As the City continues its work to update Issaquah’s Shoreline Master Program (SMP) – which is required by the state – members of the public are invited to share their input during several upcoming meetings.
Through land-use policies and regulations, the Shoreline Master Program intends to protect the shoreline environment, while at the same time provide for appropriate water-oriented uses, single-family residential development and public access.
The program applies to “shorelines of the state,” which in Issaquah includes the main stem of Issaquah Creek, the East Fork Issaquah Creek and Lake Sammamish.
The regulations apply to land located within 200 feet of these shorelines, as well as associated wetlands.
This will be the first update to the SMP since its initial adoption in 1990.
“Since our initial adoption, significant areas along Lake Sammamish and north of Interstate 90 have been annexed into the City,” said Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger. “Currently, these areas still fall under King County’s SMP, even though they are within Issaquah’s city limits. This update, however, will now include these neighborhoods in Issaquah’s program.”
While the updated SMP will not affect existing development, the regulations would apply to some redevelopment projects, such as building a new dock, expanding a house or replacing a bulkhead.
During the past year, the City’s River and Streams Board has held several public meetings on the SMP update.
There are still plenty of opportunities to get involved during the following meetings:
• Planning Policy Commission (PPC) – 6:30 p.m. May 14 at City Council Chambers, 135 E. Sunset Way. This meeting will include an introduction to the Shoreline Master Program, background on state requirements, elements of the update process and initial findings and issues.
• Public Open House – 6-9 p.m. May 19 at the Eagle Room, City Hall, 130 E. Sunset Way. The open house, which will include displays of maps and information on the SMP update, is an opportunity for people to stop by at any time during the meeting, review the materials and ask questions of staff and consultants.
• Planning Policy Commission Workshop and Public Comment – 6:30 p.m. May 28 at City Council Chambers, 135 E. Sunset Way. This meeting will include an opportunity for the public to comment on the preliminary draft SMP.
“We encourage property owners along Issaquah Creek and Lake Sammamish, as well as anyone else who is interested in the City’s shoreline regulations and protections, to attend these meetings,” Frisinger said.
This update, which requires the City Council’s final approval, will be completed by December 2009, per state requirements.
Starting May 13, copies of the preliminary draft SMP will be available online and on CD. For more information, check the city’s SMP Website or call Peter Rosen at the Issaquah Planning Department at 425-837-3094.
