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Shoreline Master Program Update
SMP Update Status
On December 17, 2009 the City transmitted the SMP update to the Department of Ecology (DOE) after City Council approval on December 1, 2009:
R-4786. Contains new Chapters 83 and 141, new Comprehensive Plan chapter for review by the State, and a revised shoreline environment designation map.
R-4787. Contains changes to other Zoning Code sections affected by the proposed changes to be adopted upon SMP approval by the State.
Next Steps
- DOE will have a comment period from February 1, 2010 through March 5, 2010
- DOE will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at Kirkland City Hall
- Following the hearing, DOE will summarize the comments and send them to the City for a response
- DOE will prepare a decision letter along with any recommended or required changes.
- If changes are necessary, the City Council could take action in response to DOE and either agree to the proposed changes or submit an alternative proposal for DOE's approval.
- The new SMP will be in effect once DOE gives final approval.
- After receiving approval, the City Council will adopt the final SMP by ordinance.
Draft Shoreline Regulations
- Overview of key provisions
- Affect of updated SMP on properties |
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For questions on status of project contact:
Teresa Swan, Senior Planner tswan@ci.kirkland.wa.us P: (425) 587-3258 F: (425) 587-3232 Kirkland Planning Department 123 5th Avenue Kirkland, WA 98033

Department of Ecology Submittal Information
- Checklist - Final Shoreline Inventory, Analysis and Characterization Report - Use Analysis - Goals and Policies - KZC Chapter 83 - KZC Chapter 141 - KZC Chapter 180 - plates - Shoreline Environment Designation Map - Flood Reduction - Geologically Hazardous Areas - Restoration Plan - Cumulative Impact Analysis - Shoreline Environment Designation Report - Wetland Buffer Comparison Map - Public Involvement Documentation |
In addition to new shoreline regulations, the City is proposing amendments to existing zoning regulations that apply to shoreline properties, as follows:
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•Residential area north of CDB:
- Increase height from 25’ to 30’ if shoreline setback is met (only for properties with direct lake frontage)
- Reduce front yard setback from 20’ to 10’ if shoreline setback is met
- Delete existing north property setback requirement and have 2 options: side yard setback of 5’ with 2 side yards equaling 15’ OR 5’ on each side with upper modulation at least 15% less than 1st floor
•Residential area south of CBD:
- Reduce front yard setback by 1 ft for each foot required shoreline setback is increased if shoreline setback is met
- Delete north property setback requirement and replace with side yard setback of 5’ with 2 side yards equaling 15’
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Click here for previous packet information and PowerPoint presentations. |
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Q&A on Shoreline Stabilization and Storm Water Runoff into the Lake Questions have come up about bulkhead removal, shoreline vegetation, and storm water runoff into Lake Washington. A flyer has been prepared answering questions and providing more background information. Articles and examples (pdf - 800k) of soft shoreline alternatives are also provided. |

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Scientific Studies and Literature Review*
Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife
- White paper on overwater structures
Chinook Salmon Recovery Efforts
- Salmon Conservation and Restoration - Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish Watershed - Final WRIA 8 Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan
US Fish and Wildlife Service
- General study information - Behavior of Chinook Salmon - Habitat use of juvenile Chinook salmon in Lake Washington NOAA
- NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service - NOAA Biological Opinion - Captain pier and bulkhead project - NOAA Biological Opinion - Radandt pier, boathouse, and bulkhead project - Light study
Miscellaneous
- Illustrations of soft shoreline stabilization examples in Kirkland
- No Net Loss of Shoreline Ecological Functions
- Synthesis of Salmon Research and Monitoring
- Movement and habitat use of juvenile Chinook salmon and two predatory fishes in Lake Washington: 2004-05 acoustic tracking studies
- Diet and Bioenergetics of Lake-Rearing Juvenile Chinook Salmon in Lake Washington
- Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan Science Foundation
- Final Report - Summary of effect on piers, bulkheads, and other artificial structures and shorezone development on ESA-listed salmonids in lakes
- Programmatic biological evaluation for shoreline protective alternatives in Lake Washington
City
Shoreline Management Act - Find out why the Shoreline Master Program was created and what it is designed to accomplish and become familiar with the permitting process under the Shoreline Master Program.
Final Shoreline Inventory, Analysis and Characterization Report - Learn more about the existing shoreline conditions.
September 2006 Public Forums- Video of September 18, 2006 Forum Summary of key themes, issues, and citizens' suggestions
September 2006 Tour of Innovative Shoreline Designs - showed current shoreline conditions and highlighted key issues relevant to updating Kirkland's Shoreline Master Program, including land and shoreline uses, marinas and docks, natural areas, public access and parks.
City of Seattle - Green Shoreline information
Previous staff reports for Planning Commission and Houghton Community Council Meetings.
County
King County Shoreline Master Program
King County Lakeside Living
State
1971 Shoreline Management Act
2003 Shoreline Master Program Guidelines
Puget Sound Partnership
State Department of Ecology Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program
DOE frequently asked questions on SMP
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Project Overview
The City of Kirkland has submitted an SMP update to DOE in compliance with the Washington State Shoreline Management Act and the state shoreline management guidelines adopted in 2003. This program will help the City balance shoreline development with preservation of shoreline ecology.
Shoreline development regulations for the City of Kirkland were first adopted in the 1970s and are in need of being updated to match the current conditions of shoreline areas in the City and to be consistent with the State’s Shoreline Management Act.
What areas are affected?
The Shoreline Master Program (SMP) applies to land within 200 feet of Lake Washington’s ordinary high water mark and within wetlands connected to Juanita Bay and Yarrow Bay. It consists of policies and regulations pertaining to shoreline use and development.
Why update the Shoreline Master Program?
The current shoreline regulations were adopted 30 years ago. They need to be updated to fit current conditions and the community's vision for the future, as well as be consistent with the new State guidelines for Shoreline Master Programs. Additional information can be found here.
What issues are some of the key issues?
The SMP addresses a broad range of topics, including:
- Shoreline setback requirements
- Vegetation conservation and shoreline plantings
- Shoreline stabilization - including bulkheads
- Docks and moorage
- Public access and recreation
- View corridors
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* Many of the above links above are to external websites in accordance to the City's web linking policy. |
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