Specific shoreline use provisions are more detailed than those listed in general policies and regulations. These use policies and regulations apply to the identified use categories and provide a greater level of detail for uses and their impacts. The policies establish the shoreline management principles that apply to each use category and serve as a bridge between the various elements listed in SMC § 20.200.040 and the use regulations that follow.
This subchapter also includes those activities that modify the configuration or qualities of the shore-line area. Shoreline modification activities are, by definition, undertaken in support of or in preparation for a permitted shoreline use. Typically, shoreline modification activities relate to construction of a physical element such as a breakwater, dredged basins, landfilling, etc., but they can include other actions such as clearing, grading, application of chemicals, etc.
Shoreline modification policies and regulations are intended to prevent, reduce, and mitigate the negative environmental impacts of proposed shoreline modifications consistent with the goals of the SMA. A proposed development must meet all of the regulations for both applicable uses and activities as well as the general and environment designation regulations.
The following policies and regulations apply to specific types of development that may be proposed in the shoreline jurisdiction of the City. A proposal can consist of more than one type of development. In addition, all specific shoreline development must be consistent with the following shoreline environmental designations; the goals and objectives of Chapter 20.200 SMC; the general policies and regulations contained in Chapter 20.230 SMC, Subchapter 1; and the critical areas regulations contained in Chapter 20.240 SMC.
(Ord. 668 § 4 (Exh. 3), 2013; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019)
Aquatic Environment (A). Encompasses all submerged lands from OHWM to the middle of Puget Sound. The purpose of this designation is to protect, restore, and manage the unique characteristics and resources of the areas waterward of the OHWM. New over-water structures are allowed only for water-dependent uses, public access, or ecological restoration and must be limited to the minimum necessary to support the structure’s intended use.
Urban Conservancy Environment (UC). The purpose of this designation 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, or uses that allow substantial numbers of people access to the shoreline. Any undesignated shorelines are automatically assigned an urban conservancy designation.
Shoreline Residential Environment (SR). The purpose of this designation is to accommodate residential development and accessory structures that are consistent with this Master 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.
Waterfront Residential Environment (WR). The purpose of this designation is to distinguish between residential portions of the coastline where natural and artificially-created features preclude building within the shoreline jurisdiction and the section along 27th Avenue NW where residential properties directly abut the Puget Sound.
Characteristics of 27th Avenue NW include:
•
Only fully established residential property in the City directly abutting the Puget Sound;
•
Substantial number of legally existing nonconforming lots and nonconforming structures;
•
Exposure to high energy wind and wave action;
•
Fully armored shoreline prior to December 4, 1969, and residences occupied prior to January 1, 1992; and
•
Failure of an individual bulkhead would cause adverse effect on subject property as well as neighboring properties.
These unique circumstances and considerations warrant different regulations for 27th Avenue NW as compared to existing residential property that is cut off from the shoreline by bluffs and railroad tracks (UC and SR), and potential new residential properties in the Point Wells designations (PW and PWC).
Point Wells Urban Environment (PW). The purpose of this designation is to accommodate higher density uses while protecting existing ecological functions and restoring ecological functions that have been degraded.
Point Wells Urban Conservancy Environment (PWC). The purpose of this designation is to distinguish between differing levels of potential and existing ecological function within the Point Wells environment, and regulate uses and public access requirements appropriately.
Figure 20.230.080: Shoreline Environmental Designations and mapped critical areas.
(Ord. 668 § 4 (Exh. 3), 2013; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019)
Uses that are allowed in SMC Title 20, Division I, Tables 20.40.120 through 20.40.160 are permitted uses in accordance with the underlying zone, this chapter, and the provisions of this Master Program.
P = Permitted. Permitted uses may require shoreline substantial development permits and any other permits required by the Shoreline Municipal Code and/or other regulatory agencies.
C = Conditional Use. Conditional uses require shoreline conditional use permit and may require other permits required by the Shoreline Municipal Code and/or other regulatory agencies.
X = Prohibited.
