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Shoreline Master Program Periodic Review Checklist
Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program, September 20, 2017 1
SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM PERIODIC REVIEW
Periodic Review Checklist
Introduction
This document is intended for use by counties, cities and towns conducting the “periodic review” of
their Shoreline Master Programs (SMPs). This review is intended to keep SMPs current with
amendments to state laws or rules, changes to local plans and regulations, and changes to address local
circumstances, new information or improved data. The review is required under the Shoreline
Management Act (SMA) at RCW 90.58.080(4). Ecology’s rule outlining procedures for conducting these
reviews is at WAC 173-26-090.
This checklist summarizes amendments to state law, rules and applicable updated guidance adopted
between 2007 and 2017 that may trigger the need for local SMP amendments during periodic reviews.
How to use this checklist
See Section 2 of Ecology’s Periodic Review Checklist Guidance document for a description of each item,
relevant links, review considerations, and example language.
At the beginning: Use the review column to document review considerations and determine if local
amendments are needed to maintain compliance. See WAC 173-26-090(3)(b)(i).
At the end: Use the checklist as a final summary identifying your final action, indicating where the SMP
addresses applicable amended laws, or indicate where no action is needed. See WAC 173-26-
090(3)(d)(ii)(D), and WAC 173-26-110(9)(b).
Local governments should coordinate with their assigned Ecology regional planner for more information
on how to use this checklist and conduct the periodic review.
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Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program, September 20, 2017 2
Row Summary of change Review Action
2017
a. OFM adjusted the cost threshold
for substantial development to
$7,047.
RMC 4-9-190.C.2 lists the old
exemption threshold of
$5,000.
Update 4-9-190.C.2 to reflect
this change.
The City will also update its
permit application forms to
ensure consistency with this
exemption.
b. Ecology amended rules to clarify
that the definition of
“development” does not include
dismantling or removing
structures.
RMC 4-11-040 does not
specifically include
dismantling or removing
structures.
The following sentence is
added to the definition:
“’Development’ does not
include dismantling or
removing structures if there is
no other associated
development or re-
development.”
c. Ecology adopted rules that clarify
exceptions to local review under
the SMA.
RMC 4-9-190.C does not
include exceptions to local
review.
Amend 4-9-190.C to include
the current section on
exceptions for substantial
development permits. This will
require renumbering.
Add a new section that
includes the new exceptions,
using the example language in
the Periodic Review Checklist
Guidance document.
d. Ecology amended rules that
clarify permit filing procedures
consistent with a 2011 statute.
RMC 4-9-190.K and RMC 4-9-
190.J.9 both refer to “date of
filing” and refer to RCW
90.58.140(6).
No code change is needed.
The City will ensure its internal
procedures for filing are up to
date with this change in
statute.
e.
Ecology amended forestry use
regulations to clarify that forest
practices that only involves
timber cutting are not SMA
“developments” and do not
require SDPs.
Renton’s SMP does not
address forestry use
regulations because there are
no forestry uses within
shoreline jurisdiction
No change is needed.
f. Ecology clarified the SMA does
not apply to lands under
exclusive federal jurisdiction
Renton does not have lands
within shoreline jurisdiction
that are witihin exclusive
federal jurisdiction.
No change is needed.
g.
Ecology clarified “default”
provisions for nonconforming
uses and development.
RMC 4-10-095 adopts local
provisions for nonconforming
use and development.
No change is needed.
h. Ecology adopted rule Renton has not adopted local No change is needed.
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Row Summary of change Review Action
amendments to clarify the scope
and process for conducting
periodic reviews.
language to specify the
process for conducting
periodic reviews.
i. Ecology adopted a new rule
creating an optional SMP
amendment process that allows
for a shared local/state public
comment period.
Renton’s SMP amendment
process is governed by RMC 4-
9-020 Comprehensive Plan
Adoption and Amendment
Process and RMC 4-9-025 Title
IV Development Regulation
Revision Process. Neither
process incudes review
provisions that would impede
the optional SMP amendment
process.
No change is needed.
j. Submittal to Ecology of proposed
SMP amendments.
Renton does not include the
Ecology submittal process in
its code.
No code change is needed.
The City will ensure that its
internal procedures for
submittal are updated.
