Shoreline Variance Permit

Shoreline Variance Permit

What is the Purpose of this Permit?

Each local government has its own development standards for dimensions, heights, setbacks, densities, etc. in its Shoreline Master Program. A variance may be requested from those standards. Shoreline Variances are written permits issued by local governments and are sent to Ecology for approval or disapproval. Ecology may add its own conditions to a variance during its review process. For more information about the Shoreline Management Act, please go to the home page link noted below.

Who issues this Permit?

Department of Ecology

What Activities Require this Permit?

Determined by local government and specified in their Shoreline Master Program.

How Much Will this Permit Cost?

Determined by local government. Ecology does not charge any fee for reviewing Shoreline Variances.

Do I Need to Include Anything with my Application?

Determined by local government. The minimum required information is listed in WAC 173-27-180.

Is the Decision on my Permit Dependent on Anything Besides the Information in my Application?

Compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) may be required.

How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?

The local permit time frame is determined by local government. Ecology's decision will be issued within 30 calendar days of receiving a complete permit package from the local government. See WAC 173-27-130 & 180 for the required permit documents.

Where do I Submit my Application?

The local government (town, city, county) where the proposed project will be implemented.

Schematic:

View the schematic

How Long is my Permit Valid?

Determined by local government in accordance with RCW 90.58.143.

What is the Appeal Process for the Permit?

Each local government may establish its own appeal process. Appeals may then be made to the Shorelines Hearings Board (SHB) within 21-days of the "filing date" as defined in RCW 90.58.140(6). SHB decisions may be appealed to the courts.

Notes / Comments:

Variance applications are reviewed against criteria in the local Shoreline Master Program and state criteria in WAC 173-27-170.

Legal Authority:

Statewide Contact:

Local Government - City or County
Planning Departments
For assistance contact 1-800-917-0043 (Office of Regulatory Assistance).
Website: http://www.mrsc.org/research.aspx

* Permit information last updated 10/28/2009.

Permit Handbook > Local Permits