What is the primary focus of the Shoreline Management Act?
A primary focus of the SMA is to protect and restore the valuable and fragile natural resources the state’s shorelines represent, while fostering those “reasonable and appropriate uses” that are dependent upon waterfront proximity or that enhance public access or increase recreational opportunities for public enjoyment of the shoreline. As a consequence, the SMA established a priority of uses that emphasized statewide over local interest, preservation of natural character over development, and long-term benefit over short-term gain, while seeking protection for the ecological functions of the shoreline. Lower in the hierarchy came public access, increased recreational opportunities, and other forms of appropriate development. Specific development priority was given to single-family residences, ports, shoreline recreational uses, improvements that facilitated public access and commercial and industrial use for which location on the water was integral to their business operations. In add
