The City of Bellevue Planning Commission has transmitted its recommended Shoreline Master Program (SMP) update to the City Council. The SMP update is a requirement of the state.
The Planning Commission’s recommendation wraps up five years of work. It sets forth a plan to protect Bellevue’s shoreline resources, but also ensures that shoreline property owners may use and enjoy their properties consistent with private property rights enjoyed by all Bellevue property owners. It balances protection of ecological functions with property rights.
Bellevue’s approach is important because, in many King County jurisdictions, the Department of Ecology has forced cities to expand shoreline setbacks and make access and use of the shoreline more difficult. Such shoreline measures may offer significant environment benefits in rural and forest zones, but Bellevue is heavily urbanized. Regulations should preserve existing ecological function, not seek to restore city shoreline to predevelopment conditions ”” on the backs of shoreline property owners.
Key components of the proposal:
Ӣ No increase in the current 25-foot shoreline setback in the residential zone.
”¢ Lawn is an allowable shoreline “greenscape” material.
Ӣ Residential dock repair and replacement is allowed.
Ӣ Repair and replacement of existing bulkheads is allowed.
The City Council will review the planning Commission amendments and submit the plan to the Department of Ecology in the next several months.
