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Article VI. Shoreline Modification Regulations
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Shoreline modification activities are those actions that modify the physical configuration or qualities of the shoreline area. Shoreline modification activities are, by definition, undertaken in support of or in preparation for a permitted shoreline use. A single use may require several different shoreline modification activities. A proposed development must meet all of the regulations for both applicable uses and activities as well as the general and environment designation regulations.

(1) Permitted Modifications.

(a) Table 16.05.400-1 indicates which new, expanded, or altered shoreline modifications may be allowed or prohibited in shoreline jurisdiction within each shoreline environment designation. Refer to the text in CMC 16.05.410 through 16.05.450 for provisions related to specific modifications listed in the table. Modifications shall also be subject to underlying zoning. Modifications are classified as follows:

(i) Modifications allowed by shoreline substantial development permit or shoreline exemption are indicated by a “P” in the table.

(ii) Modifications allowed by shoreline conditional use permit are indicated by a “C” in the table.

(iii) Prohibited modifications are not allowed and are indicated by an “X” in the table.

(iv) Modifications regulated consistent with the adjacent upland environment designation are indicated by “Upland” in the table.

(v) Modifications not specifically identified in the table may be allowed by a shoreline conditional use permit.

(vi) If there are any conflicts between Table 16.05.400-1 and the written provisions this master program, the written provisions shall control.

Table 16.05.400-1. Permitted Modifications by Shoreline Environment Designation

Shoreline Use

Shoreline Environment Designation

High-Intensity

Medium-Intensity

Shoreline Residential

Urban Conservancy

Aquatic

Dredging and Dredge Spoil Disposal

Dredging

C

C

C

C

C

Dredge spoil disposal

C

C

C

C

C

Fill and Excavation

Fill

C (1)

C (1)

C (1)

C (1)

C

Excavation (2)

C (1)

C (1)

C (1)

C (1)

C

Overwater Structures

Boathouse

X

X

X

X

X

Bridge

C

C

C

C

C

Joint-use pier, dock, or float

X

X

P

C/X(3)

Upland

Accessory to residential structures

Single-use pier, dock, or float

X

X

P

C/X (3)

Upland

Launching ramp

X

X

X

X

X

Not accessory to residential structures

Single-use pier, dock, or float

X

X

C

C/X (3)

Upland

Launching ramp

X

X

X

C/X (3)

Upland

Launching rails

X

X

C

C/X (3)

Upland

Shoreline Habitat and Ecological Enhancement

P

P

P

C/P (4)

Upland

Shoreline Stabilization

Soil bioengineering

P

P

P

P

P

Bulkheads

X

X

P

C

Upland

Breakwaters, groins, and jetties

X

X

X

X

X

Riprap

C

X

X

X

Upland

Weirs, new

X

X

X

X

X

Weirs, repair and replacement of existing

C

C

C

C

C

Modifications Not Specified

C

C

C

C

C

Table Notes:

1Fill landward of the ordinary high water mark associated with a permitted upland use shall be permitted as a shoreline substantial development permit or shoreline exemption (“P”). Fill landward of the ordinary high water mark that does not exceed 250 cubic yards of material shall be exempt pursuant to the provisions of WAC 173-27-040.

2Moorage excavated from dry land shall be prohibited in all environments.

3Recreational floats, launching ramps not accessory to residential structures, and launching rails not accessory to residential structures shall be permitted as a conditional use (“C”) in Pipe Lake shoreline jurisdiction, and shall be prohibited (“X”) in Big Soos Creek and Jenkins Creek shoreline jurisdiction.

4Beach restoration and enhancement shall be permitted as a conditional use (“C”) in Pipe Lake shoreline jurisdiction, and shall be permitted as a shoreline substantial development permit or shoreline exemption (“P”) in Big Soos Creek and Jenkins Creek shoreline jurisdiction.

(2) All shoreline modification activities shall be in support of a permitted shoreline use that is in conformance with the provisions of this master program unless it can be demonstrated that such activities are necessary and in the public interest.

(3) Shoreline modification projects shall avoid and then minimize adverse impacts to the environment to the greatest extent feasible, and where such impacts cannot be avoided, mitigation shall be provided to achieve no net loss of shoreline ecological functions. Mitigation sequencing as set forth in CMC 16.05.230(3) shall be required.

(4) All shoreline modification activities within the City shall comply with all other regulations as stipulated by State and Federal agencies, local Tribes, or others with jurisdiction.

(5) Professional design, as approved by the City, shall be required for all shoreline modification structures. (Ord. 09-19 § 6 (Exh. C))