The city of Kirkland is inviting public comment on the proposed amendments to the Kirkland shoreline master program (SMP), a set of land-use policies and regulations that guide how shoreline properties are used and developed.

The proposed SMP amendments are part of a state-mandated periodic update, which is meant to ensure consistency with any changes to state law. Additionally, the update process helps assure SMP alignment with the city’s comprehensive plan and development regulations, and is an opportunity to improve and enhance the city’s shoreline regulations overall. SMP updates occur every eight years in accordance with the Shoreline Management Act and must be approved by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Kirkland’s SMP applies to lands within 200 feet of Lake Washington’s ordinary high-water mark and within wetlands connected to Juanita Bay and Yarrow Bay.

“The city encourages you to involved in this important policy update,” said planning and building director Adam Weinstein in a city press release. “The SMP is an important tool for protecting our natural resources for future generations and maintaining public access to Lake Washington and its adjoining wetlands.”

There are two opportunities to provide comment on the proposed amendments:

A joint local/state public comment period, which runs through May 8. Written public comment should be directed to senior planner Joan Lieberman-Brill at jliebermanbrill@kirklandwa.gov. Commentors are asked to refer to permit number CAM19-00026 and include their name, mailing address and email address on all comment submissions.

A public hearing jointly hosted by the Kirkland Planning Commission, the Houghton Community Council and the Department of Ecology takes place 7 p.m., April 25, at Kirkland City Hall (123 5th Avenue) in the Council Chamber. An open house will precede the hearing at 6 p.m. to give attendees the opportunity to learn more about the SMP and the proposed amendments. Community members are invited to give public comment at the hearing or submit written comments.

Once the joint public comment period closes on May 8, the city will respond to comments and determine whether further changes to the SMP are needed. The public comments will be provided to the Department of Ecology, as will the city’s responses.

For more information about the SMP update process, visit tinyurl.com/y2ycv22v.