Earlier this year, the City of Port Angeles began the periodic review of its Shoreline Master Program (SMP), as required by the Washington State Shoreline Management Act. The City adopted its current SMP in 2014. The focus of this periodic review is on consistency with changes to state law made since its adoption. The review will also address consistency with the City’s comprehensive plan and development regulations, and overall usability of the SMP.
You are invited to learn more by watching the virtual open house video here and by visiting the City’s SMP update website.
The draft documents available for comment include:
- Draft Gap Analysis, which identifies changes proposed and the rationale. This document includes a map audit and template for improved mapping.
- Ch 15.08 Port Angeles Municipal Code Draft Amendments which identifies proposed changes to remove duplicative information within the SMP.*
- SMP Draft Amendments*
- Draft SMP Appendix B, includes reference to the most recent applicable critical areas regulations.
*Please note that each proposed change in these documents includes a reference to the action listed in the Draft Gap Analysis.
The City is requesting any comments on the draft products prior to the end of 2020 be sent to Emma Bolin: ced@cityofpa.us
The City is committed to providing multiple opportunities for public participation throughout the process. In January/February 2021, the Planning Commission will hold a joint hearing and public comment period with the Department of Ecology on draft SMP amendments using the optional joint review process available under WAC 173-26-104, which consolidates the local and state 30-day public comment periods, speeding up the approval process. After the close of the comment period, the City will respond to comments and identify any changes proposed for submittal to Department of Ecology for an initial determination of consistency. The City hopes to adopt amendments prior to June 30, 2021.