Developing Shoreline Property

Regulations, definitions, information and applications for the most common shoreline developments.

The shoreline regulations, SJCC 18.50, apply landward 200’ of the ordinary high water mark (OHWM), as well as in all aquatic areas.

Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Frequently Asked Questions available here. 
 
The interactive Polaris map (to the right ---> ) offers parcel information.  Check the "Comprehensive Plan" box (left side of page) in the "Map Contents" layer of Polaris Parcel Map to see the designation and density.  
 
Maps

 Maps of the main islands (linked directly below) show shoreline “designations” as capital letters:

R = Rural                                                   
RR = Rural Residential          
RFF = Rural Farm Forest       
U = Urban                     
C = Conservancy                                  
N = Natural  
PMT = Ports, marinas and marine transportation                                                                       


Polaris Parcel Map

polaris2

San Juan Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Shoreline Master Program Map

San Juan Landuse with Proposed SMP

Lopez Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Shoreline Master Program Map

Lopez Landuse with Proposed SMP

Orcas Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Shoreline Master Program Map

Orcas_Landuse with Proposed SMP
 

Residential Development

​ The most common shoreline development is “residential development.”   Developing a site to build or remodel a home is addressed in SJCC 18.50.540.  ​Owners or prospective owners may obtain advance approval of a site plan for residential development by submitting the RPA Application Form.  Most single family residential construction is exempt from a shoreline permit, though a building permit is required. Please review the Shoreline Residential Appurtenances policy here.

Tree Removal

​ Shoreline tree removal is regulated by the FWHCA section of the Critical Area regulations (SJCC 18.35.130.B.1 FWHCA Tree Removal) with submittal of a Tree Removal Application and compliance with the shoreline regulations of SJCC 18.50.330.B.8 and D2 Residential Tree Removal.  ​ “Hazard” trees Definition.  

Critical Area Regulations

  ​In addition to the shoreline regulations, all shorelines are also subject to the “Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas” (FWHCA) section of the Critical Area regulations, SJCC 18.35.110-140.​  SJCC Table 18.35.130-3 indicates whether a project is allowable in aquatic FWHCAs and its buffers.  An allowable project may also require land use or building permits.

Docks

​Docks, boat ramps, mooring buoys and marine railways are addressed in the following SJCC 18.50.240, SJCC18.50.250, SJCC 18.50.260, SJCC 18.50.270, SJCC 18.50.280,  SJCC 18.50.290, SJCC 18.50.300, SJCC 18.50.310, SJCC 18.50.320, and  SJCC 18.50.330 .
​
Dock construction is subject to critical area regulations in SJCC 18.50.130. 
​
​ - Building a new dock usually requires a “shoreline permit” ( Shoreline Permit Application and Checklist for Application.) 
​ - Reconfiguring an existing dock may also require a shoreline permit or in some cases, revision of an existing permit may be allowed.
​- Repairing an existing dock usually requires approval of an “exemption from shoreline permit” (Exemption Application).
​ - Mooring buoys are usually subject to approval of an exemption (Exemption Application)

Stairs

  
​Small stairs to the beach may be approved with an Exemption from a shoreline permit as provided by SJCC 18.50.020.G.3.
​​Larger stairs “Pedestrian beach access structures” are regulated by SJCC 18.50.300 and are subject to approval of a Shoreline Permit Application.

Shoreline Modification and Stabilization

​Eroding, slumping banks and shifting beaches are geologic processes which can effect residential development. Changing those dynamic processes with stabilization measures that alter the shape and composition of the shore (using armoring, rockeries, jetties, rock walls, retaining walls and the like) can cause long-term issues for the public.
 
Guidance for designing structures to control shoreline erosion is found in the WDFW Marine Shoreline Design Guidelines.

Regulations for Shoreline Modification and Stabilization

:
​“General shoreline modification” SJCC 18.50.360 and SJCC 18.35.130.G.1-3
​“Shoreline restoration and beach enhancement” SJCC 18.50.370 and SJCC 18.35.130.G.1 and 3
​“Bulkheads”  SJCC 18.50.210  and SJCC 18.35.130.G.1 and 3
​“Breakwaters, jetties and groins” SJCC 18.50.200 and SJCC 18.35.130.G.1 and 3
​“Landfills” SJCC 18.50.270 and SJCC 18.35.130.G.1 and 3

Definitions for Shoreline Modification and Stabilization

:
​Beach enhancement/restoration 
​Beach Feeding 
​Breakwater
Bulkheads or seawalls 
​Feeder Bluff 
​Jetty 
​Gabions 
Groins​
​Hard structural stabilization measures
​Landfill
​Pedestrian beach access structures
​Riprap 
Shoreline modifications​ 
Soft shoreline stabilization
measures​