22.02.034 Threshold determination.
A. The environmental coordinator shall make the threshold determination and issue a determination of nonsignificance (DNS) or significance (DS). The environmental coordinator shall make such threshold determination in accordance with applicable sections of the SEPA rules, as adopted by this code. A threshold determination is a Process II decision governed by the procedures set out at LUC 20.35.200 et seq., as now or hereafter amended, except that the threshold determination associated with a Process IV or Process V action shall be merged with the Process IV and Process V action, and processed according to the notice, decision, appeal and other procedures set forth in LUC 20.35.400 to 20.35.450 (Process IV) or LUC 20.35.500 to 20.35.540 (Process V), as now or hereafter amended.
B. Except where the threshold determination is merged with a Process IV or Process V action, the environmental coordinator shall provide notice according to the rules set forth for Process II land use applications, decisions, and public hearings or meetings (LUC 20.35.200 et seq.). The timing of SEPA actions shall be coordinated to coincide with the underlying or related decision making processes as specified in BCC 22.02.160.
C. Time Limitation.
1. A threshold determination on a non-project action does not expire and is not subject to a time limitation. New or additional environmental review may be required, however, if the environmental coordinator determines that substantial changes to a proposal are being considered.
2. Except as set forth in subsection (C)(3) of this section, a threshold determination on a project action shall have a life of two years, but shall be automatically extended if a building permit is applied for or the use is established within that two-year period; provided, however, the environmental coordinator may also extend a threshold determination for a project action if no substantial changes to the project are proposed and environmental conditions considered in issuance of the original threshold determination have not changed substantially.
3. The time limit for threshold determinations on a master development plan and associated Process II land use decisions for catalyst projects may be extended for up to a maximum of 15 years through a development agreement approved by the city council pursuant to Chapter 36.70B RCW. Any such extension shall be subject to the limitations contained in LUC 20.25D.035.B.2.b. As used in this section, “catalyst project” and “master development plan” shall have the meanings assigned in the Bellevue Land Use Code. Nothing in this section, the development agreement or the Bellevue Land Use Code provisions regarding catalyst projects shall be deemed to limit the environmental coordinator’s authority under BCC 22.02.037. (Ord. 6428 § 4, 2018; Ord. 5882 § 1, 2009; Ord. 5618 § 2, 2005; Ord. 4817 § 3, 1995; Ord. 4102 § 4, 1990; Ord. 3404 § 12, 1984.)