The planning commission presented a draft recommendation to increase stream buffers to meet state guidance while preserving options for existing homeowners, including rebuild-in-place, upward expansion, and limited outward expansion into already disturbed areas; a public hearing is planned in late January and council consideration is expected in February.

Council voted Dec. 9 to repeal and replace Chapter 18.65 of the Covington Municipal Code, updating critical areas protections (notably stream buffer standards), adopting Ecology model guidance, adding enforcement and restoration standards, and establishing modified review pathways for existing platted properties.