Planning 2011-04-28 Item 4 - Attachment B: Background Report

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to guide new shoreline development, redevelopment and promote reestablishment of natural shoreline functions, where possible. Consistent with the Growth Management Act requirement to integrate the SMP and the Comprehensive Plan, the City adopted its updated Comprehensive Plan in 1995 and incorporated the required elements of a SMP into the Comprehensive Plan. Further direction for implementing the required elements of the SMP is provided through Zoning Code Chapter 18.44 and the design review process. Over a period of years, the City of Tukwila has been updating its existing SMP, originally adopted in 1974, as required by state law. The Tukwila City Council adopted a revised SMP in December, 2009. The SMP is currently under review by the Washington State Department of Ecology, with final adoption anticipated at a later date. Until final approval is given, Tukwila's current SMP and Comprehensive Plan policies and development regulations pertaining to the shoreline area remain in effect. As part of the Master Program update, new Shoreline Overlay District regulations will be implemented. The new Master Plan establishes new shoreline environments within the MIC, including High Intensity Environment north of the turning basin, and Urban Conservancy south of the turning basin. The Plan addresses a number of issues including shoreline stabilization, protecting existing and new development from high river flows, and restoring important habitat. Other important aspects of the update recommend increasing buffers along the river, increasing public access opportunities, preserving native vegetation, and removal of invasive plants. The City's vision for future land use, based on its overall Comprehensive Plan, includes maintenance and further development of its urban character, particularly its identity as a regionally significant center for manufacturing, industrial, and commercial development. A challenge lies ahead in determining how best to accommodate new and redevelopment near the shoreline in a manner consistent with both the Comprehensive Plan and the Shoreline Master Program. Section 4: City of Tukwila Code and Policv Review The underlying premise of the MIC update is the affirmation of the area's role as a focus for manufacturing and industrial activities, and as an important resource for industrial property. Through the Comprehensive Plan and development code update and amendment process, the community considers modifications to Tukwila's Comprehensive Plan and regulations in order to address changing conditions, new legal requirements and ongoing work. Some recent Comprehensive Plan and zoning changes affecting the MIC include: 2010 Significant portions of Tukwila's MIC lie along the shoreline, and are subject to the SMP. Recently adopted Shoreline policies for the new High Intensity and Urban Conservancy environments in the MIC call for increased buffer widths for new construction from 50' to 100.' Buffer reductions will be allowed in exchange for enhancements to the shoreline environment and for establishing a gentler slope to the shoreline edge. W: \Long Range Projects\MIC Study \Planning Commission \DraftMICBackgroundRpt.doc Page 9 of 14