Title
Shoreline Master Program Update -- Comments Received by Department of Ecology
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
No prior Committee review on this aspect of Shoreline Master Program.
City Manager Recommendation:
Briefing and discussion.
Report
Issue:
Late in 2013 the City of Olympia submitted a proposed update of its Shoreline Master Program for review and approval by the Department of Ecology. Between July 23 and September 8 of 2014, Ecology accepted public comment on the proposal. Pursuant to Ecology's standard review process, the City now has an opportunity to respond to those comments. The City's response, if any, is due early in November. This briefing will provide Committee members with an opportunity to discuss a tentative response.
Staff Contact:
Keith Stahley, Director, Community Planning and Development Department, 360.753.8227
Presenter(s):
Todd Stamm, Principal Planner, Community Planning and Development Department
Background and Analysis:
Washington's Shoreline Management Act (SMA) requires that each city and county adopt and administer a 'Shoreline Master Program' (SMP) approved by the Washington Department of Ecology. These programs apply to 'shorelines of the state' (major water bodies) and nearby lands. Such programs usually include local goals, policies, development regulations and standards. The goals and policies become part of the local Comprehensive Plan. A 2003 amendment of the Act requires periodic updates of all SMPs.
In 2007 Olympia began an update of its Shoreline Master Program with an adoption target of December 1, 2011. Due to an extended public process, the City's proposed update was not forwarded to Ecology until December of 2013. Ecology's staff is now reviewing the City's proposal - until approved by Ecology, it will not be in effect.
In general, Ecology is to review the City's proposal for consistency with the Act and SMP update guidelines and procedures. As part of that review process, Ecology held a public hearing on July 31 and accepted public comment until September 8, 2014. The next step in the standard process is for the City to respond to the comments received by Ecology. Ecology staff will then review the proposal and all comments including the City's response. Ecology will then issue 'findings and conclusions.' These may include approval of the proposal, or Ecology may require or recommend changes to the proposal. If changes are proposed, the City will have at least thirty days to respond to Ecology's proposal. These procedures are described in more detail in Washington Administrative Code 173-26-120.
Public Comments and Response
As noted above, at this stage the City is being provided an opportunity to respond to public comments submitted to Ecology. In brief, the public's comments focused on:
· Flood and earthquake risks
· Sea level rise
· Building heights and view protection
· Building setbacks, especially along Budd Inlet
· Public access, especially to Budd Inlet
· Heritage Park area
To assist the City in responding, Ecology staff provided a summary of those comments. That summary, organized by topic, is attached and includes tentative responses drafted by City staff. Also attached for convenience is a City-staff-prepared comment summary organized by commenter. Upon request, Olympia Community Planning and Development staff can provide a copy of all comments received by Ecology.
Staff's draft of proposed responses generally focus on the extensive public process employed by the City, the Cumulative Impacts Analysis and Inventory and Characterization, the broad range of alternatives considered, the balancing of Shoreline Management Act goals in the proposal ultimately approved by the Council, and consistency of the proposal with local plans and values. Any comments, suggestions or directions from the Committee regarding these responses will be welcomed by staff.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Community interest and participation in the update of Olympia's Shoreline Master Program has been extensive and intensive, and is expected to continue.
Options:
1. Concur with approach being considered by staff.
2. Provide specific suggestions or direction regarding City responses to comments.
3. Refer matter to City Council for consideration on October 28 or November 3.
Financial Impact:
Within current budget.