2016
a.
The Legislature created a new
shoreline permit exemption for
retrofitting existing structures to
comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act.
RMC 4-9-190.C does not
include this exemption for
retrofitting existing structures
to comply with ADA
requirements.
Add the ADA exmption to
RMC 4-9-190.C using the
example language in the SMP
Periodic Review Checklist
Guidance document.
b. Ecology updated wetlands
critical areas guidance including
implementation guidance for the
2014 wetlands rating system.
RMC 4-3-090.D.2.c addresses
critical areas within shoreline
jurisdiction. The City updated
its critical area ordinance in
2015 and plans to update the
SMP for compliance as part of
this update.
Update RMC 4-3-090.D.2.c to
reflect updates to the critical
areas ordinance in 2015.
Ensure these updates included
the 2014 amendments to the
Wetland Rating System.
2015
a. The Legislature adopted a 90-day
target for local review of
Washington State Department of
Transportation (WSDOT)
projects.
RMC 4-9-190.J does not
include this review target for
WSDOT projects. However 4-
9-190.J.11 does include a
provision that permits shall be
processed according to state
requirements.
The following is added to RMC
4-9-190.J or J.11:
Pursuant to RCW 47.01.485,
the Legislature established a
target of 90 days review time
for local governments.
2014
a. The Legislature raised the cost
threshold for requiring a
Substantial Development Permit
(SDP) for replacement docks on
lakes and rivers to $20,000 (from
RMC 4-9-190.C repeats the
WAC but does not include the
exemption for replacement
docks on lakes and rivers.
Add a provision to 4-9-190.C
to allow an exemption for
replacement docks on lakes
and rivers valued at less than
$20,000 under certain
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Row Summary of change Review Action
$10,000). circumstances using the
example language in the SMP
Periodic Review Checklist
Guidance document.
b. The Legislature created a new
definition and policy for floating
on-water residences legally
established before 7/1/2014.
Renton does not have any
floating on-water residences
legally established before
7/1/2014.
No change is needed.
2012
a. The Legislature amended the
SMA to clarify SMP appeal
procedures.
Renton does not include the
process for SMP
approval/appeal pathway by
Ecology in its code.
No change is needed.
2011
a. Ecology adopted a rule requiring
that wetlands be delineated in
accordance with the approved
federal wetland delineation
manual.
RMC 4-3-090.D.2.d includes a
reference to the old
delineation manual. The City
updated its critical area
ordinance in 2015 and plans
to update the SMP for
compliance as part of this
update.
Update RMC 4-3-090.D.2.d to
reflect updates to the critical
areas ordinance in 2015.
Ensure these updates included
the correct wetland
delineation manual reference.
b. Ecology adopted rules for new
commercial geoduck
aquaculture.
Renton does not have any
marine shorelines to support
geoduck aquaculture.
No change is needed.
c. The Legislature created a new
definition and policy for floating
homes permitted or legally
established prior to January 1,
2011.
Renton does not have any
floating homes permitted or
legally established prior to
January 1, 2011
No change is needed.
d. The Legislature authorized a new
option to classify existing
structures as conforming.
RMC 4-10-095 does not
identify existing structures
within the shoreline as
conforming.
The language recommended
in the SMP Periodic Review
Checklist Guidance document
is added to classify legally
established residential
structures as conforming even
if they do not meet updated
standards in the SMP. This
would allow redevelopment,
expansion, and replacement
as long as it is consistent with
the SMP and no net loss
requirements.
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Row Summary of change Review Action
2010
a. The Legislature adopted Growth
Management Act – Shoreline
Management Act clarifications.
Renton’s SMP was adopted
after these provisions went
into effect. The RMC does not
specify the effective date of
amendments to the SMP.
No change is needed.
2009
a.
The Legislature created new
“relief” procedures for instances
in which a shoreline restoration
project within a UGA creates a
shift in Ordinary High Water
Mark.
RMC 4-9-190.B.10 already
contains these provisions
since it was adopted after this
change went into effect.
No change is needed.
b. Ecology adopted a rule for
certifying wetland mitigation
banks.
