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Water & Shorelines > Shoreline & coastal management > Shoreline management > State-approved SMP list > Island County

Island County shoreline master program: periodic review

The public comment period for Island County's proposed periodic review of their shoreline master program (SMP) is now closed.

We used email to notify those who had expressed prior interest. We received twenty-nine (29) written comment letters. The comments are focused on addressing language around definitions, use and modification standards, (i.e. residential use, shoreline stabilization) and new shoreline environment designations.  

Reponse to public comment

We prepared a summary of public comments and sent this to Island County on April 18, 2025. The County will write a response to the public’s comments. The response to comments will be posted here when available. Please check back.

Next steps: our decision

We will decide if the County's proposed SMP amendment meets the requirements of the Shoreline Management Act and the Shoreline Master Program Guidelines. We will decide whether to:

  • Approve the shoreline master program as is.
  • Approve with recommended changes.
  • Send the proposed shoreline master program back to the County with required changes to meet statutory and rule requirements. Recommended changes may also be included with the required changes.

Relevant documents will be posted on this website when available. Please check back.

Periodic review details

The key changes since initial determination include:

  • Reformats the SMP throughout to improve the user's experience. Formatting changes include updated citations, relocation of sections and figures.
  • Revises language throughout the SMP to correct grammar or improve clarity. Revisions included removal of redundancies, including definitions from other sections of the Island County Code.
  • Removes the list of lakes that qualify as shorelines of the state.
  • Adds and revises definitions.
  • Makes changes to Table 1, Shoreline Use Classification Table and associated footnotes.
  • Creates separate sections for critical areas, ICC 17.05A.090.E-G. Adjusted the buffer widths for Type-Np streams to harmonize the SMP and Critical Areas Ordinance requirements.
  • Requires all developments proposed in the shoreline buffer or shoreline setback must demonstrate consistency with the requirements of the SMP through preparation of professional reports (geotechnical/geocoastal/biological site assessment).
  • Creates new section, 17.05A.095 - Shoreline Reports, to combine all information regarding shoreline reports into one section. This section includes requirements for Biological Site Assessments, Habitat Management Plans, Geocoastal Analysis, Demonstration of Need, and Alternatives Analysis.
  • Revises and rearranges the shoreline stabilization modification requirements of ICC 17.05A.110.A.
  • Revises and rearranges the grading and filling modification requirements of ICC 17.05A.110.D.
  • Changes to the Shoreline Environment Designation reflected on the Official Shoreline Map for the Surfcrest Drive, Cedar Street, and Mutiny Bay.  

Documents related to approval

Note: all documents are PDF

Contact information

Stephanie Barney
Senior Shoreline Planner
Stephanie.Barney@ecy.wa.gov
360-296-2103