Project Overview
King County's Shoreline Management Program applied to several areas in Covington before the City's incorporation in 1997. The program is now due to be updated for the City of Covington and must be completed by December 31, 2010 and adopted by June 30, 2011 in accordance with Washington statutes.
In July 2007, the City of Covington obtained a grant from the Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) to conduct a comprehensive Shoreline Master Program (SMP) update. The first step of the update process was to inventory the Citys shorelines. The second step was to develop goals, policies and regulations for any new development along the City's shorelines.
The City of Covington is on track with the update of its Shoreline Master Program (SMP), in compliance with the Washington State Shoreline Management Act and the State Shoreline Management Guidelines adopted in 2003.
This program will help the City balance shoreline development with preservation of shoreline ecology.
As a first step, an Ad Hoc Advisory Committee was formed to advise the City’s consultants and staff. The Ad Hoc Advisory Committee included a diverse background of representatives from the three designated shoreline areas, including members of the Covington Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission, Soos Creek Water & Sewer District residents, an area Homeowner Association member, a member of the business community, and from areas of property along Jenkins Creek, Soos Creek, and Pipe Lake.
What Areas In Covington Are Affected?The term "shorelines of the state" are those areas which meet the following criteria:
- All streams with an average annual flow greater than 20 cubic feet per second and their associated wetlands; or
- Lakes greater than 20 acres and their associated wetlands. Marine shorelines are also included.
In Covington, three areas meet the criteria:
- Pipe Lake.
- The lower reaches of Jenkins Creek, and
- The lower reaches of Big Soos Creek.
The preliminary shoreline analysis, which describes existing biological and physical conditions in the shoreline areas, has been undertaken by AHBL Consultants with the help of The Watershed Company. AHBL Consultants and The Watershed Company will continue to assist the City of Covington in the development of the Shoreline Master Program and its eventual adoption..
Why Update The Shoreline Master Program?
The current shoreline regulations were adopted 30 years ago. They need to be updated to fit current conditions and the community's vision for the future, as well as be consistent with the new State guidelines for Shoreline Master Programs.
What Are Some Of The Key Issues?
The SMP update addresses a broad range of topics, including:
- Development Near Lakes and Streams
- Shoreline Vegetation Conservation
- Shoreline Stabilization
- Docks and Moorage Along Lakes
- Public Access and Recreation
- View Corridors
- Environmental Designations for Lakes and Streams
- Shoreline Restoration