Written by A couple months ago I wrote about the complex and controversial process of developing a significant update to Renton’s Shoreline Master Program.
As this plan makes it’s way through Planning Commission, Planning and Development Committee, and eventually the Renton City Council (which has received one briefing so far), it seems that the controversy has not abated… at least, not if I judge by the correspondence and comments I have been receiving.
Far and away the most correspondence has come from lakefront property owners concerned about possible losses of use and value to their property, non-conformance of currently conforming docks and bulkheads, increased set-back requirements, and other issues.
At the council briefing on this topic a couple weeks ago, I had asked for further clarification about how Renton’s proposed rules compare to nearby cities. I made the comment at that meeting that it would seem to me that our approach should be compared to Mercer Island’s, since we are sitting on opposite sides of a common channel. Note: After writing this, I received a comment that the Mercer Island plan was rejected by the State Department of Ecology. (see comments below)
The council received the following memo two days ago on this topic from our staff. Click on each image to enlarge it… and then you may have to click it again to read it in your browser.
Memo page 1
Memo page 2
Comparison Table
Comparison Table Notes
For those of you interested in this subject, you can find city documents and meeting schedules here.
I look forward to further discussion on this topic. Meanwhile, our Renton City Council Planning and Development Committee is working hard to process your comments and inputs.
This chart is extremely helpful in putting comparing Renton’s Shoreline Master Program proposals with other municipalities.