Shoreline Master Program

The Shoreline Master Program (SMP) was adopted on December 4, 2013 by Ordinance 5229. The City performed limited amendments per Ordinance 5327 (effective September 7, 2017) and Ordinance 5417 (effective July 10, 2021) after Department of Ecology’s approval. Click below to see the City’s current SMP. To see supporting documentation of the SMP, please click here . 

Proposed Updates to the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) and Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO)

The City is currently in the process of updating the Critical Areas Ordinance and Shorelines Master Program. Please feel free to contact Planning Manager Garrett Jackson with any questions you may have, including how to participate (garrett.jackson@ci.bremerton.wa.us or 360-473-5289). To view a physical copy of proposed changes, please visit the Department of Community Development at 345 6th Street, Suite 600 Bremerton, WA 98337. Please see the provided information below for updates on the amendment process to date.

September 15, 2025 – Planning Commission Workshop
October 20, 2025 – Planning Commission Workshop
November 17, 2025 – Planning Commission Workshop
December 15, 2025 – Planning Commission Workshop
January 26 , 2026 – Planning Commission Workshop

DRAFT – Shoreline Master Program
DRAFT - Critical Areas Ordinance
DRAFT - Landscaping Code

CAO Gap Analysis, Facet October 2025
SMP Gap Analysis, Facet October 2025
Best Available Science, Facet October 2025
Stream Buffer Memo, Facet February 2026

THE CITY OF BREMERTON & WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY are seeking comments on proposed amendments to Bremerton’s Shoreline Master Program (SMP). The joint local/state public comment period will run from December 29 to January 28 at 5PM. Authority for the review is based on Washington’s Shoreline Management Act (Ch. 90.58 RCW) and related rules. The review ensures the SMP keeps up with changes in state law, changes in other City plans and regulations, and other changed circumstances. The City has elected to use the optional joint review process to combine the local and Ecology comment periods, as allowed under WAC 173-26-104. No additional comment period will occur during the state review process. Comments provided to the City will be reviewed by both the City and Ecology. Comments or questions may be submitted to: Garrett Jackson at garrett.jackson@ci.bremerton.wa.us. Comments can also be made during the public hearing. The Joint Public Hearing is to be held January 26, 2026 at 5:30 PM in the First Floor Chambers of the Norm Dicks Government Center, 345 6th St, Bremerton WA. All interested persons may join either in-person or online and provide testimony regarding items listed on the agenda.

To join remotely go to https://zoom.us/join and use meeting ID 860 8962 6977 and password 955016 or dial in by phone +1 253 215 8782. All interested persons may join online and provide testimony on these items. Viewers may also watch live on www.bkat.org and Cable via Comcast Channel 12, WAVE Channel 3.