Cumulative impact analysis

Local master programs are required to evaluate and consider cumulative impacts of reasonably foreseeable future development on shoreline ecological functions. View rule citation

The "Principles" section of the rule requires that evaluation of cumulative impacts should consider:

1. Current circumstances affecting the shorelines and relevant natural processes;

2. Reasonably foreseeable future development and use of the shoreline; and

3. Beneficial effects of any established regulatory programs under other local, state, and federal laws. View rule citation

The shoreline inventory and analysis process provides the baseline for evaluating the effects of proposed policies.

The University of Washington Department of Urban Design and Planning (Link updated 11/09/07) has developed a demonstration web site with an interactive display of findings from a study on how patterns of urban development alter ecological conditions. Findings from this research will help local planners assess cumulative impacts of development.

Local examples

• The City of Bainbridge Island prepared a Cumulative Impact Assessment for Blakely Harbor that projected dock build-out and assessed impacts on navigation, scenic views, aquatic resources and recreational uses. The City subsequently amended its SMP to restrict new docks in the harbor based on this assessment and an extensive public record. On Jan 21, 2005, the Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board upheld the city's amendment. (Read the Board's decision in Samson and Hacker v. City of Bainbridge Island and Ecology, Case No. 04-3-0013.)

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