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Map preliminary SMA jurisdiction boundaries

Setting SMA jurisdiction boundaries requires an understanding of the basic criteria for establishing jurisdiction described in the Shoreline Management Act. It is important to study the definition carefully, as local governments have options for establishing boundaries. This includes a new option (authorized by the 2003 legislature) to expand jurisdiction to include buffers necessary to protect critical areas that currently fall partly outside Shoreline Management Act jurisdictional area. In addition, a recent court case has invalidated portions of Ecology's rule addressing floodway determination.

In some cases jurisdiction boundaries will be consistent with those described in the existing SMP. However, in most cases mapped jurisdiction boundaries will change, for example, as a result of annexation of shoreline jurisdiction, or through updated wetland maps that identify previously undesignated associated wetlands.

Create a preliminary polygon that contains the shoreline jurisdiction.

On a current georeferenced aerial photos overlay the following data (CLICK HERE FOR SOURCES):

• City/County Boundary (local data)
• Urban Growth boundary (local data)
• Floodplain boundaries (FEMA Q3)
• If available, floodway boundary (FEMA Q3) Read more about use of FEMA floodway in establishing jurisdiction. 
• Shoreline edge or Ordinary High Water Mark (local data or WA shore)
• Wetlands: National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) and/or local studies

TIP: Always include appropriate disclaimers on maps depicting shoreline jurisdiction. For example, "Shoreline jurisdiction boundaries depicted on this map are approximate. They have not been formally delineated or surveyed and are intended for planning purposes only. Additional site-specific evaluation may be needed to confirm/verify information shown on this map.

An example of more generic language that might apply to all maps: "USE OF THIS MAP IMPLIES THE USER’S AGREEMENT WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT: __________(jurisdiction) disclaims any warrantee of merchantability or warrantee of fitness of this map for any particular purpose, either expressed or implied. No representation or warranty is made concerning the accuracy, currency, completeness or quality of data depicted on this map. Any user of this map assumes all responsibility for the use thereof, and further agrees to hold ___________(jurisdiction) harmless from and against any damage, loss, or liability arising from any use of this map.