SHORELINE MANAGEMENT HOME
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Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Overview
What is the Shoreline Management Act?
Click here for more information on the SMA. What is a shoreline master program?Shoreline master programs (SMPs) carry out the policies of the SMA at the local level, regulating new development and use of state shorelines. SMPs are based on state laws and rules, but are tailored to the unique geographic, economic, and environmental needs of each community. Under the SMA, each city and county with "shorelines of the state" must develop and adopt its own shoreline master program to regulate local shoreline use and development. ("Shorelines of the state" generally refers to rivers, larger lakes, and marine waterfronts along with the associated shorelands, wetlands, and floodplains.) Click here for a list of elements that make up a local SMP. What are the SMP Guidelines?The state SMP guidelines are standards that local governments must meet in drafting their SMPs. The Guidelines translate the broad policies of the SMA into standards for regulating shoreline uses. Most of the existing SMPs were originally written between 1974 and 1978. Some SMPs have been updated over the years, but most have not. Since that time, we have made significant advances in our understanding of ecological processes. We now know much more about how to protect and restore our shoreline resources. Ecology's adoption of updated SMP Guidelines in 2003 began a new era of shoreline planning in Washington. Between now and 2014, cities and counties across the state (about 250 in all) must update their SMPs to meet the requirements of the new Guidelines. Ecology offers local governments funding and guidance to support them in updating their SMPs. Note: The term "Guidelines" can be confusing: The Guidelines are rules under the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and as such, they carry the force of law. In other words, they are not merely suggestions or “guidance”. The Guidelines are the standards by which Ecology determines whether a local SMP will receive state approval. Click here for more information on the SMP Guidelines. What goes into an SMP update?Updating an SMP is a complex and time-intensive process. Most SMPs take two to three years to fully update. To get a sense of the steps involved, you can read about the local adoption process as well as the state review process. When updating an SMP, local jurisdictions are required by law to engage and seek input from the public, as well as from interested agencies and tribes. Click here for more information on public involvement requirements. If you would like more information on the science and policy side of an SMP update, this interactive graphic explains the technical side of each SMP element. How can I get involved in updating my local shoreline master program?The SMP update schedule can help you determine when your local jurisdiction will be updating its SMP. Please note, however, that many local governments receive grant funds from Ecology to complete their updates, which may affect their update schedule and deadline. For more information on your jurisdiction’s SMP update process, or to find how you can get involved, please contact your jurisdiction’s planning department. |
Washington’s Shoreline Management Act (SMA) was passed by the
Legislature in 1971 and adopted by the public in a 1972
referendum. The SMA governs the use and development of
shorelines in Washington State. Specifically, it strives to
balance responsible shoreline development with environmental
protection and public access. Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
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