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Shorelines of the State are the total of all shorelines, shorelands, and Shorelines of Statewide Significance within the State as defined in the Shoreline Management Act (Act), Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 90.58. To effectively manage shoreline resources, the County has employed a shoreline classification system that categorizes the shorelines into shoreline environments. These environments are the mechanism for applying appropriate land use policies and regulations to different shoreline areas. This environment classification system is consistent with the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-26-211 guidelines, which state that the classification system shall be based on the existing land use patterns, the biological and physical character of the shoreline, and the goals and aspirations of the community as expressed through comprehensive plans and the criteria in this Chapter.

The environment classification system, together with other County land use regulations, helps to ensure that shoreline development is designed and located to minimize conflicts between the proposed use and stated policies of the applicable shoreline environment. This system encourages development that enhances the character of the environment while placing reasonable standards and restrictions on development that might adversely affect the positive attributes of the environment.

A map depicting the Shoreline Environment Designations (SEDs) can be found in Chapter 18S.70 PCC – Appendix F. Details for interpreting the maps to determine boundaries between different designations can be found in PCC 18S.10.050 H., Maps. The designation boundaries are drawn to coincide with tax parcel boundaries where applicable. The designation boundaries extend above and below the earth's surface on a vertical plane.

(Ord. 2013-45s4 § 7 (part), 2015)