Title
Shoreline Master Program Periodic Review - Briefing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Information only. No action requested.
City Manager Recommendation:
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion on the periodic review of the Shoreline Master Program.
Staff Contact:
Joyce Phillips, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.3722
Presenter(s):
Joyce Phillips, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development
Background and Analysis:
Shoreline Master Programs (SMPs) are local land use policies and regulations that guide development on, and the use of, most shorelines. SMPs apply to both public and private uses for lakes, streams, associated wetlands, and marine shorelines. They protect natural resources for future generations, provide for public access to public waters and shores, and plan for water-dependent uses. SMPs must be consistent with the Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58) and must be approved by the Washington State Department of Ecology.
SMPs must be reviewed and, if necessary, updated to ensure they remain compliant with state laws and local comprehensive plans. This review must be completed every eight (8) years and is known as the “Periodic Review”. Olympia’s SMP Periodic Review must be completed no later than June 30, 2021.
The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) provides technical assistance, guidance documents, and grant funding to assist in the completion of the Periodic Review. Ecology’s grant contract requires completion of five tasks, designed to ensure local governments complete the required Periodic Review. The primary task is:
Review Shoreline Master Program and Draft Revisions, If Needed
Review the SMP to determine if revisions are needed. To do this, use the Ecology checklist to:
a. Review ant amendments to chapter 90.58 RCW and Ecology rules that have occurred since the Shoreline Master Program was last amended. Determine if local amendments are needed to maintain compliance.
b. Review any changes to the comprehensive plan and development regulations to determine if the Shoreline Master Program policies and regulations remain consistent. Document the consistency analysis to support proposed changes to the SMP or note that Findings of Adequacy would be appropriate.
c. Conduct additional analysis deemed necessary to address changing local circumstances, new information or improved data.
The City will use Ecology’s Periodic Review checklist to determine what, if any, changes are needed. This analysis is reviewed by Ecology for their approval. The outcome of that review will become the detailed scope of work the update.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Shoreline issues are of interest to our community. Active engagement and comments are anticipated as we get farther along in the process. A public participation plan (see attachment) has been developed for this process and the City’s Shoreline Master Program webpage has been updated to reflect this work and to identify how people can get involved and participate.
Options:
Information only, no action required.
Financial Impact:
The City has entered into a grant contract with the Washington State Department of Ecology for $28,000 in grant funding to complete the Periodic Review. The Community Planning and Development Department is in the process of hiring The Watershed Company for professional services to conduct the review and draft any required updates.
Attachments:
Project webpage
Public Participation Plan