205928 NOTICE OF DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE (DNS) AND PUBLIC HEARING Whitman County Planning, the lead agency under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), issued a Determination of Nonsignificance (DNS) under WAC 197-11-340 for a nonproject action consisting of two coordinated code amendments: Amend Whitman County Code Chapter 9.05, Critical Areas Ordinance, relating to Frequently Flooded Areas, and amend Chapter 17.12 to establish updated standalone Flood Damage Prevention regulations, including adoption of the updated FEMA Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps effective December 23, 2026. After review of a completed environmental checklist and other information on file, the lead agency determined that the proposal does not have probable significant adverse impact on the environment. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is therefore not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). This SEPA determination does not constitute approval of the proposal. Comments on the DNS will be accepted for 14 days from the date of issuance. The Whitman County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM to consider the proposed amendments, receive public testimony, and make a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners. In-person attendance is available in the first-floor auditorium of the Public Service Building, 310 N. Main Street, Colfax, WA 99111. Virtual attendance is available through Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89788847169 The draft ordinances, SEPA DNS, and environmental checklist are available for review on the Whitman County Planning Division webpage and at the Planning Division office, located on the second floor of the Public Service Building, 310 N. Main Street, Colfax, WA 99111. Interested persons may submit written comments in person, by email to Grace Di Biase at grace.dibiase@whitmancounty.gov, or by mail to Whitman County Planning Division, P.O. Box 430, Colfax, WA 99111. Written comments regarding the SEPA DNS will be accepted until 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Written comments regarding the proposed amendments and Planning Commission public hearing will be accepted until 5:00 PM on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Interested persons may also provide oral testimony at the 7:00 PM hearing. Grace Di Biase, AICP, County Planner SEPA 26-018