New Shoreline Management Program is in effect. |
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Click here for Code and Map
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Purpose
Whatcom County's shorelines are among the most valuable of this state’s natural resources.  Shoreline ecosystems are diverse, dynamic, fragile and sensitive environments. Protection and management of these areas is important to the preservation of ecological functions and values of our natural environment, as well as the protection of the public health, safety and welfare of our community. Unregulated or inappropriate development on or near shorelines can result in impacts that threaten the public welfare and shoreline resources, including: pollution, erosion and sedimentation, habitat loss, flooding, or loss of property.
Background
 The State Legislature passed the Washington State Shoreline Management Act (SMA) in June 1971. The SMA was overwhelmingly passed by public initiative in 1972. Under the SMA, each county and city was required to prepare a shoreline “master program” in accordance with the shoreline guidelines issued by the State Department of Ecology in 1972.
The Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program (SMP), WCC Title 23, is the document that implements the goals and policies of the SMA at the local level. It was adopted in 1976 in accordance with RCW 90.58. The goals and policies of the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program also constitute the shoreline component of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan.
Under the provisions of the SMA, all development within shorelines of the state is required to comply with the provisions of local shoreline master programs. The Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program works with other chapters of the Whatcom County Code to protect and preserve saltwater and freshwater shorelines throughout the county by managing natural resources and directing development and land use suitable for the shoreline environment.
The Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program jurisdiction includes:
- More than 130 miles of marine shoreline
- More than 60 miles of lake shoreline
- More than 220 miles of stream channels
- All wetlands and floodways associated with the above shorelines, together with all upland areas within 200-feet of the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM)
Whatcom County PDS and the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) share joint authority and responsibility of the Whatcom County SMP. Whatcom County PDS is the primary agency responsible for implementation of the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program. The Washington State Department of Ecology is responsible for supervising the administration of the code, ensuring proper implementation, and assuring consistency with the SMA. Because the Whatcom County master program is approved and adopted by the Washington State DOE, it has the authority of state law.
Work Products - You can review reports, drafts of regulatory code, and meeting notes that have been produced through this process. Documents are added to the downloads page as they become available for public review. Technical and Citizens advisory committees: review notes from meetings of the TAC and CAC, or attend an upcoming meeting. Meetings are listed on the Update Process page as they are scheduled. | 