Table 20.230.081 Permitted Uses and Modifications within the Shorelines
Shoreline Use
Shoreline Environments
Aquatic
Urban Conservancy
Shoreline Residential
Waterfront Residential
PW Urban Conservancy
PW Urban
Agriculture
X
X
X
X
X
X
Aquaculture
C
X
X
X
X
X
Boating Facilities (Boat Hoists and Launching Ramps)
P1
P: Boat launching ramps open to the public
P: Joint use boat launching ramps
P: Joint use boat launching ramps
X
P: Boat launching ramps open to the public
Nonresidential Development
X
X
X
X
P
P
Forest Practices
X
X
X
X
X
X
Industrial Development
X
X
X
X
P: Existing
P: Existing
C: Expansion
In-Stream Structures
P1
P: Part of a fish habitat enhancement or a watershed restoration project
P: Part of a fish habitat enhancement or a watershed restoration project
P: Part of a fish habitat enhancement or a watershed restoration project
P: Part of a fish habitat enhancement or a watershed restoration project
P: Part of a fish habitat enhancement or a watershed restoration project
Mining
X
X
X
X
X
X
Mooring
P
X
X
X
X
X
Recreation Use (Water-related)
C: Water-dependent only
P
P
P
P: Limit to low intensity uses, passive uses
P
Recreation Facilities
C9
P
P
P
P: Limit to low intensity uses, passive uses
P
Residential Developments
X
P
P
P
P
P
Signs
X6
P
P
P
P
P
Permanent Solid Waste Storage or Transfer Facilities
X
X
X
X
X
X
Transportation Facilities (Roads and Bridges)
X
C
P
P
C
P
Transportation Facilities2 (Railroads)
P
P
P
P
P
P
Utilities
C
P: Underground facilities
C: Aboveground facilities
P: Underground facilities
C: Aboveground facilities
P: Underground facilities C: Aboveground facilities
P: Underground facilities
C: Aboveground facilities
P: Underground facilities
C: Aboveground facilities
Unclassified Uses
C
C
C
C
C
C
Breakwaters, Jetties, Groins, and Weirs
C1
X
X
X
X
X
Dredging
P4
C: Related to navigation for PWU
P4
P4
P4
P4
P4
Dredging Material Disposal
C
P5
P5
P5
P5
P5
Dune Modification
X
X
X
X
X
X
Piers and Docks
P1
P: Public
P: Joint use
P: Joint use
X
P: Existing associated with public use
P: Public piers or docks
C: Expansion of existing with water oriented industrial use
Structural Flood Hazard Reduction (Dikes and Levees)
X
X
X
X
X
X
Soft-Shore Stabilization
P1
P
P
P
P: With utilities
P
Repair, Replacement, and Maintenance of Existing Hard-Shore Armoring
P
P
P
P8
P
P
Hard Shoreline Armoring where None Previously Existed
X
C
C
C
X
C
Land Disturbing Activities
X
P3
P3
P3
P3
P3
Landfilling
C4
C3
C1
C1
C3
C3
Shoreline Habitat and Natural Systems Enhancement Projects
P
P
P
P
P
P
Marinas
X
X
X
X
X
X
Notes:
1
Subject to the use limitations and permit requirements of the abutting upland shoreline environment designation.
2
The City recognizes the Federal preemption for local permitting per the ICC Termination Act of 1995, 49 U.S.C. § 10501(b); however, for the purposes of coastal zone management consistency the railroad company would be required to comply with the policies of this master program.
3
For activities associated with shoreline restoration or remediation; or limited if associated with public access improvement and allowed shoreline development.
4
For activities associated with shoreline or aquatic restoration or remediation.
5
For shoreline habitat and natural systems enhancement, fish habitat enhancement, or watershed restoration project.
6
Signs required by regulatory agencies for navigational operation, safety and direction purposes allowed in aquatic environment per SMC § 20.230.230(B)(1).
7
Limited to water-dependent, public access, or shoreline stabilization activities.
8
This includes replacement.
9
Refer to SMC § 20.230.130 for conditions.
(Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019)
The term “native conservation area” (NVCA) applies to areas where the shoreline is not armored, such as the PWC environment designation, and Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. NVCAs should be maintained in a predominantly natural, undisturbed, undeveloped, and vegetated condition, except where necessary to accommodate appurtenances to a permitted water-dependent use. The term “building setback” applies in areas where the railroad or bulkheads prohibit natural sediment transfer. In those areas, it is necessary to maintain hard-armored conditions, but further encroachment or vegetative clearing is not permitted. The area is measured horizontally from the OHWM and the structure or use.
Table 20.230.082 Native Conservation Area/Building Setbacks
Shoreline Environmental Designation
Minimum Native Vegetation Conservation or Building Setback Area
Urban Conservancy
150 feet or 50 feet from the top of a landslide hazard area, whichever is greater
Shoreline Residential
115 feet
Waterfront Residential
20 feet
Point Wells Urban
200 feet (restoration required as part of development)
Point Wells Urban Conservancy
200 feet
Bulk standards will be regulated by underlying zoning according to SMC Table 20.50.020(1). Zoning designation is NR3 for UC, SR, and WR, and yet to be determined for PW and PWC.
(Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 1027 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)
Boating facilities serving two or more single-family dwelling units generally include boat launch ramps (public and private), wet and dry boat storage, and related sales and service for pleasure and commercial watercraft. For the purpose of this section, boat hoists, davits, lifts, and/or dry boat storage of private watercraft consistent with single-family residential properties are not included.
A. 
Boating Facilities Policies.
1. 
Boating facilities can have a significant impact on habitat. The impacts of boating facilities should be reviewed thoroughly before boating facilities are permitted in the shoreline jurisdiction.
2. 
Public and community boating facilities may be allowed. Individual private facilities are prohibited.
3. 
New nonresidential boating facilities may be allowed as a conditional use within the regulated shoreline. When allowed, such facilities should be designed to accommodate public access and enjoyment of the shoreline location. Depending on the scale of the facility, public access should include walkways, viewpoints, restroom facilities, and other recreational uses.
4. 
Dry boat storage should not be considered a water-oriented use. Only boat hoists, boat launch ramps, and access routes associated with a dry boat storage facility should be considered a water-oriented use.
5. 
Health, safety and welfare considerations must be addressed in application for development of boating facilities.
6. 
Navigation rights must be protected in development of boating facilities.
7. 
Extended moorage on waters of the State without a lease or permission is restricted and mitigation of impacts to navigation and access is required.
B. 
Boating Facilities Regulations.
1. 
Boating facilities may be permitted only if:
a. 
It can be demonstrated that the facility will not adversely impact fish or wildlife habitat areas or associated wetlands; and
b. 
Adequate mitigation measures ensure that there is no net loss of the functions or values of the shoreline and habitat as a result of the facility.
2. 
Boating facilities shall not be permitted within the following marine shoreline habitats because of their scarcity, biological productivity and sensitivity unless no alternative location is feasible, the project would result in a net enhancement of shoreline ecological functions, and the proposal is otherwise consistent with this program:
a. 
Critical saltwater habitats; and
b. 
Marshes, estuaries and other wetlands.
3. 
Preferred ramp designs, in order of priority, are:
a. 
Open grid designs with minimum coverage of beach substrate;
b. 
Seasonal ramps that can be removed and stored upland; and
c. 
Structures with segmented pads and flexible connections that leave space for natural beach substrate and can adapt to changes in beach profile.
4. 
Ramps shall be placed and maintained near flush with the foreshore slope.
5. 
Boat launches shall be designed and constructed using methods/technology that have been recognized and approved by State and Federal resource agencies as the best currently available. Rail and track systems shall be preferred over concrete ramps or similar facilities.
6. 
Launch access for nonmotorized watercraft shall use gravel or other permeable material. Removal of vegetation for launch access should be limited to eight feet in width.
7. 
Before granting approval of a permit to allow a boat launch ramp, the proponent must satisfactorily demonstrate that:
a. 
