Shoreline Master Program

What Is It?

The Shoreline Master Program regulates development on the City’s shorelines to:

• Protect shoreline ecosystems
• Encourage water-dependent uses
• Provide for maximum public use and enjoyment of the shorelines
• Preserve, enhance, and increase views of and access to the water

Our ordinance requires that you:

• Obtain a permit for any substantial shoreline development that is not exempt
• Obtain a Shoreline Exemption for any use or development in the Shoreline District
  • Tip 209, Master Use Permit Application Requirements for Shoreline Permits
  • Tip 209A, Shoreline Substantial Development Exemptions Application Instructions

What It Isn’t

This ordinance does not cover:

• Emergency spill response; contact Department of Ecology’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-OILS-911
• Pollution discharges into lakes, creeks, and public storm drains; contact Seattle Public Utilities
• Navigation hazards; call Seattle Harbor Patrol at (206) 684-4071
• Regulations of the City of Shoreline, Washington

Read the Code

Read more about the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) shoreline district, SMC 23.60.

• Tip 229, Residential Use of a Floating Home, House Barge or Vessel
• Tip 232, How to Appeal the Granting, Conditioning or Denial of Shoreline Permits
• Director's Rule 7-2007, Determination of Shoreline Residential Setbacks in the Shoreline District
• Director's Rule 34-2006, Pedestrian Bridges in the Conservancy Waterway Shoreline Environment
• Director's Rule 9-2003, Exemption from Shoreline Program Permit Requirements
• Director's Rule 16-99, Nonconforming Floating Homes beyond the Lake Union Construction Limit Line
• Director's Rule 17-99, Verification of Shoreline District Boundary Line
• Director's Rule 22-96, New Dolphins Not Requiring Use or Building Permits
• Director's Rule 38-96, Exemptions from Shoreline Substantial Development Permits for Contract Purchasers
• Director's Rule 20-88, Property Located Partly within and Partly out of the Shoreline District

Proposed Changes

We're updating our Shoreline Master Program. For more information, visit our proposed Shoreline Master Program Updates.