The Port of Tacoma is developing a public access plan to identify specific needs and opportunities to provide the public with access to the shoreline. The Port expects to complete the plan by summer 2012. The process will include several opportunities for the public and other stakeholders to provide input and feedback about the Port's plan. Public access is defined as the ability of the public to reach, touch and enjoy the water's edge, to travel on the waters of the state, and to view the water and the shoreline from adjacent locations [Washington Administrative Code 173-26-221 (4)(a)]. Goals of the plan - Provide shoreline access in desirable locations
- Increase public awareness of the Port and its public access opportunities
- Provide a streamlined and predictable shoreline permitting process
The City of Tacoma's updated Shoreline Master Program requires public agencies, including the Port of Tacoma, to provide public access when development projects require a City shoreline permit. In the past, the City waived public access requirements for projects with safety or security concerns. However, under the new program, if safety or security issues prevent public access from being provided on-site, the City will require public access be provided at another location. State law allows port authorities to develop their own public access plans through a public process to satisfy local government requirements: WAC 173-26-221 (4)(c) Where a port district or other public entity has incorporated public access planning into its master plan through an open public process, that plan may serve as a portion of the local government's public access planning, provided it meets the provisions of this chapter. The planning may also justify more flexible offsite or special area public access provisions in the master program. Public participation requirements in WAC 173-26-201 (3)(b)(i) apply to public access planning. At a minimum, the public access planning should result in public access requirements for shoreline permits, recommended projects, port master plans, and/or actions to be taken to develop public shoreline access to shorelines on public property. The planning should identify a variety of shoreline access opportunities and circulation for pedestrians (including disabled persons), bicycles, and vehicles between shoreline access points, consistent with other comprehensive plan elements.
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 Email updates: Receive email alerts about the Port's public access plan.
Current sites: Learn more about Port of Tacoma sites that provide the public with access to the shoreline. Public meetings More information
Kell McAboy
253-592-6217
kmcaboy@portoftacoma.com |