Des Moines, WA · King County
Critical Areas Review Application
This application provides Des Moines with property, project, and environmental information for review of proposed development on or near critical areas, and is filed by the applicant and property owner.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
Use this application to describe the property and proposed project, identify critical areas, and provide information about environmental studies. Des Moines requires it for development proposals that need a critical areas review. The form also includes the property owner’s statement of ownership, authorization for city staff to enter the property, and hold harmless agreement; owners sign these statements and acknowledge them before a notary.
Who needs it
Applicants seeking a Des Moines critical areas review must complete the application, and the property owner must sign the ownership and hold harmless statements.
Why it needs a notary
The form carries a notarial acknowledgment in the ownership and hold harmless section; the property owner or owners sign and acknowledge the instrument before the notary.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Application
Get the Critical Areas Review Application from the City of Des Moines.
- 2
Fill In the Form
Provide property, project, applicant, and owner information, and gather the required supporting materials.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Schedule a video appointment with a commissioned online notary for the property owner’s acknowledgment.
- 4
Sign on Video
The property owner signs and acknowledges the ownership and hold harmless statements during the online notary session.
- 5
Submit to the City
Submit the completed application and required materials to Des Moines Development Services.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Des Moines. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get the property owner’s signature notarized?
- Complete the application, then book an online appointment with a commissioned online notary. The property owner signs and acknowledges the ownership and hold harmless statements during the video session.
- Do I need to submit supporting materials with this application?
- The form lists project narratives, site plans, studies, mailing labels, maps, and other materials among the submittal requirements. Some items depend on the proposal; confirm with the city or town if unsure.
- Can I notarize this application online?
- Washington authorizes its notaries to perform remote online notarizations under RCW 42.45.280. Ask the city whether it accepts the resulting notarized application for your submission.
- What does the property owner authorize by signing?
- The owner states they legally own the property, authorizes the named applicant to file the application, permits city employees to enter the property for review, and agrees to the hold harmless terms.