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State
Washington Regulations
Chapter 173-27 WAC Shoreline management permit and enforcement procedures

Last Update: 9/30/96



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173-27-010
Authority.
The provisions of this part implement the requirements of chapter 90.58 RCW, the Shoreline Management Act. Specifically, RCW 90.58.200 authorizes the adoption of rules as necessary to implement the provisions of the act and RCW 90.58.140(3) requires that the department adopt rules for administration and enforcement of the permit system established by the act.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.58.140(3) and [90.58].200. 96-20-075 (Order 95-17), § 173-27-010, filed 9/30/96, effective 10/31/96.]




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173-27-020
Purpose.
RCW 90.58.140(3) requires local governments to establish a program, consistent with rules adopted by the department of ecology, for the administration and enforcement of the permit system for shoreline management. The local program should be integrated with other local government systems for administration and enforcement of land use regulations. It is the intent of these regulations to provide minimum procedural requirements as necessary to comply with statutory requirements while providing latitude for local government to establish procedural systems based on local needs and circumstances. It is also the intent of these regulations to provide for integration of the shoreline permit into a consolidated environmental review and permit process.

This regulation is drafted to also reflect RCW 90.58.050 which provides that the Shoreline Management Act is intended to establish a cooperative program between local government and the state. According to this provision, local government shall have the primary responsibility for initiating the planning required by the act and administering the regulatory program of shoreline management consistent with the policy and provisions of the act, whereas the department shall act primarily in a supportive and review capacity with an emphasis on providing assistance to local government and on insuring compliance with the policies and provisions of the Shoreline Management Act.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.58.140(3) and [90.58].200. 96-20-075 (Order 95-17), § 173-27-020, filed 9/30/96, effective 10/31/96.]




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173-27-030
Definitions.
The following definitions shall apply:

(1) "Act" means chapter 90.58 RCW, the Shoreline Management Act of 1971, as amended;

(2) "Applicable master program" means the master program approved or adopted by the department pursuant to RCW 90.58.090(6) or 90.58.190(4) prior to acceptance of a complete application by local government;

(3) "Average grade level" means the average of the natural or existing topography of the portion of the lot, parcel, or tract of real property which will be directly under the proposed building or structure: In the case of structures to be built over water, average grade level shall be the elevation of the ordinary high water mark. Calculation of the average grade level shall be made by averaging the ground elevations at the midpoint of all exterior walls of the proposed building or structure;

(4) "Conditional use" means a use, development, or substantial development which is classified as a conditional use or is not classified within the applicable master program;

(5) "Department" means the department of ecology;

(6) "Development" means a use consisting of the construction or exterior alteration of structures; dredging; drilling; dumping; filling; removal of any sand, gravel, or minerals; bulkheading; driving of piling; placing of obstructions; or any project of a permanent or temporary nature which interferes with the normal public use of the surface of the waters overlying lands subject to the act at any stage of water level;

(7) "Exempt" developments are those set forth in WAC 173-27-040 and RCW 90.58.030 (3)(e), 90.58.140(9), 90.58.147,90.58.355 , and 90.58.515 which are not required to obtain a substantial development permit but which must otherwise comply with applicable provisions of the act and the local master program;

(8) "Fair market value" of a development is the open market bid price for conducting the work, using the equipment and facilities, and purchase of the goods, services and materials necessary to accomplish the development. This would normally equate to the cost of hiring a contractor to undertake the development from start to finish, including the cost of labor, materials, equipment and facility usage, transportation and contractor overhead and profit. The fair market value of the development shall include the fair market value of any donated, contributed or found labor, equipment or materials;

(9) "Height" is measured from average grade level to the highest point of a structure: Provided, That television antennas, chimneys, and similar appurtenances shall not be used in calculating height, except where such appurtenances obstruct the view of the shoreline of a substantial number of residences on areas adjoining such shorelines, or the applicable master program specifically requires that such appurtenances be included: Provided further, That temporary construction equipment is excluded in this calculation;

(10) "Local government" means any county, incorporated city, or town which contains within its boundaries any lands or waters subject to chapter 90.58 RCW;

(11) "Natural or existing topography" means the topography of the lot, parcel, or tract of real property immediately prior to any site preparation or grading, including excavation or filling;