Adequate facilities for the efficient handling of sewage and litter will be provided;
b. 
The boating facilities will be designed so that structures are aesthetically compatible with or enhance shoreline features and uses; and
c. 
The boating facilities will be designed so that existing or potential public access along beaches is not blocked or made unsafe, and so that public use of the surface waters is not unduly impaired.
C. 
Boat Launch Ramps.
1. 
Boat launch ramps shall be located on stable shorelines where water depths are adequate to eliminate or minimize the need for channel maintenance activities.
2. 
Boat launch ramps may be permitted on accretion shoreforms provided any necessary grading is not harmful to affected resources.
3. 
Where boat ramps are permitted, parking and shuttle areas shall not be located on accretion shoreforms.
4. 
Boat launch ramps may be permitted on stable, noneroding banks where the need for shore stabilization structures is minimized.
5. 
Ramp structures shall be placed near flush with the foreshore slope to minimize the interruption of geohydraulic processes.
6. 
Boat launch sites that are open to the public shall have adequate restroom facilities operated and maintained in compliance with King County Health District regulations.
D. 
Dry Boat Storage.
1. 
Dry boat storage shall not be considered a water-oriented use and must comply with the required shoreline environment setback.
2. 
Only water-dependent aspects of dry boat storage, such as boat hoists and boat launch ramps, may be permitted within shoreline environment setbacks.
3. 
Boat launch ramps associated with dry boat storage shall be consistent with applicable requirements in this section.
(Ord. 668 § 4 (Exh. 3), 2013; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019)
A. 
Breakwaters, Jetties, Groins and Weirs Policies.
1. 
Breakwaters, jetties, groins, and weirs should be permitted only for water-dependent uses and only where mitigated to provide no net loss of shoreline ecological functions and processes.
B. 
Breakwaters, Jetties, Groins and Weirs Regulations.
1. 
Groins are prohibited except as a component of a professionally designed public beach management program that encompasses an entire drift sector or reach for which alternatives are infeasible, or where installed to protect or restore shoreline ecological functions or processes.
2. 
Jetties and breakwaters are prohibited except as an integral component of a professionally designed harbor or port. Where permitted, floating, portable or submerged breakwater structures, or smaller discontinuous structures, are preferred where physical conditions make such alternatives with less impact feasible. Defense works that substantially reduce or block littoral drift and cause erosion of downdrift shores shall not be allowed unless an adequate long-term professionally engineered beach nourishment program is established and maintained.
(Ord. 668 § 4 (Exh. 3), 2013; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019)
A. 
Nonresidential Development Policies.
1. 
Priority of any nonresidential development should be given to water-dependent and water-enjoyment uses. Allowed uses include restaurants that provide a view of the sound to customers, motels and hotels that provide walking areas for the public along the shoreline, office buildings, and retail sales buildings that have a waterfront theme with public access to the beach or water views.
2. 
Over-the-water nonresidential development shall be prohibited.
3. 
Nonresidential development should be required to provide on-site physical or visual access to the shoreline, or offer other opportunities for the public to enjoy shorelines of statewide significance. If on-site access cannot be provided, off-site access should be required. Off-site access could be procured through the purchase of land or an easement at a location appropriate to provide the access deemed necessary. Nonresidential developments should include multiple-use concepts such as open space and recreation.
4. 
Nonresidential development in the shoreline jurisdiction should include landscaping to enhance the shoreline area.
B. 
Nonresidential Development Regulations.
1. 
Over-water construction of nonresidential uses is prohibited, with the exception of boat facilities necessary for the operation of an associated nonresidential use.
2. 
All nonresidential development within the shoreline area shall provide for visual and/or physical access to the shoreline by the public. Where on-site public access is feasible, nonresidential development shall dedicate, improve, and provide maintenance for a pedestrian easement that provides area sufficient to ensure usable access to and along the shoreline for the general public. Public access easements shall be a minimum of 25 feet in width and shall comply with the public access standards contained in the “Public Access” section of this Master Program and this title.
