Chapter 173-26 and 173-27 WAC, Shoreline Management Act

We invite you to provide comment on our proposed rulemaking. We are proposing amendments to Chapters 173-18, -20, -22, -26, and -27 WAC under the Shoreline Management Act. 

We are accepting comments from Sept. 2, 2026, at 12 a.m. to Nov. 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. During this time, you may submit online comments. You may also provide comments orally or in writing at any of our public hearings. 

Please note that any information (e.g., personal or contact) you provide in a comment or in an attachment may be publicly disclosed and posted on the internet.

Background

We are amending Chapters 173-26 and 173-27 WAC to:  

• Comply with the Shoreline Management Act (Chapter 90.58 RCW) and address issues that we have identified through the review, adoption, and implementation of shoreline master programs. These revisions will provide clarity around Shoreline Master Programs approval/ amendment procedures and permit and enforcement procedures. Additional amendments may be included for clarity.
• Add requirements for local governments to address the impact of sea level rise and increased storm severity on people, property, and shoreline natural resources and the environment.

We're also amending Chapters 173-18 and -20 WAC to update the list of streams, rivers, and lakes in completed Shoreline Master Program updates and amending Chapter 173-22 WAC to clarify designations of shorelands and wetlands associated with shorelines of the state.

For more information visit our rulemaking webpage.