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Shoreline Master Program
Background:
Washington’s Shoreline Management Act was passed by the legislature in 1971 and affirmed by voters in 1972. The Act governs the use and development of Washington’s shorelines and creates a unique partnership between local and state government. The Act strives to achieve responsible shoreline use and development, environmental protection, and public access. Local governments develop programs based on the Act and state guidance, and the state ensures local programs consider statewide public interests.
Shoreline master programs carry out the policies of the Shoreline Management Act at the local level, regulating use and development of shorelines. Local shoreline programs include policies and regulations based on state laws and rules but tailored to the unique geographic, economic, and environmental needs of each community.
Needed Updates & Revisions:
The current Shoreline Master Program (SMP) was adopted by the City in November 2012. Amendments to the SMP may be necessary due to new state laws, rules, or guidance adopted since that date. The Department of Ecology publishes a checklist of state laws, rules or other applicable documents published each year that require local governments to review their SMP for conformance. In addition, as part of this update, the City plans to simplify shoreline and critical area permitting procedures.
Current SMP/Scientific Documents
View the City’s current adopted Shoreline Master Program or Environment Designation Map. With this periodic update, the City will not be performing any new science as it relates to the City’s Shoreline Master Program. This update will incorporate the scientific analysis performed for the last comprehensive update including:
- Cumulative Impacts Analysis
- No Net Loss Report
- Shoreline Inventory, Analysis and Characterization Report and Appendices
- Shoreline Restoration Plan
Public Involvement Opportunities
As part of the City’s 2019 SMP Periodic Review the City has prepared a public participation plan which describes how the public will be informed about and involved in decision making for the SMP update. Early and continuous public participation is a requirement of the Shoreline Management Act, and is also required by the City of Milton Municipal Code (MMC). The City also acknowledges that a variety of stakeholders have particular interests in the City’s SMP, such as:
- Business organizations, environmental groups, and other non-governmental organizations
- Government Agencies
- Native American Tribes
- Owners of property within the shoreline jurisdiction
- Shoreline users
Project Timeline
View a general schedule (JPG) for the City’s SMP Periodic Review project . The City plans to adopt an amended SMP late April 2019, with an effective date of early-mid June following approval from the Department of Ecology. Interested parties are encouraged to make public comments or reach out to the City staff contact with any questions regarding the project.
Contact Us
Interested parties are encouraged to make comments on the proposed SMP amendments. Please feel free to provide comments in writing via email or mail.
The primary City staff contact for the Shoreline Master Program Periodic Update is:
Brittany Port
Contract Senior Planner
1000 Laurel Street
Milton, WA 98354
Email Brittany Port
- Pierce Conservation District Lakes Brochure (PDF)
- City of Seattle Green Shorelines Book (PDF)
- Ecology Shoreline Master Program Handbook
- Ecology Shoreline Master Program Citizens Guide
- Shoreline Stabilization (Bulkheads) Issues and Alternatives (PDF)
- Aquatic Pesticide Permits
- Aquatic Plant Removal or Control
- What is a Shoreline Master Program?
- What is the Shoreline Management Act?
- Where does the Shoreline Management Act and the City’s SMP apply?
- What is the periodic review of the City’s Shoreline Master Program?
- What laws or rules have been changed since the City’s SMP was last amended?
- When was the last time the City’s SMP was adopted?
- Is the public permitted to provide feedback on the proposed amendments to the City’s SMP?