15.14.210 Shoreline residential.
A. Purpose. The purpose of the “shoreline residential” environment is to accommodate residential development and appurtenant structures that are consistent with this chapter. An additional purpose is to provide appropriate public access and recreational uses, while also protecting and restoring ecological functions of open space, floodplain and other sensitive lands.
B. Designation Criteria. A “shoreline residential” environment designation will be assigned to all shorelands within the town landward of the OHWM.
C. Management Policies. Development within the shoreline residential environment shall be consistent with the following policies:
1. Uses that preserve the natural character of the area or promote preservation of open space, floodplain, or sensitive land either directly or over the long term should be the primary allowed uses. Uses that result in restoration of ecological functions should be allowed if the use is otherwise compatible with the purpose of the environment and the setting.
2. Standards should be established for shoreline stabilization measures, vegetation conservation, water quality, and shoreline modifications. These standards shall ensure that all new development does not result in a net loss of shoreline ecological functions or further degrade other shoreline values.
3. Public access and public recreation objectives should be implemented whenever feasible and significant ecological impacts can be mitigated.
4. Water-oriented uses should be given priority over non-water-oriented uses.
5. Commercial development should be limited to water-oriented uses and not conflict with the residential character of lands in the shoreline residential environment.
6. Land division and development should be permitted only:
a. When adequate buffers are provided to protect ecological functions; and
b. Where there are adequate access, water, sewage disposal, and utilities systems, and public services available; and
c. Where the environment can support the proposed use in a manner which protects or restores the ecological functions.
7. New residential development should be located and designed so that future shoreline stabilization is not required. [Ord. 580 Att. A § 3.2.2, 2019.]