LAKE STEVENS – People who want to build near streams or wetlands may soon have new opportunities.

New rules proposed by Lake Stevens planners would allow the city and builders more flexibility in determining how big buffers should be.

For example, a buffer of invasive blackberry brambles needs to be larger than a buffer planted with native species, such as big-leaf maple, salmonberry or wild geranium, city planning director Becky Ableman said.

“Our approach is quality over quantity,” she said.

Buffer zones are meant to protect wildlife and its habitat from the impact of development. For the most part, the buffer zones have been enlarged in the proposal.

The proposed changes are the first since 1995. Under state law, local governments are required to update rules that regulate building in environmentally sensitive areas.

The updated plans, distributed last week, make use of what officials call “best available science” to build flexibility into what used to be strict guidelines.

In addition to a review of buffer zones, the new rules also may allow building near steep rock cliffs.

Under the plan, builders could propose developments that were proven to “improve and enhance” the cliff, Ableman said.

The plan probably will move forward without significant debate, said Mike Pattison, spokesman for the trade association Master Builders of Snohomish County.

That’s because the city has included ways to increase or decrease buffer zones, he said.

“Cities like Everett and Lake Stevens are doing a good job building in that flexibility,” Pattison said. “We want to make sure that continues.”

Land-use activist group Futurewise hadn’t yet reviewed the plan, but local spokeswoman Kristin Kelly said protecting the many fragile areas in and around Lake Stevens was of paramount significance.

“We think this is important and they need to get it right. So we will be involved,” she said.

Ableman said the plan, seven months in the making, already reflects the input of state and local officials.

Now, the proposed changes will be scrutinized by interest groups and be given several public hearings.

The proposal is scheduled to go before the Planning Commission in February and likely will be approved by the City Council in March, city administrator Jan Berg said.

“It is very nice to have this done and out there for the public,” Ableman said. “It’s very important to the community.”

Reporter Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437 or jholtz@heraldnet.com.