Chapter 23.60
SHORELINE PERMITS AND EXEMPTIONS
Sections:
23.60.005 General requirements.
23.60.010 Substantial development permit criteria.
23.60.020 Exemptions from shoreline substantial development permit process.
23.60.021 Application and interpretation.
23.60.023 Statements of exemption.
23.60.030 Variance permit criteria.
23.60.040 Conditional use permit criteria.
23.60.050 Minimum application requirements.
23.60.060 Pre-application conference.
23.60.080 Notice of application.
23.60.090 Permit application review.
23.60.100 Consolidated permit review.
23.60.110 State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) compliance.
23.60.150 Notice of decision, reconsideration and appeal.
23.60.160 Initiation of development.
23.60.180 Rescission and modification.
23.60.005 General requirements.
To be authorized, all uses and developments shall be planned and carried out in a manner that is consistent with this program and the policy of the Act as required by RCW 90.58.140(1), regardless of whether a shoreline permit, statement of exemption, shoreline variance, or shoreline conditional use permit is required. (Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.010 Substantial development permit criteria.
A. A substantial development permit shall be required for all proposed use and development of shorelines unless the proposal is specifically exempt pursuant to WCC 23.60.022.
B. In order to be approved, the decision maker must find that the proposal is consistent with the following criteria:
1. All regulations of this program appropriate to the shoreline designation and the type of use or development proposed shall be met, except those bulk and dimensional standards that have been modified by approval of a shoreline variance under WCC 23.60.030.
2. All policies of this program appropriate to the shoreline area designation and the type of use or development activity proposed shall be considered and substantial compliance demonstrated.
3. For projects located on shorelines of statewide significance, the policies of Chapter 23.40 WCC shall also be adhered to.
C. In the granting of all shoreline substantial development permits, consideration shall be given to the cumulative environmental impact of additional requests for like actions in the area. For example, if shoreline substantial development permits were granted for other developments in the area where similar circumstances exist, the sum of the permitted actions should also remain consistent with the policy of RCW 90.58.020 and should not produce significant adverse effects to the shoreline ecological functions and processes or other users. (Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.020 Exemptions from shoreline substantial development permit process.
(Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.021 Application and interpretation.
A. An exemption from the substantial development permit process is not an exemption from compliance with the Act or this program, or from any other regulatory requirements. To be authorized, all uses and developments must be consistent with the policies and regulatory provisions of this program and the Act. A statement of exemption shall be obtained for exempt activities consistent with the provisions of WCC 23.60.020.
B. Exemptions shall be construed narrowly. Only those developments that meet the precise terms of one or more of the listed exemptions may be granted exemptions from the substantial development permit process.
C. The burden of proof that a development or use is exempt is on the applicant/proponent of the exempt development action.
D. If any part of a proposed development is not eligible for exemption, then a substantial development permit is required for the entire project.
E. A development or use that is listed as a conditional use pursuant to this program or is an unlisted use, must obtain a conditional use permit even if the development or use does not require a substantial development permit.
F. When a development or use is proposed that does not comply with the bulk, dimensional and/or performance standards of the program, such development or use shall only be authorized by approval of a shoreline variance even if the development or use does not require a substantial development permit.
G. All permits or statements of exemption issued for development or use within shoreline jurisdiction shall include written findings prepared by the administrator, including compliance with bulk and dimensional standards and policies and regulations of this program. The administrator may attach conditions to the approval of exempt developments and/or uses as necessary to assure consistency of the project with the Act and the program. (Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.022 Exemptions listed.
The following activities shall be considered exempt from the requirement to obtain a shoreline substantial development permit. A statement of exemption, as provided for in WCC 23.60.023 of this program shall be required for those activities listed in WCC 23.60.023(B) and (C).
A. Any development of which the total cost or fair market value, whichever is higher, does not exceed $5,718, or as amended by the state office of financial management, if such development does not materially interfere with the normal public use of the water or shorelines of the state. For the purposes of determining whether or not a permit is required, the total cost or fair market value shall be based on the value of development that is occurring on shorelines of the state as defined in RCW 90.58.030(2)(c). The total cost or fair market value of the development shall include the fair market value of any donated, contributed or found labor, equipment or materials.
B. Normal maintenance or repair of existing structures or developments, including damage by accident, fire or elements. Normal maintenance includes those usual acts to prevent a decline, lapse or cessation from a lawfully established condition. Normal repair means to restore a development to a state comparable to its original condition within a reasonable period after decay or partial destruction except where repair causes substantial adverse effects to the shoreline resource or environment. Replacement of a structure or development may be authorized as repair where such replacement is the common method of repair for the type of structure or development and the replacement structure or development is comparable to the original structure or development including but not limited to its size, shape, configuration, location and external appearance and the replacement does not cause substantial adverse effects to shoreline resources or the environment.
