What is the Shoreline Master Program?

The Shoreline Master Program(SMP) is a comprehensive shoreline land-use plan that includes policies and regulations for the use and development of the shoreline.  The SMP protects shoreline processes, promotes public access, and accommodates all appropriate shoreline uses, as well as balances public and private interests.  Kitsap County wants local citizens to be part of the  SMP update and to help implement a sustainable shoreline management program.

Kitsap County has about 230 miles of saltwater and freshwater shoreline.  Kitsap County's current SMP was adopted 38 years ago and last updated ten years ago.  The Washington Shoreline Management Act (SMA) [RCW90.58] directs local governments to update their SMPs in accordance with state rules and guidelines [WAC 173-26].  Kitsap County and all Kitsap cities are required to complete SMP updates by 2012.  The Washington Dept of Ecology (DOE) has final approval authority over local SMP updates.

Shoreline Master Program Update

Kitsap County

Click here for upcoming meetings and events.

New

Documents

• Washington Administrative Code (WAC)
  

• Helpful WAC Excerpts
  

• Public Participation Plan- DRAFT
  

• Kitsap County Jurisdiction Map- Preliminary Draft
  

• East Kitsap Nearshore Habitat Assessment and Restoration Prioritization Framework
  

• SMP Grant from Dept. of Ecology (Ecology)
  

• Ecology SMP Guidance Documents
  

Kitsap County ∙ openline@co.kitsap.wa.us ∙ (360) 337-5777

Thank you to all those who have submitted applications for the SMP Update Task Force!