Yakima County, WA Environmental Rules: Coastal Development (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing statute
- RCW 90.58.020, Shoreline Management Act policy
- Local code
- YCC Title 16D, Shoreline Master Program
- First adopted
- September 5, 1974
- Permit types
- Exemption, Substantial Development, Conditional Use, Variance
- Rebuild threshold
- Under 75% of pre-damage value, no extra review
- Appeal body
- Yakima County Hearing Examiner (Type 2 decisions)
Summary
Any dock, bulkhead, shoreline armoring, or structure built within shoreline jurisdiction of the Yakima River, Naches River, or other shorelines of the state in unincorporated Yakima County falls under the Washington Shoreline Management Act, RCW 90.58.020, and the county's own Title 16D Shoreline Master Program, first adopted September 5, 1974, which requires a permit before shoreline work begins.
The legislature finds that the shorelines of the state are among the most valuable and fragile of its natural resources and that there is great concern throughout the state relating to their utilization, protection, restoration, and preservation. ... The legislature further finds that much of the shorelines of the state and the uplands adjacent thereto are in private ownership; that unrestricted construction on the privately owned or publicly owned shorelines of the state is not in the best public interest; and therefore, coordinated planning is necessary in order to protect the public interest associated with the shorelines of the state while, at the same time, recognizing and protecting private property rights consistent with the public interest. ... It is the policy of the state to provide for the management of the shorelines of the state by planning for and fostering all reasonable and appropriate uses. ... The legislature declares that the interest of all of the people shall be paramount in the management of shorelines of statewide significance.
Full Breakdown
020 declares that Washington's shorelines "are among the most valuable and fragile of its natural resources" and that unrestricted construction on privately or publicly owned shorelines is not in the public interest, so coordinated planning is required to balance private property rights against the public interest in the state's rivers, lakes, and marine waters. Yakima County implements that policy locally through YCC Title 16D, the Shoreline Master Program, originally adopted September 5, 1974 and last comprehensively amended in 2007 under Ordinance 14-2007, which regulates the Yakima River, the Naches River, and other mapped shorelines of the state running through the unincorporated county.
22), each processed as Type 2 decisions that can be referred to the Hearing Examiner. 26(2)(a)). Title 16D also folds in flood hazard permitting for the National Flood Insurance Program and cross-references the county's Critical Areas Ordinance, Title 16C, so a single shoreline project can trigger both critical-area and shoreline standards administered by the Planning Division.
Violations & Fines
Starting shoreline work, docks, bulkheads, grading, or new structures within Shoreline Master Program jurisdiction without the required Exemption, Substantial Development Permit, Conditional Use Permit, or Variance violates YCC Title 16D and can halt construction until the correct Type 1 or Type 2 approval is obtained from the Administrative Official. Type 2 decisions, including Substantial Development and Conditional Use approvals, can be appealed to the Yakima County Hearing Examiner; Type 4 quasi-judicial decisions carry no further administrative appeal once issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a dock or bulkhead on the Yakima River in unincorporated Yakima County?
What is the Shoreline Master Program?
Can I rebuild a home near the shoreline after a fire or flood without a new permit?
Who decides Shoreline permit applications in Yakima County and can I appeal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima County
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