Shoreline Planning

Shoreline Program Periodic Update in Process
The City is conducting a periodic update to the current Shoreline Master Program, adopted in 2013. The periodic review will incorporate legislative changes made since 2011 (such as an increase in valuation limit for exemptions to minor construction and residential docks update), update definitions (such as wetlands and impervious surface), clarify permitted water-related uses, and update development regulations in municipal code. The Shoreline Master Program (SMP) and implementing regulations apply within the City’s shoreline jurisdiction, which is on, and along, the shoreline and uplands of Lake Ballinger (see Map 1 - Shoreline Planning Area).

Public participation is part of the update process. Attend a meeting, contact staff, and/or submit a written comment. See the Review Schedule and Meeting Dates (2019) calendar. Contact information is provided on this page.

The periodic review is to be completed and submitted to Ecology by June 30, 2019.

Ballinger

Public Comment Period on SMP Update Open
The City of Mountlake Terrace and Washington State Department of Ecology are conducting a 30-day joint review of the Mountlake Terrace Shoreline Master Program (SMP) and see public comment on proposed revisions to the SMP. Authority for this update is based on Washington's Shoreline Management Act (Ch. 90.58 RCW) and related rules. Documents are available to review on this page and at City Hall. 

Comment Period:    March 25, 2019- April 24, 2019
Comments Due By:  April 24, 2019 by 5:00 p.m.
Send Comments to: Edith Duttlinger, Senior Planner
Community and Economic Development Department
6100 218th Street SW, Suite 200
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
email: eduttlinger@ci.mlt.wa.us

Public Hearing – April 8, 2019
The City of Mountlake Terrace and Washington State Department of Ecology are holding a joint public hearing on the proposed revisions to the City’s Shoreline Master Program and implementing regulations.

Time: Monday, April 8, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. 
By the Planning Commission 
Place:  City Council Chambers Interim City Hall
      6100 219th Street SW, Suite 220 
      Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043

                            Please submit comments here
SEPA
Environmental review was conducted on the proposed SMP. The threshold determination was issued March 22, 2019.
Shoreline Master Program 
Lake Ballinger, a treasured community resource, is the center-piece of Mountlake Terrace’s Shoreline Master Program. The Program guides how the shoreline and uplands are developed and managed. The Shoreline Management Act requires that each city and county, with "shorelines of statewide significance", adopt a shoreline management plan. Lake Ballinger is the only shoreline in Mountlake Terrace “of state significance”. The lake and certain abutting areas fall under the jurisdiction of shoreline management (see Maps).

The Shoreline Master Program (SMP), commonly called the Shoreline Plan, guides how the shoreline and associated uplands are developed and managed. The SMP and city development regulations (Chapter 16.10 Shoreline Management), contains the rules and standards necessary to define and regulate allowed uses on, and abutting, Lake Ballinger.

Updated at least every eight years, the Shoreline Plan is to be periodically reviewed as well. The next update is due in 2019, and again in 2027. A review considers changes in state law, the effectiveness of the current Plan, and consistency with the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

Review Schedule and Meeting Dates
All meetings are held at Interim City Hall, 6100 219th ST SW
at 7:00 p.m.  
  • February 25             Community Open House (6-7:00 p.m.)
  • February 25             Planning Commission Review
  • March 25 - April 24  Joint Ecology and City public comment period on proposed SMP                                      and related municipal code updates
  • April 8                    Joint Planning Commission and Ecology Public Hearing, 7:00 p.m.
  • Mid-April/May          City Council work/study session
  • April 24                   Public comments due by 5:00 p.m.
  • Early May                Submit a final draft SMP to Department of Ecology for review
  • June 13                   City Council work/study session
  • June 17                   City Council holds public hearing
  • By June 30              Submit SMP to Ecology for acceptance
  • After June 30           City Council finalizes adoption by ordinance

For more information about the Shoreline Plan Update contact: Edith Duttlinger, Senior Planner eduttlinger@ci.mlt.wa.us or call 425-744-6279.



Shoreline Master Program Periodic Update (2019)

SEPA (2019)

Shoreline Master Plan (Adopted 2013):
Chapter 1 Introduction

Maps (Inventory Report, 2010) 
Map 2 Vicinity Map         

Additional Information:
Department of Ecology Shoreline Management

Past Meetings and Presentations: 
All agendas, public hearings and presentations relating to the Shoreline Master Program are located here.