Ferndale Shoreline Master Program: periodic review
On Aug. 2, 2024, we provided Ferndale with required and recommended changes to the city's proposed periodic review of their shoreline master program (SMP).
The city held two public comment periods, and two virtual public hearings. One public comment period occurred between May 19 to June 16, 2021, and a virtual public hearing with the Planning Commisision on June 16, 2021, both of which were noticed in the Ferndale Record on May 19, 2021. Another public comment period occurred from Jan. 27, to Feb. 10, 2021, the public hearing occurred on Feb. 15, 2021. The city made changes to the official shoreline map to address issues raised by the commenter.
The periodic review will bring the existing SMP into compliance with changes to state law, ensure consistency with the city's comprehensive plan and development regulations, and reflect changes in circumstances, new information, and improved data. We sent the required and recommended changes to the city for their review and response. The city may agree to these changes or offer alternative language. Final approval will occur when we have reached agreement with the city on language that meets state requirements.
Ferndale last updated their SMP in 2009. The key changes Ferndale is proposing include:
- Incorporation of updated critical areas and floodplain regulations to replace outdated and/or conflicting critical area language within the SMP.
- Incorporation of the city’s Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan into the SMP.
- Incorporation of the city’s permitting and enforcement procedures into the SMP.
- Modification of maximum height limits to be consistent with underlying zoning requirements. Added requirement for view analysis for structures over 35-feet.
- Reduction of lot coverage restrictions in select Shoreline Environment Designations (SEDs). Increased lot coverage restrictions within the Conservancy SED consistent with SMA rules.
- Modification of the Official Shoreline Map to reflect updated FEMA floodway and floodplain mapping.
- Re-designation of the “Braithwaite Property” west of Vanderyacht Park from Conservancy to Residential.
- Removal of the General Commercial Conservancy and Manufacturing Conservancy SEDs. These SEDS will be combined as Conservancy.
- Removal of references to the Riverside Golf Course property related to public use and restoration as the site is still in private ownership and being redeveloped for commercial purposes.
Documents related to approval
Note: All documents are PDF
- Director of Ecology's Aug. 2, 2024 letter
- Periodic Review Checklist
- Locally Adopted SMP
Related links
Contact information
Stephanie Barney
Shoreline Planner
Stephanie.Barney@ecy.wa.gov
360-296-2103