HomeMy WebLinkAboutReg 2009-12-07 Item 6I.2 - Shoreline Master Program - Ordinance - Shoreline Element of Comprehensive Land Use PlanDRAFT
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON, UPDATING THE SHORELINE ELEMENT OF THE CITY'S
COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN TO INCORPORATE POLICIES THAT
REFLECT NEW STATE REQUIREMENTS FOR AREAS SUBJECT TO SHORELINE
JURISDICTION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City adopted a new Comprehensive Plan in 1995 to implement the goals
and policies of the Growth Management Act of 1990 and the King County County -wide
Planning Policies; and
WHEREAS, the Green/Duwarnish River, a shoreline of the State, regulated pursuant to
RCW 90.58, runs through the entire length of the City of Tukwila; and
WHEREAS, due to the presence of the Green River in the City, the 1995 Comprehensive
Plan included policies addressing shorelines; and
WHEREAS, as set forth in RCW 90.58.020, the State Legislature has found that shorelines of
the State are among the most valuable and fragile of its natural resources and unrestricted
construction on privately and publicly -owned shorelines of the State is not in the best public
interest; and
WHEREAS, in RCW 90.58.020, the Legislature directed local governments developing
Shoreline Master Programs for shorelines of State -wide significance to give preference to the
following uses, in order of preference, which: 1) recognize and protect the State -wide interest
over local interest; 2) preserve the natural character of the shoreline; 3) result in long -term over
short -term benefit; 4) protect the resources and ecology of the shoreline; 5) increase public
access to publicly -owned areas of the shorelines; 6) increase recreational opportunities for the
public in the shoreline; and 7) provide for any other element, as defined in RCW 90.58.100,
deemed appropriate or necessary; and
WHEREAS, in 2003 the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE), adopted new
rules, pursuant to RCW 90.58.200, to carry out provisions of the Shoreline Management Act;
and
WHEREAS, DOE's new rules are set forth in WAC 173 -26, and these new rules provide
direction to local jurisdictions concerning the regulation of uses on shorelines of the State; and
WHEREAS, RCW 90.58.080 directs local governments to develop or amend their shoreline
master programs consistent with the required elements of the guidelines adopted by DOE, in
accordance with a schedule established in that section; and
WHEREAS, the timetable set forth in RCW 90.58.080(2)(a)(ii) requires the City of Tukwila
to amend its Shoreline Master Program by December 1, 2009; and
WHEREAS, the City of Tukwila s Shoreline Master Program is implemented by regulations
codified at TMC Chapter 18.44, which are in turn guided by the Tukwila Comprehensive Plan's
Shoreline Goals and Policies; and
WHEREAS, the Tukwila Comprehensive Plan's Shoreline Goals and Policies were adopted
in Ordinance No. 1757, specifically, Goals and Policies 5.1 -5.10; and
WHEREAS, in order to amend the Tukwila Shoreline Master Program, it is necessary to
update the Comprehensive Plan Shoreline Goals and Policies, which have not been updated
since 1995, to reflect the updated WAC 173 -26 regulations for shoreline master programs; and
WHEREAS, the City began an update of its Shoreline Master Program in 1998, established a
Citizens Advisory Panel for initial policy and regulation guidance, prepared background
studies and used consultant services to prepare technical documents; and
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WHEREAS, the City renewed and continued its updating of the Shoreline Master Program
in 2008; and
WHEREAS, an environmental checklist was prepared for the staff draft Shoreline Master
Program update, accompanied by a draft "Cumulative Impacts Analysis," an "Inventory and
Characterization Report" and draft "Restoration Plan," and a Determination of Non
Significance was issued August 13, 2008; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission reviewed a staff draft Shoreline Master Program,
held a public hearing on August 27, 2008, continued the hearing to October 9, 2008 to allow
additional public input, revised the staff's draft Shoreline Master Program, and in February
2009 recommended the City Council adopt the Planning Commission's revised Shoreline
Master Program; and
WHEREAS, the City Council held a public hearing on April 20, 2009, continued the hearing
to July 13, 2009 and July 20, 2009 and conducted ten in -depth work sessions to review the
Planning Commission Recommended Draft Shoreline Master Program; and
WHEREAS, the City Council reviewed written and verbal testimony and approved
revisions to the Planning Commission Recommended Draft Shoreline Master Program to
address issues raised by interested parties, individual Councilmembers and the Department of
Ecology; and
WHEREAS, throughout the process of updating the Shoreline Master Program, a variety of
methods were used to notify the general public and property owners along the shoreline of the
proposed Shoreline Master Program update, including mailings to property owners and
tenants, notice boards along the Green River Trail, postings on the City's web site, creation of a
broadcast email group who received updates of the shoreline review process and articles in the
City's newsletter; and
WHEREAS, one of the purposes of the Comprehensive Plan is to protect the natural
environment, including shoreline areas, because they are an essential contributor to the overall
welfare of the City's residents and businesses; and
WHEREAS, the revisions to the Comprehensive Plan Policies for the shoreline address
changes in shoreline character and the need to further protect the shoreline resources for public
safety, flood control and habitat improvement; and
WHEREAS, notice has been provided to the Washington State Department of Commerce,
pursuant to RCW 36.70A.106;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON, HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Goals and Policies 5.1 -5.11 of the Shoreline Element of the City of Tukwila s
Comprehensive Land Use Plan, are hereby amended to read as shown in "Attachment A" to
this ordinance.
