What is a Shoreline Master Program?

An SMP is a set of policies and regulations required by state law that has three basic principles:

1. Protect the environmental resources of state shorelines
2. Promote public access and enjoyment opportunities
3. Give priority to uses that require a shoreline location

An SMP must:

• Protect critical areas
• Ensure No Net Loss of ecological functions
• Encourage preferred uses

Where does an SMP apply?

• Applies to “Shorelines of the State,” which are waterbodies that meet certain criteria
  • Marine shorelines
  • Lakes equal to or greater than 20 acres
  • Watercourses with a mean annual flow greater than 20 cubic feet per second
• Lands 200 feet landward of the ordinary high water mark
• Also includes shoreline-associated wetlands and lands within the floodway or contiguous floodplain up to 200 feet from the floodway See the following Shoreline Environment Designation Map for additional info.

Where can I submit a question?

SMP questions can be emailed to the County at planning@masoncountywa.gov