The provisions of this chapter implement the requirements of chapter 90.58 RCW, the Shoreline Management Act of 1971. RCW 90.58.200 authorizes the adoption of rules by the department as necessary and appropriate to carry out the provisions of the act. RCW 90.58.080 directs local governments to develop and administer local shoreline master programs for regulation of uses on shorelines of the state. Such local programs should be integrated with other local government systems for administration and enforcement of land use regulations. RCW 36.70A.480 provides that the goals and policies contained in a local shoreline master program shall be considered an element of the local comprehensive plan required by the Growth Management Act. All other portions of the local shoreline master program, including the use regulations, are considered a part of the local development regulations required by the Growth Management Act.

This chapter is drafted to also reflect RCW 90.58.050 which provides that the Shoreline Management Act is intended to be a cooperative program between local government and the state. It is the intent of this chapter to provide minimum procedural requirements as necessary to comply with the statutory requirements while providing latitude for local government to establish procedural systems based on local needs and circumstances.

Pursuant to the Shoreline Management Act, the department must approve master programs prepared by local governments or adopt them by rule consistent with the act. In order to facilitate this process, Part I of this chapter establishes a recordkeeping system for the department and defines the contents of the state master program. Part II sets forth procedures for approving and adopting master programs and amendments thereto. Part III comprises the guidelines pursuant to RCW 90.58.060 and provides guidance for developing the content of shoreline master programs. Part IV - addresses the requirements of the state Ocean Resources Management Act.