Updated October 10, 2023
What is a Shoreline Master Program?
The City of Long Beach Shoreline Master Program (SMP) is a set of policies and regulations required by state law that has three basic principles:
- Encourages reasonable and appropriate development of shorelines with an emphasis on water dependent uses;
- Protects the natural resources and character of the shorelines, the land, vegetation, wildlife, water, and aquatic life within shoreline environment; and,
- Promotes public access and provides opportunities to enjoy the aesthetic qualities of the natural shorelines and recreational activities in shoreline areas.
Link to the City of Long Beach 2017 Shoreline Master Program
Where does the Shoreline Master Program apply?
The jurisdiction of the SMP applies to the following areas located between the northern and southern city limit boundaries:
- The narrow band of land beach feet from the ocean’s ordinary high water mark
- The Pacific Ocean three nautical miles west of the ordinary high water mark
- The aquatic areas within tidally-influenced wetlands in the dunes
Link to the Shoreline Jurisdiction Map
The city will be pursuing an amendment in late 2023. The only proposed change is to allow residential use by conditional use permit within the regulated areas.
Public Participation
City’s guide the public participation process.
Long Beach Shoreline Master Program Amendment
Joint Public Comment Period: October 18 – November 17, 2023, at 5:00 pm
Joint Public Hearing: November 14, 2023, at 6:00 pm
The City of Long Beach (City) and Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) are seeking comments on proposed amendments to the Long Beach Shoreline Master Program (SMP) periodic review amendment. The City has prepared draft amendments addressing the following topic: 1) Allowing residential uses in shoreline jurisdiction with the approval of a conditional use permit. The City has elected to use the optional joint review process to combine the local and Ecology comment periods, as allowed under WAC 173-26-104. No additional comment period will occur during the state review process. Comments provided to the City will be reviewed by both the City and Ecology; duplicates are not necessary.
Comments may be submitted by email to: ASmith@longbeachwa.gov
Or by mail to:
City of Long Beach
Attn: Ariel Smith
PO Box 310, Long Beach, WA 98631
Comments are due by November 17, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Comments can also be made during the Public Hearing noted below.
Joint Public Hearing with Long Beach Planning Commission will be held in-person at Long Beach City Hall, 115 Bolstad Avenue W, Long Beach, WA 98631 on November 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. Online attendance and remote livestream will be available via a zoom link which will be provided on the meeting agenda and posted online. Zoom Meeting ID: 873 5131 2313 Passcode: 12345678.
Documents available for review will be posted on the City’s project page at:
https://longbeachwa.gov/smp-update-2023/
At the conclusion of the comment period, the City will prepare a response to comments and determine whether changes are needed. Public comments and City responses will be shared with Ecology. After local adoption, the SMP amendment will be formally submitted to Ecology for final decision per WAC 173-26-104 and WAC 173-26-110. Ecology will review amendments for consistency with state laws and rules and decide whether to approve the program as adopted or recommend changes.
If you have questions for Ecology, contact Heather Bush, Regional Shoreline Planner, at (425) 417-6982.
ADA accommodation: 360-407-6831 Relay Service: 711 TTY: 877-833-6341