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.

We're reviewing the way the City evaluates vessels used as floating residences. For more information and to provide feedback on a preliminary draft Director's Rule, visit our blog story, Preliminary Director’s Rule Relating to Vessels Used as Dwelling Units.