Hoquiam Shoreline Master Program Update

Background

The City of Hoquiam is performing a periodic review of its Shoreline Master Program (SMP). The Shoreline Management Act (SMA) requires each SMP to be reviewed and revised, if needed, on an eight-year schedule established by the Legislature, in accordance with WAC 173-26-090. The review ensures the SMP stays current with changes in laws and rules, remains consistent with other city plans and regulations, and is responsive to changed circumstances, new information, and improved data. The SMP is Hoquiam Municipal Code Chapter 11.05.

Needed Updates & Revisions

The current SMP was last updated in 2017. Since then, state laws, rules, and guidance have been updated which may require amendments to the SMP. The Department of Ecology publishes a checklist of state laws, rules, or other applicable documents published each year that require local governments to review their SMP for conformance. In 2022, the city’s consultant, AHBL, reviewed the checklist and identified opportunities for amendments.

Public Involvement

Early and continuous public participation is a requirement of the Shoreline Management Act. As part of the City’s SMP Periodic Review, the City has prepared a public participation plan which describes how the public will be informed about and involved in decision making for the SMP update. The City also acknowledges that a variety of stakeholders and partners having particular interest in the City’s SMP.

For full details, please view the City’s Public Participation Plan.

NOTICE OF: PUBLIC HEARING, SEPA REVIEW, AND COMMENT PERIOD

The City of Hoquiam is proposing to update the City’s adopted Shoreline Master Program (Hoquiam Municipal Code Chapter 11.05). The City and the Washington Dept. of Ecology (Ecology) are accepting comments on a periodic review in accordance with RCW 90.58.080(4) and pursuant to the joint review process set forth in 173-26-104 WAC. The City has prepared draft Shoreline Master Program (SMP) amendments to be consistent with state law, local plans, regulations, and other changed local circumstances. Proposed amendments to the SMP are limited to changes to the Shoreline Management Act and related rules, and some limited modifications to reflect changes to local circumstances. Public comments will be accepted from April 10, 2023 to May 10, 2023. Send comments to the City’s consultant Ali Masterson.. Comments sent to the City will be forwarded to the Dept. of Ecology.

Environmental Review (SEPA) is being conducted on the proposal and a Determination of Non-significance (DNS) was issued on April 10, 2023. The comment period on the DNS concludes on April 24, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. Send comments to city staff contact / responsible SEPA Official Brian Shay.

The Hoquiam City Council and the Washington Dept. of Ecology (Ecology) will hold a joint public hearing on the proposal. The hearing is scheduled for Monday, April 24, at or after 7 pm, at the Hoquiam City Hall Building, located at 609 8th St, Hoquiam, WA. Additionally, online attendance and remote live stream will be available via zoom and the zoom link will be posted on the City’s meeting agenda.