Public gets two extra weeks to review, comment on King County's proposed shoreline management rules

July 6 deadline to submit comments on proposed shoreline master program

Interested citizens have two extra weeks to review and comment on proposed policies and regulations that protect unincorporated King County shorelines and manage development in those sensitive areas.

The update of King County's shoreline master program is required by the state Shoreline Management Act. Draft policies and regulations were developed with public input over the past year. The new deadline is July 6 and was set following a series of public meetings on the draft program earlier this month.

Comments on the draft policies and regulations can be provided by e-mail, at shorelines@kingcounty.gov; by calling a comment line, at 206-205-8090, or by filling out an online comment form on the Shoreline Master Program Web page, http://www.metrokc.gov/shorelines/. The page also includes new fact sheets and an updated "Frequently Asked Questions" section.

King County's shoreline master 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 policies and rules.

The Shoreline Master Program's goals are set by state law and include protecting natural resources, increasing public access to shorelines and encouraging water-dependent businesses such as marinas along waterfronts. King County's program applies only to unincorporated areas.

Shoreline Master Program Update timeline

July 6 - Public comment period ends on draft program proposals.

Fall 2007 - Revised draft policies and regulations will be released 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.