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Renton Shoreline Master Program: Comprehensive Update

On November 10, 2011, the Department of Ecology approved Renton’s Shoreline Master Program (SMP) comprehensive update. The comprehensive update revises the existing shoreline program, including the goals, policies, regulations, shoreline environment designations, and administrative procedures and definitions. The SMP will regulate development on 18 miles of shoreline that include Lake Washington, Cedar River, May Creek, Springbrook Creek, the Black River and a small portion of the Green River.

Renton submitted a proposed comprehensive update to Ecology in February 2011. After comparing the City’s proposal to the requirements of the Shoreline Management Act (Chapter 90.58 RCW) and Shoreline Master Program Guidelines (WAC 173-26, Part III), Ecology’s Director conditionally approved the proposal with required and recommended changes. The City responded on April 6, accepting most required and recommended changes, proposing alternative language regarding overwater trails, and requesting reconsideration of a required dock width change (see Attachment A: Findings and Conclusions Addendum, October 29, 2011).

After further negotiations, Ecology approved Renton’s comprehensive update on November 10. 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 within the City of Renton.

Documents related to approval

Note: All documents are PDF

• Director of Ecology’s November 10, 2011 final approval letter (107 KB)
  • Attachment A: Findings and Conclusions Addendum, October 29, 2011 (205 KB)
• City of Renton’s October 25, 2011 response to changes letter (790 KB)
  • City Council Ordinance No. 5633, October 24, 2011 (6.66 MB)
  • Exhibit B: Renton Shoreline Environment Overlays map (revised), August 16, 2011 (961 KB)
• Ecology’s July 28, 2011 response to Renton’s single-family dock and pier width (200 KB)
• City of Renton’s April 6, 2011 response to changes letter (246 KB)
• Director of Ecology's March 9, 2011 Approval Letter (151 KB)
  • Attachment A: Finding and Conclusions for Proposed Comprehensive Update (826 KB)
  • Attachment B: Ecology Required Changes (44 KB)
  • Attachment C: Ecology Recommended Changes (86 KB)
• Renton's Response to Ecology Summary of Public Comments (draft responsiveness summary) (598 KB)

Per RCW 90.58.090, the effective date of the Renton’s comprehensive update is November 24, 2011, fourteen days from the November 10, 2011 date of the Director’s approval letter.

Paper copies of the above documents are available by contacting Barbara Nightingale, Washington 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 Renton Reporter legal ads on November 23, 2011.

Staff contact

Barbara Nightingale
Washington State Department of Ecology, Northwest Regional Office
3190 160th Avenue SE, Bellevue, WA 98008
Barbara.Nightingale@ecy.wa.gov
(425) 649-4309

For more information

• News Release: Renton’s shoreline master program receives approval (November 22, 2011)
• News Release: Ecology starts review of Renton's shoreline program update (November 23, 2010)
• Renton Shoreline Master Program Update
• Citizen Guide to Shoreline Master Programs
• Status of Local Shoreline Master Programs

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