The Shoreline Master Program (SMP) includes our community's goals, policies, regulations, and programs regarding the use, development, conservation, and restoration of our shorelines. The SMP is jointly adopted and administered by the City and the Washington State Department of Ecology under the Shoreline Management Act.

NOTICE: Applications submitted on or after 3/5/2021 will be reviewed under the 2021 SMP.

Published Edition: 2021 SMP
Effective Date: 03/05/2021
Markup Version: Ord. 2020-17 Exhibit A

Published Edition: 2014 SMP
Effective Date: 07/30/2014
Markup Version: n/a

SMP Administrative Interpretations and Regulatory Guidance Memos

Current Amendments in Process

Periodic Review

Past Amendments

Critical Areas Ordinance Integration and Nonconforming Regulations

On November 24, 2020, the City Council approved Ordinance No. 2020-17, amending the City's Shoreline Master Program related to critical areas regulations and nonconforming structures, uses, and lots and amending several sections of Chapter 16.12 of the Bainbridge Island Municipal Code accordingly, as specifically identified in Exhibit A to this ordinance. A copy of the submittal package sent to Ecology is available here.

On February 19, 2021, the City received notification that the Department of Ecology has approved the amendment; a copy of the final approval letter is available here, and more information about the final decision can be found here. 

The SMP Amendment became effective on March 5, 2021, 14 days after final approval by the Department of Ecology. 

Questions?  Contact:

Annie Hillier, MMA

ahillier@bainbridgewa.gov

206-780-3773

Aquaculture

A limited amendment regarding aquaculture (Ordinance 2016-06) was adopted by the City in 2016 and submitted to the Washington State Department of Ecology for approval.   During this time, a precedent setting case regarding aquaculture was decided against the Pierce County SMP.   Ecology could not approve the City’s proposed amendment and it was withdrawn by the City.  The City intends to develop a revised aquaculture amendment during the periodic review process that will comply with the precedent set in the Pierce County SMP case.