The City of Seattle’s Shoreline Master Program (SMP) is being comprehensively updated for the first time since 1987. The SMP constitutes the policies and regulations governing development and uses on and adjacent to marine and freshwater shorelines. This includes the waters of Puget Sound, Lake Washington, Lake Union/ Ship Canal, Duwamish River, Green Lake, as well as associated wetlands and floodplains. These policies and regulations affect land uses, structure bulk and setbacks, public access requirements, bulkheads, docks, piers, and construction practices.

The goal of the update planning process is to make the SMP a more effective tool for defining and implementing Seattle’s vision for the shoreline. The State has established a December 2009 deadline for Seattle to adopt the updated SMP. The update process and policy outcomes must comply with new guidance established by the Washington Department of Ecology under the Shoreline Management Act (SMA).

Over the course of the update process, this website will serve as a central point for disseminating information about the update, posting reports as they become available, and announcing opportunities for public involvement.