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1. What is a Shoreline Master Program?

A Shoreline Master Program (SMP) is a set of policies and regulations required by state law that has three basic principles:

1) Encourages reasonable and appropriate development of shorelines with an emphasis on water dependent uses, which when developed are consistent with the control of pollution and prevention of damage to the natural environment, such as docks, marinas, and recreational facilities, or industries and commercial uses that require a shoreline location and support economic development; and,

2) Protects the natural resources and character of the shorelines, the land, vegetation, wildlife, water, and aquatic life within shoreline environment; and,

3) Promotes public access and provides opportunities to enjoy the aesthetic qualities of the natural shorelines and recreational activities in shoreline areas.

2. Where does this apply?

“Shorelines of the state” are special waterbodies that meet certain size or flow criteria in the Washington state Shoreline Management Act (SMA). These shorelines of the state include rivers and streams with mean annual flow more than 20 cubic feet per second, lakes 20 acres or larger, and all marine shorelines. The shoreline jurisdiction extends 200 feet landward of the water’s edge and additionally includes associated wetlands, floodways, and up to 200 feet of floodplain contiguous to the floodway. Shorelines of the state in Issaquah include Lake Sammamish, Issaquah Creek and East Fork Issaquah Creek.

3. Why will it be updated?

The City of Issaquah completed a comprehensive update to its SMP in 2011. Washington state law requires jurisdictions to review and update their SMPs every eight years in accordance with the Shoreline Management Act and its current guidelines and legislative rules to attain state approval.

This periodic update will focus on:
• Reviewing relevant legislative updates since 2013 and incorporating any applicable amendments; and
• Ensuring consistency with recently adopted regulations for critical areas and flood hazard areas.

This periodic update will NOT:
• Re-evaluate the ecological baseline that was established as part of the 2013 comprehensive update;
• Extensively assess no net loss criteria other than to ensure that proposed amendments do not result in degradation of the baseline condition; or
• Change shoreline jurisdiction or environment designations.

4. What do the regulations apply to?

Shoreline regulations apply to any land use activity that occurs within the shoreline jurisdiction as defined in the SMP. Included in those structures and uses regulated in the SMP are:

• New or expanded structures, such as houses, sheds, and decks;
• New or expanded in-water and over-water structures, such as docks, buoys, and boat launches;
• Land development and alteration, such as clearing, grading, dredging, or filling; and
• Other activities along the shorelines, including restoration (e.g., riparian planting, bank stabilization), trail construction, and public access.