(a) Preparation of draft and final EISs (DEIS and FEIS) and draft and final supplemental EISs (SEIS) is the responsibility of the city under the direction of the responsible official. Before the city issues an EIS, the responsible official shall be satisfied that it complies with this chapter and Chapter 197-11 WAC.

(b) The DEIS and FEIS or draft and final SEIS shall be prepared by city staff, the applicant, or by a consultant needed by the city or the applicant. If the responsible official requires an EIS for a proposal and determines that someone other than the city will prepare the EIS, the responsible official shall notify the applicant immediately after completion of the threshold determination. The responsible official shall also notify the applicant of the city's procedure for EIS preparation, including approval of the DEIS and FEIS prior to distribution.

(c) The city may require an applicant to provide information the city does not possess, including specific investigations. However, the applicant is not required to supply information that is not required under this chapter or that is being requested from another agency. (This does not apply to information the city may request under another ordinance or statute.)

(d) In the event that an EIS is to be prepared by a private applicant or a consultant retained by the private applicant, the responsible official shall assure that the EIS is prepared in a responsible manner and with appropriate methodology. The responsible official shall direct the areas of research and examination to be undertaken, as well as the organization of the resulting document.

(e) In the event that the responsible official or his designee is preparing the EIS, the responsible official may require a private applicant to provide data and information which the city does not possess, relevant to any or all areas to be covered by the EIS. (Ord. 2032, § 1 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 831, § 2, 1984.)