The purpose of this chapter is to protect the functions and values of critical areas, and to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Cle Elum. Additionally, this chapter is intended to protect public and private property and natural ecosystems found within city limits. The city of Cle Elum shall regulate all uses, activities and developments within, adjacent to, or likely to affect, one or more critical areas, consistent with the best available science and the provisions herein. The city of Cle Elum finds that development in and/or near critical areas may pose a threat to public and private property, to natural ecosystems and to the public health, safety and welfare. This chapter aims to protect critical areas and to channel development to less ecologically sensitive areas.