The Washington Department of Ecology seeks public input on Kirkland’s proposed limited amendments to their existing Shoreline Master Program.

Kirkland passed Resolution 4847 in November, approving miscellaneous amendments related to annexation. Kirkland needs to revise components of their shoreline program to incorporate the annexed area into their shoreline master program.

The city’s Shoreline Environment Designations Map, Restoration Plan, and Cumulative Impact Analysis all need to be changed to reflect the annexed area. Some of Kirkland’s shoreline regulations are also proposed for amendment to reflect existing conditions.

Ecology will decide if Kirkland’s proposed program update meets the requirements of the Shoreline Management Act and the Shoreline Master Program Guidelines. Ecology will decide whether to approve the program as is, approve the program with required changes or deny approval at this time and work on bringing the program into compliance with all applicable laws and rules.

All interested parties are invited to provide comment during the public comment period through 5 p.m. Feb. 11. There are several ways to provide comments. You only need to submit your comments once.

Submit written comments and questions to: Mr. Joe Burcar, WA State Department of Ecology, NWRO; 3190 160th Avenue SE Bellevue, WA 98008. You may also e-mail comments to: joe.burcar@ecy.wa.gov or call 425-649-7145.

Documents for public review and comment may be found at: www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/depart/Planning/Code_Updates/AnnexationSMP.htm

Paper copies are also available at the Washington State Department of Ecology, Northwest regional office in Bellevue or Kirkland City Hall, Planning Department, 123 Fifth Ave., Kirkland.