Washington State Department of Ecology

SMP Handbook

Designed to assist local government planners in meeting requirements of the Shoreline Management Act (Chapter 90.58 RCW) and Shoreline Master Program Guidelines (Chapter 173-26 WAC, Part III).
Builds on existing guidance materials and the collective experience of Ecology and our local government partners.
Benefits from a vast body of scientific knowledge acquired since the first SMPs were adopted in the 1970s.

Given Ecology’s limited staffing, Handbook Chapters and other sections are being developed and published according to the needs of local government planners.

If you need information on a certain topic and the relevant Handbook section is not available, please contact your regional planner for assistance.

Completed Handbook Sections

Handbook Topics (Draft)

Overview of the SMA and the SMP Guidelines
Shoreline Master Programs and Overview of Comprehensive Update Process
No Net Loss of Shoreline Ecological Functions
Preliminary Shoreline Jurisdiction
Public Participation
Shoreline Inventory and Characterization
Shoreline Use & Public Access Analyses
Shoreline Management Recommendations Report
Community Visioning & Shoreline Management Strategy
General Goals, Policies & Regulations
Environment Designations & Environment-Specific Policies & Regulations
Shoreline Use Policies, Regulations & Standards
Modification Activity Policies, Regulations & Standards
Administration & Enforcement Provisions
Cumulative Impacts Analysis
Restoration Plan
Local Approval Process
Ecology’s Formal Review & Approval Process
Water-Oriented Uses, Waterfront Redevelopment & Mixed-Use Strategies Chapter
Ocean Management
Miscellaneous Shoreline Management Topics
Technical References