Comments needed for updated rules regulating shoreline development

Thu., March 12, 2009

Down to Earth

SPOKANE- The Department of Ecology will hold a public hearing on March 24 to take public comment on an update of the city of Spokane’s Shoreline Master Program. A public hearing will begin at 7 p.m. at Spokane Falls Community College, Administrative Building 1. The master program guides the way development is handled along the shorelines within the city limits. This is the first time the program has received a comprehensive update since its initial approval, in 1975. “The city has done a lot of good, hard work on this update, and they have had a very solid citizen participation process” said Doug Pineo, Ecology’s plan reviewer for shoreline management. “Now people have one last opportunity to comment on the update before it goes into the final stages of the approval process.” The voter-approved Shoreline Management Act of 1972 requires that shoreline master programs receive review and approval by both local and state government. Under the Act, cities and counties with larger bodies of water must develop shoreline master plans that regulate development along streams, lakes, and marine waters. Master programs protect shoreline natural resources, including land, vegetation, wildlife, water, and aquatic life. A shoreline master program also must support and promote public access to shorelines so the public has opportunity to enjoy the physical and aesthetic qualities of natural shorelines. Spokane began the update to its Shoreline Master Program three years ago, and approved it in December 2008. The update revises all aspects of the existing shoreline master program, including goals, policies, regulations, definitions, shoreline environment designations, and administrative procedures. It also includes new provisions to bring the program into compliance with state law. Written comments will also be accepted through April 10, 2009, at Ecology’s Spokane office: 4601 N. Monroe St., Spokane, WA 99205. Comments should be addressed to the attention of “City of Spokane SMP.” A copy of the update may be obtained at the City Planning Services Department, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 99201. It may also be viewed electronically or downloaded from the city’s website, at www.spokaneplanning.org”> Following the public hearing, the city will have 60 days to let Ecology know how the public’s comments will be addressed. Ecology then will have 30 days to approve or reject the update.

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