Shorelines - Land use permit process

Shoreline development permits aim to preserve the resources and ecology of the water and shorelines, avoid natural hazards, promote visual and physical access to the water, protect Endangered Species Act-listed species and their critical habitat, and preserve archeological and traditional cultural resources, shellfish resources, and navigation rights.

shorelines critical areas

This type of permit is required for:

A Shoreline Substantial Development Permit is required to build on or within 200 feet of any lake, river or stream, and whose improvement value exceeds $8,504. Some applications may qualify for a Shoreline Exemption (WAC 173-27-040(2)).
A Shoreline Conditional Use Permit is also required for a proposed use which is normally not allowed under the shoreline designation for that property.
A Shoreline Variance is required for all other development proposals within the Shorelines jurisdiction which meet the requirements of the CAO and provide a needed public benefit.

Cost and timeline

Check our current fee schedule for an estimate

Processing time is 120 days.

Application

All shoreline permits (except exemptions) require a pre-application meeting prior to filing the application. Application materials can be found below.

Check our online permits page to see if you can submit these forms through MyBuildingPermit

Submitting your application

Refer to instructions on individual application forms in the application packets.

Schedule a land use inspection

King County inspects work to ensure code compliance and safety requirements.

Learn more about scheduling inspections

Pre-Applications

Pre-Application Meeting Request

Information (234KB)

Pre-Application Meeting Requests and Waivers

Information (180KB)

Pre-Application Waiver Request

Application (148KB)

Shoreline Packet

Handouts

Shoreline Permits, Submittal Requirements

Information (209KB)

Bulkhead Development and Exemptions Additional King County Shoreline Requirements

Shoreline Conditional Use Permit

Information (204KB)

Shoreline Substantial Development Permit

Information (204KB)

Shoreline Variance

Information (204KB)

Shoreline Site Plan

Requirements (218KB)

Site Plan template (PDF and CAD) are available in the Computer Aided Design CAD Templates packet

Application Forms

See, Shoreline Permit Submittal Requirements for a full submittal checklist

Applicant Status

Individual (1.06MB)

Public Agency, or Public Utility or Private Utility (1.06MB)

Corporation or Business Association (1.05MB)

Application, permit; Applicant Affidavit

Fire District Receipt

Obtain from your local Fire District

Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application

SEPA Checklist

Information (212KB)

SEPA Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Worksheet Instructions (182KB)

Workhsheet (spreadsheet) (211KB)

Other Forms and Handouts

Sewer Availability

Certificate of Sewer Availabilty (200KB)

OR

Certificate of Future Sewer Connection (493KB)

OR

On-Site Sewer (septic) Application for Health Department Approval of Building Permit

Water Availability

Certificate of Water Availability (230KB)

OR

Certificate of Future Water Connection (67KB)

OR

Certification to Connect to Future Group A Water System (54KB)

OR

Well permit from Public Health

Shoreline Exemptions

Critical Areas Compliance Affidavit

Bulkhead Development and Exemptions Additional King County Shoreline Requirements

Applicant Status

Individual (1.06MB)

Public Agency, or Public Utility or Private Utility (1.06MB)

Corporation or Business Association (1.05MB)

Land Use Permit Application Form

Shoreline Exemption

Available on MyBuildingPermit.com

Checklist (231KB)

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