Spatial aspects of shoreline management in Puget sound reconsidered

Abstract

Shoreline management in the state of Washington attempts to provide opportunities for both urban and rural interests to express themselves. Local governments have wide latitude in determining the spatial patterns which they deem desirable. The state provides general guidelines to insure that local governments adhere to the policy of the act. On shores designated as shores of state‐wide significance the state has reserved the right to protect state interests over local interests. Since the Washington State Shoreline Management Act generally covers only 200 ft inland from the ordinary high tide line, and each local government develops its own management program, it is doubtful that nodal or spread development on a regional level in Puget Sound can be meaningfully addressed under its provisions. There may, however, be evidence of nucleation or spread patterns at the local level.