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 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 approval. The outcome of that review will become the minimum scope of work the update.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Shoreline issues are of interest to the community. Active engagement and comments are anticipated as the City gets farther along in the process.
Options:
Information only. No action requested.
Financial Impact:
The State of Washington Department of Ecology provides a grant to local jurisdictions to help cover the costs of the Periodic Review. The City of Olympia has been awarded a grant for $28,000.
Attachments:
None.