Anacortes Shoreline Master Program Periodic Review Amendment Joint Local-State Public Comment
The City of Anacortes and Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) are seeking comments on the City’s Shoreline Master Program (SMP) periodic review and proposed SMP amendments. The joint local/state public comment period will run from November 18, 2020 through December 18, 2020 at 5 p.m.
Authority for the periodic review is based on Washington’s Shoreline Management Act (Ch. 90.58 RCW) and related rules. These amendments were developed by the City to comply with WAC 173-26- 090, which requires all local governments to review their SMPs on an eight-year schedule set in state law, and revise it if necessary. The review ensures the SMP keeps up with changes in state law, changes in other City plans and regulations, and other changed circumstances. The City has elected to use the optional joint review process to combine the local and Ecology comment periods, as allowed under WAC 173-26-104. No additional comment period will occur during the state review process. Comments provided to the City will be reviewed by both the City and Ecology. There is no need to send comments directly to Ecology.
Comments may be submitted to:
Libby Grage, Planning Manager
Email: LibbyB@cityofanacortes.org
Mail: City of Anacortes
Attn: Libby Grage
Planning, Community & Economic Development Department
P.O. Box 547
Anacortes, WA 98221
Comments can also be made during the online public hearing. A Joint Public Hearing is to be held virtually on December 9, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. Instructions on how to participate remotely can be found at https://www.anacorteswa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/18680/Virtual-PC-Meeting-Attendance
Comments are due by December 18, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
Documents are available for review at: https://www.anacorteswa.gov/1095/SMP-Update
At the conclusion of the comment period, the City will prepare a response to comments and determine whether changes are needed. Public comments and City responses will be shared with Ecology. After local adoption, the SMP amendment will be formally submitted to Ecology for final action per WAC 173-26-104 and WAC 173-26-110. Ecology will review amendments for consistency with state laws and rules. Ecology may either approve the program as adopted, or may recommend changes.