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Lakewood proposes limited Shoreline Master Program edits to align with 2024 critical‑areas changes
Summary
City staff introduced a locally initiated Shoreline Master Program update to reconcile the 2024 critical areas ordinance: key changes include moving wetland buffers into the CAO (title 14), updating code references, and adopting Ecology-recommended provisions (e.g., prohibiting utility trenching in Category 1–2 wetlands); a joint public hearing with Ecology is scheduled Oct. 2 and written comments are open Sept. 18–Oct. 17.
Planning staff told the Commission that the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) update is a limited, locally initiated package intended to make the SMP consistent with changes the city adopted earlier this year to the critical areas ordinance.
Staff explained the amendments are primarily housekeeping and consistency edits: updating code references to move wetland buffers from the SMP into the CAO (Title 14), incorporating the shoreline restoration plan into municipal code for easier public reference, and implementing Department of Ecology recommendations. Staff noted Ecology’s guidance that mitigation sequencing and the ‘‘no net loss’’ standard still apply, and that utility-line trenching should not be permitted in Category 1 or 2 wetlands and is discouraged in Category 3 or 4 wetlands.
The staff presentation clarified process and schedule: tonight’s meeting served as the introduction; written public comments are open from Sept. 18 to Oct. 17; the joint Planning Commission and Department of Ecology public hearing is Oct. 2; the Commission will take action in November and the City Council is scheduled to take final action on Dec. 2. A Department of Ecology representative is expected to attend the Oct. 2 hearing virtually.
Commissioners had no substantive questions tonight. Staff said the next review required by state law is 2029 for a full SMP update; this locally initiated package is intended only to reconcile the two city regulatory documents for clarity and consistency.
