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A. Adoption of Policy. In implementing the objectives for shorelines of statewide significance, the city based its decisions in preparing the SMP on the following policies in order of priority, with one (1) being the highest and seven (7) being the lowest:

1. Recognize and protect the statewide interest over local interest.

2. Preserve the natural character of shoreline jurisdiction.

3. Support actions that result in long-term benefits over short-term benefits.

4. Protect the resources and ecology of the shoreline.

5. Increase public access to publicly owned areas of the shoreline.

6. Increase recreational opportunities for the public in shoreline jurisdiction.

7. Provide for any other element as defined in RCW 90.58.100 deemed appropriate or necessary.

Uses that are not consistent with these policies should not be permitted on shorelines of statewide significance.

B. Designation of Shorelines of Statewide Significance. Specific water bodies are classified as shorelines of statewide significance in RCW 90.58.030(2)(f):

1. Lakes, whether natural, artificial, or a combination thereof, with a surface acreage of one thousand (1,000) acres or more measured at the OHWM;

2. Natural rivers or segments thereof downstream of a point where the mean annual flow is measured at one thousand (1,000) cubic feet per second or more; and

3. The area between the OHWM and the western boundary of the state from Cape Disappointment on the south to Cape Flattery on the north, including harbors, bays, estuaries and inlets.

In the city, the Grays Harbor Estuary, the Chehalis River, the Wynoochee River and their associated shorelands are defined as shorelines of statewide significance. These shorelines are considered resources for all people of the state; thus, preference is given to uses that favor long-range goals and support the overall public interest.

C. Policies for Shorelines of Statewide Significance. The statewide interest should be recognized and protected over the local interest in shorelines of statewide significance. To ensure that statewide interests are protected over local interests, the city shall review all development proposals within shorelines of statewide significance for consistency with RCW 90.58.030 and the following policies:

1. Encourage redevelopment of shorelines where it restores or enhances shoreline ecological functions and processes impaired by prior development activities.

2. The city should consult with Ecology, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, the Shoalwater Bay Tribe, the Quinault Indian Tribe and other resources agencies for development proposals that could affect anadromous fisheries.

3. Where commercial timber cutting takes place pursuant to Section 14.50.580 and RCW 90.58.150, reforestation should take place as soon as feasible.

4. Activities that use shoreline resources on a sustained yield or nonconsuming basis and that are compatible with other appropriate uses should be given priority over uses not meeting these criteria.

5. The range of options for shoreline use should be preserved to the maximum possible extent for succeeding generations. Development that consumes valuable, scarce or irreplaceable natural resources should not be permitted if alternative sites are available.

6. Potential short-term economic gains or convenience should be measured against potential long-term and/or costly impairment of natural features.

7. Protection or enhancement of aesthetic values should be actively promoted in design review of new or expanding development.

8. Resources and ecological systems of shorelines of statewide significance and those limited shorelines containing unique, scarce, and/or sensitive resources should be protected to the maximum extent feasible.

9. Erosion and sedimentation from development sites should be controlled to minimize adverse impacts on ecosystem processes. If site conditions preclude effective erosion and sediment control, excavations, land clearing or other activities likely to result in significant erosion should be severely limited.

10. Public access development in extremely sensitive areas should be restricted or prohibited. All forms of recreation or access development should be designed to protect the resource base upon which such uses in general depend.

11. Public and private developments should be encouraged to provide trails, viewpoints, water access points and shoreline related recreation opportunities whenever feasible. Such development is recognized as a high priority use.

12. Development not requiring a waterside or shoreline location should be located inland so that lawful public enjoyment of shorelines is enhanced.

(Ord. 6611 § 1, Amended, 08/09/2017)