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Local adoption

The SMA and state rules outline broad requirements for local governments to consult with interested parties throughout the multi-year SMP development process. The rules get much more specific about how this consultation must take place at the very end of the process before local adoption. Below is a summary of requirements found in WAC 173-26-100.

Seek comments from adjacent jurisdictions

For example, local governments must seek input on the final SMP from "adjacent local governments with jurisdiction over common shorelines of the state." In addition, "where amendments are proposed to a county or regional master program which has been adopted by cities or towns, the county shall coordinate with those jurisdictions and verify concurrence with or denial of the proposal."

60-day notice to Ecology and CTED

Local governments planning under the Growth Management Act must send Ecology and the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development notice of intent to adopt shoreline policies or regulations, at least sixty days prior to final local approval (RCW 36.70A.106).

SEPA

Local governments are required to comply with the State Environmental Policy Act (RCW 43.21C) before submitting a local SMP. This does not necessarily mean local governments must prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Many local governments submit a Determination of Non-Significance or Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance. However, local governments may consider addressing the cumulative impact analysis requirements through a programmatic "non-project" EIS.

Public hearings

State rules require that local governments hold at least one public hearing before approving an SMP (WAC 173-26-100). However, many jurisdictions hold several public meetings, workshops and hearings.

Local governments must publish notice of the hearing in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the area in which the hearing is to be held. The notice shall include:

(a) Reference to the authority(s) under which the action(s) is proposed;
(b) A summary of the proposed changes to the master program;
(c) The date, time, and location of the hearing, and the manner in which interested persons may present their views; and
(d) Reference to the availability of the draft proposal for public inspection at the local government office or upon request

Incorporate changes

During the 60-day comment period local governments may incorporate suggestions from the public or agencies.

Forward locally-adopted SMP to Ecology

Once the local legislative body has approved the SMP, the amendment package is forwarded to Ecology for state approval. Local government submittals of master program amendments to Ecology must conform to state rule requirements (WAC 173-26-110.)

For more information

Law: RCW 90.58.130
Rules: WAC 173-26-100 | WAC 173-26-201(3)(b)

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