We're considering rebuilding our home in a wetland area buffer and comparing Wetland Determination/Delineation Survey from the city Or hiring a private provider? It’s in Eastside/Bellevue. Seems having it done by city will be faster as it won’t need much review on report, being done by their own. At same time it feels conflict of interest as city provider may look at thing from their point of view only and May miss something helpful for us? Could anyone share experiences and pros/cons of each option? Any other inputs? Thank you. #housing
There is no water stream near house, that’s on far side/away from home. There are provisions to add 250/500 and upto 1000 within buffer, depending if you are expanding towards, on the side or away from buffer/wetland. We are doing it anyway as it looks feasible.
Do not do it. Always need flood insurance. Will not be able to landscape because of stream buffers. My local government expanded stream buffer to 75 feet - buffer is covering my entire house, cannot do additions or outbuildings now, cannot use heavy equipment to do landscaping or cut down trees. Property tax will not be reduced because of the inability to do what you want. But it is quiet and peaceful and can't see neighbors.
If the water is down at the bottom of a ravine, as it usually is here, no need for flood insurance. I used to have a house in the wetland buffer but I sold it to somebody who is trying to tear it down and rebuild. They have been trying for 4 years now :) OP: I suspect it won't matter much, but private provider is more likely to rule in your favor if it's a tossup.