Program updates
States that have Coastal Zone Management Programs must submit updates to their enforceable policies to the federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
These program updates include minor, non-substantial changes or significant changes to a program's structure, management, or rules. Most changes to Washington’s Coastal Zone Management Program have been minor, non-substantial updates.
We have submitted changes to our Coastal Zone Management Program to NOAA since 1986 and continue to make changes as laws and regulations are amended.
As we submit program changes, we issue public notices and provide information to interested parties. Current submittals pending approval by NOAA:
2019 Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) notice of program change
2019 Water Pollution Control Act notice of program change
Program framework
While the federal Coastal Zone Management Act includes basic requirements for state partners, the law gives states the flexibility they need to design programs that best address local challenges.
To develop Washington's Coastal Zone Management Program, we relied on our existing regulatory framework to address coastal zone issues rather than draft new, all-encompassing state legislation.
While Washington does not have a stand-alone law for coastal zone management, the state relies on its network of state laws and regulations including:
Since the state has a federally-approved Coastal Zone Management Program, we are eligible for federal grants to augment the state’s management activities to preserve, protect, develop, and where possible, restore or enhance these resources now and for future generations.
Having a federally-approved Coastal Zone Management Program also gives Washington a role in the federal agency decision-making process for activities that could affect the state’s coastal resources and uses.
The federal consistency provisions of the Coastal Zone Management Act require that federal actions, including the issuance of federal licenses, permits, and funding, be consistent with the enforceable policies of the Washington Coastal Zone Management Program.
The federal consistency review process enhances coordination and cooperation between the state, federal agencies, and applicants for federal licenses and permits.
Generally, federal consistency requires that federal actions within and outside the coastal zone that could have reasonably foreseeable impacts on land, water, and natural resources of the coastal zone be consistent with the state's federally-approved Coastal Management Program.
Under federal consistency regulations, there are different requirements for activities conducted by federal agencies, those authorized by federal agencies, and federal financial assistance awards.