Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Local Government Committee
HB 1978
Brief Description: Concerning shoreline master program review schedules.
Sponsors: Representatives Duerr and Pollet.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Increases the review and revision cycle for Shoreline Master Plans from eight to 10 years.
Hearing Date:
Staff: Kellen Wright (786-7134).
Background:

The Shoreline Management Act requires all counties, as well as most towns and cities to develop and implement Shoreline Master Programs.  These programs are designed to help regulate and protect the shorelines of the state.  The Department of Ecology has adopted Shoreline Master Program Guidelines to provide standards for adopting and implementing shoreline programs. 

 

Counties and cities must review and revise their master programs every eight years.  Currently, the deadline for this review is June 30, 2022 for Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pacific, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, and Whitman counties and the cities within those counties; June 30, 2027 for King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties and the cities within those counties; June 30, 2028 for Clallam, Clark, Island, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, San Juan, Skagit, Thurston, and Whatcom counties and the cities within those counties; and June 30, 2029 for Benton, Chelan, Cowlitz, Douglas, Grant, Kittitas, Lewis, Skamania, Spokane, and Yakima counties and the cities within those counties.  
Summary of Bill:

Shoreline Master Programs must be reviewed and revised every ten years. 
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.