Washington's Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58) requires Shoreline Substantial Development Permits for most construction within 200 feet of marine and freshwater shorelines statewide.
RCW 90.58 establishes that any development with fair market value over $8,504 (adjusted periodically) within 200 feet of the ordinary high water mark of marine waters, lakes 20+ acres, and streams over 20 cfs requires a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit. Cities and counties administer the program through locally-adopted Shoreline Master Programs that must be approved by the Department of Ecology. Conditional uses and variances require Ecology approval. Certain activities including normal maintenance and single-family residence construction may qualify for exemptions but still require shoreline review. The Coastal Zone Management Act federal consistency review applies to coastal counties.
Unpermitted shoreline development can result in stop-work orders, civil penalties up to $1,000 per day under RCW 90.58.210, mandatory restoration, and criminal misdemeanor charges.
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