3. 
All nonresidential loading and service areas shall be located on the upland side of the non-residential activity or provisions shall screen the loading and service areas from the shoreline.
4. 
All nonresidential development within shoreline jurisdiction shall assure no net loss of shoreline ecological functions.
5. 
A shoreline setback is not required to be maintained for water-dependent nonresidential development.
6. 
Water-dependent, nonresidential development shall maintain a shoreline setback of either 25 feet from the OHWM or 10 feet from the edge of the base flood elevation, whichever is greater. If public access is provided to the shoreline, the setback may be reduced to 10 feet from the OHWM or the edge of the base flood elevation, whichever is greater.
7. 
Non-water-dependent nonresidential development shall maintain a minimum setback from the OHWM consistent with Table 20.230.082.
(Ord. 668 § 4 (Exh. 3), 2013; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019)
A. 
In-Stream Structures Policies.
1. 
In-stream structures should provide for the protection and preservation of ecosystem-wide processes, ecological functions, and cultural resources including, but not limited to, fish and fish passage, wildlife and water resources, shoreline critical areas, hydrogeological processes, and natural scenic vistas. The location and planning of in-stream structures should give due consideration to the full range of public interests, watershed functions and processes, and environmental concerns, with special emphasis on protecting and restoring priority habitats and species.
2. 
Nonstructural and nonregulatory methods to protect, enhance, and restore shoreline ecological functions and processes and other shoreline resources should be encouraged as an alternative to structural in-stream structures.
B. 
In-Stream Structures Regulations.
1. 
Natural in-stream features such as snags, uprooted trees, or stumps should be left in place unless it can be demonstrated that they are actually causing bank erosion or higher flood stages.
2. 
In-stream structures shall allow for normal ground water movement and surface runoff.
3. 
In-stream structures shall not impede upstream or downstream migration of anadromous fish.
4. 
All debris, overburden, and other waste materials from construction shall be disposed of in such a manner that prevents their entry into a water body.
(Ord. 668 § 4 (Exh. 3), 2013; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019)
A. 
Aquaculture Policies.
1. 
Potential locations for aquaculture are relatively restricted due to specific requirements for water quality, temperature, flows, oxygen content, adjacent land uses, wind protection, commercial navigation, and, in marine waters, salinity. The technology associated with some forms of present-day aquaculture is still in its formative stages and experimental. Therefore, the City recognizes the necessity for some latitude in the development of this use as well as its potential impact on existing uses and natural systems.
2. 
Aquaculture should not be permitted in areas where it would result in a net loss of ecological functions, adversely impact eelgrass and macroalgae, or significantly conflict with navigation and other water-dependent uses. Aquacultural facilities should be designed and located so as not to spread disease to native aquatic life, establish new nonnative species which cause significant ecological impacts, or significantly impact the aesthetic qualities of the shoreline. Impacts to ecological functions shall be mitigated according to the mitigation sequence described in SMC § 20.230.020.
B. 
Aquaculture Regulations.
1. 
Aquaculture is allowed as a conditional use in the aquatic environment where it can be located, designed, constructed, and managed to avoid a net loss of ecological functions, not spread diseases to native aquatic life, not adversely impact native eelgrasses and macroalgae species, or not significantly conflict with navigation.
2. 
The supporting infrastructure for aquaculture may be located landward of the aquaculture operation subject to this title.
3. 
Aquaculture facilities are required to develop best management practices to minimize impacts from the construction and management of the facilities.
4. 
New aquatic species that are not previously cultivated in Washington State shall not be introduced into Shoreline’s saltwaters or freshwaters without prior written approval of the Director of WDFW and the Director of the Washington Department of Health. This prohibition does not apply to: Pacific, Olympia, Kumomoto, Belon, or Virginica oysters; Manila, Butter, or Littleneck clams; or Geoduck clams.
5. 
No aquacultural processing, except for the sorting or culling of the cultured organism and the washing or removal of surface materials or organisms, shall be permitted waterward of the OHWM unless fully contained within a tending boat or barge.