RMC 4-3-090.D.2.d.x.(f) allows
for mitigation banks to be
used for wetland impacts. The
City updated its critical area
ordinance in 2015 and plans
to update the SMP for
compliance as part of this
update.
Update RMC 4-3-090.D.2.x.(f)
to reflect updates to the
critical areas ordinance in
2015. Ensure these updates
included wetland banks as a
mitigation option.
c. The Legislature added moratoria
authority and procedures to the
SMA.
RMC 4-9-190 already includes
these provisions since it was
adopted after this change
went into effect.
No change is needed.
2007
a.
The Legislature clarified options
for defining "floodway" as either
the area that has been
established in FEMA maps, or the
floodway criteria set in the SMA.
RMC 4-11-060 already
includes both options in its
definition since it was adopted
after this change went into
effect.
No change is needed.
b. Ecology amended rules to clarify
that comprehensively updated
SMPs shall include a list and map
of streams and lakes that are in
shoreline jurisdiction.
RMC 4-3-090A.7 adopts the
shoreline map by reference.
RMC 4-3-090B adopts the list
of shorelines. No shorelines
have been added since
Renton’s last update.
No change is needed.
c. Ecology’s rule listing statutory
exemptions from the
requirement for an SDP was
amended to include fish habitat
enhancement projects that
conform to the provisions of
RCW 77.55.181.
RMC 4-3-090.C.15 includes an
exemption for projects to
improve fish habitat.
No change is needed.
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City proposed updates to the SMP: see attached Table of SMP Changes
Shoreline Master Program Periodic Review Checklist
Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program, September 20, 2017 7
Table of SMP Changes
Draft August 1, 2018
Section Summary of Change Discussion
4-3-050C Critical Areas Regulations
– Exempt, Prohibited and
Nonconforming Activities
3. Exemptions Adds exemptions that apply
to critical areas and buffers
with shoreline jurisdiction
consistent with WAC 173-
27-040(2).
These changes clarify the uses
and activities that are allowed
within critical areas and buffers
when the critical areas are
located in shoreline jurisdiction.
It adds references to the WAC
for exemptions that are similar
in the CAO and SMP to ensure
that the shoreline exemptions
(and any associated limitations
or conditions on those
exemptions) set under state law
are clear. It also adds a list of
uses and activities specific to
shoreline jurisidiction (such as
bulkheads, navigational aids,
etc.)
4. Exemptions – In Buffers Only Adds an exemption from
WAC 173-27-040(2) for
single-family residential
structures.
This change clarifies that within
shoreline jurisdiction single-
family homes are allowed in
critical area buffers, allowing
for buffer averaging and city
review of a study to ensure no
net loss.
4-3-050G Critical Areas Regulations
– Development Standards
6. Habitat Conservation Areas: Adds cross referencing
information to SMP.
The CAO was updated since
the SMP was adopted and
one of the amendments in this
document adopts the CAO
by reference. This change
creates cross referencing to
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Section Summary of Change Discussion
the SMP for priority habitats.
4-3-090 Shoreline Master Program
Regulations
B. REGULATED SHORELINES:
3. The Jurisdictional Area Includes: Strike section b. contiguous
flood plain areas.
Language struck to be
consistent with RCW
90.58.030(d) and the Renton
SMP Inventory Report.
C. SHORELINES OVERLAY DISTRICTS:
3. Single Family Residential Overlay
District:
Adds May Creek to list of
Single Family Residential
Environments.
The Barbee Mill area was
rezoned from a
commercial/office/residential
zoning to a residential zoning
designation. The residential
zoning designation reflects
the development already on
the site. As a result, the
shoreline environment is
changed accordingly. See the
justification for environment
designation change at the
end of this table.
4. Shoreline High Intensity Overlay
District:
Amends the High Intensity
environment to remove the
Barbee Mill area.
The Barbee Mill area was
rezoned from a
commercial/office/residential
zoning to a residential zoning
designation. The residential
zoning designation reflects
the development already on
the site. As a result, the
shoreline environment is
changed accordingly.
D. GENERAL DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS:
1. Applicability: Adds a reference to
citywide standards for
tree retention.
This clarifies that Renton’s
citywide tree retention
standards apply outside of
the SMP buffer.
