A. 
The coalition has designated shorelines pursuant to Chapter 90.58 RCW by defining them, providing criteria for their identification, and establishing shoreline ecological functions to be protected. Project proponents are responsible for determining whether a shoreline exists and is regulated pursuant to this SMP. The SMP classifies coalition shoreline areas into seven shoreline environment designations consistent with the purpose and designation criteria as follows:
1. 
Aquatic;
2. 
Natural;
3. 
Rural;
4. 
Conservancy;
5. 
Recreation;
6. 
High intensity;
7. 
Shoreline residential.
B. 
Official Shoreline Maps. Shoreline area designations are delineated on a map, hereby incorporated as a part of this SMP (CCC § 16.15.870), that shall be known as the official shoreline map. Maps indicating the extent of shoreline jurisdiction and shoreline environment designations are to be used in conjunction with the most current scientific and technical information available, field investigations, and on-site surveys to accurately establish the location and extent of shoreline jurisdiction when a project is proposed.
C. 
Unmapped or Undesignated Shorelines. All areas meeting the definition of a shoreline of the state or an SSWS, whether mapped or not, are subject to the provisions of this SMP.
D. 
Interpretation of Environment Designation Boundaries.
1. 
Whenever existing physical features are inconsistent with boundaries on the official shoreline map, the shoreline administrator shall interpret the boundaries. Appeals of such interpretations may be filed pursuant to CCC § 16.15.810, Appeals.
2. 
All shoreline areas waterward of the OHWM shall be designated aquatic.
3. 
Only one shoreline area designation shall apply to a given shoreland area. Parallel designations shall be divided along an identified linear feature. Such linear features shall be clearly noted in the metadata associated with the official shoreline map.
4. 
All areas within shorelines that are not mapped and/or designated are automatically assigned conservancy designation.
5. 
Environment designations for shorelines within the city of Dayton UGA will be as described in this section and administered by Columbia County until the area is annexed into the city limits, at which time the city of Dayton environment designations will take effect.
(Ord. 2016-02; Ord. 2023-02 § 2 (Exh. 1))
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the aquatic shoreline environment designation is to protect, restore, and manage the unique characteristics and resources of the areas waterward of the OHWM.
B. 
Designation Criteria. An aquatic shoreline environment designation is assigned to lands and waters waterward of the OHWM.
C. 
Management Policies.
1. 
In addition to the other applicable policies and regulations of this SMP, the following management policies shall apply:
a. 
New over-water structures should be allowed only for water-dependent uses, public access, recreation, or ecological restoration.
b. 
Shoreline uses and modifications should be designed and managed to prevent degradation of water quality and natural hydrographic conditions.
c. 
In-water uses should be allowed where impacts can be mitigated to ensure no net loss of shoreline ecological functions. Permitted in-water uses must be managed to avoid impacts to shoreline ecological functions. Impacts must be minimized and mitigated.
d. 
On navigable waters or their beds, all uses and developments should be located and designed to meet all of the following requirements:
i. 
Avoid or minimize interference with surface navigation;
ii. 
Avoid or minimize impacts to public views;
iii. 
Allow for the safe, unobstructed passage of fish and wildlife, particularly species dependent on daily movements among habitat types and seasonal migration.
2. 
Multiple or shared use of over-water and water access facilities should be encouraged to reduce the impacts of shoreline development and increase effective use of water resources.
3. 
Structures and activities permitted should be related in size, form, design, and intensity of use to those permitted in the immediately adjacent upland area. The size of new over-water structures should be limited to the minimum necessary to support the structure's intended use.
4. 
Natural light should be allowed to penetrate to the extent necessary to support fisheries and nearshore aquatic habitat unless other illumination is required by state or federal agencies.
5. 
Aquaculture practices should be encouraged in those waters and beds most suitable for such use. Aquaculture should be discouraged where it would adversely affect the strength or viability of native stocks or unreasonably interfere with navigation.
6. 
Shoreline uses, development, activities, and modifications in the aquatic shoreline environment designation requiring use of adjacent landside property should be in a shoreline environment designation that allows that use, development, activity, or modification.
(Ord. 2016-02)
(Public shorelands exhibiting high ecological integrity (e.g., cliff habitats on the Snake and Grande Ronde rivers, creeks, and Touchet and Tucannon River reaches in the Umatilla National Forest).)
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the natural shoreline environment designation is to protect those shoreline areas that are relatively free of human influence or that include intact or minimally degraded shoreline ecological functions less tolerant of human use. These systems require that only very low-intensity uses be allowed in order to maintain the ecological functions and ecosystem-wide processes. Consistent with the policies of the designation, restoration of degraded shorelines within this environment is appropriate.
