Shoreline Master Program
Skagit County is updating its shoreline regulations, and we need your input to make sure it is a reflection of our community's values and goals...

September 1, 2011
Draft Analysis and Characterization Report
The Draft Analysis and Characterization Report is now available for review and comment. Written comments will be accepted until the close of business on Friday, October 28, 2011.

This document is one of several that is required as part of the grant contract with the Washington State Department of Ecology. The report is a working draft and has been compiled using readily available information. The analysis report is the basic foundation for the update process, so it is a working document that will be updated, based on comments received.
Updated information regarding restoration projects would be extremely helpful from organizations and agencies involved in restoration work for projects listed in the document. Information regarding projects not described would also be appreciated, so that it can be included.

Please mail or deliver comments to:

Betsy Stevenson
Skagit County Planning and Development Services
1800 Continental Place
Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Draft Shoreline Analysis Report for Shorelines in Skagit County and the Towns of Hamilton and Lyman
Appendix A : Skagit County Assessment of Shoreline Jurisdiction
Appendix B : Shoreline Inventory Map Folio
Appendix C : List of Historic and Cultural Resources
Appendix D : Maps of Reaches Used in Functional Analysis
Appendix E : Functional Analysis Scoring Results
Appendix F : Methodology for Land Use Capacity Analysis

What is a Shoreline Master Program? Brochure (Pdf)
Shoreline Master Programs (SMP) are a combination of rules and planning practices developed by local governments to guide the development of stream, lake, and marine shorelines in accordance with the State Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58). SMP goals include environmental protection for shorelines, preserving and enhancing public access, and encouraging appropriate development that supports water-dependent uses.

What are shorelines?
Shorelines are special water bodies that meet certain size of flow criteria under the Shoreline Management Act, including adjacent uplands. They specifically include marine waters, lakes greater than 20 acres, streams with a mean annual flow greater than 20 cubic feet per second (cfs), lands within 200 feet of the ordinary high water mark, floodways, some floodplains, and associated wetlands.

How do I get involved?

1. Attend SMP workshops and advisory committee meetings
2. Sign up to receive email updates on the process by joining the Planning and Development Service email service.
3. Talk to your neighbors and friends
4. Continue to visit the County SMP Web page at www.skagitcounty.net/SMP

Advisory Committee

For more information please contact:
Betsy Stevenson
Skagit County Planning & Development
(360) 336-9410 ext. 5879
betsyds@co.skagit.wa.us
1800 Continental Place
Mount Vernon, WA 98273