What is the process at the State level for updating the Shoreline Master Program?
The Washington State Department of Ecology provided guidelines to local jurisdictions outlining the essential elements their individual shoreline master programs must address. Department of Ecology also provides financial support, technical assistance, guidance materials and regular training in support of local updates. The guidelines set minimum procedural and substantive standards for local governments to use in updating their programs. Department of Ecology and State Growth Management Hearings Boards use the guidelines to review and approve local shoreline master program updates. The 2003 Shoreline Master Program guidelines were the result of a negotiated settlement between business interests, ports, environmental groups, shoreline user groups, cities and counties, Department of Ecology, and the courts. Also in 2003, the state Legislature provided funding and established a mandatory schedule for local shoreline program updates for all jurisdictions extending through 2014. Burien’s d