(12) "Party of record" includes all persons, agencies or organizations who have submitted written comments in response to a notice of application; made oral comments in a formal public hearing conducted on the application; or notified local government of their desire to receive a copy of the final decision on a permit and who have provided an address for delivery of such notice by mail;

(13) "Permit" means any substantial development, variance, conditional use permit, or revision authorized under chapter 90.58 RCW;

(14) "Public interest" means the interest shared by the citizens of the state or community at large in the affairs of government, or some interest by which their rights or liabilities are affected including, but not limited to, an effect on public property or on health, safety, or general welfare resulting from a use or development;

(15) "Structure" means a permanent or temporary edifice or building, or any piece of work artificially built or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner, whether installed on, above, or below the surface of the ground or water, except for vessels;

(16) "Transmit" means to send from one person or place to another by mail or hand delivery. The date of transmittal for mailed items is the date that the document is certified for mailing or, for hand-delivered items, is the date of receipt at the destination;

(17) "Variance" is a means to grant relief from the specific bulk, dimensional or performance standards set forth in the applicable master program and not a means to vary a use of a shoreline;

(18) "Vessel" includes ships, boats, barges, or any other floating craft which are designed and used for navigation and do not interfere with the normal public use of the water;

(19) The definitions and concepts set forth in RCW 90.58.030, and chapters 173-25 and 173-26 WAC also apply as used in this chapter.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.58.140(3) and [90.58].200. 96-20-075 (Order 95-17), § 173-27-030, filed 9/30/96, effective 10/31/96.]




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173-27-040
Developments exempt from substantial development permit requirement.
(1) Application and interpretation of exemptions.

(a) Exemptions shall be construed narrowly. Only those developments that meet the precise terms of one or more of the listed exemptions may be granted exemption from the substantial development permit process.

(b) An exemption from the substantial development permit process is not an exemption from compliance with the act or the local master program, nor from any other regulatory requirements. To be authorized, all uses and developments must be consistent with the policies and provisions of the applicable master program and the Shoreline Management Act. A development or use that is listed as a conditional use pursuant to the local master program or is an unlisted use, must obtain a conditional use permit even though the development or use does not require a substantial development permit. When a development or use is proposed that does not comply with the bulk, dimensional and performance standards of the master program, such development or use can only be authorized by approval of a variance.

(c) The burden of proof that a development or use is exempt from the permit process is on the applicant.

(d) If any part of a proposed development is not eligible for exemption, then a substantial development permit is required for the entire proposed development project.

(e) Local government may attach conditions to the approval of exempted developments and/or uses as necessary to assure consistency of the project with the act and the local master program.

(2) The following developments shall not require substantial development permits:

(a) Any development of which the total cost or fair market value, whichever is higher, does not exceed two thousand five hundred dollars, if such development does not materially interfere with the normal public use of the water or shorelines of the state. For purposes of determining whether or not a permit is required, the total cost or fair market value shall be based on the value of development that is occurring on shorelines of the state as defined in RCW 90.58.030 (2)(c). The total cost or fair market value of the development shall include the fair market value of any donated, contributed or found labor, equipment or materials;

(b) Normal maintenance or repair of existing structures or developments, including damage by accident, fire or elements. "Normal maintenance" includes those usual acts to prevent a decline, lapse, or cessation from a lawfully established condition. "Normal repair" means to restore a development to a state comparable to its original condition, including but not limited to its size, shape, configuration, location and external appearance, within a reasonable period after decay or partial destruction, except where repair causes substantial adverse effects to shoreline resource or environment. Replacement of a structure or development may be authorized as repair where such replacement is the common method of repair for the type of structure or development and the replacement structure or development is comparable to the original structure or development including but not limited to its size, shape, configuration, location and external appearance and the replacement does not cause substantial adverse effects to shoreline resources or environment;

(c) Construction of the normal protective bulkhead common to single-family residences. A "normal protective" bulkhead includes those structural and nonstructural developments installed at or near, and parallel to, the ordinary high water mark for the sole purpose of protecting an existing single-family residence and appurtenant structures from loss or damage by erosion. A normal protective bulkhead is not exempt if constructed for the purpose of creating dry land. When a vertical or near vertical wall is being constructed or reconstructed, not more than one cubic yard of fill per one foot of wall may be used as backfill. When an existing bulkhead is being repaired by construction of a vertical wall fronting the existing wall, it shall be constructed no further waterward of the existing bulkhead than is necessary for construction of new footings. When a bulkhead has deteriorated such that an ordinary high water mark has been established by the presence and action of water landward of the bulkhead then the replacement bulkhead must be located at or near the actual ordinary high water mark. Beach nourishment and bioengineered erosion control projects may be considered a normal protective bulkhead when any structural elements are consistent with the above requirements and when the project has been approved by the department of fish and wildlife.

