This title shall be known and may be cited as the "Richland shoreline master program" and is sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "shoreline program."
(Ord. 25-14 § 1.01; Ord. 12-18 § 1 (Exh. A))
The purpose of the shoreline program is to implement the Shoreline Management Act of 1971 as now or hereafter amended (Chapter 90.58 RCW); and to provide for wise and proper management of shorelands, wetlands, and water bodies in a manner that will allow present and future generations of users the opportunity to enjoy water resources, consistent with the goals, policies and stated purposes of the shoreline program while, at the same time, recognizing and protecting private property rights consistent with the public interest. This title carries out the responsibilities imposed on the city of Richland by the Shoreline Management Act of 1971 as now or hereafter amended by adopting the policies enunciated in RCW 90.58.010, the Richland shoreline master program, and in implementation thereof, the regulations and administrative provisions contained herein.
(Ord. 25-14 § 1.01; Ord. 12-18 § 1 (Exh. A))
The Richland shoreline master program consists of the following elements which are subject to review and approval by the Washington State Department of Ecology pursuant to RCW 90.58.090:
A. 
Comprehensive plan policies shoreline section of the land use element.
B. 
Regulations in this title, Shoreline Management.
C. 
Sensitive area regulations in Chapter 22.10 RMC as amended and incorporated into this program as part of this title, specifically Chapter 26.60 RMC.
D. 
The shoreline restoration element of the shoreline master plan, of which one printed copy in book form is on file in the office of the city clerk and made available for examination by the general public, shall not be considered to contain regulations but shall be utilized as a guideline for capital improvements planning by the city and other jurisdictions undertaking ecological restoration activities within Shoreline Management Act jurisdiction.
E. 
Maps, including the shoreline environment designation and regulatory reaches map and the map folio in the SMP inventory, analysis and characterization report, of which one original copy is on file in the office of the city clerk and made available for examination by the general public, and another original copy of which is available at the community development department. Electronic copies may also be posted online at the city's website.
(Ord. 25-14 § 1.01; Ord. 12-18 § 1 (Exh. A))
The planning commission shall conduct an annual review of the master shoreline program and shall recommend to city council any changes or modifications deemed appropriate. After a public hearing, the city council shall adopt, deny, or adopt with modifications the recommendations of the planning commission. The shoreline master program is then sent to the Department of Ecology for final review and approval.
(Ord. 25-14 § 1.01; Ord. 12-18 § 1 (Exh. A))
It is anticipated that future annexations to the city of Richland may include water bodies, shorelines, and wetlands which are subject to the Shoreline Management Act of 1971, as amended. Areas within the city's urban growth area are assigned shoreline environmental designations in accordance with WAC 173-26-150. Policies and regulations of this program shall take effect concurrent with annexation. No additional procedures are required by the city or the Department of Ecology for these provisions to have full force and effect.
(Ord. 25-14 § 1.01; Ord. 12-18 § 1 (Exh. A))
It is recognized that future amendments to the master shoreline program may be necessary in the interest of the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of Richland and the state of Washington. In addition to the requirements in WAC 173-26-100, the following procedure shall be observed in amending the master shoreline program:
A. 
Proposed amendments to the regulations and boundaries set forth in this program shall follow the procedures outlined in RMC § 23.70.180 through § 23.70.250 on forms provided by the administrator.
B. 
There shall be established a mailing list of interested agencies, associations and organizations to be notified of any proposed amendments to the master shoreline program. It shall be the responsibility of the agency, association, or organization to indicate in writing their interest in being included on the mailing list and their official mailing address.
C. 
Fees as set forth in the schedule of fees referenced in Chapter 19.80 RMC shall accompany applications for an amendment to the master shoreline program.
D. 
No amendment to the master shoreline program shall take effect without Department of Ecology review and approval.
(Ord. 25-14 § 1.01; Ord. 12-18 § 1 (Exh. A))