As part of a state required periodic review the city of Lake Stevens has adopted its updated Shoreline Master Program (SMP). The update follows state requirements for jurisdictions to develop and administer a Shoreline Master Program for lake and streams within their jurisdictions. The city’s SMP, originally adopted in 1974, is reviewed every 8 years per State Law.
Over the course of several months, the city reviewed its shoreline master program for consistency with rule changes in State Law. The update included general code clean up, improving consistency with the Downtown Subarea Plan, and creating flexibility for different elements. These elements included:
- Shoreline Stabilization (Including Bulkheads)
The SMP update added provisions to allow for normal maintenance and repair of hard structures and allowance for hybrid or soft structural shoreline stabilization.
- Over-Water Structures- Including Piers and Docks, Floats, and Boardwalks
Greater flexibility was incorporated for normal maintenance and repair of docks and reconfiguration of nonconformities.
- Residential Development
Clarification was added to this section ensuring greater flexibility with shoreline setback area.
The updated SMP became effective June 11th, 2019. Projects submitted and accepted by the city before June 11th, 2019 will be vested under the previous shoreline master program. The Shoreline Master Program is available at:
http://www.lakestevenswa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7778/1057-Shoreline-Master-Plan-Updates
If you have questions, please email Russ Wright at rwright@lakestevenswa.gov.