29.20.110 Recreational development.
(1) General Preferences.
(a) Recreational uses and facilities shall include features that relate to access, enjoyment, and use of the City’s shorelines.
(b) Both passive and active shoreline recreation uses are allowed.
(c) Water-oriented recreational uses and activities are preferred in shoreline jurisdiction. Water-dependent recreational uses shall be preferred as a first priority and water-related and water-enjoyment recreational uses as a second priority.
(d) Existing passive recreational opportunities, including nature appreciation, nonmotorized trails, public education regarding shoreline ecological functions and processes, environmental interpretation, and native habitat protection, shall be maintained. Opportunities incorporating educational and interpretive information shall be included in design and operation of recreation facilities and nature trails when feasible.
(e) Preference shall be given to the development and enhancement of public access to the shoreline to increase fishing, boating, and other water-related recreational opportunities.
(2) General Performance Standards.
(a) The potential adverse impacts of all recreational uses shall be mitigated, and adequate provisions for shoreline rehabilitation shall be made part of any proposed recreational use or development to ensure no net loss of shoreline ecological function.
(b) Sites with fragile and unique shoreline conditions, such as high-quality wetlands and wildlife habitats, shall be used only for nonintensive recreation activities, such as trails, viewpoints, interpretive signage, and similar passive and low-impact facilities that result in no net loss of shoreline ecological function, and do not require the construction and placement of permanent structures.
(c) For proposed recreation developments that require the use of fertilizers, pesticides, or other toxic chemicals, the proponent shall specify the BMPs to be used to prevent these applications and resultant leachate from entering adjacent waters.
(d) Recreational developments shall be located and designed to preserve, enhance, or create scenic views and vistas.
(e) In approving shoreline recreational developments, the Shoreline Administrator shall ensure that the development will maintain, enhance, or restore desirable shoreline features, including unique and fragile areas, scenic views, and aesthetic values. The Shoreline Administrator may, therefore, adjust or prescribe project dimensions, on-site location of project components, intensity of use, screening, lighting, parking, and setback requirements.
(3) Signs indicating the public’s right to access shoreline areas shall be installed and maintained in conspicuous locations at all points of access.
(4) Recreational developments shall provide facilities for nonmotorized access to the shoreline, such as pedestrian and bicycle paths, and equestrian access, as applicable. New motorized vehicle access shall be located and managed to protect riparian, wetlands, and shrub-steppe habitat functions and value.
(5) Proposals for recreational developments shall include a landscape plan indicating how native, self-sustaining vegetation is incorporated into the proposal to maintain ecological functions. The removal of on-site native vegetation shall be limited to the minimum necessary for the development of permitted structures or facilities and shall be consistent with provisions of PMC 29.15.050, Shoreline vegetation conservation, and Chapter 29.25 PMC, Critical Areas.
(6) Accessory uses and support facilities, such as maintenance facilities, utilities, and other nonwater-oriented uses shall be consolidated and located in upland areas outside shoreline, wetland, and riparian buffers unless such facilities, utilities, and uses are allowed in shoreline buffers based on the regulations of this SMP.
(7) The placement of picnic tables, playground apparatus, and other similar minor components within the floodways shall be permitted; provided, that such structures are located and installed in such a manner as to prevent them from being swept away during a flood event.
(8) Recreational facilities shall make adequate provisions, such as screening, landscaping buffer strips, fences, and signs, to prevent trespass on adjacent properties and to protect the value and enjoyment of adjacent or nearby private properties and natural areas, as applicable.
(9) Recreational facilities or structures are only allowed to be built over water when they provide public access or facilitate a water-dependent use and shall be the minimum size necessary to accommodate the permitted activity.
(10) Recreational developments shall make adequate provisions for:
(a) On-site and off-site access and, where appropriate, equestrian access;
(b) Appropriate water supply and waste disposal methods; and
(c) Security and fire protection.
(11) Structures associated with recreational development shall not exceed 35 feet in height, except as noted in PMC 29.15.020, Development standards, when such structures document that the height above 35 feet will not obstruct the view of a substantial number of adjoining residences.
(12) Recreational development shall minimize effective impervious surfaces in shoreline jurisdiction and incorporate low-impact development techniques. [Ord. 4314 § 2, 2016; Code 1970 § 29.01.410.]