B. 
Designation Criteria. The following criteria should be considered in assigning a natural environment designation:
1. 
The shoreline ecological functions have no or minimal human impacts and have a high opportunity for preservation and low technical and logistical opportunity for restoration.
2. 
The shoreline is generally in public or conservancy ownership or under covenant, easement, or a conservation tax program.
3. 
The shoreline contains little or no development or is planned for development that would have minimal adverse impacts to ecological functions or risk to human safety.
4. 
There are low-intensity agricultural or forested land uses and no active mining uses.
5. 
The shoreline has high potential for low-impact, passive, or public recreation.
6. 
The shoreline is considered to represent ecosystems and geologic types that have high scientific and educational value.
C. 
Management Policies. In addition to other applicable policies and regulations, the following management policies shall apply:
1. 
Any use beyond existing uses that would substantially degrade shoreline ecological functions or natural character of the shoreline area should not be allowed.
2. 
Scientific, historic, cultural, educational research, and low-impact, passive recreational uses are allowed, in addition to existing uses, while meeting no net loss of ecological function requirements.
3. 
Single-family residential development may be allowed as a conditional use if the density and intensity of such use is limited as necessary to protect ecological functions and is consistent with the purpose of the environment.
4. 
Vegetation should remain undisturbed except for removal of noxious vegetation and invasive species through ongoing management activities or as part of a development proposal. Proposed subdivision or lot line adjustments, new development, or significant vegetation removal that would reduce the capability of vegetation to perform normal ecological functions should not be allowed.
5. 
Uses that would deplete physical or biological resources or impair views to or from the shoreline over time should be prohibited.
6. 
Only physical alterations that serve to support an existing use, protect a significant or unique physical, biological, or visual shoreline feature that might otherwise be degraded or destroyed, or those alterations that are the minimum necessary to support a permitted use should be allowed.
7. 
Only the following types of signs should be considered for location in the shorelines: interpretive, directional, navigational, regulatory, and public.
(Ord. 2016-02)
(Private lands in working rural landscapes, including agricultural areas and rangelands, rural transportation corridors, timber lands, and other privately owned large parcels.)
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the rural environment designation is to protect rural agricultural and working forest lands, rural transportation corridors, other privately owned large parcels, and working lands in public ownership from urban expansion; restrict intensive development along undeveloped spaces; protect shoreline ecological functions; conserve existing agricultural, rangeland, and forest resources in order to provide for sustained resource use; and maintain natural processes. In addition to existing and future agricultural, rangeland, and forest uses, examples of uses that are appropriate in the rural shoreline environment designation include low- and higher intensity recreation uses, development in support of agricultural uses, and low-intensity residential development.
B. 
Designation Criteria. The following criteria are used to consider in rural environment designation:
1. 
The shoreline is located outside of incorporated municipalities.
2. 
The shoreline is not highly developed, and most development is agriculture, rangeland, forest, or low-density residential; and unimproved land is used for livestock grazing, logging, and/or harvesting of noncultivated crops.
3. 
The shoreline has riparian vegetation with high to moderate ecological functions.
4. 
The shoreline has low to moderate potential for public, water-oriented recreation where ecological functions can be maintained or restored.
5. 
The shoreline has high potential for agricultural uses.
C. 
Management Policies. In addition to the other applicable policies and regulations of this SMP, the following management policies shall apply:
1. 
In addition to existing agriculture, forestry, or rangeland uses, other shoreline uses should be limited to those that sustain the shoreline area's physical and biological resources and do not substantially degrade shoreline ecological functions or the rural or natural character of the shoreline area.
2. 
New developments shall ensure no net loss of shoreline ecological functions and preserve the existing character of the shoreline consistent with the purpose of this designation (e.g., residential developments shall maintain low density, adequate buffer, and from the water and wetlands).
3. 
Encourage regulations that provide adequate buffers from the shoreline, promote water quality protection and native vegetation conservation, promote invasive species control or removal and replacement with native species, provide opportunities for restoration actions, and reduce the need for shoreline stabilization to ensure no net loss of shoreline ecological functions.
4. 
Water-dependent agriculture uses and facilities that conserve natural resources are preferred uses; provided, that significant adverse impacts to the shoreline are avoided and impacts are minimized and mitigated.
5. 
Developments and uses that would substantially degrade or permanently deplete the biological resources of the area should not be allowed.
6. 
New shoreline stabilization, flood-control measures, vegetation removal, and other shoreline modifications should be designed and managed consistent with these guidelines to ensure the natural shoreline functions are protected. Such shoreline modification should not be inconsistent with planning provisions for protecting or restoring shoreline ecological functions, as applicable.
