Shoreline Planning

Background

As required by the State of Washington, the City of Gig Harbor has updated its Shoreline Master Program (SMP) and it was formally adopted on November 24, 2013. The SMP is an element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and regulates all development and use activity within 200 feet of the shoreline.  

Beginning in 2010, the Planning Commission spent 15 months developing a draft SMP. 37 meetings, 15 Stakeholder meetings, 3 workshops and 2 public hearings with substantial public notice resulted in a unanimous vote from the Planning Commission  to recommend approval. After a series of work study sessions, Gig Harbor Shoreline Master Program (PDF) was formally approved and became effective on December 27, 2013.

More information on Shoreline Management can be found at the Department of Ecology’s website.

Shoreline Examples

Shoreline Example Graphic

Purpose

The Shoreline Master Program addresses:

  • Goals and Policies
  • Shoreline Environment Designations
  • Allowed and Prohibited Uses and Activities
  • Public Access
  • Non-conforming Use and Development
  • Marinas and Commercial Fishing
  • Remediation and Restoration
  • Regulations
  • Permit Process

Shoreline Jurisdiction Marine Waters Graphic