Shoreline permit filing during COVID-19 outbreak
We are aware many local governments are closing offices, limiting staff, or teleworking to avoid or reduce social interactions. We are doing the same and we realize some of our normal practices need to be adjusted to accommodate the new way of doing business. For more detailed information about specific shoreline master programs and questions about shoreline permits, please contact your shoreline permit reviewer.
Effective through May 4, 2020, we are temporarily accepting shoreline permit submittals via email.
For shoreline permits — shoreline substantial development, conditional use, and variances — that normally require mailing hard copy documents via certified mail, during the COVID-19 outbreak our normal requirement is suspended so we can accept permit filing and submittal via email. Regular mail and certified mail submittal will continue to be accepted as well, but electronic submittal is preferred during this time.
Email submittals should be sent to: smp@ecy.wa.gov
Please be sure your email contains a complete submittal consistent with the requirements of WAC 173-27-130 and WAC 173-27-180.
Caution: Please be aware that you should receive an email response from us. If you do not receive a confirmation letter for a shoreline substantial development permit submittal via email within 5 days please contact your shoreline permit reviewer. For conditional use permits and variances, we will continue to strive to complete our review and decision making process within 30 days of your submittal.
Need assistance: Our staff are teleworking as part of the statewide effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Regional staff are available by telephone or email to assist you with this or other shoreline management issues. We remain committed to service, so don't hesitate to reach out to us.
This toolbox is designed for local and state shoreline planners responsible for developing and administering Shoreline Master Programs. Users will find links to our web pages and publications to help with:
- Permitting.
- Resolving shoreline management issues.
- Developing and updating Shoreline Master Programs.
- Researching laws and rules.
If you don't find what you need, please contact the Ecology regional planner serving your city or county government.
The Shoreline Management Act (SMA) requires each city and county to review, and, if necessary, revise their SMP. The state legislature set a staggered schedule that alternates with similar reviews under the Growth Management Act.
The SMA establishes a schedule for periodic reviews in RCW 90.58.080. Reviews are due on June 30 of the years listed below, and every eight years thereafter for counties and the cities and towns within each county.
- 2019: King, Pierce, and Snohomish
- 2020: Clallam, Clark, Island, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, San Juan, Skagit, Thurston, and Whatcom
- 2021: Benton, Chelan, Cowlitz, Douglas, Kittitas, Lewis, Skamania, Spokane, and Yakima
- 2022: Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pacific, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, and Whitman
WAC 173-26-090 clarifies that local legislative action is required to complete the review, even when a local government determines that no changes are needed. Our periodic review guidance provides information you can use during your SMP review, as well as example documents.
Guidance documents
Example documents
For both SMP Amendments and Findings of Adequacy
For SMP Amendments
For Findings of Adequacy
Materials from January 2018 Periodic Review Workshop
Comprehensive updates of Shoreline Master Programs, mandated by the Legislature, are currently underway. Many cities and counties have completed their updates. These shoreline programs carry out the policies of the state Shoreline Management Act for local shorelines. Ecology's guidelines for these updates translate the broad policies of the SMA into standards for shoreline programs.
A comprehensive update includes a public participation process, shoreline inventory, cumulative impacts analysis and restoration plan. This work results in a determination of shoreline jurisdiction, environment designations, goals, policies and regulations. Our guidance for conducting the work is provided in the Shoreline Master Programs Handbook.
Local governments at times decide to amend their Shoreline Master Programs to address a change in local shoreline conditions, their comprehensive plan or zoning regulations, or improved data. These SMP amendments must be developed consistent with the requirements of WAC 173-26-110. Some of the requirements are:
- Public participation, including at least one public hearing
- Consultation with any agency, tribe or person with interest or responsibility relating to the shoreline
- Consultation with Ecology
- Compliance with SEPA
For locally-initiated amendments and periodic reviews, local jurisdictions have the option to conduct a joint review process with Ecology. This process consolidates local and state public comment periods. See step-by-step instructions in our Joint Review Process guidance.
Shoreline amendments must be approved by the local elected officials and submitted to Ecology for approval. You can find these requirements in the following state rules: