HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning 2018-10-25 ITEM 5 - STAFF REPORT - SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM WORK SESSION�a
City of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Tukwila Planning Commission
FROM: Nora Gierloff, Deputy DCD Director
DATE: October 25, 2018
SUBJECT: Shoreline Master Program Update Work Session
ISSUE
Tukwila is required to periodically review and revise its Shoreline Master Program and Zoning
Code Shoreline Overlay for consistency with State law and Best Available Science (BAS).
BACKGROUND
The Green/Duwamish River in Tukwila is categorized as a Shoreline of the State. In response to
the State Shoreline Management Act (SMA) and Federal requirements, Tukwila has adopted
two policy documents related to the river — the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) and land use
policies in the City's Comprehensive Plan. To carry out these policies, zoning regulations have
been adopted in TMC Chapter 18.44 Shoreline Overlay.
Most development within 200 feet on either side of the ordinary high water mark (OHWM)
requires a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit which is reviewed by the Washington
State Department of Ecology after issuance by the City. The City's shoreline development
regulations balance economic and residential development with enhancement and stewardship
of the ecological functions of the river.
DISCUSSION
The City of Tukwila completed a comprehensive update to its Shoreline Master Program in
2009, with additional revisions made in 2011. Washington state law requires jurisdictions to
periodically review and update their SMPs every eight years in accordance with the SMA and its
current guidelines and legislative rules to attain state approval. The City of Tukwila's update
started with an open house on October 9th and will be complete in 2019.
This periodic update will focus on:
• Reviewing relevant legislative updates since 2009 and incorporating any applicable
amendments.
• Ensuring consistency with recently adopted regulations for critical areas and flood hazard
areas.
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
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This periodic update will not:
• Re-evaluate the ecological baseline which was established as part of the 2009
comprehensive update.
• Extensively assess no net loss criteria other than to ensure that proposed amendments do
not result in degradation of the baseline condition.
• Change shoreline jurisdiction or environment designations.
RECOMMENDATION
Identify any additional staff research needed or areas for revisions. A public hearing on the
Shoreline update will be scheduled for January. The PC will then send a recommended draft to
the City Council for review and adoption.
ATTACHMENTS
A. SMP Periodic Update FAQ
B. Shoreline Update Topic Summary
C. Gap Analysis Report
D. Presentation Slides
1t4ds and Commissions\Planning Commission\10-25-18 PC Packet\PC WS 10-25-18.docx