C. Construction of the normal protective bulkhead common to single-family residences. A normal protective bulkhead includes those structural and nonstructural developments installed at or near, and parallel to, the ordinary high water mark for the sole purpose of protecting an existing single-family residence and appurtenant structures from loss or damage by erosion. A normal protective bulkhead is not exempt if constructed for the purpose of creating dry land. When a vertical or near vertical wall is being constructed or reconstructed, not more than one cubic yard of fill per one foot of wall may be used for backfill. When an existing bulkhead is being repaired by construction of a vertical wall fronting the existing wall, it shall be constructed no further waterward of the existing bulkhead than is necessary for construction of new footings. When a bulkhead has deteriorated such that an ordinary high water mark has been established by the presence and action of water landward of the bulkhead then the replacement bulkhead must be located at or near the actual ordinary high water mark. Beach nourishment and bioengineered erosion control projects may be considered a normal protective bulkhead when any structural elements are consistent with the above requirements and when the project has been approved by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
D. Emergency construction necessary to protect property from damage by the elements. An emergency is an unanticipated and imminent threat to public health, safety or the environment that requires immediate action within a time too short to allow full compliance with this program. Emergency construction does not include development of new permanent protective structures where none previously existed. Where new protective structures are deemed by the administrator to be the appropriate means to address the emergency situation, upon abatement of the emergency situation the new structure shall be removed or any permit that would have been required, absent an emergency, pursuant to Chapter 90.58 RCW, Chapter 173-27 WAC or this program, shall be obtained. All emergency construction shall be consistent with the policies of Chapter 90.58 RCW and this program. As a general matter, flooding or other seasonal events that can be anticipated and may occur but that are not imminent are not an emergency.
E. Construction and practices normal or necessary for farming, irrigation, and ranching activities, including agricultural service roads and utilities, construction of a barn or similar agricultural structure, and the construction and maintenance of irrigation structures including, but not limited to, head gates, pumping facilities, and irrigation channels; provided, that this exemption shall not apply to agricultural activities proposed on land not in agricultural use on December 17, 2003; and further provided, that a feedlot of any size, all processing plants, other activities of a commercial nature, or alteration of the contour of the shorelands by leveling or filling other than that which results from normal cultivation shall not be considered normal or necessary farming or ranching activities. A feedlot shall be an enclosure or facility used or capable of being used for feeding livestock hay, grain, silage, or other livestock feed, but shall not include land for growing crops or vegetation for livestock feeding and/or grazing, nor shall it include normal livestock wintering operations.
F. Construction or modification, by or under the authority of the Coast Guard or a designated port management authority, of navigational aids such as channel markers and anchor buoys.
G. Construction on shorelands by an owner, lessee, or contract purchaser of a single-family residence for their own use or for the use of their family, which residence does not exceed a height of 35 feet above average grade level and that meets all requirements of the state agency or local government having jurisdiction thereof. Single-family residence means a detached dwelling designed for and occupied by one family including those structures and developments within a contiguous ownership which are a normal appurtenance as defined in WCC 23.110.010.
H. Construction of a dock, including a shared moorage, designed for pleasure craft only, for the private noncommercial use of the owners, lessee, or contract purchaser of a single-family or multifamily residence. A dock is a landing and moorage facility for watercraft and does not include recreational decks, storage facilities or other appurtenances. The private dock exemption applies if either:
1. In saltwater, the fair market value of the dock does not exceed $2,500;
2. In fresh waters the fair market value of the dock does not exceed $10,000, but if subsequent construction having a fair market value exceeding $2,500 occurs within five years of the completion of the prior construction, the subsequent construction shall be considered a substantial development for the purpose of this program. For the purpose of this section, saltwater shall include the tidally influenced marine and estuarine water areas of the state including the Strait of Georgia, local marine waters and all associated bays, inlets and estuaries.
I. Operation, maintenance, or construction of canals, waterways, drains, reservoirs, or other facilities that now exist or are hereafter created or developed as a part of an irrigation system for the primary purpose of making use of system waters including return flow and artificially stored ground water for the irrigation of lands; provided, that this exemption shall not apply to construction of new irrigation facilities proposed after December 17, 2003.
J. The marking of property lines or corners on state-owned lands, when such marking does not significantly interfere with normal public use of the surface of the water.
K. Operation and maintenance of any system of dikes, ditches, drains, or other facilities existing on June 4, 1975, that were created, developed or utilized, primarily as a part of an agricultural drainage or diking system.
