Chapter 173-26 and 173-27 WAC, Shoreline Management Act
Ecology is starting the rulemaking process to amend Chapters 173-18, -20, -22, -26, and -27 under the Shoreline Management Act.
- Chapter 173-18 WAC: Shoreline Management Act—Streams and rivers constituting shorelines of the state
- Chapter 173-20 WAC: Shoreline Management Act—Lakes constituting shorelines of the state
- Chapter 173-22 WAC: Adoption of designations of shorelands and wetlands associated with shorelines of the state
- Chapter 173-26 WAC: State master program approval/amendment procedures and master program guidelines
- Chapter 173-27 WAC: Shoreline management permit and enforcement procedures
We are amending Chapters 173-26 and 173-27 WAC to:
- Add requirements for local governments to address the impact of sea level rise and increased storm severity on people, property, and shoreline natural resources and the environment, and
- Comply with the Shoreline Management Act (Chapter 90.58 RCW) and address issues that we have identified through the review, adoption, and implementation of shoreline master programs (SMPs). These revisions will provide clarity around SMP approval/amendment procedures, and permit and enforcement procedures, respectively. The topics and specific content of these revisions will be identified during the rule development phase through external engagement and internal coordination.
We are also reviewing and updating sections of Chapters 173-18 and -20 WAC so that the lists of streams, rivers, and lakes reflect completed shoreline master program updates and revising Chapter 173-22 WAC to clarify designations of shorelands and wetlands associated with shorelines of the state.
Rulemaking timeline
Announcement phase (CR-101)
Filing date:
May 2, 2024
Announcement documents
Rule development phase
May 2, 2024 – Early 2026Public input & involvement
We plan to hold public meetings to provide information about the rulemaking and seek your input. We'll update this page with meeting specifics.
To get updates about these meetings and this rulemaking, join our mailing list.
We want your input and feedback on the development of the rule language; you can provide feedback using our online form from Aug. 21, 2024 at 8 am until April 1, 2025, 5 pm. Once we have an informal draft of the revised rule language, we will open a new comment period.
Ecology's public meetings
| Date | Documents | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 23, 2024, 9 a.m. & 7 p.m. | Presentation | Listening session |
Local government sounding board
We will be holding meetings with local governments to provide input on the rule language. These meetings are open to the public and will include a short time for public input at the end.
| Date | Documents | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 23, 2024, 1 p.m. |
|
Kickoff meeting |
| Oct. 21, 2024, 1 p.m. | Presentation | |
| Nov. 18, 2024 1 p.m. | Register for Zoom meeting. After you register, you will receive information about how to join the meeting. | |
| Dec. 16, 2024, 1 p.m. | Agenda | Register for Zoom meeting. After you register, you will receive information about how to join the meeting. |
| Jan. 22, 2025, 1 p.m. | Register for Zoom meeting. After you register, you will receive information about how to join the meeting. | |
| Feb. 19, 2025, 1 p.m. | Register for Zoom meeting. After you register, you will receive information about how to join the meeting. | |
| Mar. 17, 2025 1 p.m. | Register for Zoom meeting. After you register, you will receive information about how to join the meeting. | |
| Apr. 21, 2025, 1 p.m. | Register for Zoom meeting. After you register, you will receive information about how to join the meeting. | |
| May 19, 2025, 1 p.m. | Register for Zoom meeting. After you register, you will receive information about how to join the meeting. | |
| June 16, 2025, 1 p.m. | Register for Zoom meeting. After you register, you will receive information about how to join the meeting. |
Accessibility
To request ADA accommodation for disabilities, or printed materials in a format for the visually impaired, contact Ecology's ADA Coordinator by email at ecyadacoordinator@ecy.wa.gov, or call 360-407-6831. People with impaired hearing may call Washington Relay Service at 711. People with speech disability may call TTY at 877-833-6341.