Shoreline Master Program
Shoreline Master Program
Shorelines within the City limits are protected by the Washington State Shoreline Management Act (SMA) - RCW 90.58, and management guidelines, which regulate land use and development within 200 feet from rivers, lakes, streams, and marine shores. RCW 90.58 and the management guidelines require local governments to develop a local Shoreline Master Program (SMP). Collectively, the local master programs comprise the State Shoreline Master Program.
A Shoreline Master Program is developed through a partnership between the Department of Ecology and local governments that regulates shoreline development. Local governments have the primary responsibility for initiating and administering the Shoreline Master Program. Ecology’s role is supportive and focused on ensuring compliance with the Shoreline Management Act.
The Shoreline Master Program is Title 19 of the Sequim Municipal Code.
The City last updated its SMP in November 2013, and Washington state law requires jurisdictions to review their SMPs every eight years, and revise if necessary, in accordance with the RCW 90.58.080 and WAC 173-26-090. The City is now conducting this mandatory periodic review of the SMP. The review ensures the SMP keeps up with changes in state law, changes in other City plans and regulations, and other changed circumstances or new information.
The project team briefed the Planning Commission in a community open house on April 6, 2021 at 6:00pm during their regular meeting. The public was invited to attend the virtual event to learn more about what changes are proposed: Open House slideshow presentation.
The City has elected to use the optional joint review process to combine the local and Ecology comment periods, as allowed under WAC 173-26-104. No additional comment period will occur during the state review process. Comments provided to the City will be reviewed by both the City and Ecology; no need to send duplicates.
Joint Public Comment Period: March 28 – April 27, 2021, at 4:00 p.m.
Submit Comments by email:
Subject: SMP Periodic Review Public Comment
Or by mail:
City of Sequim - Department of Community Development
Attn. Tim Woolett; SMP Periodic Review
152 W. Cedar St.
Sequim, WA 98382
Joint Public Hearing: April 20, 2021
Joint Public Hearing with the Planning Commission will be held remotely via Zoom on April 20, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. The public can attend the hearing online or by telephone:
- Website for Audio Streaming: https://zoom.us/j/96100370168
- Phone Number for Audio: (253) 215-8782
- Webinar ID: 961 0037 0168
Public Review Documents:
- Draft SMP Amendments
- Periodic Review Checklist (See Gap Analysis below)
- SEPA Determination
- SEPA Checklist
After the joint comment period, the Planning Commission will make a recommendation to City Council, who will consider the proposal and take action for local adoption before sending to Ecology for final review and approval.
This project webpage will be updated as new information and materials become available.
Sequim Shoreline Jurisdiction Map
Draft Gap Analysis Report (Oct 2020)
Port of Port Angeles Comment Letter (April 20, 2021)
Port of Port Angeles Comment Letter (April 27, 2021)
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Comment Letter
Pacific Northwest National Laboratories Comments
Department of Ecology Initial Determination Memo and Attachment