Shoreline Master Program

What Is It?

The Shoreline Master Program (23.60A) regulates development in the city’s shoreline environments to:

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

Our ordinance requires that you:

Obtain a shoreline substantial development permit, or a shoreline exemption, for any development in the Shoreline District
Obtain a master use permit for any use or change of use in the Shoreline District
Use best management practices in the shoreline to minimize and mitigate impacts on the aquatic environment
Obtain and display a City-issued identification number for a floating residence (learn about the Floating Residence verification and registration process)

Other Resources

For emergency spill response, contact Department of Ecology’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-OILS-911.

For pollution discharges into lakes, creeks, and public storm drains, contact Seattle Public Utilities or call the Surface Water Pollution Report Line at (206) 684-7587.

To find out if the spill is also a shoreline violation, call (206) 615-0808.

What It Isn’t

This ordinance does not cover:

Navigation hazards; call Seattle Harbor Patrol at (206) 684-4071
Regulations of the City of Shoreline, Washington

Read the Code

Seattle Municipal Code 23.60A

Tip 209, Application Requirements for Shoreline Permits
Tip 209A, Shoreline Substantial Development Exemptions Application Instructions
Tip 229, Residential Use of a Floating Home, House Barge or Vessel
Tip 229A, Shoreline Permitting Requirements for Floating on Water Residences (FOWR) and House Barges
Tip 232, How to Appeal the Granting, Conditioning or Denial of Shoreline Permits
Tip 250, Best Management Practices in Seattle's Shoreline District
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
Director's Rule 9-2020, Verification of floating on-water residences

Proposed Changes

None