Section 2. Severability. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of
this ordinance or its application to any person or situation should be held to be invalid or
unconstitutional for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or
unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of
this ordinance or its application to any other person or situation.
Section 3. Effective Date. This ordinance or a summary thereof shall be published in the
official newspaper of the City and shall take effect and be in full force five days after passage
and publication as provided by law.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at a
Special Meeting thereof this day of 2009.
ATTEST/ AUTHENTICATED:
Christy O'Flaherty, CMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM BY:
Office of the City Attorney
Attachment: "Attachment A" City of Tukwila Comprehensive Plan Policies
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Jim Haggerton, Mayor
Filed with the City Clerk:
Passed by the City Council:
Published:
Effective Date:
Ordinance Number:
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5.1 Shoreline Environment Desienations
ATTACHMENT A
Ordinance No.
Goal: Shoreline Environment designations that meet Washington State Shoreline Management
Act requirements, and reflect local conditions and Tukwila s long -term vision for its shoreline.
The shoreline jurisdiction generally extends for 200 feet on either side of the Ordinary High
Water mark, consistent with the Washington State Shoreline Management Act. In order to
implement this goal, the SMP proposes three Environment Designations: Shoreline Residential,
Urban Conservancy, and High Intensity (as detailed in the Shoreline Environment Section) that
comply with the Washington State Shoreline Management Act and function well for the City.
Policies:
Policy 5.1.1 Shoreline Residential Environment. In the Shoreline Residential
Environment, priority shall be given to the following:
Uses that preserve or restore the natural character of the shoreline or promote
preservation of vegetation, open space, flood plain or sensitive area lands; and
Development that is compatible with the natural and biological limitations of the land
and water and that will not require extensive alteration of the shoreline or new "hard"
structural shoreline stabilization. Where possible the removal of bulkheads, revetments,
levees or other "hard" structural shoreline stabilization is required. Hard structural
shoreline stabilization may be replaced with alternative bioengineered bank
stabilization; and
On publicly -owned property, water dependent or water related recreational activities
that are compatible with the character of the shoreline residential areas.
Maintenance of existing single family residential development patterns and public open
space and recreation uses;
Residential and recreational development that promotes vegetation conservation and
enhancement, sensitive areas protection, and maintenance of water quality to assure no
net loss of shoreline ecological functions;
Residential and recreational development that contributes to the restoration of
ecological functions over time in areas where ecological degradation has occurred.
Policy 5.1.2 Urban Conservancy Environment In the Urban Conservancy Environment
priority shall be given to the following:
Development that promotes vegetation conservation and enhancement, sensitive areas
protection, and preservation of water quality to assure no net loss of shoreline ecological
functions;
Water enjoyment uses;
Uses that remove shoreline armoring, unless required for a shoreline dependent use,
and uses that prevent and /or minimize flood dama re;
Uses that preserve or restore shoreline ecological functions provided by vegetation,
open space, flood plain or sensitive area lands;
Uses that minimize interference with navigation and flood control, consider impacts to
public views, and allow for the safe, unobstructed passage of fish and wildlife,
particularly those species dependent on migration;
Uses that provide public access and public recreation whenever feasible and when
ecological impacts can be mitigated;
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Development that is compatible with the natural and biological limitations of the land
and water that do not require extensive alteration of the shoreline or new shoreline
stabilization, except for restoration projects.
Uses that provide public access and public recreation whenever feasible and ecological
impacts can be mitigated;
Enhancement and restoration of ecological functions; and
Redevelopment of underutilized areas and development of commercial and industrial
activities where shoreline impacts are minimized and where there is no net loss of
shoreline functions.
Policy 5.1.3 High Intensity Shoreline Environment: In the High Intensity Environment,
priority shall be given to the following:
Water dependent commercial and industrial uses;
Development that promotes vegetation conservation and enhancement, sensitive areas
protection, and preservation of water quality to assure no net loss of shoreline ecological
functions.
Uses that remove shoreline armoring, unless required for a shoreline dependent use,
and uses that prevent and /or minimize flood damage;
Uses that preserve or restore shoreline ecological functions provided by vegetation,
open space, flood plain or sensitive area lands;
Uses that minimize interference with navigation and flood control, consider impacts to
public views, and allow for the safe, unobstructed passage of fish and wildlife,
particularly those species dependent on migration;
Uses that provide public access and public recreation whenever feasible and when
ecological impacts can be mitigated;
Development that is compatible with the natural and biological limitations of the land
and water that do not require extensive alteration of the shoreline or new shoreline
stabilization, except for restoration projects.
Uses that provide public access and public recreation whenever feasible and ecological
impacts can be mitigated;
Enhancement and restoration of ecological functions; and
Redevelopment of underutilized areas and development of intensive commercial and
industrial activities where shoreline impacts are minimized and where there is no net
loss of shoreline functions.
5.2 Shoreline Planning and Management
Goal: Expanded value of the river as a community and regional resource through regional
coordination of shoreline management programs and through programs that foster river
appreciation and awareness, involving partnerships among businesses, schools, government
and community organizations.
Policies:
Policy 5.2.1 Coordinate shoreline planning and management activities with other local
jurisdictions and their plans such as the WRIA 9 Salmon Habitat Plan and the King County
Flood Hazard Management Plan to establish region -wide consistency in addressing river
issues with regional implications, such as economic development, public access, wildlife
habitat, water quality control and flood control.
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Policy 5.2.2 Promote river stewardship and increase river awareness through actions
which further shoreline goals, such as educational programs, community activities, and
partnerships with Tukwila residents, businesses, schools, government, and community
organizations.
Policy 5.2.3 Promote and participate in the implementation of the Watershed Resource
Inventory Area (WRIA) 9 Plan, including supporting the recommended projects located in
Tukwila to improve the habitat functions of the Green/ Duwamish River, as well as the Plan
policies and goals.
Implementation Strategies:
WRIA 9 Salmon Habitat Plan
Tukwila SMP Restoration Plan
King County Flood Hazard Management Plan
5.3 Land Development Use and Economic Vitality
Goal: Development along the shoreline that fosters the economic vitality of Tukwila while
preserving the long -term benefits of the river.
Policies:
Policy 5.3.1 Implement Shoreline Design Guidelines to:
Encourage design that views the river as an amenity;
Guide the design of multiple shoreline uses;
Establish techniques for increasing multiple shoreline use;
Prioritize locations for use;
Encourage removal of invasive species with nonchemical methods and maintenance of
native planted vegetation to minimize the presence of invasive species.
Policy 5.3.2 Design and locate all shoreline development to minimize impacts on areas
identified as important for other river uses, such as wildlife and aquatic habitat, river
vegetation, public access and recreation, historical resource and flood control.
Policy 5.3.3 When no other feasible alternative exists, allow structures to be placed in the
water, or structural reinforcement of the riverbank, only when this provides a significant,
long -term public benefit, does not interfere with navigation or flood management, does not
cause a loss of shoreline function or is essential to a water dependent use.
Policy 5.3.4 Prohibit the construction of new flood control facilities unless constructed to
incorporate habitat restoration features and work to remove existing shoreline armoring
where possible- to restore habitat functions.
Policy 5.3.5 Recognize and promote the river's contribution to the economic vitality of
Tukwila, as a valuable amenity for existing and future businesses which depend on or
benefit from a shoreline location.
Policy 5.3.6 Ensure that shoreline development does not diminish the commercial
navigability of the River.
Policy 5.3.7 Tukwila Urban Center Development Policy: Design and locate shoreline
development in the Tukwila Urban Center to encourage water enjoyment uses that:
Provide for shoreline multiple uses that are consistent with the underlying zoning;
Provide additional benefits, such as riverbank restoration, fishing piers, non motorized
boat launches, river views, or interpretive signs;
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Support public access to and along the shoreline;
Provide water- enjoyment uses as transitions between the river and non -water
dependent uses;
Encourage efficient use of land, through such techniques as clustering, mixed use
projects, cooperative parking or parking located under principal structures, and shared
utility and access corridors.
Ensure that new development and re- development in the Urban Center acknowledges
the goal of a continuous street facade along Christensen Road and the riverfront and
locates parking facilities to the interior of the lot.
Implementation Strategies for Policy 5.3.7:
Shoreline Design Guidelines
Development Standards
Tukwila Urban Center Plan
MIC Development Policy 5.3.8 Ensure that non -water dependent shoreline development
in the MIC. provides for shoreline multiple uses to the extent that site security and the
success of industrial operations are not jeopardized; ensures no net loss of shoreline
function and provides adequate mitigation for the loss of shoreline multiple use
opportunities.
MIC Development Policy 5.3.10 Allow opportunities for commercial and recreational
marinas to locate in Tukwila downstream of the turning basin, where compatible with
existing and future navigability and existing and future ecological restoration projects.
Policy 5.3.11 Development outside the Tukwila Urban Center or MIC: Design and locate
shoreline development outside of the Tukwila Urban Center and the MIC to:
Provide for multiple shoreline uses;
Provide water enjoyment uses as transitions between the
dependent uses;
Encourage efficient use of land through such techniques as
projects, cooperative parking or parking located under principal
utility and access corridors;
5.4 Private Property Rights
Policies:
Treat the river as an amenity in the design and location of the project.
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river and non -water
clustering, mixed -use
structures, and shared
Goal: Protect rights of property owners to reasonable use and enjoyment of private property,
through appropriate location, access to, and design of shoreline uses.
Policy 5.4.1 Design, locate and manage shoreline uses in a manner which maintains
reasonable use and enjoyment of private property.
Policy 5.4.2 Design and locate public access in a way that is appropriate for the site,
depending on site conditions and private property concerns.
Policy 5.4.3 Special sensitivity is required for residential property; therefore, all single
family residential development of four or fewer single family residential lots is excluded
from requirements to provide private or public access. Single family property owners are
not exempt from the responsibility to improve the habitat value of the shoreline
environment.
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Policies:
Policy 5.4.4 Maintain flexibility in methods of obtaining public access, to allow for
different site conditions and private property concerns that might conflict with public
access, such as privacy, safety, and security.
Policy 5.4.5 Obtain additional easement area to permit the improvement of flood control
and river habitat by setting back levees or removing revetments and other hard shoreline
armoring and replacing with more habitat friendly flood control levees or other shoreline
treatment.
5.5 Shoreline Design Oualitv
Goal: Enhanced identity of the river as a unique community asset through high quality
development and public activities that reflect Tukwila's history and sense of community pride.
Policies:
Policy 5.5.1 Require that shoreline development outside of the MIC:
Ensures no net loss of shoreline function;
Is designed to be consistent with Tukwila Shoreline Design Guidelines;
Reflects principles of high quality design, in such areas as site planning, architecture
and landscaping;
Includes setbacks, bulk, height, density, landscape buffers and provisions for open
space that enhance the shoreline environment.
Implementation Strategies for Policy 5.5.1:
Shoreline design guidelines
Shoreline development standards
Tukwila Urban Center Plan
Policy 5.5.2 Require that shoreline development in the MIC:
Is designed to be consistent with Tukwila Shoreline Design Guidelines;
Maintains or enhances the existing visual quality along the river;
Provides trees and other landscaping to buffer industrial uses that are incompatible
with other river uses;
Provides amenities that enhance enjoyment of the river by employees.
Implementation Strategies for Policy 5.5.2:
Shoreline design guidelines
Shoreline development standards
5.6 Access and Recreational Use
Goal: Increase the amount and diversity of opportunities for public recreation and access to
and along the river, including visual and cultural access, access to the water's edge,
opportunities for small boat navigation and access, and connections to other neighborhoods,
consistent with the shoreline character.
Policy 5.6.1 Retain and improve areas identified as important in the network of public
access to the river, including cross -town connections, former railroad right -of -ways and
unimproved street -end right -of -ways, historic sites, unique natural features or other areas
valuable for their interpretive potential.
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Policy 5.6.2 Maintain existing parks along the shoreline and acquire additional park land
to increase access and recreation opportunities.
Policy 5.6.3 Incorporate river access requirements to guide the design, location and
management of shoreline public access in short plats over 4 lots and all subdivisions as well
as multi- family, commercial and industrial development; to identify types of access
appropriate and feasible for various site conditions and locations; and to establish
strategies, funding sources and priorities for acquisition and enhancement of shoreline
public access.
