The Shoreline Master Program is the state’s attempt to allow local jurisdictions (meaning the people of the counties) to write their own specific regulations within the legal framework of requirements (i.e. regulation for mining, urban shoreline uses, etc.)
We support the process and the update, with exceptions. The process of writing this update in Jefferson County seems to have been weakened by the presence of people on the Planning Commission that specifically stood to gain financially from the outcome. This is conflict of interest at it’s core. Section 14 of the Planning Commission By-Laws specifically calls out that conflict of interest is reason for a PC member to recuse themselves.
The lack of any real enforcement of the current SMP is also of great concern to us. There is no real provision for providing greater enforcement, or incentives to people to follow the SMP. We see that as a weakness. The document also needs substantial summary in easier to read format. We hope the county will work on providing a web site and supporting printed literature that helps people understand these regulations without having to read the entire document. Streamlining the processes to support the SMP would be very valuable. That will cost money to implement, money that is currently not budgeted.
Given that, here is the current response from People For Puget Sound on the September draft documents.
Currently, Jefferson County is in negotiations with the Department of Ecology over a controversial decision to put a moratorium on net pen aquaculture.
Clallam County is in process on their SMP. Drafts are available for the public at the County offices or online.
(updated March 2012)
