Final Draft SHORELINE ARMORING MODEL CODE

Shoreline armoring (revetments and bulkheads)

A.Applicability. The Shoreline Management Act exempts from the substantial development permit (SSDP) process the construction or repair of a normal, protective bulkhead when it is necessary to protect an existing single-family residence. Even when exempt, however, these structures must comply with all applicable Shoreline Master Program regulations. A statement of exemption for an individual, single-family residence must be obtained from the city before commencing construction of any bulkhead.

B. Shoreline Erosion Control Measures. New or replacement shoreline erosion control measures shall be subject to the following standards:

1. The applicant shallsubmit a habitat assessment report from a qualified professionaldemonstrating the following:

a)Natural shoreline processes will be maintained. The project will not result in increased beach erosion or alterations to, or loss of, shoreline substrate within 1/4 mile either direction of the site.

b)The shoreline erosion control measure(s) will not adversely impact critical fish or wildlife habitat areas or associated wetlands.

c) Adequate mitigation measures, as set forth in Section XXX.XX.XXX, that at

a minimum maintain existing natural shoreline processes and critical fish and

wildlife habitat and associated wetlands addressed in subsections B1(1) and (2)

of this section, are provided that ensure no net loss of intertidal or riparian

habitat or function occurs as a result of the proposed shoreline erosion control

measure.

c)Adequate mitigation measures, as set forth in Section XXX.XX.XXX, are provided that ensure no net loss of intertidal or riparian habitat or function occurs as a result of the proposed shoreline erosion control measure.

d)No alteration of intertidal migration corridors occurs as a result of the proposed shoreline erosion control measure.

2. The proposed shoreline erosion protection measure shall not cause a significant adverse impact on critical fish and wildlife species and their associated habitat (i.e., eliminate or reduce sediment supply from feeder bluffs).

3. The use of soft armoring techniques (soil bioengineering erosion control measures as identified in the State Department of Ecology and the Department of Fish and Wildlife guidance) is the preferred shoreline protection method.

4. A geological assessment-shoreline erosion geotechnical report1prepared by a qualified professional has been submitted in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section XXX.XXX.XXXX. The reportshall state that the shoreline is currently experiencing active erosion (i.e., land retreat or regression).

5. The proposed shoreline erosion protection measure stall not cause a significant adverse impact on adjacent properties (i.e., increase erosion on adjacent properties).

6. Hard armoring shoreline erosion control measures may be approved only when a geological assessment-shoreline erosion geotechnical report has been completed and concludesthe following:

(a) The use of beach nourishment alone or in combination with soft armoring techniques is not adequate to protect the property from shoreline erosion processes; and

(b) The property contains an existing structure(s) that will be threatened within the next 10 years.

7. Hard armoring shoreline protection measures shall not be allowed to protect proposed structures when it is determined that the proposed structures can be located beyond the 120-year regression area.

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1Each local jurisdiction should reference its own geotechnical report requirements.

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4/23/2019