Implementation Strategies for Policies 5.6.1 5.6.3:
Shoreline design guidelines
Shoreline access guidelines
Shoreline development standards
Walk and Roll Plan
Parks and Open Space Plan
Policy 5.6.4 Design, locate and manage public access for diverse types and variable levels
of intensity in order to minimize impacts on vulnerable features of the natural environment
and to minimize conflicts with private property uses.
Policy 5.6.5 Where shoreline development provides public access areas, reserve such areas
for use by the public through the means most appropriate for the type, scale and impacts of
the development, such as dedication, donation or sale of an easement or right -of -way to the
City.
Policy 5.6.6 Support the implementation of the King County Green River Trail, per the
existing King County Green River Trail Master Plan as well as pedestrian /bicycle
connections with the Trail from properties on the opposite bank and the expansion of this
trail where appropriate.
Policies for Development outside MIC:
Policy 5.6.7 Require subdivisions, multi- family residential uses and commercial and
industrial uses along the shoreline to provide a trail for public access along the river in
areas identified for trail connections, consistent with the King County Green River Trail
Master Plan, Shoreline Master Program or any other approved access plan.
Implementation Strategies for Policy 5.6.7:
King County Green River Trail Master Plan
Shoreline public access standards
Walk and Roll Plan
Parks and Open Space Plan
Policy 5.6.8 Where shoreline public access is provided, ensure that it is designed to be safe
and convenient and includes access amenities such as benches, drinking fountains, public
parking areas, handicapped access, and appropriate lighting, consistent with the shoreline
access guidelines.
Implementation Strategies for Policy 5.6.8:
King County Green River Trail Master Plan
Shoreline public access standards
Walk and Roll Plan
Parks and Open Space Plan
Policy 5.6.9 Except for single family residential development of four or fewer single
family residential lots, shoreline development shall maintain and encourage views of the
water from the shoreline and from upland area, through design of building height, bulk
and modulation, and windows, breezeways and outdoor spaces.
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Implementation Strategies:
Shoreline design guidelines
Policy 5.6.10 Public access improvements should be designed and constructed to:
Look and "feel" welcoming to the public;
Connect to public areas, street ends, and other pedestrian or public throughfares;
Enhance the character of Tukwila;
Avoid conflicts with water dependent uses;
Provide for public safety and minimize impacts to private property and individual
privacy and security;
Require a low level of operation and maintenance;
Ensure that construction (i.e. structures and access pathways) incorporates
environmentally sensitive design and materials (e.g., non toxic, natural materials)
Policy 5.6.11 Improve pedestrian connections between the river, Green River Trail alb
the planned Riverwalk and the Urban Center's commercial, office and residential uses.
Policies for Development in MIC:
Policy 5.6.12 For MIC properties included in the King County Green River Trail Master
Plan or other approved access plan, require shoreline development to provide a trail for
public access along the river.
Policy 5.6.13 Where shoreline public access is provided, ensure that it is designed to be
safe and convenient and includes access amenities such as benches, drinking fountains,
public parking areas, handicapped access and appropriate lighting, consistent with the
shoreline access guidelines.
Policy 5.6.14 For MIC properties not included in the King County Green River Trail Plan,
require shoreline development to provide public access or a private natural area in lieu of
public access, or otherwise mitigate the loss of public access.
Implementation Strategies for Policies 5.6.12 -14:
Shoreline design guidelines
Shoreline access guidelines
Walk and Roll Plan
Parks and Open Space
5.7 Transportation within the Shoreline Turisdiction
Goal Safe corridors and amenities for pedestrians, cyclists and users of public transportation,
allowing more citizens to access and enjoy the river.
Policies:
Policy 5.7.1 Design and locate transportation uses within the shoreline jurisdiction to be
compatible with shoreline vegetation or other habitat features, turn -outs or parking areas
for public access, bio- filtration swales to protect water quality, public art or interpretive
signs.
Policy 5.7.2 Ensure the transportation uses within the shoreline jurisdiction and within
those corridors identified as river cross connections provide safe, convenient and attractive
pedestrian, bicycle and boater access and facilities for public transportation.
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Policy 5.7.3 Minimize transportation impacts to the natural environment (such as air,
noise, odor or water pollution) and enhance the natural environment wherever possible
through planting trees and other habitat features.
