Title
Shoreline Master Program Periodic Review - Department of Ecology Overview
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion on the requirements of the Periodic Review of the Shoreline Master Program, including use of the Joint Review process between the Washington State Department of Ecology and the City of Olympia.
Staff Contact:
Joyce Phillips, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.3722
Presenter(s):
Kim Van Zwalenburg, Senior Shoreline Planner, Washington State Department of Ecology, Southwest Regional Office, 360.407.6520
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, marine shorelines, and any associated wetlands. SMPs help 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, which are designed to ensure all 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 any amendme...
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