Shorelines Master Program

Notice of Intent to Adopt Amendments, 30-day Comment and Joint Public Hearing for the Periodic Update to the Southeast Washington Coalition Shoreline Master Program

Background

Shoreline protection is a certain key for long-term prosperity of our rivers and water systems in Columbia County. Our Shorelines protection act seeks to preserve hundreds of miles of valuable Shorelines throughout Columbia County.

Shorelines Update: 2023

 The next Shorelines Master Program update is due by June 30, 2023. The Cities of Dayton and Asotin have joined the original jurisdictions in the Southeast Washington Coalition which now consists of Columbia, Garfield, and Asotin Counties, the Cities of Clarkston, Asotin, and Dayton, and the Town of Starbuck. The jurisdictions have pooled funds of $302,400, awarded by the Department of Ecology for the required periodic review. 

Anchor QEA has been selected as the update consultant. Opportunities for public engagement will take place throughout the review process. A website has been developed to share updates, public meetings, and input opportunities. Please visit regularly to stay in the loop:  SE Washington Coalition Shoreline Master Program

Shorelines Update: 2016

As a group effort, Columbia County worked alongside Garfield County, Asotin County, the city of Starbuck, and the city of Clarkston to draft an updated version of our Shorelines Master Program. On August 17th, 2016, the Columbia County Commissioners signed ordinance 2016-02, officially adopting the Shorelines Master Program for Columbia County.

On February 23rd, 2017, the involved jurisdictions were notified of the final approval of the Shorelines Master Program update, with the plan becoming effective on March 9th, 2017. Please visit the Department of Ecology website for more information.

Governor's Award Recipients!

On May 23rd, 2017, Governor Jay Inslee announced the recipients of the 2017 Governor's Awards, and the SEWASMP was on that list! As a recipient of the "Judge's Merit Award", every jurisdiction will receive a Crystal Award from the State of Washington, and each participant will receive a certificate!

For more information, access Governor Jay Inslee's press release (PDF)!

Supplemental Information

Letter of Final Approval (PDF)
Shorelines Master Program - 2016 (PDF)
Ordinance 2016-02 (PDF)

Shorelines through the Years

Shoreline management has always been a priority of Columbia County. With the high bounty of water resources, proper management has always been and will continue to be important goal for the Department of Planning and Building.

In 1975, Columbia County adopted the first Shorelines Master Plan to protect our water resources. Until now, no changes have been made to our original Shorelines Master Program.

Supplemental Information

Shorelines Master Program to - 1975 (PDF)

Shorelines Applications

Any alterations/changes made or near Shoreline habitat within Columbia County requires proper permitting.

If you are unsure if you need a permit for your project, please call our office at (509) 382-4676 for more information.

Supplemental Information

Request for Shoreline Determination
Shorelines Substantial Development Permit (PDF)
Shoreline Exemption Form (PDF)

For more information, additional forms, or to have any questions answered, please visit our office.