The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is seeking public comment on Port Orchard’s updated shoreline master program.
The proposed program update will guide construction and development along the city’s 10 miles of shoreline along Sinclair Inlet, Blackjack Creek, the Ross Creek estuary, Square Lake, and Big Lake. It combines local plans for future development and preservation with new development ordinances and related permitting requirements.
Port Orchard’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 access public lands and waters.
Under Washington’s 1972 voter-approved Shoreline Management Act, Ecology must review and approve Port Orchard’s proposed shoreline program before it takes effect. More than 200 cities and counties statewide are in the process of or soon will be updating or crafting their master programs.
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Press Release, September 10, 2012