PIERCE COUNTY NOTICE OF DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE Environmental Review: Solar Energy and Battery Storage Code SEPA Application: 1064355 Notice is hereby provided in accordance with PCC, Chapter 18.80 and Section 18D.40.050, and WAC 197-11-510 that Pierce County has issued a Determination of Nonsignificance (DNS) on the following proposal: Adoption of the proposed code amendments by the Pierce County Council. Solar energy systems and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects enabled by these code amendments would require separate, project-specific permits, which may include: Building permits, Conditional use permits (for utility-scale BESS), Fire code review and approval for compliance with the International Fire code (IFC) and NFPA standards, and Stormwater permits, as applicable. Pierce County, acting as lead agency, has determined that the proposal will not result in significant adverse impacts on the environment. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will not be required. This decision was made after the review of a completed environmental checklist and other information on file. This information is available to the public on request. This DNS is issued under WAC 197-11-340. Pierce County may not act on this proposal prior to September 2, 2026. Comments must be submitted by close of business on September 1, 2026. The Responsible Official has issued this Determination of Nonsignificance for a nonproject action, which may be appealed under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). RCW 43.21C.075. In some cases, the SEPA appeal must be combined with any appeal of the underlying governmental action pursuant to RCW 43.21C.075(2)(a). SEPA appeals associated with legislative actions taken by the Pierce County Council pursuant to the requirements of the Growth Management Act or Shoreline Management Act must be appealed to the Growth Management Hearings Board. PCC 1.22.080.B.1.k and RCW 36.70A.280(1)(a). The appeal must be filed with the Growth Management Hearings Board within 60 days following publication in the County paper of record for the underlying governmental action pursuant to RCW 36.70.290(2) and WAC 242-03-200. Review Practicing Before the Growth Management Hearings Board Handbook for additional information on the appeal process. IPL0367086 Aug 20 2026