Property owners see proposed shoreline rules this summer

Both Gig Harbor and Pierce County are reviewing new regulations this summer, changing things up for waterfront owners. The city held what could be its final hearing June 11, listening to two dozen people testify about restrictive buffers, aquaculture and lack of flexibility in the downtown. The council could decide to hold another hearing before adopting the plan that mandates some vegetative setback from the shoreline even on shallow Bay sites and 50 feet in developed residential areas and 100 feet in more sensitive residential areas around creeks. A building setback of 10 feet is necessary from the buffer. 30% of the buffer can be maintained for view purposes.

Pierce County’s plan started more than four years ago, with two years of input from a citizens committee and technical experts. The process stalled two years ago, due to budget restraints but the process is now on a fast track with open houses scheduled for July 11 at the GH Civic Center and July 16 at Key Center, as well as public meetings at the local community advisory boards. Formal hearings are scheduled July 25 and August 1 at Peninsula High School.

The proposed regulations will affect owners who plan to build or those wanting to rebuild or significantly remodel within 200 feet of the shoreline.

City regulations govern the city limits and are set for East Gig Harbor and Purdy’s Urban Growth Areas if those areas annexed. These UGA property owners are looking at wider and more restrictive buffers under the county plan.

The proposed plan for the county portion of  Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula  include a vegetative buffer width of 100 feet where shorelines are completely developed (Shoreline Residential) or moderately developed but not critical “habitat” areas (Conservancy). Habitat areas with little modification at the shoreline (Natural) will be buffered with 150 feet. This is an increased width along most of the shorelines.  40-70% of the buffer must be vegetated, depending on its designation with only selective tree limbing and native plant removal.  Uses are restricted within the buffers, including walking trail width and material, “view corridors”, type of landscaping materials and number of activities that can be performed.

The term “non-conforming” would not be used in the new county plan provided the home was built with permits originally (or prior to permits being issued) but not allowed under the new plan.  This is a huge benefit for residential property owners and one the real estate profession fought for and won at the state level in 2011.

Aside from the wider buffers, the other proposed change destined to raise the ire of many homeowners is that much of the shorelines will now allow aquaculture—read geoduck “farming” as well as clam, mussel, and oyster nets, bags, and barges.  Washington State passed the Shellfish Initiative in December 201, expanding the shellfish industry.  Successful shellfish farming needs clean water and beaches–much of the Key Peninsula is suitable for this industry. Governor Gregoire said in December “Washington’s aquaculture industry is worth more than $107 million a year…employs more than 3200 people and pumps more than $270 million into the state economy.”

Owners wanting to install a dock will find few permitting changes. Longer docks-150-200 feet–are offered as an incentive when two to four homeowners join together to build a dock. Single use is limited to 125 feet.

These new plans will guide all new building, rebuilding after a disaster and remodeling for years to come. The first Shoreline Master Plan was implemented in 1975 and had only one update since then. Property owners absolutely need to learn how their property is affected. Peninsula and Key Peninsula Advisory commissions have open meetings scheduled for July 11 and 16 prior to the open houses and public hearings July 25 and August 1.

Both county and city plans and maps with applicable shoreline designations can be downloaded from their respective websites.

Carole Holmaas is a Managing Broker at Windermere Real Estate/Gig Harbor, licensed since 1967, specializing in waterfront and view properties. She was a member of the citizen advisory committees both for the City of Gig Harbor and Pierce County.