Chapter 25.05
JURISDICTION AND ENVIRONMENT DESIGNATIONS

Sections:

25.05.010    Shoreline jurisdiction.

25.05.020    Shoreline environment designations.

25.05.030    Shorelines of statewide significance – Lake Sammamish.

25.05.010 Shoreline jurisdiction.

(1) The policies and regulations of this program shall apply to Lake Sammamish, Pine Lake and Beaver Lake and their adjacent shorelands and any other areas that the City may annex that qualify as shorelines as defined in Chapter 25.02 SMC and RCW 90.58.030.

(2) The City determines the extent of shoreline jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with a development proposal, permit request, or request for statement of exemption. The landward extent of shoreline jurisdiction is measured from the OHWM and includes associated wetlands. For Lake Sammamish, the waterward extent of shoreline jurisdiction, as measured from the OHWM toward the western city boundary, shall be governed by the regulations pertaining to the adjoining shoreland area and all such uses shall be considered accessory to the primary use. For Pine and Beaver Lakes, the waterward extent of shoreline jurisdiction, as measured from the OHWM toward the center of each lake, shall be governed by the regulations pertaining to the adjoining shoreland area and all such uses shall be considered accessory to the primary use. The OHWM shall be determined based on site-specific observation and assessment using accepted protocols and criteria in accordance with RCW 98.58.030(2)(b).

(3) No streams meeting the definition of “shoreline” are included within the City limits as of the date of adoption of this program. If the City annexes unincorporated areas that include Patterson Creek or other shorelines or shorelands as defined by this program, shoreline jurisdiction will be determined based on the criteria and definitions in Chapter 25.02 SMC and Chapter 90.58 RCW. (Ord. O2019-493 § 1 (Att. 1); Ord. O2011-308 § 1 (Att. A))

25.05.020 Shoreline environment designations.

(1) Shorelines shall be assigned one of the following environment designations:

(a) Shoreline Residential Environment (SR). The purpose of the shoreline residential environment is to accommodate residential development and accessory structures that are consistent with this program. This designation shall apply to shorelines that do not meet the criteria for urban conservancy and that are characterized by single-family or multifamily residential development or are planned and platted for residential development.

(b) Urban Conservancy Environment (UC). The purpose of the urban conservancy environment is to protect and restore relatively undeveloped or unaltered shorelines to maintain open space, floodplains, or habitat, while allowing a variety of compatible uses. This designation shall apply to shorelines that retain important ecological functions, even if partially altered. These shorelines are suitable for low intensity development, uses that are a combination of water-related or water-enjoyment uses, including single-family residential use, or uses that allow substantial numbers of people to enjoy the shoreline.

(2) The shoreline environment designations established in subsection (1) of this section shall apply to the land and water areas subject to shoreline jurisdiction as defined in Chapter 25.02 SMC and Chapter 90.58 RCW. Uses and developments that occur waterward of the OHWM shall be governed by the regulations pertaining to the adjoining shoreland area and all such uses shall be considered accessory to the adjacent primary use.

(3) Shoreline environment designations are delineated on a map, hereby incorporated as a part of this program (Appendix A), that shall be known as the official shoreline map. The official shoreline map is for planning purposes only. The map does not necessarily identify or depict the actual extent of shoreline jurisdiction or all associated wetlands. The lateral extent of the shoreline jurisdiction shall be determined on a case-by-case basis based on the location of the OHWM, floodway and/or the presence of associated wetlands. The landward extent so determined may extend beyond that depicted on the official shoreline map.

(4) Undesignated and/or unmapped shorelines shall be designated urban conservancy in accordance with WAC 173-26-211(2)(e).

(5) If disagreement develops as to the exact location of a shoreline environment designation boundary line shown on the official shoreline map, the following rules shall apply:

(a) Boundaries indicated as approximately following lot, tract, or section lines shall be so construed.

(b) Boundaries indicated as approximately following roads shall be construed to follow their centerlines.

(c) Boundaries indicated as approximately parallel to or extensions of lots lines or roads shall be so construed.

(d) Whenever existing physical features are inconsistent with boundaries on the official shoreline map, the director shall interpret the boundaries.

(e) Appeals of such interpretations may be filed pursuant to the applicable appeal procedures described in Chapter 25.08 SMC. (Ord. O2019-493 § 1 (Att. 1); Ord. O2011-308 § 1 (Att. A))

25.05.030 Shorelines of statewide significance – Lake Sammamish.

In accordance with RCW 90.58.020, the following policies are hereby adopted for Lake Sammamish, which is a shoreline of statewide significance. The City shall manage Lake Sammamish to give preference to uses and developments that:

(1) Recognize and protect the statewide interest over local interest;

(2) Preserve the natural character and wildlife habitat of the shoreline;

(3) Result in long-term over short-term benefit;

(4) Protect the resources and ecology of the shoreline;

(5) Increase public access to publicly owned areas of the shoreline;

(6) Increase recreational opportunities for the public in the shoreline environment. (Ord. O2019-493 § 1 (Att. 1); Ord. O2011-308 § 1 (Att. A))