(d) Emergency construction necessary to protect property from damage by the elements. An "emergency" is an unanticipated and imminent threat to public health, safety, or the environment which requires immediate action within a time too short to allow full compliance with this chapter. Emergency construction does not include development of new permanent protective structures where none previously existed. Where new protective structures are deemed by the administrator to be the appropriate means to address the emergency situation, upon abatement of the emergency situation the new structure shall be removed or any permit which would have been required, absent an emergency, pursuant to chapter 90.58 RCW, these regulations, or the local master program, obtained. All emergency construction shall be consistent with the policies of chapter 90.58 RCW and the local master program. As a general matter, flooding or other seasonal events that can be anticipated and may occur but that are not imminent are not an emergency;

(e) Construction and practices normal or necessary for farming, irrigation, and ranching activities, including agricultural service roads and utilities on shorelands, construction of a barn or similar agricultural structure, and the construction and maintenance of irrigation structures including but not limited to head gates, pumping facilities, and irrigation channels: Provided, That a feedlot of any size, all processing plants, other activities of a commercial nature, alteration of the contour of the shorelands by leveling or filling other than that which results from normal cultivation, shall not be considered normal or necessary farming or ranching activities. A feedlot shall be an enclosure or facility used or capable of being used for feeding livestock hay, grain, silage, or other livestock feed, but shall not include land for growing crops or vegetation for livestock feeding and/or grazing, nor shall it include normal livestock wintering operations;

(f) Construction or modification, by or under the authority of the Coast Guard or a designated port management authority, of navigational aids such as channel markers and anchor buoys;

(g) Construction on shorelands by an owner, lessee or contract purchaser of a single-family residence for their own use or for the use of their family, which residence does not exceed a height of thirty-five feet above average grade level and which meets all requirements of the state agency or local government having jurisdiction thereof. "Single-family residence" means a detached dwelling designed for and occupied by one family including those structures and developments within a contiguous ownership which are a normal appurtenance. An "appurtenance" is necessarily connected to the use and enjoyment of a single-family residence and is located landward of the ordinary high water mark and the perimeter of a wetland. On a statewide basis, normal appurtenances include a garage; deck; driveway; utilities; fences; installation of a septic tank and drainfield and grading which does not exceed two hundred fifty cubic yards and which does not involve placement of fill in any wetland or waterward of the ordinary high water mark. Local circumstances may dictate additional interpretations of normal appurtenances which shall be set forth and regulated within the applicable master program. Construction authorized under this exemption shall be located landward of the ordinary high water mark;

(h) Construction of a dock, including a community dock, designed for pleasure craft only, for the private noncommercial use of the owners, lessee, or contract purchaser of a single-family and multiple-family residences. A dock is a landing and moorage facility for watercraft and does not include recreational decks, storage facilities or other appurtenances. This exception applies if either:

(i) In salt waters, the fair market value of the dock does not exceed two thousand five hundred dollars; or

(ii) In fresh waters the fair market value of the dock does not exceed ten thousand dollars, but if subsequent construction having a fair market value exceeding two thousand five hundred dollars occurs within five years of completion of the prior construction, the subsequent construction shall be considered a substantial development for the purpose of this chapter.

For purposes of this section salt water shall include the tidally influenced marine and estuarine water areas of the state including the Pacific Ocean, Strait of Juan de Fuca, Strait of Georgia and Puget Sound and all bays and inlets associated with any of the above;

(i) Operation, maintenance, or construction of canals, waterways, drains, reservoirs, or other facilities that now exist or are hereafter created or developed as a part of an irrigation system for the primary purpose of making use of system waters, including return flow and artificially stored ground water from the irrigation of lands;

(j) The marking of property lines or corners on state-owned lands, when such marking does not significantly interfere with normal public use of the surface of the water;

(k) Operation and maintenance of any system of dikes, ditches, drains, or other facilities existing on June 4, 1975, which were created, developed or utilized primarily as a part of an agricultural drainage or diking system;

