POULSBO — A public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 16 on proposed changes to Poulsbo’s Critical Areas Ordinance.

The Planning Commission hearing will take place in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.

The city’s Critical Areas Ordinance is required by the state Growth Management Act and regulates land use near wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, areas subject to frequent flooding, geologically hazardous areas, and critical aquifer recharge areas.

The critical areas in the city of Poulsbo are defined in the ordinance as wetland critical areas; fish and wildlife habitat conservation critical areas; geologically hazardous areas; critical aquifer recharge areas; and frequently flooded areas.

The Planning Commission reviewed the draft update during a series of three workshops. The draft Critical Areas Ordinance can be viewed at http://www.cityofpoulsbo.com/planning/caoupdate.htm. The Planning Commission’s modifications are reflected in the draft as blue bold underline for additions, and blue strikeout for deletions.

The public can comment on the draft Critical Areas Ordinance at the public hearing, or in writing to plan&econ@cityofpoulsbo.com