USA: Ecology Invites Public Input on Sumner’s Updated Master Program

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is seeking public comment on Sumner’s proposed updated shoreline master program.

The proposed updated shoreline master program will guide construction and development along Sumner’s eight miles of shorelines including on the White and Puyallup rivers. It combines local plans for future development and preservation with new development ordinances and related permitting requirements.

Sumner’s locally tailored shoreline program is designed to help minimize environmental damage to shoreline areas, reserve appropriate areas for water-oriented uses, and protect the public’s right to public lands and waters.

Under Washington’s 1972 voter-approved Shoreline Management Act, Ecology must review and approve City’s proposed shoreline program before it takes effect. About 200 cities and counties statewide are in the process or soon will be updating or crafting their master programs.

Ecology will accept public comment on city’s proposed shoreline program through Feb. 18, 2013.

Sumner’s proposed updated master program:

–Provides shoreline regulations that are integrated with the city’s growth management planning and zoning, floodplain management and critical areas ordinances as part of a unified development code.

-Encourages soft-bank erosion control methods and limits construction of new shoreline armoring such as bulkheads.

-Integrates the city’s trail plan to increase public access along public areas of the White River.

-Includes a restoration plan showing where and how voluntary improvements in water and upland areas can enhance the local shoreline environment.

-Plans for areas within the city’s Urban Growth Areas currently regulated by Peirce County’s shoreline master program.

-Helps support the broader initiative to protect and restore Puget Sound.

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Press Release, January 21, 2013