(l) Any project with a certification from the governor pursuant to chapter 80.50 RCW;

(m) Site exploration and investigation activities that are prerequisite to preparation of an application for development authorization under this chapter, if:

(i) The activity does not interfere with the normal public use of the surface waters;

(ii) The activity will have no significant adverse impact on the environment including but not limited to fish, wildlife, fish or wildlife habitat, water quality, and aesthetic values;

(iii) The activity does not involve the installation of any structure, and upon completion of the activity the vegetation and land configuration of the site are restored to conditions existing before the activity;

(iv) A private entity seeking development authorization under this section first posts a performance bond or provides other evidence of financial responsibility to the local jurisdiction to ensure that the site is restored to preexisting conditions; and

(v) The activity is not subject to the permit requirements of RCW 90.58.550;

(n) The process of removing or controlling aquatic noxious weeds, as defined in RCW 17.26.020, through the use of an herbicide or other treatment methods applicable to weed control that are recommended by a final environmental impact statement published by the department of agriculture or the department of ecology jointly with other state agencies under chapter 43.21C RCW;

(o) Watershed restoration projects as defined herein. Local government shall review the projects for consistency with the shoreline master program in an expeditious manner and shall issue its decision along with any conditions within forty-five days of receiving all materials necessary to review the request for exemption from the applicant. No fee may be charged for accepting and processing requests for exemption for watershed restoration projects as used in this section.

(i) "Watershed restoration project" means a public or private project authorized by the sponsor of a watershed restoration plan that implements the plan or a part of the plan and consists of one or more of the following activities:

(A) A project that involves less than ten miles of streamreach, in which less than twenty-five cubic yards of sand, gravel, or soil is removed, imported, disturbed or discharged, and in which no existing vegetation is removed except as minimally necessary to facilitate additional plantings;

(B) A project for the restoration of an eroded or unstable stream bank that employs the principles of bioengineering, including limited use of rock as a stabilization only at the toe of the bank, and with primary emphasis on using native vegetation to control the erosive forces of flowing water; or

(C) A project primarily designed to improve fish and wildlife habitat, remove or reduce impediments to migration of fish, or enhance the fishery resource available for use by all of the citizens of the state, provided that any structure, other than a bridge or culvert or instream habitat enhancement structure associated with the project, is less than two hundred square feet in floor area and is located above the ordinary high water mark of the stream.

(ii) "Watershed restoration plan" means a plan, developed or sponsored by the department of fish and wildlife, the department of ecology, the department of natural resources, the department of transportation, a federally recognized Indian tribe acting within and pursuant to its authority, a city, a county, or a conservation district that provides a general program and implementation measures or actions for the preservation, restoration, re-creation, or enhancement of the natural resources, character, and ecology of a stream, stream segment, drainage area, or watershed for which agency and public review has been conducted pursuant to chapter 43.21C RCW, the State Environmental Policy Act;

(p) A public or private project, the primary purpose of which is to improve fish or wildlife habitat or fish passage, when all of the following apply:

(i) The project has been approved in writing by the department of fish and wildlife as necessary for the improvement of the habitat or passage and appropriately designed and sited to accomplish the intended purpose;

(ii) The project has received hydraulic project approval by the department of fish and wildlife pursuant to chapter 75.20 RCW; and

(iii) The local government has determined that the project is consistent with the local shoreline master program. The local government shall make such determination in a timely manner and provide it by letter to the project proponent.

(3) Hazardous substance remedial actions. The procedural requirements of chapter 90.58 RCW shall not apply to a project for which a consent decree, order or agreed order has been issued pursuant to chapter 70.105D RCW or to the department of ecology when it conducts a remedial action under chapter 70.105D RCW. The department shall, in consultation with the appropriate local government, assure that such projects comply with the substantive requirements of chapter 90.58 RCW, chapter 173-26 WAC and the local master program.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.58.140(3) and [90.58].200. 96-20-075 (Order 95-17), § 173-27-040, filed 9/30/96, effective 10/31/96.]




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173-27-050
Letter of exemption.
Some projects conducted on shorelines of the state also require review and approval by federal agencies. Ecology is designated as the coordinating agency for the state with regard to permits issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The following is intended to facilitate ecology's coordination of local actions, with regard to exempt development, with federal permit review.