2. Environmental Effects: Adopts CAO by reference The CAO was updated since
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Section Summary of Change Discussion
and deletes existing
critical areas language
within shoreline
jurisdiction. Includes
clarification on exceptions
to the CAO within
shoreline jurisdiction.
the SMP was adopted and
can now be applied within
shoreline jurisdiction. This
improves consistency.
3. Use Compatibility and Aesthetic
Effects:
Amended to refer to the
bulk standards table.
Clarification and consistency
change.
5. Building and Development
Location – Shoreline Orientation:
Remove redundant
language on site planning.
Provide a cross reference to
the submittal requirements
for a stream or lake study
so they do not need to be
repeated here.
Relocate fencing standards
to the development
standards table.
Clarification and consistency
changes.
7. Standards for Density, Setbacks,
and Height:
Modified the setback and
buffer standards for
clarity and consistency. It
also adds a modified
buffer standard for lots
over 150’ in length.
Setbacks are established
as 15’ or the common line
standard, whichever is
greater. The changes also
clarify when this standard
is applied- only to existing
single family residences
and existing single family
lots. This includes an
addition to table note 5,
which holds the setback
line at the current 100’
from OHWM standard
even if the buffer is
modified.
Amended the application of
table footnotes for clarity
and consistency.
Elsewhere in the code Renton
measures setbacks from the
edge of the buffer, so for the
ease and consistency of
administration, the setback
standards are modified to
reflect this. There are several
clarifications related to this
change. However, the
standards themselves did not
change.
Table note 3 is moved from
section F1 Vegetation
Conservation for ease of
administration and added to
the table. It also includes
changes that applies a
modified standard for single-
family lots over 150’ in
length that was not there
before and clarifies when the
modified standards are
applied. This change was
intended to ensure that
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Section Summary of Change Discussion
Added language to specify
standards for portions
property within 100’ of
OHWM, but landward of
the buffer.
Table note 1 adds
clarifying language about
allowed projections into
setbacks and buffers.
Table note 2 adds
clarifying language about
setbacks for water-
dependent uses.
Table note 3 specifies how
modified buffer and set
back standards for single-
family residential
development are applied.
Table notes 4, 6, 10, 11,
and 12 reworded for
clarification, but the
standards remain
unchanged.
Table note 5 is enhanced to
be clear that no structures
are allowed closer to the
OHWM than 100 ft. with
existing exceptions for
single family and High
Intensity modifications.
Table note 7 is added to
clarify that the modified
buffer standard is
allowed for single-family
residential short-plats.
Table note 9 is deleted.
Table note 13 provides a
standard for allowing
fences for properties in
the Single-family or High
Intensity environments.
development or new
development achieves no net
loss. The table does not
apply to newly platted
development, redevelopment
or expansion must comply
with the buffer and setback
standards. Teardowns must
also meet these standards,
which now specify a standard
setback of 15’ from the
buffer or a common line
setback, whichever is greater,
to prevent teardowns from
moving closer to the OHWM.
Table note 9 is not necessary
because in the only area
where it can be applied, it
would potentially allow more
height than what is allowed
by the underlying zoning.
Table 14 is based on
allowances in other SMPs that
addressed this issue.
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Section Summary of Change Discussion
E. USE REGULATIONS:
1. Shoreline Use Table: Added clarification that
development is subject to
a shoreline permit, even if
the use is permitted.
Changed the adult family
home use in single family
residential environments to
refer to the underlying
zoning.
Clarification added for ease of
administration.
Adult family homes are allowed
according to their own
provisions in Washington
State Law.
F. SHORELINE MODIFICATION:
1. Vegetation Conservation: Moved the table for
Alternative Vegetated
Buffer Widths and
Setbacks for Existing
Single Family Lots to the
development standards
table.
Amendments for clarification
related to the moving of
the table for Alternative
Vegetative Buffer Widths
and Setbacks for Existing
Single Family Lots.
Amended subsection
F.1.c.ii.(a) to clarify that in
order to qualify for a
setback reduction,
impervious surface must
be removed within the
building setback or lateral
to the primary structure.
Removed subsections
F.1.c.ii.(c) and (d) which
provide incentives to
reduce shoreline armoring
and improve habitat in
exchange for a smaller
setback.
