The Town of Winthrop is initiating the public process for completing the required comprehensive and periodic reviews of its Shoreline Master Program (SMP), the town announced in a press release.
Winthrop adopted its first SMP in 1991, and the program no longer complies with the scope and requirements of the state’s Shoreline Management Act. The update process invites public involvement to address both comprehensive and periodic update requirements.
Anyone who lives, recreates or owns land or businesses along the Methow and Chewuch rivers is encouraged to take a survey, which can be found at www.townofwinthrop.com,
The town is required to have an SMP in compliance with the Shoreline Management Act .Winthrop has shoreline areas along the Methow and Chewuch rivers.
The SMP contains permitting requirements and regulations for a variety of land uses within shoreline jurisdiction with the overall goal that the shoreline area be managed to “ensure no net loss” of shoreline functions and values.
Winthrop’s shoreline areas contain a combination of developed and undeveloped lands. The updated SMP will affect new development and significant redevelopment of land within shoreline jurisdiction. Many common activities, such as building a single-family home, remodeling within an existing structure footprint and other low impact activities under a state-defined amount are exempt from permitting but do require compliance with the SMP.
The Planning Commission, filling the role of the Shoreline Advisory Committee, will schedule a workshop in early 2023 to review the SMP and periodic update process and hold occasional public meetings in 2023 as work on the update progresses. The town has created a link on its website with a presentation that provides background information.
Questions can be directed to Town Planner Rocklynn Culp at (509) 996-2320.