L. Any project with a certification from the governor pursuant to Chapter 80.50 RCW.
M. Site exploration and investigation activities that are prerequisite to preparation of a development application for authorization under this program, if:
1. The activity does not interfere with the normal public use of surface waters;
2. The activity will have no significant adverse impact on the environment including but not limited to fish, wildlife, fish or wildlife habitat, water quality and aesthetic values;
3. The activity does not involve the installation of any structure and, upon completion of the activity, the vegetation and land configuration of the site are restored to conditions existing before the activity;
4. A private entity seeking development authorization under this section first posts a performance bond or provides other evidence of financial responsibility to the administrator to ensure that the site is restored to preexisting conditions; and
5. The activity is not subject to the permit requirements of RCW 90.58.550.
N. The process of removing or controlling aquatic noxious weeds, as defined in RCW 17.26.020, through the use of an herbicide or other treatment methods applicable to weed control that is recommended by a final environmental impact statement published by the Department of Agriculture or the Department of Ecology jointly with other state agencies under Chapter 43.21C RCW.
O. Watershed restoration projects as defined in Chapter 23.110 WCC and by RCW 89.08.460. The administrator shall review the projects for consistency with the program in an expeditious manner and shall issue its decision along with any conditions within 45 days of receiving a complete application form from the applicant/proponent. No fee may be charged for accepting and processing applications for watershed restoration projects as defined in Chapter 23.110 WCC.
P. A public or private project, the primary purpose of which is to improve fish or wildlife habitat or fish passage, when all of the following apply:
1. The project has been approved in writing by the Department of Fish and Wildlife as necessary for the improvement of the habitat or passage and appropriately designed and sited to accomplish the intended purpose;
2. The project received hydraulic project approval by the Department of Fish and Wildlife pursuant to Chapter 77.55 RCW; and
3. The administrator has determined that the project is consistent with this program. The administrator shall make such determination in a timely manner and provide it by letter to the project proponent. (Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.023 Statements of exemption.
A. The administrator is hereby authorized to grant or deny requests for statements of exemption from the shoreline substantial development permit requirement for uses and developments within shorelines that are specifically listed in WCC 23.60.022. Such statements shall be applied for on forms provided by the administrator. The statement shall be in writing and shall indicate the specific exemption of this program that is being applied to the development, and shall provide a summary of the administrator’s analysis of the consistency of the project with this program and the Act. As appropriate, such statements of exemption shall contain conditions and/or mitigating measures of approval to achieve consistency and compliance with the provisions of the program and Act. A denial of an exemption shall be in writing and shall identify the reason(s) for the denial. The administrator’s actions on the issuance of a statement of exemption or a denial are subject to appeal pursuant to WCC 23.60.150.
B. Exempt activities related to any of the following shall not be conducted until a statement of exemption has been obtained from the administrator: dredging, flood control works and instream structures, development within an archaeological or historic site, clearing and ground disturbing activities such as landfill or excavation, dock, shore stabilization, freestanding signs, or any development within an aquatic or natural shoreline designation; provided, that no separate written statement of exemption is required for the construction of a single-family residence when a county building permit application has been reviewed and approved by the administrator; provided further, that no statement of exemption is required for emergency development pursuant to WAC 173-27-040(2)(d).
C. No statement of exemption shall be required for other uses or developments exempt pursuant to WCC 23.60.022 unless the administrator has cause to believe a substantial question exists as to qualifications of the specific use or development for the exemption or the administrator determines there is a likelihood of adverse impacts to shoreline ecological functions.
D. Whether or not a written statement of exemption is issued, all permits issued within the area of shorelines shall include a record of review actions prepared by the administrator, including compliance with bulk and dimensional standards and policies and regulations of this program. The administrator may attach conditions to the approval of exempted developments and/or uses as necessary to assure consistency of the project with the Act and this program.
E. A notice of decision for shoreline statements of exemption shall be provided to the applicant/proponent and any party of record. Such notices shall also be filed with the Department of Ecology, pursuant to the requirements of WAC 173-27-050 when the project is subject to one or more of the following federal permitting requirements:
1. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 10 permit under the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. (The provisions of Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act generally apply to any project occurring on or over navigable waters. Specific applicability information should be obtained from the Corps of Engineers.); or
2. A Section 404 permit under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972. (The provisions of Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act generally apply to any project that may involve discharge of dredge or fill material to any water or wetland area. Specific applicability information should be obtained from the Corps of Engineers.)
F. Whenever the exempt activity also requires a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 10 permit under the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 or a Section 404 permit under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, a copy of the written statement of exemption shall be sent to the applicant/proponent and Ecology pursuant to WAC 173-27-050. (Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.030 Variance permit criteria.
A. The purpose of a variance is to grant relief to specific bulk or dimensional requirements set forth in this program and any associated standards appended to this program such as critical areas buffer requirements where there are extraordinary or unique circumstances relating to the property such that the strict implementation of this program would impose unnecessary hardships on the applicant/proponent or thwart the policy set forth in RCW 90.58.020. Use restrictions may not be varied.
B. Variances will be granted in any circumstance where denial would result in a thwarting of the policy enumerated in RCW 90.58.020. In all instances extraordinary circumstances shall be shown and the public interest shall suffer no substantial detrimental effect.
C. Proposals that would otherwise qualify as a reasonable use pursuant to WCC 16.16.270(A) shall require a shoreline variance and shall meet the variance criteria in this section.
D. Variances may be authorized, provided the applicant/proponent can demonstrate all of the following:
1. That the strict application of the bulk or dimensional criteria set forth in this program precludes or significantly interferes with reasonable permitted use of the property;
2. That the hardship described in subsection A of this section is specifically related to the property, and is the result of conditions such as irregular lot shape, size, or natural features and the application of this program, and not, for example, from deed restrictions or the applicant’s/proponent’s own actions;
3. That the design of the project will be compatible with other permitted activities in the area and will not cause adverse effects on adjacent properties or the shoreline environment;
4. That the variance authorized does not constitute a grant of special privilege not enjoyed by the other properties in the area, and will be the minimum necessary to afford relief;
5. That the public interest will suffer no substantial detrimental effect;
6. That the public rights of navigation and use of the shorelines will not be materially interfered with by the granting of the variance; and
7. Mitigation is provided to offset unavoidable adverse impacts caused by the proposed development or use.
E. Variance permits for development and/or uses that will be located waterward of the ordinary high water mark (OHWM), as defined herein, or within any wetland as defined herein, may be authorized, provided the applicant can demonstrate all of the following:
1. That the strict application of the bulk, dimensional or performance standards set forth in this program precludes all reasonable use of the property; and
2. That the proposal is consistent with the criteria established under subsections (D)(1) through (7) of this section; and
3. That the public rights of navigation and use of the shorelines will not be adversely affected.
F. Other factors that may be considered in the review of variance requests include the conservation of valuable natural resources and the protection of views from nearby roads, surrounding properties and public areas; provided, the criteria of subsection D of this section are first met. In addition, variance requests based on the applicant’s/proponent’s desire to enhance the view from the subject development may be granted where there are no likely detrimental effects to existing or future users, other features or shoreline ecological functions and/or processes, and where reasonable alternatives of equal or greater consistency with this program are not available. In platted residential areas, variances shall not be granted that allow a greater height or lesser shore setback than what is typical for the immediate block or area.
G. In the granting of all variances, consideration shall be given to the cumulative environmental impact of additional requests for like actions in the area. For example, if variances were granted to other developments in the area where similar circumstances exist, the total of the variances should also remain consistent with the policy of RCW 90.58.020 and should not produce significant adverse effects to the shoreline ecological functions and processes or other users.
H. Permits and/or variances applied for or approved under other county codes such as WCC Title 20 or 21 shall not be construed as shoreline permits under this program. (Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.040 Conditional use permit criteria.
A. The purpose of a conditional use permit is to allow greater flexibility in administering the use regulations of this program in a manner consistent with the policy of RCW 90.58.020. In authorizing a conditional use, special conditions may be attached to the permit by the county or the Department of Ecology to control any undesirable effects of the proposed use.
B. Uses specifically classified or set forth in this program as conditional uses and unlisted uses may be authorized, provided the applicant/proponent can demonstrate all of the following:
1. That the proposed use will be consistent with the policy of RCW 90.58.020 and this program.
2. That the proposed use will not interfere with normal public use of public shorelines.
3. That the proposed use of the site and design of the project will be compatible with other permitted uses within the area.
4. That the proposed use will not cause adverse effects to the shoreline environment in which it is to be located.
5. That the public interest suffers no substantial detrimental effect.
C. Other uses not specifically classified or set forth in this program, including the expansion or resumption of a nonconforming use pursuant to WCC 23.50.070, may be authorized as conditional uses, provided the applicant/proponent can demonstrate that the proposal will satisfy the criteria set forth in subsection B of this section, and that the use clearly requires a specific site location on the shoreline not provided for under the program, and extraordinary circumstances preclude reasonable use of the property in a manner consistent with the use regulations of this program. Uses that are prohibited cannot be authorized by a conditional use permit.
D. In the granting of all conditional use permits, consideration shall be given to the cumulative environmental impact of additional requests for like actions in the area. For example, if conditional use permits were granted for other developments in the area where similar circumstances exist, the sum of the conditional uses and their impacts should also remain consistent with the policy of RCW 90.58.020 and should not produce a significant adverse effect to the shoreline ecological functions and processes or other users.
E. Permits and/or variances applied for or approved under county zoning or subdivision code requirements shall not be construed as shoreline variances under this program. (Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.050 Minimum application requirements.
A. Where other approvals or permits are required for a use or development that does not require an open record hearing, such approvals or permits shall not be granted until a shoreline approval or permit is granted. All shoreline approvals and permits shall include written findings prepared by the administrator documenting compliance with bulk and dimensional standards and other policies and regulations of this program.
B. A complete application for a substantial development, conditional use, or variance permit shall contain all materials required in the department’s administrative manual; provided, that the administrator may vary or waive these requirements as provided in the manual and may vary or waive these requirements on a case-by-case basis. The administrator may require additional specific information depending on the nature of the proposal and the presence of sensitive ecological features or issues related to compliance with other county requirements. (Ord. 2018-032 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1); Ord. 2008-034 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.060 Pre-application conference.
Prior to filing a permit application for a shoreline substantial development permit, variance or conditional use permit decision, the applicant shall contact the county to schedule a pre-application conference which shall be held prior to filing the application; provided, that such meetings shall not be required for development activities associated with shoreline restoration projects, agriculture, commercial forestry, or the construction of a single-family residence. (Ord. 2018-032 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1); Ord. 2008-034 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.070 Fees.
A. Required fees for all shoreline substantial development permits, shoreline conditional use permits, shoreline variances, statements of exemption, appeals, pre-application conferences and other required reviews and/or approvals shall be paid to the county at the time of application in accordance with the Whatcom County Unified Fee Schedule in effect at that time and Chapter 22.05 WCC.
B. When any given project requires more than one of the following permits or applications, the total amount of fees shall be reduced pursuant to WCC 22.25.030:
1. Preliminary plat application.
2. Rezone application.
3. Major development permit.
4. Planned unit development.
5. Binding site plan.
C. When any project requires a shoreline conditional use permit or shoreline variance in addition to a shoreline substantial development permit, the fees for the conditional use or variance shall be reduced by half.
D. In the event that actions of an applicant result in the repetition of the review, inspections and other steps in the approval process, those items or steps repeated shall be charged to and paid by the applicant prior to any further processing of the application by the county. The cost shall be in accordance with the adopted fee schedule.
E. If an application is withdrawn within 30 days of submittal, and no work has commenced at the site of the proposal for which the application was made, a refund of not more than 50 percent of the shoreline fees paid may be granted by the administrator. This amount may be reduced where staff time, public notice and other costs exceed 50 percent of the fees paid. (Ord. 2018-032 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1); Ord. 2008-034 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.080 Notice of application.
A. Upon receipt of a completed shoreline substantial development permit, shoreline variance, or shoreline conditional use permit application, the county shall issue a notice of application for a proposed land use action in the manner set forth in WCC 22.05.070.
B. The rights of treaty tribes to resources within their usual and accustomed areas shall be accommodated through the notification and comment provisions of the permit review process. Tribal treaty rights may be addressed through specific permit conditions. Direct coordination between tribes and the applicant/proponent is encouraged. (Ord. 2018-032 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1); Ord. 2008-034 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.090 Permit application review.
A. All shoreline permit applications, exemptions, or other approvals shall be subject to the provisions of this program that are in effect at the time of application.
B. To facilitate review of an application the decision maker shall consider any or all of the following:
1. The application and attached information;
2. The SEPA checklist, threshold determination, environmental impact statement, or other environmental studies and/or documentation;
3. Written comments from interested persons;
4. Information and recommendations from any public agency and from the administrator in cases where the administrator is not the decision maker;
5. Information or comment presented at a public hearing, if held, on the application; and
6. The policy and provisions of the Act and this program including the criteria enumerated in WCC 23.60.010, 23.60.030 and 23.60.040, as applicable.
C. The decision maker shall process project permit applications for shoreline substantial development permits, shoreline variance and shoreline conditional use permits in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 22.05 WCC.
D. The decision maker shall process project permit applications for shoreline statements of exemption in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 22.05 WCC and WCC 23.60.023(A).
E. Any application for a shoreline permit or approval that remains inactive for a period of 180 days shall expire and a new application and repayment of fees shall be required to reactivate the proposal; provided, that the administrator may grant a single 90-day extension for good cause. Delays such as those caused by public notice requirements, State Environmental Policy Act review, litigation directly related to the proposal, or changes in government regulations shall not be considered as part of the inactive period.
F. If a shoreline permit is denied, no reapplication for the same or essentially similar development may be made until one year from the date of denial. (Ord. 2018-032 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1); Ord. 2008-034 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.100 Consolidated permit review.
A. Whenever an application for a project permit under the program requires a project permit or approval under another county permit authority, such as zoning or subdivision, the shoreline project permit application, time requirements and notice provisions for processing the shoreline permit shall apply, in addition to those of other regulatory programs.
B. The provisions of Chapter 22.05 WCC shall apply to the consolidated application, review and approval of applications that require an open record hearing. Any shoreline use or development that is subject to other approvals or permits that requires an open record hearing under another permit authority, such as zoning or subdivision, shall be subject to consolidated review and the decision maker designated for the open record hearing shall be the decision maker for the consolidated review. (Ord. 2018-032 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1); Ord. 2008-034 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.110 State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) compliance.
A. Whenever an application for shoreline substantial development permit, shoreline variance, shoreline conditional use permit, or statement of exemption is subject to the rules and regulations of SEPA (Chapter 43.21C RCW), the review requirements of SEPA, including time limitations, shall apply, where applicable.
