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. The City used Ecology’s Periodic Review checklist to determine what revisions are needed. Additionally, comments from city staff that have implemented the SMP were solicited may result in proposed modifications to provide clarity in some areas of the SMP. This review resulted in the “gap analysis” document that is posted on the City’s webpage. The gap analysis was reviewed by Ecology for their comments. The City issued an announcement about the gap analysis being posted on the webpage and is seeking comments on the results.
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. The first E-News that went out to members of the public subscribed to the Planning & Development newsletter asked for comments on the gap analysis and offered the opportunity for people to sign up as an interested party for this planning process. We do anticipate more comments will be submitted once the draft revisions are issued and more outreach is conducted. Consultants at The Watershed Company are working on drafting the required revisions and we expect to have a public draft by the end of September or in early October.
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
Gap Analysis
Public Comments