Shoreline Management Act jurisdiction

The Shoreline Management Act (SMA) applies to:

TIP: Always include appropriate disclaimers on maps depicting shoreline jurisdiction. For example, "Shoreline jurisdiction boundaries depicted on this map are approximate. They have not been formally delineated or surveyed and are intended for planning purposes only. Additional site-specific evaluation may be needed to confirm/verify information shown on this map.


An example of more generic language that might apply to all maps: "USE OF THIS MAP IMPLIES THE USER’S AGREEMENT WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT: __________(jurisdiction) disclaims any warrantee of merchantability or warrantee of fitness of this map for any particular purpose, either expressed or implied. No representation or warranty is made concerning the accuracy, currency, completeness or quality of data depicted on this map. Any user of this map assumes all responsibility for the use thereof, and further agrees to hold ___________(jurisdiction) harmless from and against any damage, loss, or liability arising from any use of this map.

Some other key geographic terms and concepts related to shoreline management:

Note on alterations of shoreline conditions

Naturally occurring and manmade alterations of the shoreline result in modifications in the boundary of shoreline jurisdiction where the action changes the Ordinary High Water Mark or the other physical characteristics that determine jurisdiction of the SMA. Examples of such alterations include permitted manmade changes such as land-filling and dredging, flood control projects, and natural changes due to landslides, flooding, channel alterations, or river course changes. See RCW 90.58.020.

For more information

Law: 90.58.030(2) (see Definitions)

Rules: