The purpose of this Master Program is to:
Promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community;
Manage shorelines in a positive, effective, and equitable manner;
Achieve no net loss to the ecological functions of the City’s shorelines;
Assume and carry out the responsibilities established by the SMA;
Adopt and foster the policies contained in the SMA, for shorelines of the State; and
Assure that proposed regulatory or administrative actions do not unconstitutionally infringe upon private property rights.
(Ord. 668 § 4 (Exh. 3), 2013; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019)
The following elements have been considered in the preparation of this Master Program for the City. The goals and objectives established for these elements provide the basis for policies and regulations included under the general use requirements of this Master Program.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
Goal
Provide for economically productive uses that are particularly dependent on their shoreline location or use.
Objective
Plan for economic activity that is water dependent, water related, or that provides an opportunity for a substantial number of people to enjoy the shoreline and water.
PUBLIC ACCESS ELEMENT
Goal
Increase public access to publicly owned areas of the shoreline.
Objective
Provide for public access to publicly owned shoreline areas, except where deemed inappropriate due to safety hazards, inherent security problems, environmental impacts, or conflicts with adjacent uses.
RECREATIONAL ELEMENT
Goal
Develop public and private recreation opportunities that are compatible with adjacent uses and that protect the shoreline environments.
Objective
Provide for the preservation and enlargement of public and private recreational opportunities and recreational facilities along the shoreline, including but not limited to parks and recreational areas, wherever appropriate.
CIRCULATION ELEMENT
Goal
Provide interconnected, efficient, and safe transportation networks to and around the shoreline to accommodate vehicles, transit, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Objective
Provide for a safe and adequate circulation system, including existing and proposed major thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals, and other public utilities and facilities within the shoreline jurisdiction that benefit permitted uses without degrading the environment or aesthetic values of the area.
SHORELINE USE ELEMENT
Goal
Regulate land use patterns to locate activity and development in areas of the shoreline that will be compatible with adjacent uses and will be sensitive to existing shoreline environments, habitat, and ecological systems.
Objective
Include protections for the natural environment and adjacent uses in this title, Point Wells Subarea Plan, Saltwater Park master planning efforts, and other regulatory framework for development along the shoreline.
CONSERVATION ELEMENT
Goal
Conserve and protect the natural resources of the shoreline including, but not limited to, scenic vistas, aesthetics, and vital estuarine areas for fisheries and wildlife protection.
Objective
Through the use of best available science, develop and implement siting criteria, design standards, and best management practices that promote the long-term enhancement of unique shoreline features, natural resources, and fish and wildlife habitat.
HISTORICAL, CULTURAL, SCIENTIFIC, AND EDUCATIONAL ELEMENT
Goal
Identify, preserve, protect, and restore shoreline areas, buildings, and sites having historical, cultural, educational, or scientific values.
Objective
Educate citizens on historical, cultural, and scientific significance of shoreline structures, amenities, and functions.
FLOOD HAZARD MANAGEMENT
Goal
Protect the City and other property owners from losses and damage created by flooding along the coast and sea-level rise.
Objective
Seek regional solutions to flooding problems through coordinated planning with State and Federal agencies, other appropriate interests, and the public.
Objective
Develop a plan to mitigate and adapt to potentially altered environmental conditions along the coastline resulting from climate change.
RESTORATION ELEMENT
Goal
Improve water quality; reduce the impacts of flooding events; and restore natural areas, vegetation, and habitat functions.
Objective
Seek funding for restoration projects within the shoreline jurisdiction and require development proposals to address habitat restoration and water quality.
Objective
Engage in discussions with other municipalities that border the Puget Sound and BNSF railroad regarding efforts to benefit fish passage and nutrient transfer.
(Ord. 668 § 4 (Exh. 3), 2013; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019)