Lakeside Living
Shoreline permitting
Planning to expand or replace your dock? Is your bulkhead failing? Do you want easier beach access, a boat lift or covered moorage? For shoreline property owners, knowing what is legally required, which alternative options are available, and who to call can seem confusing. Several different agencies have a role in regulating lakeshore activities, and most have Web sites and helpful staff trained to lead lakeside property owners through the process
Which agencies issue aquatic permits?
The main players are:
- Your local jurisdiction's planning and development department.
- Washington State Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.
- Washington State Dept. of Ecology (DOE).
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (who work with federal fisheries agencies).
- Washington State Dept. of Agriculture (herbicide permits for aquatic weed control).
What do I need aquatic permits for?
To determine what permits are needed, if any, first contact your local city or county planning office or Web site.
Those living in unincorporated King County should contact the Department of Development and Environmental Services, at 206-296-6600.
Those in unincorporated Snohomish County should contact the Snohomish County Planning and Development Services or Customer Support/Residential Building Permits at 425-388-3411.
You should also contact the Washington State Dept. of Ecology, Permit Assistance Center, at 360-407-7037. DOE has a user-friendly Web site that is a great place to start. To streamline the process DOE has an online questionnaire that helps determine what agencies to contact and what types of permits may be needed. Things you should know or determine before taking this questionnaire or trying to develop your shoreline:
- Where is the ordinary high water mark and will you be working below it?
- Would your proposed plans result in discharge of dredged or fill material into the water or wetlands?
- Which city or county boundaries are you in? When you contact one of the regulatory agencies for assistance, in addition to the address, it would be helpful to have at hand the parcel number and/or legal description of the property.
- Does the project involve construction "within navigable waters?"
Contact the Washington Dept. Fish and Wildlife at 425-775-1311 for any construction below ordinary high water mark, bulkheads, piers, pile driving and dredging, culverts, gravel removal or nourishment, debris removal, installation or maintenance of water diversions.
Contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District at 206-764-3495 for information about docks, floats, ramps, moorage pilings, and any overwater structures. Look at the Frequently Asked Questions section on ESA Section 7 consultation and programmatic consultations.
How can I simplify and expedite permitting for my project?
Regulatory agencies have responded to public requests for a more streamlined and consistent review process for new and expanded dock construction along Lake Washington. The Army Corp of Engineers now offers express permitting for docks and overwater structures with new Regional General Permit (RGP) #3. The RGPs include a completed Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation, essential fish habitat consultation, and water quality certification (if applicable) from the Washington State Dept. of Ecology, significantly reducing the Corps' application review time.
The application process will be expedited if designs comply with at least the minimum specifications for nine criteria concerning issues such as minimum piling size, spacing between pilings, width of walkways, shoreline vegetation, building materials, and proposed time of construction. Use the Regional Permits link to access the full text, conditions, and application form for each RGP. For more information contact Maryann Baird at 206-764-5531, or Kristina Tong at 206-764-6913.