CITY OF DES MOINES SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM

Des Moines Shoreline Master Program
i. Piers and docks shall be designed and constructed to avoid, or if that is not possible,
to minimize and mitigate the impacts to ecological functions, critical areas resources
such as eelgrass beds and fish habitats and processes such as currents and littoral
drift, in accordance with guidance provided by WAC 13-26-221(2)(c) (iii) and (iv).
Impact minimization shall include the use of construction materials approved by
applicable state agencies.
ii. The effect such structures have on navigation, water circulation, recreational and
commercial boating, sediment movement and littoral drift and shoreline access have
been minimized or mitigated.
d. Open pile pier construction shall be required where there is significant littoral drift, where
scenic values will not be impaired and where minimal alteration to the shoreline and
minimal damage to aquatic resource can be assured.
e. Floating pier construction shall be required in those areas where scenic values are high.
f. Piers or docks that are abandoned or structurally unsafe shall be abated.
6.2.4 Jetties and Groins
1. Jetties and groins are prohibited in all shoreline environments.
6.2.5 Dredging
1. Dredging activities, including disposal of dredge material, in any shoreline environment
require a Conditional Use Permit and must comply with all federal and state regulations.
2. Dredging activities are allowed in the Shoreline Residential and Urban Conservancy
shoreline environments only where necessary to protect public safety.
3. Dredging activities are allowed in the High-Intensity environment where necessary for
navigation. Dredging for navigational purposes should be allowed where necessary for
assuring safe and efficient accommodation of existing navigational uses and then only when
significant ecological impacts are minimized and when mitigation is provided. Maintenance
dredging of established navigation channels and basins should be restricted to maintaining
previously dredged and/or existing authorized location, depth, and width.
4. Dredging of bottom materials for the single purpose of obtaining fill material is prohibited.
5. Dredging and excavation in critical areas is prohibited.
6. Where allowed, dredging operations must be scheduled so as to not damage shoreline
ecological functions or processes.
7. When dredge spoils have suitable organic and physical properties, dredging operators shall
recycle dredged material into areas of the City suitable for those materials. Disposal of
dredge material on shorelands shall be discouraged.
6.2.6 Fill
1. Fill activities shall only be allowed in association with allowed (permitted) water dependent
use developments. Fill associated with non-water dependent uses shall be prohibited.
Department of Ecology approval effective November 1, 2010
Adopted by City of Des Moines Ordinance No. 1502 73