6. 
Aquaculture wastes shall be disposed of in a manner that will ensure compliance with all applicable governmental waste disposal standards, including but not limited to the Federal Clean Water Act, Section 401, and Chapter 90.48 RCW, Water Pollution Control, as amended from time to time. No garbage, wastes, or debris shall be allowed to accumulate at the site of any aquaculture operation.
(Ord. 668 § 4 (Exh. 3), 2013; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019)
A. 
Parking Area Policies.
1. 
Parking in shoreline areas should be minimized.
2. 
Parking within shoreline areas should directly serve a permitted use on the property.
3. 
Parking in shoreline areas should be located and designed to minimize adverse impacts including those related to stormwater runoff, water quality, visual qualities, public access, and vegetation and habitat maintenance.
4. 
Landscaping should consist of native vegetation in order to enhance the habitat opportunities within the shorelines area.
B. 
Parking Regulations. Parking for specific land use activities within the City is subject to the requirements and standards set forth in Chapter 20.50 SMC, Subchapter 6, Parking, Access, and Circulation. In addition, the following parking requirements shall apply to all developments within shorelands:
1. 
The location of parking areas in or near shoreland areas shall be located outside of the minimum setbacks listed in Table 20.230.082 for the shoreline designation.
2. 
Parking in the shorelands must directly serve an approved shoreline use.
3. 
Parking shall be located on the landward side of the development unless parking is contained within a permitted structure. Where there is no available land area on the landward side of the development, parking shall extend no closer to the shoreline than a permitted structure.
4. 
Landscape screening is required between the parking area and all adjacent shorelines and properties as set forth in Chapter 20.50 SMC, Subchapter 7, Landscaping.
5. 
The landscape screening for parking areas located within the shoreline areas shall consist of native vegetation, planted prior to final approval of project, which provides effective screening two years after planting. Adequate screening or landscaping for parking lots shall consist of one or more of the following:
a. 
A strip five feet wide landscaped with trees, shrubs, and/or groundcover;
b. 
A building or enclosed structure; and/or
c. 
A strip of land not less than two and one-half feet in width that is occupied by a continuous wall, fence, plant material, or combination of both, which shall be at least three and one-half feet high at time of installation. The plant material shall be evergreen and spaced not more than one and one-half feet on center if pyramidal in shape, or not more than three feet if wider in branching habit. If the plant material is used in conjunction with a wall or fence meeting the minimum height requirements, then said material may be of any kind and spacing. More restrictive screening may be required by Chapter 20.50 SMC, Subchapters 6 and 7. Required parking area screening may be incorporated into general landscaping requirements under Chapter 20.50 SMC, Subchapters 6 and 7.
6. 
The requirement for screening may be waived by the Director, where screening would obstruct a significant view from public property or public roadway.
7. 
Parking areas shall not be permitted over the water.
8. 
Parking as a primary use shall be prohibited within all shoreline environments.
9. 
Parking or storage of recreational vehicles or travel trailers as a primary use shall be prohibited in all shoreline environments.
(Ord. 668 § 4 (Exh. 3), 2013; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019)
Recreational development provides for low impact activities, such as hiking, photography, kayaking, viewing, and fishing, or more intensive uses such as parks. This section applies to both publicly and privately owned shoreline facilities.
A. 
Recreational Facilities Policies.
1. 
The coordination of local, State, and Federal recreation planning should be encouraged so as to mutually satisfy recreational needs. Shoreline recreational developments should be consistent with all adopted parks, recreation, and open space plans.
2. 
Parks, recreation areas, and public access points, such as hiking paths, bicycle paths, and scenic drives, should be linked.
3. 
Recreational developments should be located and designed to preserve, enhance, or create scenic views and vistas.
4. 
The use of jet-skis and similar recreational equipment should be restricted to special areas. This type of activity should be allowed only where no conflict exists with other uses and wildlife habitat.
5. 
All recreational developments should make adequate provisions for:
a. 
Vehicular and pedestrian access, both on site and off site;
b. 
