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The shorelines of Bellingham have great social, ecological, recreational, cultural, economic and aesthetic value. Bellingham’s lake, river, and near-shore areas provide citizens with clean water; deep-water port and industrial sites; habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife including salmon, shellfish, forage fish, and waterfowl; archaeological and historical sites; open space; and areas for boating, fishing, and other forms of recreation. In many cases, Bellingham’s shoreline resources are limited and irreplaceable. Use and development of shoreline areas must be carefully planned and regulated to ensure that these values are maintained over time.

The city of Bellingham shoreline master program (SMP or the program) is a result of Washington State legislation requiring all jurisdictions to adequately manage and protect shorelines of the state. Washington’s Shoreline Management Act (SMA or Act) (Chapter 90.48 RCW) was passed by the Legislature in 1971 and adopted by the public in a 1972 referendum. The goal of the SMA is “to prevent the inherent harm of uncoordinated and piecemeal development of the state’s shorelines.” The Act specifically states:

It is the policy of the State to provide for the management of the shorelines of the State by planning for and fostering all reasonable and appropriate uses. This policy is designed to insure the development of these shorelines in a manner, which, while allowing for limited reduction of rights of the public in the navigable waters, will promote and enhance the public interest. This policy contemplates protecting against adverse effects to the public health, the land and its vegetation and wildlife, and the waters of the State and their aquatic life, while protecting generally public rights of navigation and corollary rights incidental thereto.

The city of Bellingham prepared this SMP to meet the requirements of the Washington State SMA. This SMP provides goals, policies, and regulations for shoreline use and protection and establishes a permit system for administering the program. The goals, policies, and regulations contained herein are tailored to the specific geographic, economic, and environmental needs of the city of Bellingham.

The Shoreline Management Act and its implementing legislation (Chapter 173-26 WAC or Shoreline Guidelines) establish a broad policy giving preference to shoreline uses that:

Depend on proximity to the shoreline (“water-dependent uses”);

Protect biological and ecological resources, water quality and the natural environment; and

Preserve and enhance public access or increase recreational opportunities for the public along shorelines.

The overall goal of this SMP is to achieve rational, balanced, and responsible use of our irreplaceable shorelines. In implementing this program, the public’s opportunity to enjoy the physical and aesthetic qualities of shorelines of the state shall be preserved to the greatest extent feasible. Implementing the SMP must protect the ecological function of shorelines and, at a minimum, achieve a “no net loss” of ecological function. Single-family residences; ports; shoreline recreational uses (including but not limited to parks, marinas, piers, and other improvements); water-dependent industrial and commercial developments; and other developments that depend on a shoreline location shall be given priority. Permitted shoreline uses shall be designed and conducted to minimize damage to the ecology of the shoreline and/or interference with the public’s use of the water and, where consistent with public access planning, provide opportunities for the general public to have access to the shorelines.

The city of Bellingham last updated its SMP in 1989. Since that time, there have been substantial changes in the way shorelines are regulated. New scientific data and research methods have improved our understanding of shoreline ecological functions and their value in terms of fish and wildlife, water quality and human health. This information also helps us understand how development in these sensitive areas impacts these functions and values. The new Shoreline Guidelines, upon which this SMP is based, reflect this improved understanding and place a priority on protection and restoration of shoreline ecological functions. [Ord. 2013-02-005 § 2 (Exh. 1)].