14.50.300.01 Aquatic.
A. Purpose. The purpose of the aquatic shoreline environment designation is to protect, restore and manage the unique characteristics and resources of shoreline jurisdiction waterward of the OHWM.
B. Designation Criteria. Assign the aquatic shoreline environment designation to lands waterward of the OHWM.
C. Management Policies. Development within the aquatic shoreline environment designation shall be consistent with the following policies:
1. Allow new over-water structures only for water-dependent uses, public access or ecological restoration.
2. Limit the size of new over-water structures to the minimum necessary to support the structure’s intended use.
3. Encourage multiple uses of over-water facilities to reduce the impacts of development and increase effective use of water resources in shoreline jurisdiction.
4. Minimize interference with surface navigation, consider impacts to public views and allow for the safe, unobstructed passage of fish and wildlife, particularly those species dependent on migration, in the location and design of all developments and uses.
5. Design and manage shoreline uses and modifications to prevent degradation of water quality and alteration of natural hydrographic conditions.
6. Prohibit uses that adversely affect the ecological functions of critical freshwater habitats except where necessary to achieve the objectives of RCW 90.58.020 and then only when the impacts are mitigated.
7. Reserve space in shoreline jurisdiction for shoreline preferred uses, including existing shellfish protection districts if applicable, while considering upland and in-water uses, water quality, navigation, presence of aquatic vegetation, existing critical habitats, aesthetics, public access and views.