Environmental Rules in Shoreline, WA (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Shoreline, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Shoreline runs a dedicated surface water utility under Chapter 13.10 SMC and requires all new development and redevelopment to follow the state Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington, the Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit, and the city's own Engineering Development Manual under SMC § 13.10.200.
Shoreline Stormwater and Drainage Rules
Some RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 13.10.200
A. The city adopts by reference the Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington published by Washington State Department of Ecology, henceforth referred to as "Stormwater Manual." The effective version shall be the most recent version that has been approved for city use by the director. All new development, redevelopment, and other activities which have the potential to impact surface w...
Erosion Control
In the City of Shoreline, any activity that clears, grades or otherwise disturbs a site, whether a permit is required or not, must control erosion and sediment under SMC § 20.50.340(A), tying construction sites to the City's Surface Water Management Code standards in SMC § 13.10.200 and limiting grading and tree-cutting hours.
Shoreline erosion and sediment control rule
Some RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 20.50.340
A. Any activity that will clear, grade or otherwise disturb the site, whether requiring a clearing or grading permit or not, shall provide erosion and sediment control (ESC) that prevents, to the maximum extent possible, the transport of sediment from the site to drainage facilities, water resources and adjacent properties. Erosion and sediment controls shall be applied as specified by the temp...
Flood Zones
Shoreline regulates every new structure, substantial improvement, manufactured home, and long-term RV placement in the special flood hazard area under SMC § 13.12.500, requiring protection below the flood protection elevation, anchoring against flotation, and elevated mechanical equipment before the Planning and Community Development director will issue a permit.
Shoreline Floodplain Development Standards
Significant RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 13.12.500
A. In the special flood hazard area, all new structures and substantial improvements shall be protected from flood damage below the flood protection elevation, including: 1. Construction or placement of a new structure. 2. Reconstruction, rehabilitation, or other improvement that will result in a substantially improved building. 3. Repairs to an existing building that has been substantially dam...
Boat Dock Permits
In the City of Shoreline, piers and docks along Puget Sound may only be built if they meet every condition in SMC § 20.230.170 and Table 20.230.081. The code caps new or shared docks at six feet wide, limits shared moorage to 700 or 1,000 square feet, and bans creosote and arsenate-treated pilings.
Shoreline Boat Dock Permit Standards
Significant RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 20.230.170
§ 20.230.170. Piers and docks. Piers and docks may be allowed in accordance with Table 20.230.081 only when the following conditions are met: A. The public’s need for piers and docks is clearly demonstrated, and the proposal is consistent with protection of the public trust, as embodied in RCW 90.58.020, as amended from time to time. ... ... H. Piers and docks shall be constructed of materials ...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Shoreline sets its freeboard at one foot above base flood elevation: SMC § 13.12.105 defines the flood protection elevation as "the base flood elevation plus one foot," and SMC § 13.12.505 requires new and substantially improved residential structures to have their lowest floor built at or above that line.
Shoreline Freeboard and Flood Elevation Rule
Some RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code §§ 13.12.105, 13.12.505
"Flood protection elevation (FPE)" means the elevation above the datum of the effective FIRM to which new and substantially improved structures must be protected from flood damage. The flood protection elevation within the limits of the city of Shoreline shall be the base flood elevation plus one foot. ... ... A. Residential Construction. 1. In AE and A1-30 zones or other A zoned areas where th...
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