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Shoreline Master Program Update
Proposed Shorelines
(click to see full map)
On September 15, 2009, the City of Kent adopted its updated Shoreline Master Program (SMP) with a unanimous City Council vote. The updated SMP has been sent to the State Department of Ecology for final review and approval. Upon final DOE approval, the updated SMP will become effective. DOE and City staff estimate an effective date this December or next January. The adopted SMP and ordinance may be downloaded below, in addition to other supporting documents.
The Shoreline Master Program (SMP) balances development, public access, and protection within 200 feet of certain waterbodies in Kent. State law requires Kent to update its SMP by December 1, 2009. Two consultants were hired to complete the work under a $190,000 grant from the State.
Introduction to the Shoreline Management Act
Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58)
Lake Meridian, the Green River, and a small portion of Big Soos Creek were previously regulated by our SMP. During this update, new data revealed several new shorelines in Kent: Lake Fenwick, the Green River Natural Resources Area (GRNRA), Jenkins Creek (provides drinking water to Kent) and a small segment of Springbrook Creek near Kent's northern city limit. Wetlands located within the Green River floodplain, as well as a floodway area at the south end of the city (the solid area shown on the map above between West Valley Highway and SR 167) will also be regulated by the SMP.
SMP regulations may affect you if you live or own property near one of the shorelines listed above, if you boat or fish there, or if you use trails or parks nearby. Those interested in environmental issues such as wildlife habitat, water quality or vegetation management may also be interested in the SMP update. Even if you don't live on a shoreline, but you live upstream, many of the things you do (i.e. washing your car or caring for your lawn) can affect the water quality of the nearby lake, river or stream.
Past involvement:
- Two public open houses were held on October 2, 2008 and February 9, 2009
- Two public hearings were held on July 27 and August 10, 2009
- Citizens' Advisory Committee reviewed and provided input on every piece of the SMP as it was developed (download meeting minutes below)
- March 20, 2008 Minutes
- April 24, 2008 Minutes
- June 24, 2008 Minutes
- July 31, 2008 Minutes
- September 4, 2008 Minutes
- September 25, 2008 Minutes
- November 5, 2008 Minutes
- January 26, 2009 Minutes
The Shoreline Inventory & Analysis Report provides information about each individual shoreline, such as surrounding land uses, public access opportunities, water quality, and habitat. It provides the scientific basis for the SMP policies and regulations. The maps help to illustrate various pieces of the report.
- Shoreline Inventory & Analysis Report
- Appendix C: Maps
- Errata (dated September 21, 2009)
The Cumulative Impacts Analysis compares the existing condition of Kent's shorelines with anticipated future development and restoration to arrive at "no net loss" of shoreline ecological functions.
- Cumulative Impacts Analysis
- Shoreline Master Program (adopted September 15, 2009)
- Ordinance 3931 (adopted September 15, 2009)
- SEPA Checklist
- SEPA Staff Report
- Determination of Nonsignificance (DNS)
Additional information will be posted on this website as it is developed by Planning Services Staff. For more information about the Shoreline Master Program update, please contact Erin George at (253) 856-5436 or egeorge@ci.kent.wa.us.