Policy 5.7.4 Encourage maintenance of the river's navigability up to the Turning Basin,
where this achieves a greater public interest and a balance between costs and benefits to the
broader community and impacts to the habitat functions of the river, in recognition of the
historical significance of navigation and its importance to the economic vitality of water
dependent uses and the MIC
5.8 Historical Resource Use and Archaeoloeical Protection
Goal: Recognition of the river's contribution to Tukwila history and community identity
through identification, enhancement, restoration, and protection of sites with historic and
cultural value and through development of interpretive and educational programs.
Policies:
Policy 5.8.1 Ensure that shoreline development reflects the river's important role in
Tukwila's history and that long -term public use of the river as an historical resource is
protected by providing for the identification, protection and interpretation of unique
historic and archaeological features.
Policy 5.8.2 Ensure that public shoreline development reflects the river's natural features
and community traditions.
Policy 5.8.3 Ensure that archaeological artifacts and sites are protected when development
takes place in the shoreline jurisdiction.
5.9 Natural Environment and Habitat Use
Goal: Restored, enhanced, and protected natural environment resources along the river,
including trees, wildlife habitat and features with value for long -term public, scientific and
educational uses.
Policies:
Policy 5.9.1 Ensure that shoreline development results in no net loss of shoreline
ecological function, minimizes impacts on wildlife and that significant vegetation, sandbars,
wetlands, watercourses, and other critical areas identified as important for habitat are
maintained through the proper location, design, construction, and management of all
shoreline uses and activities.
Policy 5.9.2 Ensure that shoreline development and activities protect riverbank vegetation
and, where feasible, restore degraded riverbanks in accordance with the vegetation
management provisions of the Shoreline Master Program, in order to minimize and
compensate for impacts to fish and wildlife habitat.
Policy 5.9.3 Mitigate unavoidable disturbances of significant vegetation or habitat
through replacement of habitat and provision of interpretive features consistent with the
shoreline access guidelines.
Policy 5.9.4 Support relief from certain shoreline master program requirements for
properties affected by habitat restoration projects that result in the movement of the
ordinary high water mark.
Policy 5.9.5 Support establishing the Transition Zone as the priority area for habitat
restoration projects given its importance for subtidal and intertidal habitats to allow
salmonids to gradually adjust to the change between fresh and saltwater conditions.
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5.10 Water Oualitv. Surface Water and Flood Control Use
Goal: Improved water quality and quantity control programs affecting the Green /Duwamish
River that improve the river's water quality, provide habitat for fish and wildlife, protect public
health and safety, and enhance public enjoyment of the river.
Policies:
Policy 5.10.1 Design, locate, and manage shoreline development including streets, flood
control projects, surface water drainage and sewer systems, clearing and grading activities,
and landscaping in a manner which minimizes opportunities for pollutants to enter the
river, provides erosion control and otherwise protects water quality.
Policy 5.10.2 Design, manage, and mitigate flood control uses to minimize impacts to
other shoreline uses such as trees and riverbank vegetation, public access and recreation,
and fish habitat; and set them back from the river, where feasible for the project, with land
areas between the water and the levee set aside as open space for public recreation or
wildlife habitat.
Policy 5.10.3 Consistent with project feasibility, mitigate unavoidable negative impacts on
other shoreline uses owing to flood control uses through such measures as restoration of
trees and native riverbank vegetation, provision of public access to the water's edge,
interpretive features, or other mitigation of loss of opportunities for shoreline multiple uses.
Policy 5.10.4 Obtain additional easements, where needed, from property owners to set
back levees to improve flood control and shoreline habitat functions. Where possible. aAs
redevelopment occurs, replace bulkheads, revetments or other hard bank stabilization with
more natural levees. riverbanks or other shoreline treatments. to improve flood control.
ecological functions and habitat when- pessible.
Implementation Strategies:
Increase levee setback to incorporate vegetated mid -slope benches
Shoreline access guidelines
Surface Water Management Plan
WRIA 9 Plan water quality policies
Shoreline Restoration Plan
5.11 Public Health, Safety and Welfare. Comprehensive Plan Goal 5.11
Goal: Shoreline uses that do not endanger public health, safety and welfare, or the capacity of
the river to provide long -term benefits and resources to the community.
Policies:
Policy 5.11.1 Design, locate, and manage shoreline uses, such as capital improvement
projects and private development, in a manner that does not endanger public health, safety
and welfare, and enhances the capacity of the river to provide long -term flood protection.
habitat and other benefits and resources to the community and the environment.
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