B. Applications for shoreline permit(s) or approval(s) that are not categorically exempt under SEPA shall be subject to environmental review by the responsible official of Whatcom County pursuant to the State Environmental Policy Act (Chapter 197-11 WAC).
C. As part of SEPA review, the responsible official may require additional information regarding the proposed development in accordance with Chapter 197-11 WAC.
D. Failure of the applicant/proponent to submit sufficient information for a threshold determination to be made shall be grounds for the responsible official to determine the application incomplete. (Ord. 2018-032 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1); Ord. 2008-034 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.120 Burden of proof.
Permit applicants/proponents have the burden of proving that the proposed development is consistent with the criteria set forth in the Act and this program. (Ord. 2018-032 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.130 Public hearings.
A. The administrator shall determine whether an application requires a public hearing pursuant to the criteria below no later than 15 days after the minimum public comment period provided by WCC 23.60.080. An open record public hearing shall be required for all of the following:
1. The proposal has a cost or market value in excess of $100,000 except for single-family residences, agriculture, commercial forestry and ecological restoration projects; or
2. The proposal would result in development of an area larger than five acres; or
3. The proposal is a new or expanded marina, pier, aquaculture structure, any building over 35 feet high, mine, dam, stream diversion, landfill; or
4. The administrator has reason to believe the proposal would be controversial based on public response to the notice of receipt of application and other information; or
5. The proposal is determined to have a significant adverse impact on the environment and an environmental impact statement is required in accordance with the State Environmental Policy Act; or
6. The proposal requires a variance and/or conditional use approval pursuant to this program; or
7. The use or development requires an open record public hearing for other Whatcom County approvals or permits.
B. An open record public hearing on shoreline permit applications shall be held in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 22.05 WCC, unless a continuance is granted pursuant to the rules and procedures of the hearing examiner or other hearing body and subject to time requirements for compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act.
C. Repealed by Ord. 2018-032.
D. Repealed by Ord. 2018-032.
E. Public hearing requirements for permit appeals shall be processed according to WCC 23.60.150. (Ord. 2018-032 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1); Ord. 2008-034 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.140 Permit conditions.
In granting, revising, or extending a shoreline permit, the decision maker may attach such conditions, modifications, or restrictions thereto regarding the location, character, and other elements of the proposed development deemed necessary to assure that the development will be consistent with the policy and provisions of the Act and this program as well as the supplemental authority provided in Chapter 43.21C RCW as applicable. In cases involving unusual circumstances or uncertain effects, a condition may be imposed to require monitoring with future review or reevaluation to assure conformance with the Act and this program. If the monitoring plan is not implemented, the permittee may be found to be noncompliant and the permit may be rescinded in accordance with WCC 23.60.180. (Ord. 2018-032 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1); Ord. 2008-034 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.150 Notice of decision, reconsideration and appeal.
A. A notice of decision for action on a shoreline substantial development permit, shoreline variance, or shoreline conditional use permit shall be provided to the applicant/proponent and any party of record in accordance with the review procedures of Chapter 22.05 WCC and at least 10 days prior to filing such decisions with the Department of Ecology pursuant to WAC 173-27-130. Decisions filed with the Department of Ecology shall contain the following information:
1. A copy of the complete application;
2. Findings and conclusions that establish the basis for the decision including but not limited to identification of shoreline environment designation(s), applicable program policies and regulations and the consistency of the project with appropriate review criteria for the type of permit(s);
3. The final decision of the local government;
4. A completed permit data sheet (see Appendix A of this title); and
5. Where applicable, local government shall also file the applicable documents required by SEPA, or in lieu thereof, a statement summarizing the actions and dates of such actions taken under Chapter 43.21C RCW.
6. When the project has been modified in the course of the local review process, plans or text shall be provided that clearly indicate the final approved plan.
B. Notice of decision for shoreline statements of exemption shall comply with WCC 22.05.110(1) and 23.60.023(E).
C. This program shall only establish standing for parties of record for shoreline substantial development permits, shoreline variances, or shoreline conditional use permits. Standing as a party of record is not established by this program for exempt actions pursuant to WCC 23.60.022; provided, that in such cases standing may be established through an associated permit process that provides for public notice and provisions for parties of record.
D. The applicant/proponent or any party of record may request reconsideration of any final action by the decision maker within 10 days of notice of the decision. Such requests shall be filed on forms supplied by the county. Grounds for reconsideration must be based upon the content of the written decision. The decision maker is not required to provide a written response or modify his/her original decision. He/she may initiate such action as he/she deems appropriate. The procedure of reconsideration shall not preempt or extend the appeal period for a permit or affect the date of filing with the Department of Ecology, unless the applicant/proponent requests the abeyance of said permit appeal period in writing within 10 days of a final action.
E. Appeals to the Shorelines Hearings Board of a decision on a shoreline substantial development permit, shoreline variance or shoreline conditional use permit may be filed by the applicant/proponent or any aggrieved party pursuant to RCW 90.58.180 within 21 days of filing the final decision by Whatcom County with the Department of Ecology.
