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​LagoonPntBeach(1).jpg                                                      Shorelines
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General Information


The Washington State Legislature passed the Shoreline Management Act (SMA) in 1971 with the overarching goal of preventing shoreline degradation by uncoordinated development. Island County's Shoreline Master Program (SMP) regulates shorelines, including all marine waters surrounding Whidbey, Camano, and smaller islands, and lakes 20 acres or larger. There are no SMA regulated streams within the County.

Shoreline jurisdiction extends to associated upland areas. These areas, called shorelands, include lands extending 200 feet from the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) as well as associated wetlands and floodplains.

Island County generally requires review and approval for most regulated activity, including:

  • Land disturbing activities
  • New construction, and exterior alteration of existing structures
  • Shoreline stabilization (bulkheads and soft shore)
  • Vegetation removal and/or management
  • Construction of piers and docks
  • Placement of mooring buoys
  • Dividing land
  • Altering regulated critical areas
  • Creating or replacing impervious surfaces
  • Changing levels, temperatures, or chemical characteristics of wetlands or waterbodies.

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The Shoreline and My Development

​Step 1Determine If Your Property Is In Shoreline Jurisdiction

Shoreline jurisdiction extends to associated upland areas. These areas, called shorelands, include lands extending 200 feet from the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) as well as associated wetlands and floodplains. Island County's shoreline regulations apply to some freshwater lakes too. Specifically, Deer Lake, Goss Lake, Lone Lake, and Cranberry Lake.

SMA jurisdiction.png

​Follow these instructions to determine if your property might be in shoreline jurisdiction:
  • Click Here to access IC Geo Map.
  • One you pull up the map, you can type your parcel number or address into the search bar.
  • Then click the layers button at the bottom left of your screen.
  • Check the box next to shorelines, and click the plus sign to expand the options below.
  • Turn on the appropriate layer by clicking the box next to shoreline environment designation.
  • If your property is highlighted, then you are likely in shoreline jurisdiction.
​Step 2
​Determine What Your Shoreline Environment Designation (SED) Is

The Shoreline Master Program (SMP) is tailored to the unique ecosystems and development patterns of Island County. Shoreline uses are identified as either permitted, conditional, or prohibited uses depending on the shoreline environment designation (SED). Each SED has its own permitting and marine buffer/setback standards.

​Follow these instructions to determine what SED your property is in:

  • Click Here to access IC Geo Map.
  • One you pull up the map, you can type your parcel number or address into the search bar.
  • Then click the layers button at the bottom left of your screen.
  • Check the box next to shorelines, and click the plus sign to expand the options below.
  • Turn on the appropriate layer by clicking the box next to shoreline environment designation.
  • Your property should be highlighted in a certain color and labeled as:
    • Aquatic
    • Natural
    • Rural Conservancy
    • Shoreline Residential
      • Sub-category: Historic Beach Community
      • Sub-category: Canal Community
    • Urban Conservancy
    • High Intensity
​Step 3
​Identify What Permit Type You May Need
​​Follow these instructions to determine what permit type your proposed development may require:
​Step 4
​Review The Required Buffers, Setbacks, And Impervious Surface Limits For Your SED
​Review the table below which can also be found in ICC 17.05A.090 to understand how far your development needs to be setback and what the impervious surface limits are.
090 shoreline standards_Page_1.jpg
090 shoreline standards_Page_2.jpg
​Step 5
​Talk To A Planner
​Additional reports may be required to be submitted with your shoreline permit, including:
  • An Archaeological Report if your property is in the vicinity of cultural resources
  • A Geotechnical Report if your property has steep or unstable slopes
  • A Wetland Report or Biological Site Assessment if your property is affected by critical areas or your proposal is in the Marine Buffer
  • A Geocoastal Report if you are proposing shoreline stabilization
  • A SEPA checklist if your project is in the Marine Buffer, lands covered by water, or a Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area
You are welcome to come into our office to speak with a planner anytime between 8am and 4:30pm. 

Or you can email the planner on duty at: PlanningDept@islandcountywa.gov. In your email, please include your parcel number or address and a brief description of your proposal.


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Staff Contact


Camano Annex Main Phone
(360)-387-3443