Notice to Shoreline Residents – January 15 2009
Posted By Dwight on January 15, 2009
Shoreline Residents: January 2009
Planning Commission Approves New Shoreline Rules
Lakefront residents face greater restrictions
Who is affected?
All property owners within 200’ of Pine Lake, Beaver Lake, and Lake Sammamish.
What new Rules?
The new regulations are called the “City of Sammamish Shoreline Master Plan Update” (SMP). The new SMP contains 73 pages of regulations. This is in addition to the 61 page “Critical Areas Ordinance” (CAO) which already regulates shorelines in the city. All remodeling, home improvements and new construction must comply with the City’s SMP and CAO.
When will the new rules become Law?
The City Council will review these rules at meetings in February, March, and April. The Department of Ecology must approve the final draft. The expectation is that the new rules will become law before the end of 2009.
How could this affect you?
Our lakes are a precious resource and they need to be protected. Shoreline residents also deserve fair treatment and must retain the right to maintain and improve their properties. Recent changes in the CAO made many homes non-conforming with existing codes. The new SMP removes some of the “grandfathered” rights to improve non-conforming structures; shoreline restoration is required of those who are remodeling even just interior spaces. Homes built before January 3, 2006 closer than 50’ to the shoreline will be most affected.
What can you do?
Let the City Council know your thoughts by letter or speaking at their meetings. Read the plan to see how it may affect you. If you would like to build or remodel in the next two years you may want to get a building permit sooner than later. You can find more information on my website: www.BuilderontheLake.com or contact me at 425-868-4217.
Sincerely,
Dwight Martin
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