Wishart

DeForest

Law alters Shoreline Management Act

Change eases process for smaller waterfront projects

JOHN DODGE, THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published Saturday, March 30, 2002

OLYMPIA -- Making minor repairs to bulkheads, docks and other waterfront structures has gotten a little easier.

Gov. Gary Locke has signed into law a bill that raises the threshold for what constitutes a substantial development under the state Shoreline Management Act.

Projects under $5,000 no longer require a county permit. The old trigger was $2,500.

Engrossed House Bill 2623 also directs the state Office of Financial Management to adjust the dollar threshold for inflation every five years, beginning in July 2007.

"Any steps to make it a little easier for homeowners to maintain their property without a mile of red tape are welcome," said Doug DeForest, the executive officer of Olympia Master Builders.

The bill should be well-received by waterfront homeowners who are about to embark on minor improvements or repairs, said Sen. Karen Fraser, D-Thurston County.

However, environmental groups said they are disappointed that the Legislature upped the threshold without looking at a wide range of activities that are exempt from state Shoreline Management Act requirements, said Bruce Wishart, a lobbyist for People for Puget Sound.

Still, he said, the final version of the bill was better than the one first introduced, which would have raised the threshold to $12,500.

"We can live with this bill," he said.

John Dodge covers the environment and energy for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5444 or jdodge@olympia. gannett.com.

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