Property within Shoreline Jurisdiction

Shoreline Exemption and Shoreline Substantial Development

All development in shoreline jurisdiction is subject to Title 18S and the Shoreline Management Act. Certain development types are exempt from the need to obtain a Substantial Development permit. To see if your project qualifies for this exemption, please refer to PCC 18S.60.020 and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-27-040. A project considered exempt may still require a variance, conditional use or administrative conditional permit, as well as other County review such as critical areas review.

Shoreline Conditional/Administrative Conditional Use 

The purpose of Shoreline Conditional Use and Administrative Conditional Use Permits is to allow flexibility in the application of development regulations in a manner consistent with the policies of the Shoreline Management Act (Act). Conditions may be attached to the permit to prevent undesirable effects of the proposal or to assure consistency of the project with the Act and the Master Program.

Shoreline Variance

All shoreline development is subject to the State Shoreline Management Act. Some projects are exempt from the requirement to obtain a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit. To see if your project qualifies for a Shoreline SD Exemption, refer to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-27-040. Some development on shorelines requires approval of a Shoreline Variance. These projects may or may not also be subject to a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit.

Shoreline Nonconforming Use

All shoreline development is subject to the State Shoreline Management Act. Some projects are exempt from the requirement to obtain a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit. To see if your project qualifies for a Shoreline SD Exemption, refer to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-27-040. Nonconforming uses on shorelines are subject to Pierce County Code (PCC).

These items are required when you apply for any of the above shoreline permits

When you are ready, apply online at piercecountywa.gov/permit

More Information about submittal requirements:

Application Checklist

Use this checklist as a guide to a complete application for property located within shoreline jurisdiction. If you don't know if your property is located in shorelines, visit our About My Property page to find out.

JARPA

This is a master application for shoreline projects. JARPA stands for "Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application." In addition to Pierce County it is accepted for applications with the following agencies:

Cross-Section View

Permit application drawings. View requirements at: US Army Corps of Engineers. 

SEPA Environmental Checklist

State Environmental Policy Act is required if the project is not exempt Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 197-11-800 and Pierce County Code (PCC) Title 18D. The original signed form must be submitted with the application.

Site Plan

Draw site plan to scale, showing: property corners, adjacent roads & easements, areas of vegetation to be removed, new proposed shoreline armor, buffer or setback, existing and proposed structures, ordinary high water mark (OHWM), location of any view corridors, and areas of new impervious surface.

Site Photos

Photos of existing structure(s) and/or area where new structure(s) is proposed.