Introduction to the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Update. City of Bellingham Planning Department 2005

Transcription

1 Introduction to the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Update City of Bellingham Planning Department 2005

2 Purpose of tonight s meeting: Specify which water-bodies are subject to the SMP. Identify the State s requirements for SMP s and how other local planning efforts might be integrated. Tools necessary to achieve No Net Loss of ecological function. Coordination with other agencies & groups. Public process and next steps.

3 What areas are subject to the SMP? SHORELINES OF THE STATE which are: All areas waterward of the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) and, All uplands within 200 feet of the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) or the elevation of the Mean Higher High Tide (MHHT) and, up to the edge of 100-year floodplains and contiguous wetlands and, critical areas that are within or partly within these areas. Page 3 (A) and Page 77, section.180

4 Bellingham s Shorelines of the State: Bellingham Bay including Chuckanut Bay, Padden Lagoon and Padden Creek upstream to McKenzie Avenue. Whatcom, Squalicum and Chuckanut Creeks. Lakes Whatcom and Padden.

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6 What is the SMP exactly? Local version of the SMA: (RCW 90.58) which requires local governments to: Page 6 (D)

7 Require water-dependent, water-related and waterenjoyment uses (a.k.a. water-oriented uses)

8 Protect shoreline natural resources

9 Promote public access

10 Manage Shorelines of Statewide Significance for the long-term benefit of all citizens of the State

11 SMP Guidelines Handbook for local governments intending to update their SMP s. State legislature directed DOE to update the 1972 version in Several iterations later the final SMP Guidelines were adopted in Guidelines translate SMA policies into standards for regulating uses on shorelines that result in a NO NET LOSS of ecological function.

12 The GMA requires the SMP to be consistent with and implement goals and policies in Bellingham s Comprehensive Plan (1995 and 2005) AND Provide a level of protection that is equal to or greater than level of protection of critical areas within shorelines. RCW 36.70A

13 What parts of the City of Bellingham Comprehensive Plan might interface with the SMP? The 1995 version and 2005 update include the following shoreline related sub-elements :

14 Neighborhood Plans Please See Appendix #3

15 Parks Open Space Plan

16 WFG Guiding Principles

17 .as well as Goals and Policies within the Framework, Land Use, Transportation, and Capital Facilities chapters...

18 ...For example: LUG-3 Bellingham continues to retain its natural, green setting by protecting unique natural features and public open spaces, creating greenbelts and preserving wooded hillsides in and around the city. New development is encouraged to incorporate existing mature vegetation and additional trees and native vegetation. Open space corridors along creeks include connections from the Bay to Whatcom and Padden lakes as well as along the Squalicum and Chuckanut Creek corridors heading to the mountains. In order to preserve or create these green corridors and open spaces, the community employs a variety of techniques, including incentives and regulations for the design and siting of new development, as well as public acquisition.

19 Bay City Supply

20 Another example: LUG-37 Land uses that promote and allow public access to the waterfront should be encouraged.

21 Other plans that will serve as a basis for identification of restoration planning and public access opportunities: (not an exhaustive list) Bellingham Bay Demonstration Pilot Project (BBPP) EIS and Comprehensive Strategy. BBPP Land Use and Habitat Documentation Reports. Bellingham Wildlife Habitat Assessment. Restoration Plan and Environment Assessment for Whatcom Creek (result of pipeline event).

22 How do the CAO and SMP relate to one another? The SMP must reference critical areas as specified in the CAO that are within jurisdiction of Shorelines of the State AND identify critical areas within MARINE shorelines. Please see page 77, Section.180) The SMP must provide an equal to or greater level of protection of critical areas specified within the CAO and for critical areas within MARINE shorelines. Please see page 9, L.

23 : ; : : NG CRA SS /..

