Sumas Shoreline Master Program: periodic review
On Oct. 16, 2023, we provided the City of Sumas (City) with required and recommended changes to the city's proposed periodic review of their Shoreline Master Program (SMP).
Sumas' updated SMP is effective Oct. 30, 2023, 14 days after we provided notice to the city that their Smp amendment was approved.
The Sumas SMP regulates shoreline uses and activities along shorelines within city limits, including sections of the Sumas River and Johnson Creek, and those lands within 200 feet of the shoreline floodway of these waterbodies, and those wetlands associated with these waterbodies located within the 100-year floodplain. The city's periodic review amendment brings the SMP into compliance with state rules that have been added or changed since the city's comprehensive SMP update in 2017. It also ensures the SMP remains consistent with amended comprehensive plans and regulations, and incorporates revisions deemed necessary to reflect changed local circumstances, new information, or improved data.
On Aug. 21, 2023, we provided the city with required and recommended changes to their periodic review amendment. The changes are based on our review of whether or not the proposed update complies with state laws and rules, and a public comment period held April 7 to June 7, 2021.
We distributed notice of the comment period by email to state and local interested parties. We individually notified and invited the Lummi Nation, and the Nooksack Indian Tribe to comment on the amendment. No comments were received.
Documents related to approval
- Ecology's Oct. 16, 2023 final approval letter
- City of Sumas' letter accpeting Ecology's changes
- Director of Ecology's August 21, 2023 letter
- Periodic Review Checklist
- Locally-adopted SMP
- Public Participation Plan
Paper copies of the above documents are available by contacting Chad Yunge.
Appeals
- Per RCW 90.58.190(2) and RCW 36.70A.290, an interested party may file an appeal with the Growth Management Hearings Board within 60 days of the publication date of our written notice of final action.
- We plan to publish the notice of final action in the Lynden Tribune legal ads on Nov. 1, 2023.
Contact information
Chad Yunge
Shoreline Planner
Chad.Yunge@ecy.wa.gov
360-366-6186