(Ord. 2016-02)
(Publicly owned areas along the Snake River and lower Asotin Creek available for low-intensity recreational uses; also could include other rural areas not intensively farmed, e.g., the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land on the Touchet River North and South forks, rangeland along Asotin Creek and portions of Tucannon and Touchet rivers, along with open-space areas within Clarkston and Starbuck.)
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the conservancy environment designation is to protect shoreline ecological functions and conserve existing natural resource based uses such as lower intensity agriculture, forestry, and valuable historic and cultural areas in order to provide for sustained resource use, achieve natural floodplain processes where applicable, and provide recreational opportunities. In addition to existing low-intensity agriculture or rangeland uses, examples of uses that are appropriate in a conservancy shoreline environment designation include low-impact recreation, natural resource-based uses, and low-intensity residential development.
B. 
Designation Criteria. The following criteria are used to consider a conservancy environment designation:
1. 
The shoreline is not highly developed, and most development is related to forestry, low-density residential, federal habitat management areas, and rangelands used for livestock grazing and harvesting noncultivated crops;
2. 
Water-oriented recreation and water-enjoyment uses where ecological functions can be maintained or restored; or
3. 
The shoreline has high scientific or educational value or unique historic or cultural resources value.
C. 
Management Policies. In addition to the other applicable policies and regulations of this SMP, the following management policies shall apply:
1. 
In addition to existing uses, other shoreline uses should be limited to those that sustain the shoreline area's physical and biological resources and do not degrade shoreline ecological functions or the rural or natural character of the shoreline area. Uses that result in restoration of ecological functions should be allowed if the use is otherwise compatible with the purpose of the environment designation and the setting.
2. 
Development shall ensure no net loss of shoreline ecological functions and preserve the existing character of the shoreline consistent with the purpose of this designation.
3. 
Encourage regulations that limit lot coverage, provide adequate setbacks from the shoreline, promote native vegetation conservation and invasive species control/removal and replacement with native species, reduce the need for shoreline stabilization, and maintain or improve water quality to ensure no net loss of shoreline ecological functions.
4. 
Water-dependent, water-related, and water-oriented recreation facilities that do not deplete the resource over time are preferred uses. Adverse impacts to the shoreline must be avoided. Impacts shall be avoided if technically possible, otherwise they shall be minimized and mitigated.
5. 
Commercial and industrial uses, other than low intensity agricultural practices and commercial forestry, shall be discouraged.
6. 
Development and uses that would substantially degrade or permanently deplete the biological resources of the area should not be allowed.
7. 
New shoreline stabilization, flood-control measures, vegetation removal, and other shoreline modifications should be designed and managed consistent with these guidelines to ensure the natural shoreline functions are protected, and consistent with restoring shoreline ecological functions, as applicable.
8. 
Where feasible and appropriate, visual and physical public access provisions may be included as consistent with CCC § 16.15.260, Public access.
(Ord. 2016-02; Ord. 2023-02 § 2 (Exh. 1))
(Parks, boat launches, campgrounds, trails, etc., along most of the water bodies.)
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the recreation environment designation is to provide for water-oriented recreational uses with potential opportunity for commercial and/or residential (mixed) uses to support recreational uses while protecting existing ecological functions, conserving existing natural resources, and restoring ecological functions in areas that have been previously degraded.
B. 
Designation Criteria. The following criteria are used to consider a recreation environment designation:
1. 
The shoreline has low to moderate ecological function with low to moderate practical technical and logistical feasibility for ecological restoration.
2. 
The shoreline is highly developed, and most development is recreation-related with potential for additional recreation and recreation-related commerce or is suitable and planned for water-oriented uses.
3. 
The shoreline has existing recreation uses or moderate to high potential for public and private, water-oriented recreation where ecological functions can be maintained or enhanced.
C. 
Management Policies. In addition to the other applicable policies and regulations of this SMP, the following management policies shall apply:
1. 
In regulating uses in the recreation environment, first priority should be given to water-dependent recreational uses. Second priority should be given to water-related and water-enjoyment recreational uses. Non-water-oriented uses should not be allowed, except as part of mixed-use developments with a recreation focus.
2. 
Policies and regulations shall ensure no net loss of shoreline ecological functions as a result of new development. Consistent with the potential project impacts, new development may be required, as applicable, to include restoration of shoreline functions as part of project proposal mitigation.
3. 
Visual and physical public access should be required as provided for in CCC § 16.15.260, Public access. Recreational objectives should be enhanced by combining physical and visual public access opportunities with other recreational opportunities where feasible.