Amended subsection F.1.a.iii
to clarify its application
See 4-3-090 D7 for discussion
on the Alternative Vegetated
Buffer Widths and Setbacks
for Existing Single Family Lots
to the development
standards table.
The amendment to subsection
F.1.c.ii.(a) specifically would
prevent someone from using
this provision to remove
impervious surface on the far
side of a structure to locate a
structure closer to OHWM.
The removal of subsections
F.1.c.ii.(c) and (d) remove a
potential incentive for
removing shoreline
stabilization or improving
habitat values. However, the
standard is currently too
ambiguous to apply and
would be difficult to achieve.
Subsection F.1.c.iii is amended
to remove inconsistent and
unnecessary language.
Subsection F.1.d.iv currently
creates a situation where
reduction is allowed in any
situation, but the intention is
to require native species, so it
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Section Summary of Change Discussion
and that setbacks may be
reduced for narrow lots.
Amend subsection F.1.d.iv to
add clarifying language
and to specify that the
reduced buffer may have
no more than 5% non
native species.
Amend subsection F.1.g to
remove unnecessary
reference to non
conforming regualtions.
Added a subsection to F.1.i
that addresses
maintenance of dangerous
trees in the buffer.
Remove the requirement in
F.1.j.iii for a shoreline
variance for development
not requiring a substantial
development permit that
want to modify their
buffer or setbacks under
the vegetation
management provisions.
Added a new vegetation
conservation objective for
May Creek Reach A in
table 4-3-090F.1.l.
has been amended to do so.
There was no regulation
specified for the removal of
dangerous trees so it was
added, consistent with notes
7 and 8 of the critical areas
exemptions table in 4-3-050,
to F.1.i.iv.
F.1.j.iii is not needed because
any property that does not
meet the standards must
obtain a variance.
A new vegetation conservation
objective for May Creek
Reach A was needed due to
the Barbee Mill rezone and
shoreline environment
change. The zoning change
and this new objective better
reflect the residential
development that is already
fully developed there.
4-4-130 Tree Retention and Land
Clearing Regulations
C. ALLOWED TREE REMOVAL
ACTIVITIES:
9. Minor Tree Removal Activities: Amended to require a
Routine Vegetation
Management Permit in the
shoreline jurisdiction if
maintenance activities do
not require a land use
permit. Also specifies that
tree removal is not
allowed in the buffer in
There were no previous
provisions that specified what
type of tree removal was
allowed in shoreline
jurisdiction, so this was
added.
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Section Summary of Change Discussion
the shoreline.
D. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES:
3. Restrictions for Critical Areas –
General:
The amendment specifies
that the SMP controls the
removal of vegetation
and trees within the
buffer.
Clarification so the
appropriate standards
apply.
4-9-070 Environmental Review
Procedures
H. CRITICAL AREAS/INAPPLICABLE
EXEMPTIONS:
2. Critical Areas Designated: Amended to update the
environments to match the
current SMP.
This amendment does not
change the standard, only
clarifies the applicable
environments that are
designated as critical areas.
4-9-190 Shoreline Permits
B. SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT
APPROVAL:
1. Development Compliance: Amended to add the
authority for the City to
add conditions of
approval in order to
achieve compliance with
the SMP.
This change specifically gives
the City authority to condition
development.
3. Substantial Development Permit: Updated the reference to
RCW 90.58.140(1) to be
inclusive of several
sections in the WAC and
RCW that exempt
projects.
From SMP update checklist.
C. EXEMPTIONS FROM PERMIT
SYSTEM:
1. Subsection C renumbered
and amended to add
subsection 2 for
consistency with item 2017
c on the Ecology checklist.
From SMP update checklist.
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Section Summary of Change Discussion
Updated for consistency
with Items 2014a and
2017a on Ecology
checklist to change the
project value threshold for
a shoreline exemption.
Added section r related to
ADA provisions in
response to item 2016a
on the Ecology checklist.
J. TIME REQUIREMENTS FOR
SHORELINE PERMITS:
11. Permit Processing Time: Updated for consistency
with item 2015a on the
Ecology checklist.
From SMP update checklist.
