Shoreline Master Program

The Shoreline Master Program (SMP) is the city’s official document to guide development along the Spokane River and Shelly Lake. Finalized in 2015, the SMP includes goals and polices which are adopted by reference in the Comprehensive Plan and regulations related to shoreline development that can be found in the Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) Chapter 21.50. The shoreline jurisdiction and environmental designations can be viewed through our interactive online maps.

Other supporting documents of the SMP: Inventory and Characterization Report; No Net Loss Report; Cumulative Impacts Analysis; Restoration Plan; and Public Access plan are not included in the SMP. These documents can be found on the Washington State Department of Ecology’s website for the  City of Spokane Valley Shoreline Master Program.

2021 Periodic Review
The City of Spokane Valley completed a Periodic Review of its Shoreline Master Program (SMP) in 2021, as required by the Washington State Shoreline Management Act (SMA), RCW 90.58.080. The SMA requires that the SMP be reviewed and revised, if needed, on an eight-year schedule. The review ensures the SMP stays current with changes in laws and rules, remains consistent with other city plans and regulations, and is responsive to changed circumstances, new information and improved data.

Project Documents

The project begins with a Gap Analysis Report. This report will review our existing SMP and Critical Areas Ordinance for consistency with any changes in the SMA, Washington Department of Ecology’s rules, city plans and regulations, as well as additional items identified by staff and consultant. The report will identify what amendments are needed to maintain compliance.

After the Gap Analysis Report, we will prepare draft amendments to the SMP and other documents for public review. The city will take advantage of Ecology’s joint SMP amendment process for greater efficiency, combining state and local reviews. During this phase, the city will open the joint public comment period, including a joint public hearing with Ecology. At the conclusion of the public comment period the city will send the draft amendments and responses to public comments to Ecology for their initial determination. After Ecology’s initial determination, the Planning Commission will send the amendments to the City Council for the final adoption process. 

For more information:

Project Manager
Chaz Bates, AICP, Senior Planner
509.720.5337