35.45.030 Additional policies for shorelines of statewide significance.
Implementation of the policy under CCC 35.45.010 shall include:
(1) Consistent with RCW 90.58.020, the County shall for shorelines of statewide significance administer and update this Program to consider the following:
(a) Permitted uses or developments in the shorelines of the State shall be designed and conducted in a manner to minimize, insofar as practical, any resultant damage to the ecology and environment of the shoreline area and any interference with the public’s use of the water.
(b) The public’s opportunity to enjoy the physical and aesthetic qualities of natural shorelines of the State shall be preserved to the greatest extent feasible consistent with the overall interest of the State and people generally.
(c) Uses shall be consistent with control of pollution and prevention of damage to the natural environment, or are unique to or dependent upon use of the State’s shoreline.
(d) Alterations of the natural condition of the shorelines of the State, in those limited instances when authorized, shall be given priority for single-family residences and their accessory structures, ports, shoreline recreational uses including but not limited to parks, marinas, piers, and other improvements facilitating public access to shorelines of the State, industrial and commercial development which are particularly dependent on their location on or use of the shorelines of the State and other development that will provide an opportunity for substantial numbers of people to enjoy the shorelines of the State.
(2) Consistent with WAC 173-26-251, the County shall for shorelines of statewide significance administer and update this Program to consider the following:
(a) Recognize and take into account existing State agency policies, programs, and recommendations.
(b) Preserve the shorelines for both current and future generations. For example, actions that would convert resources into irreversible uses or detrimentally alter natural conditions characteristic of shorelines of statewide significance should be severely limited.
(c) Where natural resources of statewide importance are being diminished over time, incorporate provisions to contribute to the restoration of those resources.
(d) Identify the extent and importance of ecological resources of statewide importance and potential impacts to those resources.
(e) Preserve sufficient shorelands and submerged lands to accommodate current and projected demand for economic resources of statewide importance, such as commercial shellfish and navigable harbors. Base projections on statewide or regional analyses, requirements for essential public facilities, and comment from related industry associations, affected Indian tribes, and State agencies.
(f) Base public access and recreation requirements on demand projections that take into account the activities of State agencies and the interests of the citizens of the State to visit public shorelines with special scenic qualities or cultural or recreational opportunities.
(g) Ensure the long-term protection of ecological resources of statewide importance, such as anadromous fish habitats, forage fish spawning and rearing areas, shellfish beds, and unique environments.
(h) Consider incremental and cumulative impacts of permitted development and insure no net loss of shoreline ecosystems and ecosystem-wide processes.
(i) Provide for the shoreline needs of water-oriented uses and other shoreline economic resources of statewide importance.
(j) Provide for the right of the public to use, access, and enjoy public shoreline resources of statewide importance.
(3) Review new shoreline uses and developments within shorelines of statewide significance for consistency with the purpose and management policies of the applicable shoreline environmental designations of this Program.
(4) Review new shoreline uses and developments within shorelines of statewide significance for consistency with the general, specific shoreline uses/developments, shoreline modifications, shoreline buffers/vegetation conservation, critical areas, and mitigation and no net loss, policies and regulations of this Program.
(5) When shoreline development or redevelopment occurs, it shall include restoration and/or enhancement of ecological functions and ecosystem processes impaired by prior development activities.
(6) State and federal resource agencies, co-managers, and Tribes shall be consulted for development proposals that affect anadromous fish, shellfish, marine birds, and other shoreline resources.
(7) Areas that are subject to commercial timber harvest pursuant to the Forest Practices Act and RCW 90.58.150 should be reforested as soon as possible and in accordance with the Forest Practices Act and the Forest and Fish Report.
(8) Uses that are sustainable, that do not deplete natural resources, and that are compatible with other approved uses shall be preferred over uses that do not have these qualities.
(9) Potential short-term economic gains or convenience should be measured against potential long-term and/or costly impairment of natural features.
(10) Protection or enhancement of aesthetic qualities should be actively promoted in design review of new or expanding development.
(11) Uses that require a shoreline location shall be preferred over non-water-related uses. Non-water-related uses should be located outside the shoreline jurisdiction or in areas where they will not interfere with or displace preferred uses or public access.
(12) Commercial and recreational shellfish beds, areas that support recreation and tourism, and other economic resources of statewide importance shall be protected.
(13) Uses that have the potential to cause erosion and sedimentation due to excavation, land clearing, or other activities shall be strictly regulated to prevent adverse impacts to shoreline functions and processes.
(14) All public access and recreation use and development shall be designed to protect the ecological resources upon which such activities depend.
(15) Public and private development should be encouraged to provide trails, viewpoints, water access points and water-related recreation opportunities where conditions are appropriate for such uses. Such development is recognized as a high priority use.