Shoreline Management Act

About

SMP Periodic Update

Shoreline Management Act

Process

Public Participation

FAQ

What is the Shoreline Management Act?

In 1971, the people of Washington State voted to enact the Shoreline Management Act (SMA). The SMA has three primary purposes:

• To protect the shoreline environment.

• To accommodate water-dependent and other appropriate uses in shorelands.

• To maintain and enhance public access to shorelines.

The Shoreline Master Program implements the policies of the SMA at the local level by regulating use and development along the shorelines. The Washington State Department of Ecology is responsible for ensuring that the local SMP is consistent with the intent of the SMA.