F. Whatcom County shall consider an appeal of a decision on a shoreline substantial development permit, shoreline variance or shoreline conditional use only when the applicant/proponent waives his/her right to a single appeal to the Shorelines Hearings Board. Such waivers shall be filed with the county in writing concurrent with a notice of appeal within 10 days of a final action. When an applicant/proponent has waived his/her right to a single appeal, such appeals shall be processed in accordance with the appeal procedures of subsection H of this section and shall be an open record hearing before the hearing examiner.
G. Any order, requirement or administrative permit decision, or determination by the administrator based on a provision of this program, except a shoreline substantial development permit, may be the subject of an appeal to the office of the hearing examiner by any aggrieved person. Such appeals shall be processed in accordance with the appeal procedures of subsection H of this section and shall be an open record hearing before the hearing examiner.
H. Appeal Procedures.
1. Appeals shall be filed on forms supplied by the county within 10 calendar days of the issuance of a substantial development permit, shoreline variance or shoreline conditional use permit and within 20 calendar days of any other action of the administrator being appealed.
2. A public hearing on the appeal shall be held within 45 working days following receipt of the application for appeal.
3. Legal notice of the public hearing shall be made by mailing notice of time, date, and location of the hearing to the appellant, any parties of record, the Washington Department of Ecology, and the administrator at least 15 days prior to the hearing.
4. A decision by the hearing examiner shall be mailed within 10 working days of the public hearing to all parties of record unless otherwise mutually agreed to by all parties to the appeal.
5. Any party of record may request a closed record review of the hearing examiner’s decision issued under subsection (H)(4) of this section by the county council. Such an appeal shall be filed with the county council on forms supplied by the county within 10 calendar days of the written decision. If appeal is made to the county council, notice of appeal shall be provided to all parties of record at least 15 days prior to consideration by the county council. The council shall meet to review the hearing examiner’s decision within 21 days of transmittal thereof, at which time it may approve or disapprove the application, or remand the matter to the hearing examiner.
6. The time period for appeal to the Shorelines Hearings Board shall begin after the decision maker has filed the final county decision with the Department of Ecology. (Ord. 2018-032 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1); Ord. 2008-034 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.160 Initiation of development.
A. Development pursuant to a shoreline substantial development permit, shoreline variance, or conditional use permit shall not begin and shall not be authorized until 21 days after the “date of filing” or until all review proceedings before the Shorelines Hearings Board have terminated.
B. Date of Filing.
1. “Date of filing” of a substantial development permit is the date of actual receipt of the decision by the Department of Ecology.
2. The “date of filing” for a shoreline variance or shoreline conditional use permit shall mean the date the permit decision rendered by the Department of Ecology is transmitted by the department to the county and the applicant/proponent. (Ord. 2018-032 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1); Ord. 2008-034 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.170 Revisions.
A. A revision is required whenever the applicant/proponent proposes substantive changes to the design, terms or conditions of a project from that which is approved in the permit and/or statement of exemption. Changes are substantive if they materially alter the project in a manner that relates to its conformance to the terms and conditions of the permit, this program or the Act. Changes that are not substantive in effect do not require a revision.
B. An application for a revision to a shoreline permit shall be submitted to the administrator. The application shall include detailed plans and text describing the proposed changes. The county decision maker that approved the original permit may approve the request upon a finding that the proposed changes are within the scope and intent of the original approval, and are consistent with this program and the Act.
C. “Within the scope and intent of the original approval” means all of the following:
1. No additional over-water construction is involved except that a pier, dock or floating structure may be increased by 10 percent over that approved under the original approval;
2. Ground area coverage and/or height may be increased a maximum of 10 percent over that approved under the original approval; provided, that the revised approval does not authorize development to exceed the height, impervious surface, setback or any other requirements of this program except as authorized under a variance granted for the original development;
3. Additional or revised landscaping is consistent with any conditions attached to the original approval and with this program;
4. The use authorized pursuant to the original approval is not changed; and
5. The revision will not cause adverse environmental impacts beyond those originally authorized in the approval.
D. Revisions to shoreline permits and statements of exemption may be authorized after the original authorization has expired. Revisions made after the expiration of the original approval shall be limited to changes that are consistent with this program and that would not require a permit under this program. If the proposed change is a substantial development as defined by this program, then a new permit is required. The provisions of this subsection shall not be used to extend the time requirements or to authorize substantial development beyond the time limits or scope of the original approval.
E. A new permit shall be required if the proposed revision and any previously approved revisions in combination would constitute development beyond the scope and intent of the original approval as set forth in subsection C of this section.
F. Upon approval of a revision, the decision maker shall file a copy of the revised site plan and a detailed description of the authorized changes to the original permit with the Department of Ecology together with a final ruling and findings supporting the decision based on the requirements of this section. In addition, the decision maker shall notify parties of record of the action.
