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Summit #1 San Juan County Shoreline Master Program Update March 1 st , 2 nd , and 3 rd 2011. Agenda SMP Process Key Principles SMP Development and Key Issues Public Participation Inventory Results Next Steps. SMP Process. What is an SMP?
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Summit #1 San Juan County Shoreline Master Program Update March 1st, 2nd, and 3rd 2011
Agenda • SMP Process • Key Principles • SMP Development and Key Issues • Public Participation • Inventory Results • Next Steps
What is an SMP? A comprehensive shoreline land-use plan that includes policies and regulations for the use and development of the shoreline intended to: • Protect shoreline processes • Promote public access • Accommodate all appropriate shoreline uses • Balance public and private interests
What an SMP is not The SMP will apply to future development. It will not retroactively apply to past actions. It will not require modifications to existing land uses or developments.
Why Update the SMP Now? • Shoreline Management Act passed in 1971, adopted in 1972 • County’s last major update1998 • Cooperative program – state and local governments • New State SMP rules adopted in 2003 • All local governments must update • Due in San Juan County by 2013 • State grant is funding the process
Where Does This Apply? • Shoreline Jurisdiction • Marine shorelines • Lakes ≥20 acres • Upland areas 200 feet from OHWM • Associated wetlands • Aquatic areas waterward of OHWM • New Uses • Existing shoreline uses and activities may continue
Required Steps WE ARE HERE SMP - Environment Designations - Goals - Policies - Regulations Local Adoption Inventory & Analysis Cumulative Impacts Analysis Determine Jurisdiction Restoration Plan Public Participation Ecology Review and Adoption
New or Revised Elements WE ARE HERE SMP - Environment Designations - Goals - Policies - Regulations Local Adoption Inventory & Analysis Cumulative Impacts Analysis Determine Jurisdiction No Net Loss Standard Restoration Plan Public Participation Ecology Review and Adoption
Key Principles of the SMP • Balance • environmental protection • public access • water-oriented uses • Still required to protect Critical Areas • No Net Loss of Ecological Function • Preferred Uses
Degraded Improved SMP elements SMP Updates: Achieving No Net Loss of Ecological Function • SMP Update • Framework to achieve NNL • Inventory & Characterization • Environment Designation • Development Policies & Standards • Recommended Actions outside SMA authority • Compliance Strategy • Cumulative Impacts Analysis • Restoration Plan SMP Restoration Plan Voluntary restoration opportunities Higher No Net Loss – Current Baseline Ecological Function On-going degradation from existing development • Off-site mitigation opportunities • Offsetting mitigation Unavoidable impacts from new development Avoid and MitigateImpacts Lower Shoreline violations Key:
Shorelines of State Shorelines of Statewide Significance Preferred Uses: Uses that Protect the statewide interest over local interest Preserve the natural character of the shoreline Result in long-term over short-term benefit Protect the resources and ecology of the shoreline Increase public access to publicly owned areas of the shorelines Increase public recreational opportunities Other element consistent with SMA deemed appropriate or necessary • Preferred Uses: • Uses that control pollution & prevent environmental damage • Uses unique to or dependent upon use of the state's shoreline • Single family residences • Ports • Shoreline recreational uses • Water-dependent uses, e.g. parks, marinas, piers, industrial and commercial developments • Other uses providing an opportunity for substantial numbers of people to enjoy the shorelines
Shoreline Master Program Includes Goals Policies Environment designations Regulations
Regulatory Content Public Access Shoreline Uses and Modifications Vegetation Conservation In-water Activities Upland Activities
Environment Designations Based On: • Criteria in the Guidelines • Ecological condition per Inventory/Analysis • Existing and planned land use
Development of the SMP • Builds upon: • SMP Guidelines & Consistency Analysis • Inventory/Analysis Report • Technical Advisory Committee to provide input and product review • Policies and Regulations developed by County staff in collaboration with Planning Commission with guidance and review by County Council • Eventual recommendation to County Council
Key SMP Issues • Non-conforming Uses/Structures • Overwater Structures (piers/docks) • Shoreline Armoring • Residential Development • Buffers and Setbacks • Vegetation Conservation • Note: many topics are being addressed during the CAO update – proposed regulations likely in Spring 2011.
What have we heard so far: • Stakeholder Interview Summary Conducted 20 interviews with 69 people representing 43 groups, organizations, and businesses All viewed shorelines as most valuable resource and greatest asset A majority say it is possible to find a balance – protecting property rights, protecting habitat, and providing public access
What have we heard so far: • Stakeholder Interview Summary Other results: Most were concerned about regulation: too much and not effective Some said any new regulations are not needed unless there are proven problems Others said a precautionary or preventative approach is needed Many said the update has to be flexible: not a “one size fits all” approach
Public Involvement • Stakeholder Interviews • Summit Meetings • #2 = Visioning in summer 2011 • #3 = Review of Draft SMP mid 2012 • Technical Advisory Committee • Community Outreach – fliers, fairs, etc. • Information Sessions for Planning Commission • County meetings with planning commissions and elected officials
Draft Shoreline Inventory Maps
CARA Geologic Hazards Floodplains and Wetlands Land Cover Habitats and Species Drift Cells Shoreline Modifications Water Quality Environmental Cleanup Sites Current Land Use Land Ownership Marine Public Access Septic Systems Surface Water System Impervious Surfaces Geologic Units Marine Shoreforms Soils
Shoreline Analysis Develops current baseline condition from which future impacts will be measured Analyzes existing shoreline ecological functions Analyzes current land use and identifies likely future changes Identifies potential restoration opportunities
Next Steps • Shoreline Analysis - May 2011 • Community Visioning (Summit #2) - Summer 2011 • Begin Drafting of SMP - Fall 2011 • Public roll-out - mid-2012