Tacoma shoreline master program: locally initiated amendment
Public comment requested from April 22 through May 22, 2026, at 5 p.m.
We are seeking public comment on a locally initiated amendment of the city of Tacoma’s shoreline master program (SMP).
The locally initiated amendment was adopted by the Tacoma City Council on Dec. 2, 2025 (Ord. 29077). The amendment makes changes to Shoreline Environment Designations and shoreline use and development standards. These changes are intended to implement the recommendations of the Tideflats Subarea Plan and to align with related, concurrent amendments to the city’s zoning regulations. The Tideflats make up Tacoma's 12-square-mile major maritime industrial center located on Commencement Bay. The city adopted the Tideflats Subarea Plan as an element of the Tacoma Comprehensive Plan (Ord. 29075) and adopted amendments to the zoning regulations in Title 13 of the Tacoma Municipal Code (Ord. 29076) on Dec. 2, 2025.
We will compare the city's proposed program to the requirements of the Shoreline Management Act and the Shoreline Master Program Guidelines. Based on the comparison we will decide whether to:
- Approve the program as is.
- Approve with recommended changes.
- Send the proposed program back to the city with required changes to meet statutory and rule requirements. Recommended changes may also be included with the required changes.
Public comment period
Opens: April 22, 2026
Closes: May 22, 2026, at 5 p.m.
All interested parties are invited to provide comment during this public comment period. There are several ways to provide comments. you only need to submit your comments once.
Submit written comments:
Online via the E-Comment Form
Mail:
Tess Brandon
Washington Department of Ecology
Southwest Regional Office
PO Box 47775
Olympia, WA 98504-7775
Questions: Tess.Brandon@ecy.wa.gov or 360-407-6520
Comments must be received no later than May 22, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Documents for public review and comment
Note: All documents are PDF
- Locally adopted SMP amendment
- Background Documents
Paper copies are available for review by appointment at the following locations:
Tess Brandon
Washington State Department of Ecology
Southwest Regional Office
300 Desmond Drive SE
Lacey, WA 98503
Tess.Brandon@ecy.wa.gov
360-407-6520
Next steps: response to public comment and decision
A summary of comments will be posted here a few weeks after the comment period closes. We will also post the City's response to comments and a notice of our decision when they become available. Please check back.