Shoreline management
Washington has about 28,000 miles of shorelines, which is equal to more than the distance around the earth. We work in partnership with communities, local and Tribal governments, and state and federal agencies to meet state and national goals for protecting, restoring, and responsibly developing state shorelines.
Shoreline Master Programs
We work in partnership with more than 260 cities and counties to develop and implement shoreline master programs (SMPs). Local SMPs protect and restore valuable aquatic resources for future generations, provide for water-dependent uses, and ensure access to public shorelines.
- Introduction
- Shoreline Master Program amendments
- State approved Shoreline Master Programs
- Shoreline planners toolbox
- Laws, rules, and cases
Permitting and enforcement
Shoreline development proposals are reviewed by local governments for compliance with SMP standards. We provide technical assistance and guidance to local governments and review some development proposals.
- Shoreline permits & enforcement
- Shoreline Permitting Manual
- Enforcing the Shoreline Management Act: Guidance for Local Government Administrators
Hazards
We work closely with our government and non-government partners to better understand natural hazards and build resilient shoreline and coastal communities.
- Shoreline natural hazards management
- Floods and floodplain planning
- Puget Sound feeder bluffs
- Puget Sound landslides
- Responding to sea level rise
- Stream channel migration zones
Aquaculture
We have a permitting and planning role in aquaculture. We use science as a foundation for our decisions and provide guidance on wisely managing this use in a environmentally responsible way.