Residents can comment about rules that govern development on Kent’s shorelines during an open house from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5, in the Mill Creek Room at Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N.
City staff is reviewing the rules for the Green River, Panther Lake, Lake Meridian, Lake Fenwick and other large water bodies, according to a city news release.
The rules are contained in the city’s Shoreline Master Program (SMP), which carries out Washington State’s Shoreline Management Act. The goals of the SMP are to promote public access, emphasize water-dependent uses and protect natural resources and the character of shorelines.
Shoreline rules in the SMP apply to development on land within 200 feet of a listed shoreline. Development includes new or expanded structures (houses, sheds, decks, etc.); in-water structures (docks, boat launches, etc.); or any land clearing, dredging, filling or grading.
Cities are required by the state to review their SMP rules to make sure they are consistent with new state laws and any City codes or policies that have changed since the SMP rules were written.
“This review is a chance for the city and community members to suggest changes to the rules to make them work better or better meet the goals of the SMP,” said Danielle Butsick, senior long-range planner.
Residents also can get involved by taking an online survey by Nov. 30 to let the city know their thoughts about SMP rules at kentwa.gov/doing-business/long-range-planning/smp/shoreline-master-program-smp-survey
For more information, contact Danielle Butsick at DButsick@KentWA.gov or 253-856-5443, or visit the project website at KentWA.gov/doing-business/long-range-planning/smp.
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