Winlock’s first shoreline master plan amendment ready for public input

The first proposed amendment to the City of Winlock’s Shoreline Master Program – which was originally developed in 1977 - is now available for public review and comment. If approved, it will completely replace the existing program and guide construction and development along King and Olequa creeks within Winlock.

The locally tailored program combines plans for future development and preservation with new ordinances and permitting requirements for nearly three miles of shoreline. The public comment period on the proposed plan is open until 5 p.m. on Dec. 5.

If approved, the proposal would meet the requirements of the Shoreline Management Act and the Shoreline Master Program Guidelines. 

What’s a Shoreline Master Program?

Shoreline Master Programs are local plans developed by cities and counties to manage shoreline uses and development. These local programs protect natural resources for future generations, provide for public access to public waters and shores, and plan for shoreline uses and development.

Winlock’s shoreline plan

Winlock’s new shoreline program incorporates vegetative buffers from the city’s Critical Areas Ordinance that accommodate existing development, prioritizes uses consistent with the city’s underlying zoning, and establishes all legally existing upland residential development and uses as conforming.

The proposal is available for review on the project website, and in paper form at the Washington Department of Ecology headquarters and at Winlock City Hall.

All comments should be sent to Ecology’s Sarah Cassal. There are four ways to do it:

By email: sarah.cassal@ecy.wa.gov

By mail:   Southwest Regional Office
                PO Box 47775
                Olympia, WA 98504-7600

In person: 300 Desmond Drive
                 Lacey, WA 98504

By phone: 360-407-7459

Ecology must receive comments no later than 5 p.m. on Dec. 5, 2016.

Comment summaries and the city’s response will be posted to Winlock’s Shoreline Master Program page on Ecology’s website.

By: Dave Bennett, Southwest Region communications manager