Current Shoreline Master Program

The Shoreline Master Program (SMP) establishes goals, policies and regulations for the shoreline jurisdiction of Bainbridge Island. The current SMP became effective in July 2014 after a comprehensive update process. The SMP is available in two versions:

Official shoreline designations are mapped (PDF).

Long Range SMP Periodic Review

The Washington State Shoreline Management Act requires communities to review their SMP every eight years.  This review includes evaluation of the City’s current SMP and development of recommended amendments.

This review is not a major update of the SMP like the City adopted in 2014.  Its purpose is to ensure the SMP is consistent with changes in state law and addresses errors, omissions and opportunities for improved clarity and readability.

The Planning Commission started the periodic review process between May and July 2019.  Since then, the Department of Ecology (DOE) has extended the adoption date from June 2020 to July 2021.  Due to the extended timeline and staffing changes within the City, the Department will pick up this effort in early 2020 and will consider hiring a consultant to assist in this review.  If possible, the Department will attempt to complete this work by the end of 2020.  

Updated information about the periodic review including schedules and opportunities for involvement, will be posted on this web page.

SMP Periodic Review Background Materials


Below are the materials included in the Planning Commission packets. 

July 11, 2019

June 27, 2019

May 23, 2019

There are currently two other amendments to the SMP underway:

  • Limited amendment related to aquaculture - Locally adopted by City Council in October 2016, City staff is coordinating with the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) on potential required and recommended changes and Ecology’s conditional approval for City Council consideration.
  • Amendment related to critical areas regulations and nonconforming uses, structures and lots - This draft amendment was approved by City Council in January 2019.  The entire submittal package was submitted to Ecology in April.

Share Your Feedback/Opportunities for Input

Planning Commission meeting materials will be posted on this webpage the Friday prior to the scheduled meeting.  You are encouraged to submit written comments for Planning Commission consideration prior to the meeting or provide public comment at the meeting.

  • Public comment at Planning Commission Meetings

  • E-mail comments to:  pcd@bainbridgewa.gov

  • Mail comments to Planning & Community Development:

Planning & Community Development

280 Madison Ave N

Bainbridge Island, WA  98110


If you have any questions, please contact:

pcd@bainbridgewa.gov
206.780.3750