(1) The local government shall prepare a letter of exemption, addressed to the applicant and the department, whenever a development is determined by a local government to be exempt from the substantial development permit requirements and the development is subject to one or more of the following federal permit requirements:

(a) A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers section 10 permit under the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899; (The provisions of section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act generally apply to any project occurring on or over navigable waters. Specific applicability information should be obtained from the Corps of Engineers.) or

(b) A section 404 permit under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972. (The provisions of section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act generally apply to any project which may involve discharge of dredge or fill material to any water or wetland area. Specific applicability information should be obtained from the Corps of Engineers.)

(2) The letter shall indicate the specific exemption provision from WAC 173-27-040 that is being applied to the development and provide a summary of the local government's analysis of the consistency of the project with the master program and the act.

(3) Local government may specify other developments not described within subsection (1) of this section as requiring a letter of exemption prior to commencement of the development.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.58.140(3) and [90.58].200. 96-20-075 (Order 95-17), § 173-27-050, filed 9/30/96, effective 10/31/96.]




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173-27-060
Applicability of chapter 90.58 RCW to federal lands and agencies.
The policies and provisions of chapter 90.58 RCW including the permit system shall be applied in the following manner to federal agencies on lands meeting the criteria of the Shoreline Management Act for shorelines of the state.

(1) Within the coastal counties.

Direct federal agency actions and projects shall be consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the approved Washington state coastal zone management program subject to certain limitations set forth in the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq. (CZMA) and regulations adopted pursuant thereto. Other applicable federal law governing the federal agency actions may determine whether the permit system of chapter 90.58 RCW is applicable.

The Shoreline Management Act is incorporated into the Washington state coastal zone management plan and, thereby, those direct federal actions occurring on lands subject to the act must be consistent to the maximum practicable extent with the act, regulations adopted pursuant to the act and with the local master program. Local government is in the best position to determine the appropriate procedure for review of federal development activities at the local level while the state must take action on federal consistency determinations submitted to it.

(a) When the department receives a consistency determination for a development proposed by the federal government on land subject to the act, it shall request that local government review the proposal and respond in writing that the local government:

(i) Cannot make a determination of the consistency of the project with the master program without reviewing the project in the regular permit process; or

(ii) Has reviewed the project for consistency with the local master program without using the permit system. Local government may recommend that the project be approved, approved only under certain specified conditions or denied.

(iii) Defers review of the project to the state.

(b) Upon receipt of a response from local government that a permit is required to make a determination, the department shall inform the requesting agency of the local government finding and shall indicate that concurrence with the consistency determination cannot be granted until a permit is issued. If the local government chooses to review and make a recommendation without using the permit system it shall so notify the department and submit its recommendation to the department within thirty days unless a longer period of time is agreed to by the federal agency and the department. If no response is received from local government within thirty days they shall be deemed to have deferred review of the project.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to preclude independent review of the project by the state pursuant to any appropriate authority consistent with the approved coastal zone management plan.

(d) The coastal counties, as established in Washington's approved coastal zone management plan, consist of the following counties: Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, Island, Snohomish, King, Pierce, Thurston, Mason, Kitsap, Jefferson, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Pacific and Wahkiakum.

(2) Outside of the coastal counties.

(a) Direct federal agency actions that are reasonably likely to affect any coastal use or resource shall be consistent with the approved coastal zone management plan to the maximum extent practicable subject to limitations set forth in the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.(CZMA) and regulations adopted pursuant thereto. Other applicable federal law governing the federal agency actions may determine whether the permit system of chapter 90.58 RCW is applicable.

(b) Except as provided in (a) of this subsection, federal agencies shall not be required to obtain permits for developments undertaken by the federal government on lands owned in fee by the federal government or on easements obtained by the federal government for a specified purpose where the proposed development is consistent with the specified purpose, unless under either circumstance the federal government grants or reserves to the state or local government substantial jurisdiction over activities on those lands.

(c) Except as provided in (a) of this subsection, the permit system shall apply to developments undertaken on lands not federally owned but under lease, license, or other similar federal property rights short of fee ownership, to the federal government.

(3) The policies and provisions of chapter 90.58 RCW, including the permit system, shall apply statewide to all nonfederal developments and uses undertaken on federal lands and on lands subject to nonfederal ownership, lease or easement, even though such lands may fall within the external boundaries of a federal ownership.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.58.140(3) and [90.58].200. 96-20-075 (Order 95-17), § 173-27-060, filed 9/30/96, effective 10/31/96.]




