Finds that the decision in Merkel v. Port of Brownsville, 8 Wn. App. 844; 509 P.2d 390 (1973), impedes development by delaying construction outside shoreland areas, when such construction is part of a project with elements under appeal to the shorelines hearings board.

Authorizes the commencement of development activity outside the shoreland area before final action has been taken on a related shorelines appeal, as long as the local government finds that the work is not inconsistent with any requirement of the applicable shorelines master plan.