Introduction and Overview
Under the Shoreline Management Act (SMA), each city and county with "shorelines of the state" must prepare and adopt a Shoreline Master Program (SMP) that is based on state laws and rules but tailored to the specific geographic, economic and environmental needs of the community. The SMP is essentially a combined comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, and development permit system for shoreline specific uses. The City of Edmonds completed a comprehensive update of its SMP in June 2017 (Ord. 4072).
The Shoreline Master Program (SMP) applies to shorelines within the City and establishes development standards for shoreline development. The shoreline areas within the City of Edmonds jurisdiction include Puget Sound, Lake Ballinger, and the tidally influenced portions of the Edmonds Marsh. Shoreline Jurisdiction also applies to upland areas within 200 feet of the shoreline edge (ordinary high water mark) and associated wetlands.
The SMA requires each city and county to review and revise their SMP at least once every ten years. The legislature set a staggered schedule that alternates with similar reviews under the Growth Management Act. The City of Edmonds completed a periodic update of the SMP in May 2019 (Ord. 4150) and will have to review it again by June 2029.
To find out more about the Shoreline Master Program Periodic Review, see the information contained within each of the tabs below.
For more information, please feel free to contact Mike Clugston via email or by phone at 425-771-0220