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173-27-070
Application of the permit system to substantial development undertaken prior to the effective date of the act.
(1) Substantial development undertaken on the shorelines of the state prior to the effective date of the act shall not require a permit except under the following circumstances:

(a) When the activity was unlawful prior to the effective date of the act.

(b) When there has been an unreasonable period of dormancy in the project between its inception and the effective date of the act.

(c) When the development is not completed within two years after the effective date of the act.

(d) When substantial development occurred prior to the effective date of the act on a shoreline and continued on to a different lake, river or tributary after the effective date, a permit shall be required for the development undertaken after the effective date.

(e) Substantial development undertaken prior to the effective date of the act shall not continue without a permit into other phases that were not part of the plan being followed at the time construction commenced.

(2) When a change in the area subject to the jurisdiction of the act occurs as a result of a determination of jurisdiction by the department based on the provisions of RCW 90.58.030 (2)(d) or (e), the effective date of the act shall be the date the department provides written notice of the change to the local government(s) in which the affected area is located.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.58.140(3) and [90.58].200. 96-20-075 (Order 95-17), § 173-27-070, filed 9/30/96, effective 10/31/96.]




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173-27-080
Nonconforming use and development standards.
When nonconforming use and development standards do not exist in the applicable master program, the following definitions and standards shall apply:

(1) "Nonconforming use or development" means a shoreline use or development which was lawfully constructed or established prior to the effective date of the act or the applicable master program, or amendments thereto, but which does not conform to present regulations or standards of the program.

(2) Structures that were legally established and are used for a conforming use but which are nonconforming with regard to setbacks, buffers or yards; area; bulk; height or density may be maintained and repaired and may be enlarged or expanded provided that said enlargement does not increase the extent of nonconformity by further encroaching upon or extending into areas where construction or use would not be allowed for new development or uses.

(3) Uses and developments that were legally established and are nonconforming with regard to the use regulations of the master program may continue as legal nonconforming uses. Such uses shall not be enlarged or expanded, except that nonconforming single-family residences that are located landward of the ordinary high water mark may be enlarged or expanded in conformance with applicable bulk and dimensional standards by the addition of space to the main structure or by the addition of normal appurtenances as defined in WAC 173-27-040 (2)(g) upon approval of a conditional use permit.

(4) A use which is listed as a conditional use but which existed prior to adoption of the master program or any relevant amendment and for which a conditional use permit has not been obtained shall be considered a nonconforming use. A use which is listed as a conditional use but which existed prior to the applicability of the master program to the site and for which a conditional use permit has not been obtained shall be considered a nonconforming use.

(5) A structure for which a variance has been issued shall be considered a legal nonconforming structure and the requirements of this section shall apply as they apply to preexisting nonconformities.

(6) A structure which is being or has been used for a nonconforming use may be used for a different nonconforming use only upon the approval of a conditional use permit. A conditional use permit may be approved only upon a finding that:

(a) No reasonable alternative conforming use is practical; and

(b) The proposed use will be at least as consistent with the policies and provisions of the act and the master program and as compatible with the uses in the area as the preexisting use.

In addition such conditions may be attached to the permit as are deemed necessary to assure compliance with the above findings, the requirements of the master program and the Shoreline Management Act and to assure that the use will not become a nuisance or a hazard.

(7) A nonconforming structure which is moved any distance must be brought into conformance with the applicable master program and the act.

(8) If a nonconforming development is damaged to an extent not exceeding seventy-five percent of the replacement cost of the original development, it may be reconstructed to those configurations existing immediately prior to the time the development was damaged, provided that application is made for the permits necessary to restore the development within six months of the date the damage occurred, all permits are obtained and the restoration is completed within two years of permit issuance.

(9) If a nonconforming use is discontinued for twelve consecutive months or for twelve months during any two-year period, the nonconforming rights shall expire and any subsequent use shall be conforming. A use authorized pursuant to subsection (6) of this section shall be considered a conforming use for purposes of this section.

(10) An undeveloped lot, tract, parcel, site, or division of land located landward of the ordinary high water mark which was established in accordance with local and state subdivision requirements prior to the effective date of the act or the applicable master program but which does not conform to the present lot size standards may be developed if permitted by other land use regulations of the local government and so long as such development conforms to all other requirements of the applicable master program and the act.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.58.140(3) and [90.58].200. 96-20-075 (Order 95-17), § 173-27-080, filed 9/30/96, effective 10/31/96.]




