February 2025 Quarterly Update
This is our second quarterly update on our rulemaking efforts. Ecology has been working steadily on the state rulemaking process to amend Chapters 173-18, -20, -22, -26, and -27 under the Shoreline Management Act since we formally announced rulemaking on May 2, 2024.
Where we've been doing
Following our rulemaking kickoff and public listening sessions in September 2024, we have held five monthly meetings with our local government sounding board. At each meeting, we solicit feedback from the sounding board about one or more rulemaking topics, such as frequently flooded areas, sea level rise, and shoreline permits. These monthly meetings are open to the public and include a short time at the end for public input. Our website has a meeting schedule as well as a link to join the meetings.
We’ve been planning for upcoming opportunities for public engagement. In the meantime, we are accepting input and feedback on the development of the rule language through our online form. We’ve also been putting together a sea level rise webinar series—see more information in the “What’s coming up” section below.
We continue to work on the environmental justice assessment (EJA), which will provide information about the benefits and adverse effects our updated rules could have on overburdened communities and vulnerable populations.
Current status
We are now writing draft language for the updated rules. Existing state shoreline management rules are extensive, and our amendments will revise existing rule language as well as provide new content.
We are amending Chapters 173-26 and 173-27 WAC to:
- Add requirements for local governments to address the impact of sea level rise and increased storm severity on people, property, and shoreline natural resources and the environment.
- Comply with the Shoreline Management Act (Chapter 90.58 RCW) and address issues that we have identified through the review, adoption, and implementation of shoreline master programs (SMPs). These revisions will provide clarity around SMP approval/amendment procedures, and permit and enforcement procedures, respectively. The topics and specific content of these revisions will be identified during the rule development phase through external engagement and internal coordination.
We are also reviewing and updating sections of Chapters 173-18 and -20 WAC so that the lists of streams, rivers, and lakes reflect completed shoreline master program updates and revising Chapter 173-22 WAC to clarify designations of shorelands and wetlands associated with shorelines of the state.
What's coming up
In February and March, we are hosting a public webinar series on sea level rise science, impacts, models and tools, management issues, and examples of adaptation planning. The webinars will be held from noon to 1:00 on February 18 and 24 and March 5, 11, and 18. Please see our flyer for more details on topics and presenters, and for a registration link to each webinar.
In spring 2025, we expect to have an informal draft of our revised rule language ready for public review. We will then hold a 60-day informal comment period. During the informal comment period, we will be holding meetings to discuss the draft language and solicit feedback.
We will continue holding monthly local government sounding board meetings through June.
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