4-9-195 Routine Vegetation
Management Permits
D. PROCEDURES AND REVIEW
CRITERIA:
4. Review Criteria: Added a subsection h to
create a linkage to the
SMP vegetation
management rules.
This change cross references
vegetation management
regulations so they can be
used as part of the decision
making criteria for routine
vegetation management
permits.
5. Routine Vegetation Management
Permit Conditions:
Added a subsection f to
create a linkage to the
SMP vegetation
management rules.
This change cross references
vegetation management
regulations so they can be
used to condition routine
vegetation management
permits.
4-10-095 Shoreline Master Program,
Nonconforming Uses, Activities,
Structures, and Sites
A. NONCONFORMING
STRUCTURES:
Amended to clarify that
tear downs must meet the
full requirements of the
SMP (unless destroyed by
fire, natural disaster, etc.)
Clarified to ensure that
teardowns are required to
meet the full standards of
development.
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Section Summary of Change Discussion
B. NONCONFORMING USES: Amended so clarify that non
conforming uses are still
subject to shoreline rules.
Amended for clarity.
C. NONCONFORMING SITE: Removed this section. Nearly all sites are currently
nonconforming sites, but are
brought into compliance
through development. In that
case either the standard SMP
rules apply or the non-
conforming structure
standards result in site
upgrade. As a result this
section is not needed.
D. RESERVED Amended to remove
header.
Amended for clarity.
F. PARTIAL AND FULL COMPLIANCE,
ALTERATION OF AN EXISTING
STRUCTURE OR SITE:
Adds language to clarify
applicability for the
partial and full
compliance standards for
nonconforming structures.
Amended for clarity.
1. Partial Compliance for Non-
Single-Family Development:
Removed standards for
compliance with
remodeling.
Ecology has stated that internal
improvements that do not
increase footprint or
impervious surface should not
trigger site upgrades.
2. Partial Compliance for Single
Family Development
The table is removed and
replaced with text for
clarity and consistency of
administration.
The purpose of this section is to
allow upgrades to single-
family homes that don’t fully
comply with SMP
requirements by requiring
site upgrades. The purpose
of the site upgrades is to
mitigate, ensure no net loss,
and to bring the site more
into compliance with
provisions that support
ecological functions and
values. The standards remain
the same, except for the
change to a 40% remodeling
threshold (from 50%) which
was amended for consistency
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Section Summary of Change Discussion
with provisions outside of the
shoreline.
4-11 Definitions
4-11-020 DEFINITIONS B: Amend the definition of a
shoreline buffer to clarify
that it is measure
horizontally upland from,
and perpendicular to, the
OHWM.
Clarification change.
4-11-040 Definitions D: Change to definition of
Development to reflect
Ecology review checklist
item 2017b.
From SMP Update checklist.
4-11-190 DEFINITIONS S: Amend the definition of
shoreline setback as
measured from the edge
of the buffer.
Clarification change.
UNIVERSAL CHANGES Removed language that
specifies “Administrator of
the Department of
Community and Economic
Development or
designee.”
Clarified use of
setback/buffer throughout
the document.
Title IV already specifies that
“Administrator” refers to the
Department of Community
and Economic Development
or designee, so it’s not
necessary to repeat it
throughout the SMP.
With the change to how
setbacks and buffers are
measured, to ensure
consistency of administration,
the document also reviews
and updates the references
to setbacks and buffers for
consistency and clarity.
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Justification for Shoreline
Environment Redesignation
One of the propsed changes to the SMP includes an environment redesignation at the Barbee Mill site.
In 2011, Renton City Council approved a Comprehensive Plan change (Ordinance 5624) resdesignating
the site from COR (Commercial Office Residential) land use to HD (Residential High Density). They also
approved a rezone for the site from COR to R-10 (Residential 10) zoning (Ordinance 5626), shown in
Exhibit 1 .
Exhibit 1. Rezoning Map of the Barbee Mill Site
Source: City of Renton Ordinance 5626, 2011.
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A private applicant and the City of Renton applied for change in land use and zoning for the Barbee Mill
site to recognize the current and future use of this property. Under the COR zoning, the applicant was
able to plat and develop residential use on this site. Although the COR zoning had the potential to allow
higher intensity commercial uses including retail and office development, the applicant entered into a
development agreement with the City of Renton that limited development on the site to residential
uses. The development agreement was also approved in 2011. With current and future residential use
secured through existing development and the development agreement, the City of Renton changed the
Comprehensive Plan designation and zoning to match this use.