G. If the proposed revision is to a development for which a shoreline conditional use or variance was issued, the decision maker shall submit the revision to the Department of Ecology for approval with conditions or denial, and shall indicate that the revision is being submitted under the requirements of this subsection. Under the requirements of WAC 173-27-110(6), the Department shall render and transmit to the decision maker and the applicant/proponent its final decision within 15 days of the date of the Department’s receipt of the submittal from the decision maker. The decision maker shall notify parties on record of the Department’s final decision. Appeals of a decision of the Department shall be filed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 461-08C WAC. (Ord. 2018-032 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.180 Rescission and modification.
A. Any shoreline permit granted pursuant to this program may be rescinded or modified upon a finding by the hearing examiner that the permittee or his/her successors in interest have not complied with conditions attached thereto. If the results of a monitoring plan show a development to be out of compliance with specific performance standards, such results may be the basis for findings of noncompliance.
B. The administrator shall initiate rescission or modification proceedings by issuing written notice of noncompliance to the permittee or his/her successors and notifying parties of record at the original address provided in application review files.
C. The hearing examiner shall hold a public hearing no sooner than 15 days following such issuance of notice, unless the applicant/proponent files notice of intent to comply and the administrator grants a specific schedule for compliance. If compliance is not achieved, the administrator shall schedule a public hearing before the hearing examiner. Upon considering written and oral testimony taken at the hearing, the hearing examiner shall make a decision in accordance with the above procedure for shoreline permits.
D. These provisions do not limit the administrator, the prosecuting attorney, the Department of Ecology or the Attorney General from administrative, civil, injunctive, declaratory or other remedies provided by law, or from abatement or other remedies. (Ord. 2018-032 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1); Ord. 2008-034 § 1 (Exh. 1)).
23.60.190 Expiration.
A. The following time requirements shall apply to all substantial development permits and to any development authorized pursuant to a variance, conditional use permit, or statement of exemption:
1. Construction shall be commenced or, where no construction is involved, the use or activity shall be commenced within two years of the effective date of a shoreline permit or exemption or the permit shall expire; provided, that the hearing examiner or administrator, as appropriate, may authorize a single extension for a period of not more than one year based on a showing of good cause if a request for extension has been filed with the hearing examiner or administrator as appropriate before the expiration date of the shoreline permit or exemption, and notice of the proposed extension is given to parties of record and the Department of Ecology.
2. Authorization to conduct development activities shall terminate five years after the effective date of a shoreline permit or exemption; provided, that the hearing examiner or administrator, as appropriate, may authorize a single extension for a period of not more than one year based on a showing of good cause, if a request for extension has been filed with the hearing examiner or administrator, as appropriate, before the expiration date of the shoreline permit or exemption and notice of the proposed extension is given to parties of record and the Department of Ecology.
3. The effective date of a shoreline permit or exemption shall be the date of last action required on the shoreline permit or exemption and all other government permits and approvals that authorize the development to proceed, including administrative and legal actions on any such permit or approval. The applicant/proponent shall be responsible for informing the county of the pendency of other permit applications filed with agencies other than the county and of any related administrative and legal actions on any permit or approval. If no notice of the pendency of other permits or approvals is given to the county prior to the date of the last action by the county to grant county permits and approvals necessary to authorize the development to proceed, including administrative and legal actions of the county, and actions under other county development regulations, the date of the last action by the county shall be the effective date.
B. Notwithstanding the time limits established in subsections (A)(1) and (2) of this section, upon a finding of good cause based on the requirements and circumstances of the proposed project and consistent with the policies and provisions of this program and the Act, the hearing examiner or administrator as appropriate may set different time limits for a particular substantial development permit or exemption as part of the action to approve the permit or exemption. The hearing examiner may also set different time limits on specific conditional use permits or variances with the approval of the Department of Ecology. The different time limits may be longer or shorter than those established in subsections (A)(1) and (2) of this section but shall be appropriate to the shoreline development or use under review. “Good cause based on the requirements and circumstances of the proposed project” shall mean that the time limits established for the project are reasonably related to the time actually necessary to perform the development on the ground and complete the project that is being permitted, and/or are necessary for the protection of shoreline resources.
C. When permit approval includes conditions, such conditions shall be satisfied prior to occupancy or use of a structure or prior to the commencement of a nonstructural activity; provided, that different time limits for compliance may be specified in the conditions of approval as appropriate.
D. The hearing examiner or administrator as appropriate shall notify the Department of Ecology in writing of any change to the effective date of a permit, authorized by subsections A through C of this section, with an explanation of the basis for approval of the change. Any change to the time limits of a permit other than those authorized by the sections of this program previously listed shall require a new permit application. (Ord. 2018-032 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 2009-13 § 1 (Exh. 1); Ord. 2008-034 § 1 (Exh. 1)).