24 Our task: Integrate all these elements and develop an SMP that achieves the following objectives:

25 Protection of ecological function

26 Requirements for public access

27 Designate preferred uses such as: WATER-DEPENDENT USES Please see section Shoreline Designations - D. High Intensity

28 WATER-RELATED USES Please see section Shoreline Designations - D. High Intensity

29 WATER-ENJOYMENT USES Please see section Shoreline Designations

30 AKA: WATER-ORIENTED USES

31 Shorelines for NON-WATER ORIENTED USES

32 AND... Identify restoration opportunities Please see APPENDIX #2

33 How do we get there?

34 Characterize shoreline resources Please see Shoreline Inventory - final report on web-page and page 23. Whatcom Creek Drainage Analysis Landscape Setting Land Use Landscape Setting Whatcom Creek is the only natural surface water outlet of Lake Whatcom. Whatcom Creek is 4.3 miles long with a drainage basin of approximately 5,790 acres. A control dam is located at the upper extent of Whatcom Creek, which is used for down-stream flood control, utility storage for water quantity and water quality considerations in the lake, and to maintain lake levels. The hydroperiod of Lake Whatcom is controlled for recreation and erosion control purposes. Lake levels are maintained at higher levels during the summer and lowered during the winter. This manipulation of water level and discharge affects the hydroperiod of Whatcom Creek. (Ref# 8,13,37,47,71 for above) Geology Upper reaches: Continental sedimentary rock, resulting in a narrow incised channel with steep slopes and bedrock substrate and outcrops. Lower reaches: Glaciomarine drift in narrow, incised channels that are surrounded by relatively flat terrain. (Ref# 21,103 for above) Soils Upper reaches: Moderate infiltration rates with moderate runoff potential. Lower reaches: Very slow infiltration, with high runoff potential. The mouth of Whatcom Creek is dominated by artificial fill. (Ref# 47,51,63 for above) Current Conditions Whatcom Creek flows through the heart of the City of Bellingham, and into Bellingham Bay in the middle of dense industrial development. Commercial, industrial, and residential uses dominate the land use in close proximity of the creek in the lower portion of Whatcom Creek. The Iowa Street corridor between Interstate-5 and Whatcom Falls Park is the only remaining length of the creek where there is development potential. Whatcom Falls Park located in the upper reaches of the SMA. (Ref# 8,16,33,34,71 for above)

35 Develop Shoreline Goals that address the following: Please see page 25, section.140, Shoreline Goals Shorelines uses Circulation Recreation Public Access Conservation Water Quality Historical, Cultural, educational, scientific Flood damage minimization Economic Development

36 Assign shoreline designations - for example: Please see page 33, section.150, Shoreline Designations

37 Develop general regulations For example: Development within shorelines designated NATURAL shall not be allowed within 200 of the OHWM.

38 And use specific regulations For Example: Docks, piers, floats and pilings within Lake Whatcom shall not be constructed with chemically treated wood. Please see page 68, section.170, Use Regulations, J.

39 Implement mitigation sequencing Avoid the impact Minimize the impact Rectify the impact by restoration Reduce the impact by preservation Compensate by replacing or enhancing Monitor impacts and make corrections Please see page 115, section.205, Mitigation Sequencing

40 Implement Restoration Planning Please see APPENDIX #2

41 Coordinate with other agencies including but not limited to:

42 These folks comprise our Technical Advisory Committee

43 This group s task is to: Review our shoreline inventory and ID data gaps. Provide assistance on determining jurisdiction and assigning designations. Review our goals and policies. Review our regulations to assure that they achieve a no net loss of ecological function. Assist in creating a framework for restoration planning.

44 Involve the general public Multiple public hearings and website info Review and comment on Shoreline Goals Review and comment on Shoreline Designations - uses Review and comment on Use Policies Identify restoration opportunities

45 NEXT STEPS: Planning Commission Public Hearing scheduled for December 15, 2005, 7 PM City Council Chambers Gather all comments and arrange by topic, present to Planning Commission, allow for further direction, recommendations.