The state SMP guidelines, found in WAC 173-26-186(3), require that all relevant policy goals must be addressed in the planning policies of the SMP. This section contains goals that express the long-term vision of the city for its shorelines. Goals provide the basis for the more detailed SMP shoreline use environments, policies, regulations and administrative procedures in subsequent chapters.

Nine (9) goals relating to shorelines management have been identified: economic development; public access; recreation; circulation; shoreline use; conservation; historic, cultural, scientific and educational; flood hazard preservation; and restoration. Each of these is described below.