City of Kirkland

NEWS RELEASE

123 – Fifth Avenue, Kirkland, WA 98033

For information, contact Stacy Clauson

Planning & Community Development Department

425-587-3248
www.ci.kirkland.wa.us

January 8, 2008

Kirkland Updates its Shoreline Regulations

Informational meetings scheduled to kick off public involvement

Kirkland, WA – Shoreline development regulations for the City of Kirkland were first adopted in the 1970s and are in need of being updated to match the current conditions of shoreline areas in the City and to be consistent with the State’s Shoreline Management Act. The City’s Shoreline Master Program applies to land within 200 feet of Lake Washington’s high water mark and within wetlands connected to Juanita Bay and Yarrow Bay. The Program consists of policies and regulations pertaining to shoreline use and development that affect issues such as the size and location of buildings, vegetation, conservation, shoreline stabilization, public access, views, and docks and moorage. To establish a list of preliminary issues and draft initial policy directions, the Houghton Community Council will conduct a meeting on February 25 and the Planning Commission will meet on February 28. Both meetings will begin at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, Kirkland City Hall, 123 Fifth Avenue. For more information on the City’s update process or to subscribe to receive email updates, go to www.ci.kirkland.wa.us (Search: Shoreline).

Because much of Kirkland’s shoreline areas have been developed, it is likely that the update will consider alternative approaches or design concepts for shoreline structures,

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such as docks and bulkheads, when they are remodeled or replaced. Bulk and dimensional standards that govern the size and location of structures will be considered, as well as appropriate land uses.

The February meetings begin the study of new policies and regulations, which is anticipated to continue in 2008. Proposed amendments to the City’s program will be forwarded from the Planning Commission and Houghton Community Council to the City Council. The City Council, Planning Commission and Houghton Community Council agendas are available on the City’s website.

For more information, contact Stacy Clauson, Project Manager, at 425-587-3248 or sclauson@ci.kirkland.wa.us.