A shoreline exemption, shoreline variance or a shoreline substantial development permit is required for any proposal in shoreline areas regulated in accordance with the state’s Shoreline Management Act prior to applying for any development permits, such as building permits or site development permits. Please review Shoreline Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 20.200 to learn more about the City’s Shoreline Master Program – exemptions are discussed specifically in SMC 20.200.030. 

How to Apply

Apply for this permit online at the City of Shoreline's eTRAKiT permitting portal. Once you are logged into your account, select Apply/New Permit from the left-hand sidebar and select the following permit type from the drop-down menu: Pre-Intake Record.

Once PIN requests are submitted, the rest of the intake process is facilitated by a permit technician. A permit technician will send further instructions by email to complete the process. 

Required Documents

• Shoreline Exemption Affidavit and Application and Critical Areas Worksheet
• Submittal Fee
  • Please reference the City’s fee schedule for current application fees.
• Cover Letter
  • Must describe the scope of work in detail, including information about the structures, the building uses, site work, and extent of construction activity.
  • Should describe how the work is exempt from a Shoreline Substantial Permit in accordance with SMC 20.200.030, RCW 90.58.030 and WAC 173-27-040. 
• Site Plan
  • Must show the Ordinary High-Water Mark (OHWM). 

Additional Documents (Possibly Required)

• Supporting Documents 
  • Studies or other items which help to clarify or support the exemption request. 

Additional Permits (Possibly Required)

These are additional permits that may be required to accompany your application depending on your scope of
work.

• Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application (JARPA)
  • This is through the State of Washington, not through the City of Shoreline.
  • Required if the proposal is water-ward of teh OHWM or will directly impact aquatic life or habitat.