Title
Shoreline Master Program Update - Response to Comments Received by Department of Ecology
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Move to direct staff to respond to the Department of Ecology as reflected in Attachment 1.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to direct staff to respond to the Department of Ecology as reflected in Attachment 1.
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 by November 7, 2014. The Land Use and Environment Committee considered staff's proposed response and recommends that City Council direct staff to forward it to the Department of Ecology.
Staff Contact:
Keith Stahley, Director, Community Planning and Development Department, 360.753.8227
Presenter(s):
None. Consent item.
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 th...
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