Why is Mercer Island updating its Shoreline Master Program?
In 2003, the State issued a comprehensive set of guidelines addressing requirements for local Shoreline Master Programs, which are contained in Chapter 173-26 of the Washington Administrative Codes. Legislation requires that the City of Mercer Island and other municipalities update their Shoreline Master Programs to be consistent with changes to the Shoreline Management Act (SMA). Shoreline Master Program Update Timeline: Public Open House (Click to view flyer) May 19, 2009 Planning Commission Workshops for the Draft SMP see schedule below State Environmental Policy Act Review Autumn 2009 Planning Commission Public Hearing with recommendation to City Council Winter 2010 City Council Review and Adoption Spring 2010 Department of Ecology Review* Summer 2010 Notice of Adoption Autumn 2010 * If the DOE disapproves a Master Program it is empowered to develop by rule and adopt an alternative to the local governments proposal. Similarly, DOEs Shoreline Master Program Guidelines (Ch. 173-26 WA
