# WAC 173-26-010: WAC 173-26-010. Authority and purpose

> Washington · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_26_010

## Section

- **Citation:** WAC 173-26-010
- **Heading:** WAC 173-26-010. Authority and purpose
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Administrative Code / Title 173 / Chapter 173-26 / Section 173-26-010

## Text

The provisions of this chapter implement the requirements of chapter 90.58 RCW, the Shoreline Management Act of 1971. RCW 90.58.200 authorizes the adoption of rules by the department as necessary and appropriate to carry out the provisions of the act. RCW 90.58.080 directs local governments to develop and administer local shoreline master programs for regulation of uses on shorelines of the state. Such local programs should be integrated with other local government systems for administration and enforcement of land use regulations. RCW 36.70A.480 provides that the goals and policies contained in a local shoreline master program shall be considered an element of the local comprehensive plan required by the Growth Management Act. All other portions of the local shoreline master program, including the use regulations, are considered a part of the local development regulations required by the Growth Management Act.
This chapter is drafted to also reflect RCW 90.58.050 which provides that the Shoreline Management Act is intended to be a cooperative program between local government and the state. It is the intent of this chapter to provide minimum procedural requirements as necessary to comply with the statutory requirements while providing latitude for local government to establish procedural systems based on local needs and circumstances.
Pursuant to the Shoreline Management Act, the department must approve master programs prepared by local governments or adopt them by rule consistent with the act. In order to facilitate this process, Part I of this chapter establishes a recordkeeping system for the department and defines the contents of the state master program. Part II sets forth procedures for approving and adopting master programs and amendments thereto. Part III comprises the guidelines pursuant to RCW 90.58.060 and provides guidance for developing the content of shoreline master programs. Part IV - addresses the requirements of the state Ocean Resources Management Act.

## Nearby sections

- [WAC 173-26-010 WAC 173-26-010. Authority and purpose](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_26_010.md)
- [WAC 173-26-020 WAC 173-26-020. Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_26_020.md)
- [WAC 173-26-030 WAC 173-26-030. Master programs required—State master program contents](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_26_030.md)
- [WAC 173-26-040 WAC 173-26-040. Master programs required—Unlisted local governments](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_26_040.md)
- [WAC 173-26-050 WAC 173-26-050. State master program register—Maintained by department](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_26_050.md)
- [WAC 173-26-060 WAC 173-26-060. State master program—Records maintained by department](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_26_060.md)
- [WAC 173-26-070 WAC 173-26-070. Adoption of shoreline master programs by rule—Department action](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_26_070.md)
- [WAC 173-26-080 WAC 173-26-080. Master programs required of local governments](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_26_080.md)
- [WAC 173-26-090 WAC 173-26-090. Locally initiated review — Periodic review — Public involvement and approval procedures](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_26_090.md)
- [WAC 173-26-100 WAC 173-26-100. Standard local process for approving/amending shoreline master programs](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_26_100.md)
- [WAC 173-26-104 WAC 173-26-104. Optional joint review process for amending shoreline master programs](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_26_104.md)
- [WAC 173-26-110 WAC 173-26-110. Submittal to department of proposed master programs/amendments](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_26_110.md)
- [WAC 173-26-120 WAC 173-26-120. State process for approving/amending shoreline master programs](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_26_120.md)
- [WAC 173-26-130 WAC 173-26-130. Appeal procedures for master programs](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_26_130.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_173_26_010. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.