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173-27-090
Time requirements of permit.
The following time requirements shall apply to all substantial development permits and to any development authorized pursuant to a variance or conditional use permit.

(1) Upon a finding of good cause, based on the requirements and circumstances of the project proposed and consistent with the policy and provisions of the master program and the act, local government may adopt appropriate time limits as a part of action on a substantial development permit and local government, with the approval of the department, may adopt appropriate time limits as a part of action on a conditional use or variance permit: "Good cause based on the requirements and circumstances of the project," shall mean that the time limits established are reasonably related to the time actually necessary to perform the development on the ground and complete the project that is being permitted, and/or are necessary for the protection of shoreline resources.

(2) Where neither local government nor the department include specific provisions establishing time limits on a permit as a part of action on the permit, the following time limits shall apply:

(a) Construction shall be commenced or, where no construction is involved, the use or activity shall be commenced within two years of the effective date of a shoreline permit. Provided, that local government may authorize a single extension for a period not to exceed one year based on reasonable factors, if a request for extension has been filed before the expiration date and notice of the proposed extension is given to parties of record and the department.

(b) Authorization to conduct development activities shall terminate five years after the effective date of a shoreline permit. Provided, that local government may authorize a single extension for a period not to exceed one year based on reasonable factors, if a request for extension has been filed before the expiration date and notice of the proposed extension is given to parties of record and the department.

(3) The effective date of a shoreline permit shall be the date of the last action required on the shoreline permit and all other government permits and approvals that authorize the development to proceed, including all administrative and legal actions on any such permit or approval. It is the responsibility of the applicant to inform the local government of the pendency of other permit applications filed with agencies other than the local government and of any related administrative and legal actions on any permit or approval. If no notice of the pendency of other permits or approvals is given to the local government prior to the date established by the shoreline permit or the provisions of this section, the expiration of a permit shall be based on the shoreline permit.

(4) When permit approval is based on conditions, such conditions shall be satisfied prior to occupancy or use of a structure or prior to commencement of a nonstructural activity: Provided, That an alternative compliance limit may be specified in the permit.

(5) Revisions to permits under WAC 173-27-100 may be authorized after original permit authorization has expired under subsection (2) of this section: Provided, That this procedure shall not be used to extend the original permit time requirements or to authorize substantial development after the time limits of the original permit.

(6) Local government shall notify the department in writing of any change to the effective date of a permit, as authorized by this section, with an explanation of the basis for approval of the change. Any change to the time limits of a permit other than those authorized by this section shall require a new permit application.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.58.140(3) and [90.58].200. 96-20-075 (Order 95-17), § 173-27-090, filed 9/30/96, effective 10/31/96.]




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173-27-100
Revisions to permits.
A permit revision is required whenever the applicant proposes substantive changes to the design, terms or conditions of a project from that which is approved in the permit. Changes are substantive if they materially alter the project in a manner that relates to its conformance to the terms and conditions of the permit, the master program and/or the policies and provisions of chapter 90.58 RCW. Changes which are not substantive in effect do not require approval of a revision.

When an applicant seeks to revise a permit, local government shall request from the applicant detailed plans and text describing the proposed changes.

(1) If local government determines that the proposed changes are within the scope and intent of the original permit, and are consistent with the applicable master program and the act, local government may approve a revision.

(2) "Within the scope and intent of the original permit" means all of the following:

(a) No additional over water construction is involved except that pier, dock, or float construction may be increased by five hundred square feet or ten percent from the provisions of the original permit, whichever is less;

(b) Ground area coverage and height may be increased a maximum of ten percent from the provisions of the original permit;

(c) The revised permit does not authorize development to exceed height, lot coverage, setback, or any other requirements of the applicable master program except as authorized under a variance granted as the original permit or a part thereof;

(d) Additional or revised landscaping is consistent with any conditions attached to the original permit and with the applicable master program;

(e) The use authorized pursuant to the original permit is not changed; and

(f) No adverse environmental impact will be caused by the project revision.

(3) Revisions to permits may be authorized after original permit authorization has expired under WAC 173-27-080(2). The purpose of such revisions shall be limited to authorization of changes which are consistent with this section and which would not require a permit for the development or change proposed under the terms of chapter 90.58 RCW, this regulation and the local master program. If the proposed change constitutes substantial development then a new permit is required. Provided, this subsection shall not be used to extend the time requirements or to authorize substantial development beyond the time limits of the original permit.

