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Shoreline master program update to reflect climate element and new state guidance
Summary
Staff told commissioners the SMP update largely needs minor edits to align with recent state law and the city's 2025 comprehensive plan, and recommended coordinating shoreline policies with the newly adopted climate element; staff expects public drafts this fall and Ecology review before adoption.
City planning staff summarized the Shoreline Master Program periodic update history and gap analysis, noting the SMP process began in 2019, paused for appeals and was re-initiated to align with state guidance and the city’s 2025 comprehensive plan. Staff said the gap analysis and a 2024 Department of Ecology-funded compliance assessment found no substantive inconsistencies that require wholesale change but did identify amendments for consistency and improved permit documentation.
A primary staff recommendation was to ensure the new climate element is coordinated with shoreline policies: "part of what staff has recommended is that we look and make sure that the climate element is coordinated with the, shoreline element policies," Grama said. Draft SMP amendments are planned for release in late September, with potential public hearings thereafter and final Ecology review required before any updates take effect.
