16.20.130 Recreation.
(1) Purpose.
(a) The purpose of the “recreation” environment is to provide for water-oriented recreational uses with some commercial uses and residential uses to support recreational uses while protecting existing ecological functions, conserving existing natural resources and restoring ecological functions in areas that have been previously degraded.
(2) Designation Criteria.
(a) The following criteria are used to consider a recreation shoreline designation:
(i) The shoreline has low to moderate ecological function with low to moderate opportunity for preservation and low to moderate opportunity for restoration;
(ii) The shoreline is highly developed and most development is recreation-related with potential for additional recreation and recreation-related commerce; or is suitable and planned for water-oriented uses;
(iii) The shoreline is planned, platted or currently used for recreational development;
(iv) The shoreline has existing recreation uses or moderate to high potential for public and private water-oriented recreation where ecological functions can be maintained or enhanced; or
(v) The shoreline has limited scientific or educational value or unique historic or cultural resources value.
(3) Management Policies.
(a) In addition to the other applicable policies and regulations of this program the following management policies shall apply:
(i) First priority should be given to water-dependent uses. Second priority should be given to water-related and water-enjoyment uses. Nonwater-oriented uses should not be allowed except as part of mixed-use developments with a recreation focus.
(ii) Policies and regulations shall ensure no net loss of shoreline ecological functions as a result of new development. Consistent with the city’s restoration plan, new development shall include restoration and enhancement of shoreline functions as part of project proposals.
(iii) Full utilization of existing urban areas should be achieved before further expansion of the recreation designation is allowed.
(iv) Where feasible, visual and physical public access should be required as provided for per ECMC 16.20.260. Recreational objectives should be enhanced by combining physical and visual public access opportunities with other recreational opportunities where feasible.
(v) Aesthetic objectives should be implemented by means such as sign control regulations, appropriate development siting, screening and architectural standards, and maintenance of natural vegetative buffers.
(vi) No net loss of shoreline ecological functions as a result of new development should be ensured by application of SMP policies and regulations. (Ord. 484 § 2, 2014)