Shoreline Master Program

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The City of Wenatchee and the State of Washington have adopted the City of Wenatchee Shoreline Master Program (SMP). The original document became effective on October 31, 2014 and amendments to the main document and Appendix B became effective on September 14, 2021 in fulfillment of the periodic update. This Shoreline Master Program includes the following documents:

City of Wenatchee Shoreline Master Program*

*Subsection 7.5.3.A of the SMP (see page 108) includes the following text: "...or dollar value as amended by the State of Washington Office of Financial Management...". An amended dollar value was published in the Washington State Register in May 2022 at WSR 22-11-036.

The SMP is a planning document outlining the goals and polices for shorelines. All shorelines subject to the Shoreline Management Act are given a shoreline environmental designation. This designation system is designed to encourage uses most appropriate for particular areas and to enhance the character of that shoreline environment. The SMP is also a regulatory ordinance with performance standards for development consistent with the shoreline environment and intended to implement the goals and policies.

Please be advised that when planning a project near a shoreline within City limits, you must consult with the Department of Community Development as all new development and uses occurring within shoreline jurisdictions must conform to Chapter 90.58 RCW, The Shoreline Management Act, Chapter 173-26 of the Washington Administrative Code, and the City of Wenatchee's adopted Shoreline Master Program.

What are shorelines?
RCW 90.58.030 (2(d)) Shorelines defines a shoreline as "all of the water areas of the state, including reservoirs, and their associated shore lands, together with the lands underlying them”.

RCW 90.58.030 (2(f)) Shorelands or shoreland areas are defined as "those lands extending landward for 200 feet in all directions as measured on a horizontal plane from the ordinary high water mark, floodways and contiguous floodplain areas landward 200 feet from such floodways, and all wetlands and river deltas associated with the streams, lakes, and tidal waters which are subject to the provisions of this chapter, the same to be designated as to location by the Department of Ecology."

What is considered development?
As stated in WAC 173-27-030 (6), development "means a use consisting of the construction or exterior alteration of structures; dredging; drilling; dumping; filling; removal of any sand, gravel, or minerals; bulkheading; driving of piling; placing of obstructions; or any project of a permanent or temporary nature which interferes with the normal public use of the surface of the waters overlying lands subject to the act at any stage of water level. "Development" does not include dismantling or removing structures if there is no other associated development or redevelopment;"

How do I know if a shoreline permit is needed?
The Shoreline Administrator will determine whether a shoreline permit is required, applicable standards that apply to development in the shoreline regardless of whether a permit is required, and provide assistance in the permit application process. In addition, permits issued by local governments for conditional uses and variances require final approval from the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Are there other agencies to contact?
Yes, the City of Wenatchee is not the only governing body with jurisdiction over development along shorelines. The Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Chelan County Public Utility District are some of the multiple agencies with requirements and interests in the shoreline. Depending upon the nature of development proposed, these and other agencies should be consulted as may be appropriate.

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