BENTON COUNTY SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM - Periodic Review 2021
Benton County is undertaking a periodic review of its Shoreline Master Program (SMP), as required by the Washington State Shoreline Management Act (SMA), RCW 90.58.080(4). The SMA requires each SMP be reviewed and revised, if needed, on an eight-year schedule established by the Legislature. The review ensures the SMP stays current with changes in laws and rules, remains consistent with other county plans and regulations, and is responsive to changed circumstances, new information and improved data.
February 2020
February 25, 2020
Public Participation Plan - The Benton County Public Participation Plan (PPP) includes guidelines and procedures for early and continuous public participation, and opportunities for input and comment related to the review and update of the County’s Shoreline Master Plan as well as County contact information and web address. This plan is a working document and will be adjusted as needed to provide for the greatest and broadest public participation. This work is funded by a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology).
October 2020
October 16, 2020
A Periodic Review Checklist was completed identifying areas within the 2015 Shoreline Master Plan that would need to be reviewed for possible amendment.
January 2021
January 28, 2021
Riparian Buffer Analysis was prepared to assist in the development of stream and riparian buffer protections for Benton County's 2021 Shoreline Master Program Periodic Update.
January 29, 2021
Best Available Science Memorandum was prepared to demonstrate how the best available science was incorporated in the development of policies and regulations to support the riparian buffers proposed within the Benton County's 2021 Shoreline Master Program Periodic Update.
February 2021
February 4, 2021
The SEPA Checklist was prepared for the 2021 Shoreline Master Program Periodic Update.
February 24, 2021
The Threshold Determination on the SEPA Checklist was issued on February 24, 2021. This was a Determination of Non Significance.
A Draft of the 2021 Shoreline Master Program was sent out with the Threshold Determination and SEPA Checklist.
March 2021
March 24, 2021 - Legal Notice Published in the Prosser Record Bulletin
Benton County and the Department of Ecology
Notice of Open Record Joint Hearing and Comment Period NOTICE IS GIVEN that Benton County and the Department of Ecology will be holding a joint local/state Public Comment Period and Public Hearing on Benton County’s Shoreline Master Program Periodic Review on April 13, 2021 at 6 p.m. via a virtual meeting platform. Public comment will be accepted from March 24th to April 23, 2021 at 5 p.m. A joint local/state public hearing is set for April 13, 2021 via a virtual meeting format (see below for information on attending the meeting). Send comments to the Benton County Planning Division at P.O. Box 910, Prosser WA or by email to planning.department@co.benton.wa.us. Comments sent to the county will be forwarded to the Dept. of Ecology.
April 2021
April 13, 2021 - Planning Commission Public Hearing
Benton County and the Department of Ecology
Notice of Open Record Joint Hearing and Comment Period
NOTICE IS GIVEN that Benton County and the Department of Ecology will be holding a joint local/state Public Comment Period and Public Hearing on Benton County’s Shoreline Master Program Periodic Review on April 13, 2021 at 6 p.m. via a virtual meeting platform.
Public comment will be accepted from March 24th to April 23, 2021 at 5 p.m. A joint local/state public hearing is set for April 13, 2021 via a virtual meeting format (see below for information on attending the meeting). Send comments to the Benton County Planning Division at P.O. Box 910, Prosser WA or by email to planning.department@co.benton.wa.us. Comments sent to the county will be forwarded to the Dept. of Ecology.
The SEPA Checklist was prepared for the 2021 Shoreline Master Program Periodic Update.
The Threshold Determination on the SEPA Checklist was issued on February 24, 2021. This was a Determination of Non Significance.
MAY 2021
May 11, 2021 - Continued Planning Commission Public Hearing
Planning Commission Staff Report This packet include the Staff memo, comment matrix and updated Draft Shoreline Master Plan document.
JUNE 2021
June 22, 2021 - Board of County Commissioners Public Hearing 9 a.m. - continued to September 14, 2021
