CITY OF DES MOINES SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM

Des Moines Shoreline Master Program
6. Minimum building setbacks and buffers from bluffs, the OHWM, and stream banks shall be
governed by the provisions of the Critical Areas Ordinance as adopted in the SMP (Section
6.1.3) as well as other provisions of the SMP.
7. Residential development plans submitted for approval shall contain provisions for protection
of ground water supplies, erosion control, landscaping and maintenance of the natural
shoreline integrity and ecological functions.
8. The established velocity, quantity and quality of storm water discharge shall be considered in
terms of the sensitivity of the proposed receiving environment. The disposal mode selected
shall minimize changes in infiltration, runoff and ground water recharge.
9. To the extent that all reasonable use allowed under current zoning is not precluded,
residential development shall not be located or designed such that new structural shore
defense or flood protection works are necessary.
10. Residential development is prohibited within the 100-year flood plain except when it can be
demonstrated that the storage capacity of the flood plain will not be significantly reduced,
flood hazards to upstream properties will not be increased or public safety is otherwise
endangered.
11. Accretion beaches shall not be developed.
6.3.9 Transportation Facilities
1. Transportation facility construction shall be permitted within the High-Intensity, Urban
Conservancy, and Shoreline Residential environments according to the standards of this
Program. Transportation and parking plans and projects shall be consistent with the public
access and environmental protection provisions of this program.
2. Water dependent transportation facility construction (e.g., ferry terminals) shall be permitted
within the aquatic environment, according to the standards of this section and subject to a
Shoreline Conditional Use Permit.
3. Circulation system planning shall include systems for pedestrians, bicycles, and public
transportation where appropriate.
4. All transportation facilities in shoreline areas shall be constructed and maintained to cause
the least possible adverse impacts on the land and water environments, shall respect the
natural character of the shoreline, and make every effort to preserve wildlife, aquatic life and
their habitats.
5. Transportation facilities shall not adversely impact existing or planned water-dependent uses
by impairing access to the shoreline.
6. New or expanded surface transportation facilities not related to and necessary for the support
of shoreline activities shall be located outside the shoreline jurisdiction if possible, or set
back from the ordinary high water mark far enough to make protective measures such as
riprap or other bank stabilization, landfill, bulkheads, groins, jetties or substantial site regrade
unnecessary.
Department of Ecology approval effective November 1, 2010
82 Adopted by City of Des Moines Ordinance No. 1502