The SMP was adopted in 2011 prior to the City’s approval of the development agreement, land use
designation change, or rezone of the property. In the adopted SMP, developable portions of the Barbee
Mill site were designated as a Shoreline High Intensity Environment (see Exhibit 2) .1 This matched the
COR land use and zoning designation of that site at the time of adoption.
Exhibit 2. 2011 Shoreline Environment Designation for the Barbee Mill Site
Source, City of Renton, 2011.
1 The portion of the Barbee Mill site that was part of a restoration and enhancement project on May Creek was
designated for Shoreline Urban Conservancy and that designation is proposed to remain in place.
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Per WAC 173-26-110(3) the City is to shows the amended environment designation map(s),
showing both existing and proposed designations, together with corresponding boundaries
described in text for each change of environment. All proposals for changes in environmen t
designation and redesignation shall provide written justification for such based on existing
development patterns, the biophysical capabilities and limitations of the shoreline being
considered, and the goals and aspirations of the local citizenry as ref lected in the locally
adopted comprehensive land use plan;
Boundaries: Exhibit 2 illustrates the current High Intensity designation. The boundaries of the
property in Exhibit 1 more closely indicate the property that would change from High Intensity
to Shoreline Residential.
Development Patterns: WAC 173-26-211 establishes the basic requirements of the shoreline
environment designation system and sets forth designation criteria and management policies
for each of the environments. The criteria for shorelin e residential environments is in WAC 173 -
26-211(5)(f). Under the WAC the purpose of the shoreline residential environment is to “…
accommodate residential development and appurtenant structures…” Areas should be included
in the shoreline residential environment if they are inside urban growth areas or municipalities,
if they are developed with mostly single-family or multifamily residential uses, or if they are
planned and platted for residential development. With existing residential use on an approved
plat bound by development agreement to residential use, the Barbee Mill site meets the
purpose and designation criteria of the WAC for shoreline residential uses.
Goals and Aspirations: Renton adopts related shoreline environment criteria for its SMP in
RMC 4-3-090C and in the Shoreline Management Element of the Comprehensive Plan. The
Comprehensive Plan mirrors the WAC in its statement that “the objective of the the Single-
Family Residential Shoreline Overlay District is to accommodate residential development and
appurtenant structures that are consistent with this chapter.” Areas to be designated include
those characterized by single-family use and zoning. The Barbee Mill site meets both the
objective and the designation criteria of the Renton SMP for the Sho reline Single-Family
Residential environment.
Biophysical Capabilities: A review of the Cumulative Effects Analysis of the Shoreline Master
Program2 indicates that this change would be unlikely to affect the standard of no net loss. The
Barbee Mill site includes reaches on portions of May Creek and Lake Washington. Table 3 -1 of
the Cumulative Effects Analysis shows that because of its location within the watershed and the
small area affected, the SMP in general has limited influence on most of the ecological
functions and processes for May Creek or Lake Washington. The only exception to this is where
forested areas, upland and outside of the Barbee Mill property contribute to terrestrial habitat
functions in May Creek. There is some potential to affect aquatic and terrestrial habitat on Lake
2 Parametrix, 2010. City of Renton Shoreline Master Program Update Shoreline Cumulative Effects Analysis.
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Washington, although the magnitude of change is relatively small since the area is already fully
developed. The greatest impact on the functions and processes for aquatic and terrestrial
habitat would be the enhancement of shoreline vegetation and removing shoreline
stabilization. The Barbee Mill development was platted with less invasive shoreline stabilization
(bulkhead setback from OHWM with sloping, naturalized shoreline between the bulkhead and
OHWM) and with vegetation enhancement along May Creek. The change in environment
designation does not affect these improvements either positively or negatively.
Recommendation: Given that the change in the environment designation improves consistency
with Renton’s land use and zoning, is consistent with the environment criteria in the WAC and
the SMP, and should not affect ecological functions or processes, it should approved as part of
the Periodic Update.