Summit #1 San Juan County Shoreline Master Program Update March 1 st , 2 nd , and 3 rd 2011 1
Dec 28, 2015
Agenda
–SMP Process–Key Principles–SMP Development and Key Issues–Public Participation– Inventory Results–Next Steps
2
What is an SMP?
A comprehensive shoreline land-use plan that includes policies and regulations for the use and development of the shoreline intended to:
• Protect shoreline processes• Promote public access• Accommodate all appropriate shoreline uses • Balance public and private interests
4
What an SMP is not
The SMP will apply to future development. It will not retroactively apply to past actions.
It will not require modifications to existing land uses or developments.
5
Why Update the SMP Now?
– Shoreline Management Act passed in 1971, adopted in 1972
– County’s last major update1998– Cooperative program – state and local
governments– New State SMP rules adopted in 2003– All local governments must update
• Due in San Juan County by 2013– State grant is funding the process
6
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT ACT (SMA) RCW 90.58
To prevent harm caused by uncoordinated and piecemeal development of the state’s major shorelines.
Shoreline Master Program Guidelines WAC 127-26
Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Carries out provisions of SMA
Must be approved by Dept. of Ecology, using policy of RCW 90.58.020 and
Guidelines as approval standards/criteria
7
Where Does This Apply?
– Shoreline Jurisdiction• Marine shorelines• Lakes ≥20 acres• Upland areas 200 feet from OHWM• Associated wetlands• Aquatic areas waterward of OHWM
– New Uses• Existing shoreline uses and activities may continue
8
Inventory&
Analysis
SMP- Environment Designations- Goals- Policies- Regulations
Cumulative Impacts Analysis
Local Adoption
Restoration Plan
Ecology Review and Adoption
Required Steps
Determine Jurisdiction
Public Participation
11
WE ARE HERE
Inventory&
Analysis
SMP- Environment Designations- Goals- Policies- Regulations
Cumulative Impacts Analysis
Local Adoption
Restoration Plan
Ecology Review and Adoption
New or Revised Elements
Determine Jurisdiction
Public Participation
12
WE ARE HERE
No Net Loss
Standard
Key Principles of the SMP– Balance
• environmental protection
• public access
• water-oriented uses
– Still required to protect Critical Areas
– No Net Loss of Ecological Function
– Preferred Uses
14
Eco
logi
cal F
unct
ion
SMP Updates: Achieving No Net Loss of Ecological Function
SMP Restoration Plan
Voluntary restoration opportunities
No Net Loss – Current Baseline
On-going degradation from existing development
Unavoidable impacts from new
development
Key: Degraded Improved SMP elements
Higher
Lower
SMP UpdateFramework to achieve NNL
• Inventory & Characterization
• Environment Designation
• Development Policies & Standards
• Recommended Actions outside SMA authority
• Compliance Strategy
• Cumulative Impacts Analysis
• Restoration PlanShoreline violations
• Off-site mitigation opportunities
• Offsetting mitigation
Avoid and Mitigate Impacts
15
Shorelines of State
• Preferred Uses:–Uses that control pollution & prevent environmental damage–Uses unique to or dependent upon use of the state's shoreline–Single family residences–Ports–Shoreline recreational uses–Water-dependent uses, e.g. parks, marinas, piers, industrial and commercial developments –Other uses providing an opportunity for substantial numbers of people to enjoy the shorelines
Shorelines of Statewide Significance
• Preferred Uses: Uses that– Protect the statewide interest
over local interest– Preserve the natural character
of the shoreline– Result in long-term over short-
term benefit– Protect the resources and
ecology of the shoreline– Increase public access to
publicly owned areas of the shorelines
– Increase public recreational opportunities
– Other element consistent with SMA deemed appropriate or necessary
16
Regulatory Content• Public Access• Shoreline Uses and Modifications• Vegetation Conservation• In-water Activities• Upland Activities
19
Environment Designations Based On:
• Criteria in the Guidelines• Ecological condition per Inventory/Analysis• Existing and planned land use
20
Development of the SMP• Builds upon:
• SMP Guidelines & Consistency Analysis• Inventory/Analysis Report
• Technical Advisory Committee to provide input and product review
• Policies and Regulations developed by County staff in collaboration with Planning Commission with guidance and review by County Council
• Eventual recommendation to County Council21
• Non-conforming Uses/Structures• Overwater Structures (piers/docks)• Shoreline Armoring• Residential Development• Buffers and Setbacks• Vegetation Conservation
Note: many topics are being addressed during the CAO update – proposed regulations likely in Spring 2011.
22
Key SMP Issues
What have we heard so far:
Stakeholder Interview Summary
Conducted 20 interviews with 69 people representing 43 groups, organizations, and businesses
All viewed shorelines as most valuable resource and greatest asset
A majority say it is possible to find a balance – protecting property rights, protecting habitat, and providing public access
24
What have we heard so far:
Stakeholder Interview SummaryOther results:
Most were concerned about regulation: too much and not effective
Some said any new regulations are not needed unless there are proven problems
Others said a precautionary or preventative approach is needed
Many said the update has to be flexible: not a “one size fits all” approach
25
Public Involvement– Stakeholder Interviews
– Summit Meetings
• #2 = Visioning in summer 2011
• #3 = Review of Draft SMP mid 2012
– Technical Advisory Committee
– Community Outreach – fliers, fairs, etc.
– Information Sessions for Planning Commission
– County meetings with planning commissions and elected officials
26
Current Land Use
Land Ownership
Marine Public Access
Septic Systems
Surface Water System
Impervious Surfaces
Geologic Units
Marine Shoreforms
Soils
29
CARA
Geologic Hazards
Floodplains and Wetlands
Land Cover
Habitats and Species
Drift Cells
Shoreline Modifications
Water Quality
Environmental Cleanup Sites
Shoreline Analysis– Develops current baseline condition from
which future impacts will be measured– Analyzes existing shoreline ecological
functions– Analyzes current land use and identifies
likely future changes– Identifies potential restoration opportunities
33