Draft rules to protect King County shorelines available for review at public meetings, June 5, 6, 7

King County has scheduled three public meetings in early June to gather public input on recently drafted land-use regulations that protect shorelines and manage development along streams, lakes and marine areas in unincorporated parts of the county. The proposed regulations are not significantly different from the current regulations.

Meetings set for June 5 in Carnation, June 6 in Auburn and June 7 in Vashon, will give the public an opportunity to see a comparison between existing shoreline management rules and the new draft rules, learn more about the Shoreline Master Program and ask questions of King County staff. All meetings will run from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Public comments on the draft regulations must be received by June 22.

The proposal is part of King County’s Shoreline Master Program update, which is required by the state Shoreline Management Act. The program has not been significantly changed since adoption nearly 30 years ago and must be approved by the Washington Department of Ecology. Cities and counties across western Washington are also updating their shoreline-management rules.

K ing County has created a new Web site to provide current information on the Shoreline Master Program update, at http://www.metrokc.gov/shorelines/.

In addition to the latest news on the update process, the Web site also features an online comment form – one of several ways the public can comment on the proposed regulations. Interested citizens can also fill out a comment form at one of the upcoming meetings, provide oral testimony, call a special comment line, at 206-205-8090, or send an e-mail to shorelines@kingcounty.gov.

Shoreline Master Program Update public meeting schedule

June 5 - Carnation
Carnation Elementary School
4950 Tolt Ave.

June 6 - Auburn
Green River Community College – Glacier Room, Lindbloom Student Center
12401 SE 320th St.

June 7 - Vashon
McMurray Middle School
9329 SW Cemetery Rd.

Shoreline Master Program Update timeline

June 22 – Public comment period ends on draft program proposals.

Fall 2007 – Revised draft regulations package will be submitted to the public for review and comment.

March 2008 – King County Executive will transmit a proposed Shoreline Master Program Update to the Metropolitan King County Council for review, public hearings and adoption.