4. 
Water-oriented commercial uses should be allowed.
5. 
Aesthetic objectives should be implemented by means such as sign control regulations, appropriate development siting, screening, and architectural standards, and maintaining natural riparian and upland vegetative buffers.
(Ord. 2016-02)
(Lower Snake River dams, ports, treatment plants, other industrial uses, and nonindustrial port district commercial uses, i.e., hotels, restaurants in Clarkston, city of Asotin wastewater treatment facilities and commercial areas.)
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the high intensity environment designation is to provide for water-dependent public and private commercial and industrial uses. The preferred use emphasis is on water-dependent or water-oriented commerce and industry. Examples of uses that are appropriate in a high intensity shoreline environment include hydro-electric power generation, irrigation water supply diversion or conveyance, transportation, navigation uses, grain elevators, fish hatcheries, barge and conveyance facilities, marinas, hotels and restaurants (when designed with water-enjoyment features), and similar uses. This environment may also provide for recreation, while protecting existing ecological functions and restoring ecological functions in areas that have been previously degraded.
B. 
Designation Criteria. Assign a high intensity environment designation to shoreline areas in the following situations:
1. 
The shoreline is significantly degraded with low opportunity for ecological enhancement or rehabilitation.
2. 
The shoreline is highly developed, and most development is related to public utility, infrastructure, navigation, industry, or commerce with potential for additional related development, facility rehabilitation, or upgrade modifications.
3. 
The uses depend on proximity to water, including high-intensity uses related to industrial production, conveyance, transportation, wastewater treatment, or navigation.
C. 
Management Policies. In addition to the other applicable policies and regulations of this SMP, the following management policies shall apply:
1. 
In regulating uses in the high intensity environment, first priority should be given to water-dependent industrial, commercial, or public-facility uses. Second priority should be given to water-related and water-enjoyment uses that are not in conflict with the surrounding industrial or commercial uses. Non-water-oriented uses are allowed as part of a water-dependent or water-related industrial or commercial operational needs.
2. 
Policies and regulations shall ensure no net loss of shoreline ecological functions as a result of redevelopment, facility upgrades, and new development. Where applicable, development shall include environmental cleanup and restoration of the shoreline to comply in accordance with any relevant state and federal laws.
3. 
Where feasible and appropriate, visual and physical public access provisions may be included as consistent with CCC § 16.15.260, Public access.
4. 
Aesthetic objectives should be implemented by means such as appropriate development siting, screening, and maintenance of natural vegetative buffers.
(Ord. 2016-02; Ord. 2023-02 § 2 (Exh. 1))
(Residential areas within the town of Starbuck, city of Asotin, and city of Clarkston, and within existing higher density developed areas in Asotin County along the Snake River [Snake River Road] and Asotin Creek, in Columbia County in some similar areas along the Touchet and Tucannon Rivers and Asotin Creek.)
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the shoreline residential environment designation is to accommodate primarily residential development and appurtenant structures but also to allow other types of development consistent with this section. An additional purpose is to provide appropriate public access and recreational uses.
B. 
Designation Criteria. Assign a shoreline residential environment designation to shoreline areas in the following situations:
1. 
The shoreline has low to moderate ecological function with low to moderate opportunity for restoration.
2. 
The shoreline contains mostly residential development at urban densities or in clusters in rural setting.
3. 
The shoreline has low to moderate potential for low-impact, passive, or active water-oriented recreation where ecological functions can be restored.
C. 
Management Policies. In addition to the other applicable policies and regulations of this SMP, the following management policies shall apply:
1. 
Require regulations that ensure no net loss of shoreline ecological functions as a result of new development such as limiting lot coverage, providing adequate setbacks from the shoreline, promoting vegetation conservation, reducing the need for shoreline stabilization, and maintaining or improving water quality.
2. 
The scale and density of new uses and development should be compatible with the existing residential character of the area.
3. 
Public access and joint (rather than individual) use of recreational facilities should be promoted.
4. 
Access, utilities, and public services to serve proposed development within shorelines should be constructed outside shorelines to the extent feasible and be the minimum necessary to adequately serve existing needs and planned future development.
5. 
Public or private outdoor recreation facilities should be provided with proposals for subdivision development and encouraged with all shoreline development if compatible with the character of the area. Priority should be given first to water-dependent and then to water-enjoyment recreation facilities.
6. 
Commercial development should be limited to water-oriented uses. Non-water-oriented commercial uses should only be allowed as part of mixed-used developments.
(Ord. 2016-02; Ord. 2023-02 § 2 (Exh. 1))