(1) If a proposal fits within any of the provisions in Part Nine of these rules, the proposal shall be categorically exempt from threshold determination requirements (WAC 197-11-720) except as follows:

(a) The proposal is not exempt under WAC 197-11-908, critical areas.

(b) The proposal is a segment of a proposal that includes:

(i) A series of actions, physically or functionally related to each other, some of which are categorically exempt and some of which are not; or

(ii) A series of exempt actions that are physically or functionally related to each other, and that together may have a probable significant adverse environmental impact in the judgment of an agency with jurisdiction. If so, that agency shall be the lead agency, unless the agencies with jurisdiction agree that another agency should be the lead agency. Agencies may petition the department of ecology to resolve disputes (WAC 197-11-946).

For such proposals, the agency or applicant may proceed with the exempt aspects of the proposals, prior to conducting environmental review, if the requirements of WAC 197-11-070 are met.

(2) An agency is not required to document that a proposal is categorically exempt. Agencies may note on an application that a proposal is categorically exempt or place such a determination in agency files.