Unincorporated King County's marine shoreline along Puget Sound and Vashon-Maury Island is regulated under the Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58), the King County Shoreline Master Program (K.C.C. Title 21A), and the Critical Areas Ordinance at K.C.C. Chapter 21A.24. Shoreline jurisdiction extends 200 feet inland from the ordinary high water mark. Critical-area buffers along marine shorelines are typically 115 to 165 feet.
King County's coastal development rules implement the Washington Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58) and the state Shoreline Master Program guidelines (WAC 173-26). Shoreline jurisdiction includes all marine waters of Puget Sound and the upland area within 200 feet of the ordinary high water mark, plus associated wetlands and floodplains. The county's SMP is codified inside K.C.C. Title 21A and the Critical Areas Ordinance at K.C.C. Chapter 21A.24, which establishes marine-shoreline buffers of approximately 115 to 165 feet from the OHWM depending on the environment designation (Natural, Conservancy, Rural, Residential, High Intensity, Aquatic). Building structures must be set back at least 15 feet from the edge of any required critical-area buffer under K.C.C. 21A.24. Bulkheads, docks, piers, dredging, fill, shoreline armoring, and most new structures within shoreline jurisdiction require a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit, a Shoreline Conditional Use Permit, or a Shoreline Variance, plus state Department of Ecology review. Single-family residences below the cost threshold can sometimes be exempt under WAC 173-27. Confirm with King County DLS - Permitting at 206-296-6600 and the Department of Ecology Northwest Regional Office.
Building a structure, bulkhead, dock, or fill in shoreline jurisdiction without a Shoreline Substantial Development, Conditional Use, or Variance permit is a violation of RCW 90.58 and K.C.C. Title 21A. The county can issue stop-work orders, require restoration, and impose civil penalties up to $1,000 per day under RCW 90.58.210, plus state Department of Ecology enforcement.
Auburn, WA
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Auburn, WA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how Auburn's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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