Tukwila Shoreline Master Program: Comprehensive Update

On October 14, 2011, the Department of Ecology approved Tukwila’s Shoreline Master Program (SMP) comprehensive update. The updated program will promote protection and restoration of the riparian habitat along shorelines, recognize the City's historic land use pattern, and provide for public access. It takes effect October 28, 2011, fourteen days after Ecology’s letter of approval.

Tukwila shorelines includes 13 miles along the Duwamish, Green, and Black Rivers. The City’s shoreline program was originally adopted in 1972. This comprehensive update revises the existing goals, policies, regulations, shoreline environment designations, and administrative procedures and definitions. The primary focus of the changes include clarifying shoreline uses within a new use matrix, providing Aquatic Environment policies and regulations, clarifying building height standards and establishing criteria for when buildings exceed a height of 35 feet, and clarification of signage provisions.

On March 24, 2011, the Department of Ecology conditionally approved Tukwila’s comprehensive update depending on their response to Ecology’s required and recommended changes to the proposed program. On August 31, 2011 (with clarification on September 22), the City responded to the changes including providing alternative language and additional minor changes.
This approval puts the final stamp on a significant effort that increases protection and restoration of habitat and water quality, provides more certainty for development, and improves public access and recreational opportunities.

Documents related to approval

Note: All documents are PDF

Director of Ecology's October 14, 2011, final approval letter (458 KB)
- Attachment A Revised Findings and Conclusions (81 KB)
- Attachment B (Revised) Required Changes (324 KB)
  - Required Changes and Response - Shoreline Use Matrix, March 14, 2011 (52 KB)
- Attachment C (Revised) Recommended Changes (60 KB)
City of Tukwila's August 31, 2011, response to changes letter (66 KB)
Tukwila Response to Required Changes, August 31, 2011 (236 KB)
Tukwila Response to Recommended Changes, August 31, 2011 (47 KB)
Ordinance 2344 Shoreline Master Program, August 15, 2011 (319 KB)
- Attachment - SMP adopted (2,866 KB)
- Attachment - Environment Designation Maps ( 6,792 KB)
Ordinance 2345 Shoreline Element of Comprehensive Plan, August 15, 2011 (1,009 KB)
Ordinance 2346 TMC 18.44 Shoreline Overlay, August 15, 2011 (5,041 KB)
Ordinance 2347 TMC 18.06 Definitions, August 15, 2011 (1,031 KB)
City of Tukwila's September 22, 2011, clarification letter (88 KB)
Director of Ecology's March 24, 2011, approval letter (160 KB)
- Attachment A: Findings and Conclusions for Proposed Amendments (36 KB)
- Attachment B: Required Changes (94 KB)
- Attachment C: Recommended Changes (36 KB)
- Attachment D: Responsiveness Summary for Public Comments (52 KB)

Additional background documents provided by City of Tukwila

Appendix A. Shoreline Inventory and Characterization Report (1,693 KB)
Appendix B. Shoreline Restoration Plan (795 KB)
- Restoration Maps 1-4 (436 KB)
- Example Project Sheets (529 KB)

Per RCW 90.58.090, the effective date of Local Government’s shoreline program is October 28, 2011, 14 days after Ecology provided notice to the local government that their shoreline program was approved.

Paper copies of the above documents are available by contacting David Radabaugh, Washington State Department of Ecology (see Staff contact below).

Appeals

Per RCW 90.58.190(2) and RCW 36.70A.290, an interested party may file an appeal with the Growth Management Hearings Board within 60 days of the publication date of Ecology’s written notice of final action.
Ecology plans to publish the notice of final action in the Seattle Times legal ads on October 24, 2011.

Staff Contact

David Radabaugh
Washington State Department of Ecology, Northwest Regional Office (map)
3190 Avenue SE
Bellevue, WA 98368
david.radabaugh@ecy.wa.gov
(425) 649-4260