Project Background
Yakima County is conducting a periodic review of the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) as required by RCW 90.58.080. The Shoreline Management Act (SMA) of 1971 is intended to protect shoreline natural resources including land, vegetation, wildlife, and aquatic habitats against adverse environmental effects. All allowed uses are required to offset adverse environmental impacts as much as possible and preserve the natural character and aesthetics of the shoreline. The SMA requires each SMP to be reviewed and revised, if needed, on an eight-year schedule established by the Legislature. The deadline for this review is June 30, 2021.
The minimum scope of the review requires that the SMP:
- Complies with applicable law and guidelines in effect at the time of the review;
- Is consistent with Yakima County's comprehensive plan - Horizon 2040, Yakima County Code (the Unified Land Development Code) Title 19, and if applicable other local requirements;
- Process provides the method for bringing the SMP into compliance with the requirements of the act that have been added or changed since the last review and for responding to changes in guidelines adopted by the department, together with a review for consistency with amended comprehensive plans and regulations;
- Periodic review addresses changes in requirements of the act and guidelines requirements since the comprehensive update or the last periodic review, and changes for consistency with revised comprehensive plans and regulations, together with any changes deemed necessary to reflect changed circumstances, new information or improved data.
