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).
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.
This is a master application for shoreline projects. This stands for "Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application." In addition to Pierce County, it is accepted for applications with the following agencies:
Photos of existing structure(s) and/or area where new structure(s) is proposed.
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.
State Environmental Policy Act review is required if the project is not exempt Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 197-11-80 and Pierce County Code (PCC) Title 18D. The original signed form must be submitted with the application.