Covington Shoreline Master Program: Comprehensive Update

On August 30, 2011, the Department of Ecology approved as submitted the City of Covington’s comprehensive update of their Shoreline Master Program (SMP). The comprehensive update revises the existing shoreline program, including the goals, policies, regulations, shoreline environment designations, and administrative procedures and definitions.

The City has been using King County’s shoreline master program since incorporation in 1997. The update will provide the City with a tailored document that fits the City’s growth needs while protecting the environment. The shoreline program’s restoration plan establishes opportunities to improve the habitat of Big Soos Creek, Jenkins Creek and Pipe Lake.

Ecology held a public comment period May 23 through July 8, 2011. One public comment was received. The City’s response to the public comment is included in Attachment B: Responsiveness Summary (below).

Documents related to approval

Note: All documents are PDF.

Director of Ecology's August 30, 2011 final approval letter (103 KB)
- Attachment A: Findings and Conclusions (26 KB)
- Attachment B: Responsiveness Summary (33 KB)
Shoreline Master Program (820 KB)
- Appendix A - Critical Areas Regulations for the Shoreline Area (501 KB)
- Appendix B - Restoration Plan (364 KB)
Shoreline Analysis Report (962 KB)
Shoreline Jurisdiction Map (647 KB)

Per RCW 90.58.090 and WAC 173-26-120(7)(b), the effective date of Covington’s shoreline program is September 13, 2011, fourteen days from the date of the Director’s final letter of approval.

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

Appeals

Per 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 notice of final action.
Ecology will publish the notice of final action in the Covington/Maple Valley Reporter legal ads on September 9, 2011. The appeal period will close November 8, 2011.

Staff contact

Bob Fritzen
Washington State Department of Ecology, Bellingham Field Office
1440 10th Street, Suite 102
Bellingham, WA 98225
Bob.Fritzen@ecy.wa.gov
(360) 715-5207