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 rev...
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