City of Washougal shoreline master program: comprehensive update & periodic review
We are seeking public comment on the city of Washougal’s proposed update to its shoreline master program, including amendments to satisfy the periodic review requirement.
The proposed shoreline master program (SMP) will entirely replace the city’s 1974 program. The updated goals, policies, regulations, environment designations, and administrative provisions are locally tailored to reflect current conditions and community vision for future shoreline use and development. The updated SMP prioritizes water-oriented activities, public access, habitat protection, and ecological restoration, while allowing existing legal uses and structures to continue. The periodic review amendments are based on recent changes to statute and rule, and address minor issues regarding the substantial development cost threshold, ADA retrofit permit exemption, definitions, SMP applicability, relief for restoration projects, and transportation project review. Both the comprehensive update and periodic review are mandated by RCW 90.58.080.
The SMP applies to approximately five miles of shorelines including the Columbia River, Washougal River, and Gibbons Creek. The Columbia and Washougal rivers are designated as shorelines of statewide significance.
Ecology will compare Washougal’s proposed SMP 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: August 4, 2025
Closes: Sept. 4, 2025 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 and questions to:
Online via the E-Comment Form
By Mail:
Tess Brandon
Washington Department of Ecology
Southwest Regional Office
PO Box 47775
Olympia, WA 98504-7775
Questions:
Tess.Brandon@ecy.wa.gov
360-407-6520
Comments must be received no later than Sept. 4, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Documents for public review and comment
Note: All documents are PDF
- Locally adopted SMP
- Background documents
Paper copies are available for review by appointment at the following location:
Tess Brandon
Washington State Department of Ecology
Southwest Regional Office
300 Desmond Drive
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 post the City's response to comments and notice of our decision when they become available. Please check back.