Shoreline Development

There are three different types of shoreline permits: a Substantial Development Permit, a Conditional Use Permit, and a Variance Permit. A given project may require more than one of these.

Substantial Development Permit

Typically required for all permitted activities not listed under WAC 173-27-040. A Substantial Development Permit is a Type III permit and requires a public hearing before the Hearing Examiner. The county's decision is then sent to the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Conditional Use Permit

Type III permit and requires a public hearing before the Hearing Examiner. A CUP is required if the specific activity you wish to undertake is listed as a conditional use or is not specifically listed as a use element in the CCSMP. This permit is issued by the County, if the application meets certain criteria, and must be approved by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Variance Permit

Type III permit and requires a public hearing before the Hearing Examiner. A Shoreline Variance is required if the activity does not meet the specific standards for this type of development as outlined in the Master Program. For example, the CCSMP states that RVs in RV parks must be set back 100 feet from the Shoreline. If you wish to have these sites closer than 100 feet, a variance must be obtained. A Variance can not be applied to allow a prohibited activity. This permit is issued by the County, if the application meets certain criteria, and must be approved by the Department of Ecology.

Policies & Regulations

Different activities/developments are subject to the Policies and Regulations of the Shoreline Master Program. Usually the final section in Section 5 lists whether an activity is permitted, conditional or a prohibited activity within each shoreline designation. Certain activities or development are exempt from a Substantial Development Permit (See WAC 173-27-040), however, the county still requires a Shoreline Exemption Permit and compliance with the Policies and Regulations found in Section 5 of the CCSMP.

Please contact the Department 360-565-2616 to discuss your project and obtain the appropriate application(s).

What Other Permits May Be Required?

Before development of any project within or adjacent to the water, you should check with the following agencies for permit requirements. These permits may not be required, but checking with the agencies before development will mitigate problems later in the project. If the activity is located over water or multiple agencies require permit, then a Joint Aquatic Resource Permit Application would be required. This applicant allows one application to be filled out and sent to each agency with a permit to issue.

Useful Shoreline Related Links

  1. WA State Department of Ecology (DOE) Info on landslide hazard
  2. DOE Info on vegetation management and erosion control
  3. DOE Alternatives to Bank Protections (bulk heads) (PDF), View A to E 
  4. DOE Soft Shoreline Stabilization: Shoreline Master Program Planning and Implementation Guidance (PDF)
    • Overall Perspective
  5. Information and source for native plants in Clallam County
  6. WA State Department of Fish and Wildlife Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) Criteria
  7. WDFW Marine Shoreline Design Guidelines (PDF)
  8. WDFW Your Mariner Waterfront - a Guide to Protecting Your Property While Promoting Healthy Shorelines (PDF)
  9. U.S. Army Corp of Engineers website
  10. Coastal Zone Atlas with Aerial Photos