City of Shoreline will expand fish-bearing stream buffers

Shoreline plans to expand its fish-bearing stream buffers to 200 feet, affecting 446 more properties throughout the city. The current buffer widths vary from 45 to 150 feet, and the change is necessitated by updated state guidelines under the Growth Management Act, which requires all cities in Washington to protect critical areas using the best available science. Within the new buffer zones, construction and other activities like clearing and landscaping are generally prohibited, compelling property owners to seek a Critical Areas Reasonable Use Permit (CARUP) for any development. This permit process includes a special report and public hearing, with fees reaching around $23,639. The city aims to promote native plant species while banning invasive plants and the use of chemicals within the buffer area.

A map detailing the newly impacted parcels is available on the city’s website alongside the SEPA Environmental Checklist. A public hearing is scheduled for November 6, 2025, to discuss the proposed changes, with the City Council expected to review the matter on November 24, 2025. Shoreline must update its critical areas code by the end of 2025 to align with state regulations.