100 ft, citing the state fish and wildlife agency’s guidance.

Benton County highlighted; every county is colored by its deadline (key on the full map).

Cities we have checked

What you can do

  1. Look up your lot. Check any Washington address for mapped streams near it, the state fish and wildlife agency’s estimated streamside zone, and a what-if band.
  2. Read what the update is. The two-minute brief explains how state law, state agencies, your county and your city fit together.
  3. Find the draft and the next meeting. Start with the official links above. Drafts usually list the proposed stream buffer widths.
  4. Ask one clear question. For example: how would the proposed buffer apply to a lot like mine, and does it allow additions and rebuilding after a fire?
  5. Comment in your own words. A line or two about your own lot or street, sent by the comment deadline in the hearing notice, is usually included in the hearing record.

Also due Dec 31, 2026

Chelan · Cowlitz · Douglas · Franklin · Kittitas · Skamania · Spokane · Walla Walla · Yakima