The purpose of the Shoreline Residential Environment is to accommodate residential development and appurtenant structures that are consistent with the SMP standards. An additional purpose is to provide public access and recreational uses.

Residential Use Standards

Use Allowance

• Single-family: permitted use
• Multi-family: conditional use
• Docks: permitted use
• Shoreline access trails: permitted use
• Appurtenant uses (garage, deck, driveway, utilities, fences, septic tank/drain field, and grading): permitted use

Setback Requirements from the Water

• Single-family and appurtenances: 60 feet
• Multi-family: 100 feet

Height Restrictions

• 35 feet

Residential Development Policies and Regulations:

• See SMP Section 5.3.11
• Property Owner’s Handbook section 2.2
• Single-Family Residential Focus Sheet Handout

Critical Areas

• General provisions: see SMP Section 3.4.3
• Mitigation requirements: see SMP Section 3.4.4
• Wetlands: see SMP Section 3.4.6
• Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas: see SMP section 3.4.7
• Fish and Wildlife Habitat see SMP section 3.4.8
• Frequently Flooded areas see SMP section 3.4.9
• Geologically Hazardous areas see SMP section 3.4.10
• Property Owner’s Handbook Section 2.4
• Critical Areas Handout

Archaeological, Cultural, and Historic Resources

All sites which contain documented archaeological or historic resources that are either recorded at the state historic preservation office and/or by Skamania County or have been discovered inadvertently during development are subject to the provisions of the Skamania County SMP.

 Archaeological, Cultural, and Historic Resources Regulations

1. If a known resource is within 500 feet of a use or development, a site inspection or evaluation report prepared by a professional archaeologist is required prior to shoreline permit or exemption issuance.
2. If an archaeological site inspection or evaluation identifies a significant resource that will be impacted, a cultural resource management plan is required.
3. If any item of possible archaeological interest is discovered on site during construction or site work, then all work must stop immediately. Notice to the County, DAHP, and affected tribes is required. See SMP Section 3.3

Vegetation Conservation

1. Vegetation conservation standards shall not apply retroactively to existing legally established uses and developments. Existing landscaping (such as lawns and gardens) may be maintained as allowed by this SMP and shall not require mitigation under SMP section 3.7 .
2. Vegetation clearing must be limited to the minimum necessary to accommodate approved shoreline development that is consistent with all other provisions of this SMP and Skamania County Code Title 24.
3. If impacts to shoreline vegetation are unavoidable, vegetation removal must be mitigated in accordance with requirements found in Table 3-8.
4. Hazard trees, view maintenance, noxious weeds, and aquatic weed control are all permitted used but do have specific requirements found in Section 3.7.3.

Use and Modification Standards

• Aquaculture see SMP Section 5.3.2
• Boating Facilities and Overwater Structures see SMP Section 5.3.3
• Forest Practices see SMP Section 5.3.5
• Utilities see SMP Section 5.3.13
• Shoreline Stabilization see SMP Section 6.3.1

Permitting Requirements

Property Owner’s Handbook Section 3

Master Application and Checklist