Proper water, solid waste, and sewage disposal methods;
c. 
Security and fire protection for the use itself and for any use-related impacts to adjacent private property;
d. 
The prevention of overflow and trespass onto adjacent properties; and
e. 
Buffering of such development from adjacent private property or natural areas.
B. 
Recreational Facilities Regulations.
1. 
Valuable shoreline resources and fragile or unique areas, such as wetlands and accretion shoreforms, shall be used only for low impact and nonstructural recreation activities.
2. 
For recreation developments that require the use of fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals, the property owner shall submit plans demonstrating the methods to be used to prevent these chemical applications and resultant leachate from entering adjacent water bodies. The property owner shall be required to maintain a chemical-free swath at least 100 feet in depth adjacent to water bodies.
3. 
Recreational facilities shall make adequate provisions, such as screening, buffer strips, fences, and signs, to mitigate nuisance to nearby private properties.
4. 
No recreational buildings or structures shall be built waterward of the OHWM, except water-dependent and/or water-enjoyment structures such as bridges and viewing platforms. Such uses may be permitted as a shoreline conditional use.
5. 
Proposals for recreational development shall include adequate facilities for water supply, sewage, and garbage disposal.
(Ord. 668 § 4 (Exh. 3), 2013; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019)
A. 
1. 
Residential development does not include hotels, motels, or any other type of overnight or transient housing or camping facilities.
2. 
A shoreline substantial development permit is not required for construction of a single-family residence by an owner, lessee, or contract purchaser for their own use or the use of their family. Single-family residential construction and accessory structures must otherwise conform to this Master Program.
3. 
A shoreline variance or shoreline conditional use permit may be required for residential development for situations specified in this Master Program.
4. 
Uses and facilities associated with residential development, which are identified as separate use activities in this Master Program, such as land disturbing activities, are subject to the regulations established for those uses in this section.
B. 
Residential Policies.
1. 
Public access should be provided in accordance with SMC § 20.230.040.
2. 
Residential development and accessory uses should be prohibited over the water.
3. 
New subdivisions should be encouraged to cluster dwelling units in order to preserve natural features, minimize physical impacts, and provide for public access to the shoreline.
4. 
In all new subdivisions and detached single-family developments with four dwelling units, joint use shoreline facilities should be encouraged.
5. 
Accessory uses and structures should be designed and located to blend into the site as much as possible. Accessory uses and structures should be located landward of the principal residence when feasible.
C. 
Residential Regulations.
1. 
Residential development is prohibited waterward of the OHWM and within setbacks defined for each shoreline environment designation.
2. 
Residential development shall assure no net loss of shoreline ecological functions.
3. 
Residential development shall not be approved if geotechnical analysis demonstrates that flood control or shoreline protection measures are necessary to create a residential lot or site area. Residential development shall be located and designed to avoid the need for structural shore defense and flood protection works.
4. 
If wetlands or other critical areas are located on the development site, clustering of residential units shall be required in order to avoid impacts to these areas.
5. 
Storm drainage facilities shall include provisions to prevent the direct entry of uncontrolled and untreated surface water runoff into receiving waters as specified in the Stormwater Manual.
6. 
Subdivisions and planned unit developments of four waterfront lots/units shall dedicate, improve, and provide maintenance provisions for a pedestrian easement that provides area sufficient to ensure usable access to and along the shoreline for all residents of the development and the general public. When required, public access easements shall be a minimum of 25 feet in width and shall comply with the public access standards in SMC § 20.230.040. The design shall conform to the standards in the Engineering Development Manual.
7. 
Single-family residential development shall maintain a minimum setback from the OHWM consistent with Table 20.230.082.
8. 
Multifamily residential development shall maintain a minimum setback from the OHWM consistent with Table 20.230.082.
9. 
One accessory structure to the residence may be placed within the required shoreline setback provided:
a. 
No accessory structure shall cover more than 200 square feet.
(Ord. 668 § 4 (Exh. 3), 2013; amended during 10/2013 supplement; Ord. 856 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019)