(4) If the sum of the revision and any previously approved revisions under former WAC 173-14-064 or this section violate the provisions in subsection (2) of this section, local government shall require that the applicant apply for a new permit.

(5) The revision approval, including the revised site plans and text consistent with the provisions of WAC 173-27-180 as necessary to clearly indicate the authorized changes, and the final ruling on consistency with this section shall be filed with the department. In addition, local government shall notify parties of record of their action.

(6) If the revision to the original permit involves a conditional use or variance, local government shall submit the revision to the department for the department's approval, approval with conditions, or denial, and shall indicate that the revision is being submitted under the requirements of this subsection. The department shall render and transmit to local government and the applicant its final decision within fifteen days of the date of the department's receipt of the submittal from local government. Local government shall notify parties of record of the department's final decision.

(7) The revised permit is effective immediately upon final decision by local government or, when appropriate under subsection (6) of this section, upon final action by the department.

(8) Appeals shall be in accordance with RCW 90.58.180 and shall be filed within twenty-one days from the date of receipt of the local government's action by the department or, when appropriate under subsection (6) of this section, the date the department's final decision is transmitted to local government and the applicant. Appeals shall be based only upon contentions of noncompliance with the provisions of subsection (2) of this section. Construction undertaken pursuant to that portion of a revised permit not authorized under the original permit is at the applicant's own risk until the expiration of the appeals deadline. If an appeal is successful in proving that a revision is not within the scope and intent of the original permit, the decision shall have no bearing on the original permit.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.58.140(3) and [90.58].200. 96-20-075 (Order 95-17), § 173-27-100, filed 9/30/96, effective 10/31/96.]




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173-27-110
Notice required.
(1) Local government shall develop and adopt a system which provides for notification of the public, the department and other agencies with jurisdiction of applications for a shoreline management substantial development, conditional use, or variance permit. Notification pursuant to this section may be carried out as a part of an integrated local permit notification procedure.

(2) The system shall assure that notice of application shall be provided within fourteen days after the determination of completeness as provided in RCW 36.70B.070 and WAC 173-27-180, and include the following in whatever sequence or format the local government deems appropriate:

(a) The date of application, the date of the notice of completion for the application, and the date of the notice of application;

(b) A description of the proposed project action and a list of the project permits included in the application and, if applicable, a list of any studies requested under RCW 36.70B.070, 36.70B.090 and WAC 173-27-180;

(c) The identification of other permits not included in the application to the extent known by the local government;

(d) The identification of existing environmental documents that evaluate the proposed project, and, if not otherwise stated on the document providing the notice of application, such as a city land use bulletin, the location where the application and any studies can be reviewed;

(e) A statement of the public comment period, which shall be not less than thirty days following the date of notice of application, and statements of the right of any person to comment on the application, receive notice of and participate in any hearings, request a copy of the decision once made, and any appeal rights. A local government may accept public comments at any time prior to the closing of the record of an open record predecision hearing, if any, or, if no open record predecision hearing is provided, prior to the decision on the project permit;

(f) The date, time, place, and type of hearing, if applicable and scheduled at the date of notice of the application;

(g) A statement of the preliminary determination, if one has been made at the time of notice, of those development regulations that will be used for project mitigation and of consistency; and

(h) Any other information determined appropriate by the local government.

(3) If an open record predecision hearing, as defined in RCW 36.70B.020, is required for the requested project permits, the notice of application shall be provided at least fifteen days prior to the open record hearing.

(4) The notification system shall assure that notice to the general public and property owners in the vicinity of such application is given by at least one of the following methods:

(a) Mailing of the notice to the latest recorded real property owners as shown by the records of the county assessor within at least three hundred feet of the boundary of the property upon which the development is proposed;

(b) Posting of the notice in a conspicuous manner on the property upon which the project is to be undertaken; or

(c) Any other manner deemed appropriate by local authorities to accomplish the objectives of reasonable notice to adjacent landowners and the public.

(5) The notification system shall provide for timely notification of individuals and organizations that request such notice in writing.

(6) The notification system shall provide notice to all agencies with jurisdiction per chapter 43.21C RCW and to all other agencies that request in writing any such notice. (continued)