Welcome to Chapter 7 – Coastal Shorelands. The shorelands of the Oregon coast are some of the state’s most valued properties. They also contain unique, irreplaceable natural habitats that are subject to dynamic and potentially destructive natural processes. The principal aims of state planning Goal 17 are to protect major natural resources in coastal shorelands while allowing development where appropriate and consistent with the geological and resource limitations of the area. It also includes measures to reduce hazards to life and property.
Although the shorelands planning area is generally west of Highway 101, in some places where the highway is further inland, the planning area is defined by specific roads. The planning area includes areas within 1,000 feet of all estuaries and coastal lakes. Within the planning area, local government must inventory the nature, location and extent of hazards; habitat; water-dependent uses; economic resources; recreational resources; and aesthetics to provide a basis for further planning, conservation and development.
Using resource inventory information, each local government has adopted a shorelands boundary that is contiguous with the ocean, estuaries and lakes, and includes:
Shorelands adjacent to coastal water bodies are highly desirable areas for a variety of uses. Goal 17 specifies uses that are permitted outright and those that are subject to conditions, with an emphasis on protecting habitat, headlands, aesthetic resources and areas needed for water-dependent uses. There are strong linkages between estuarine areas considered under Goal 16 and adjacent shoreland areas under Goal 17.
Goal 17 requires local land use policies and zoning to support water-dependent development and limit conflicting uses. Areas of deep water close to shore with supporting transportation facilities are important in identifying water-dependent shoreland areas.
Water-related uses provide goods or services needed by water-dependent uses. Two examples are fueling stations for marinas and stores for fishing gear or repair. Homes, restaurants, RV parks, warehouses and other uses that do not require direct access to coastal waters are not considered water-related or water-dependent. They have low priority for development in estuarine and shoreland areas and are encouraged in upland and urban areas away from the shore.
In 1999, the Land Conservation and Development Commission amended Goal 17 to change requirements related to water-dependent shorelands to encourage reuse of water-dependent development. The new requirements are optional, but are applicable if local governments make changes to their existing water-dependent shoreland designations. The amended goal requires local estuary plans to protect a minimum amount of shorelands for water-dependent uses. This minimum includes areas currently used for such water-dependent activities as wharves, piers, docks, mooring piling, and boat ramps. Local plans also must account for lands that were developed for water-dependent uses previously and still possess structures or facilities that can be used in the future.
Shoreland areas identified as mitigation sites under Goal 16, Estuarine Resources, are protected from new uses and activities that would prevent restoration or addition to the estuarine ecosystem. Shoreland planning also requires that upland dredged material disposal sites be identified and protected from new uses and activities that would prevent their ultimate use for dredged material disposal. Riparian vegetation in shorelands along coastal waters must be maintained and where appropriate, restored and enhanced. Their important habitat functions to coastal estuarine and riverine ecosystems are reflected in both Goal 17 and Goal 5, Natural Resources.
Development in coastal shorelands is subject to a variety of natural and geological hazards, including erosion and flooding. The preferred solutions to these problems are land management practices and non-structural measures. However, any structures such as seawalls or riprap that are considered necessary should be designed and built to limit their impacts on water currents and protect adjacent and nearby areas from erosion or other adverse effects. Only with adequate review and safeguards should shorelands be developed in areas subject to severe hazards that could result in the loss of life and property.
It is well accepted that under Oregon’s Beach Law, the ocean shore is open to the public. The beds of most lakes, waters and lands within estuaries subject to tidal flooding are also open to public use. Goal 17 requires state agencies and local governments to identify, maintain and when possible, increase public access to these areas. Existing access to or along coastal waters must be retained or replaced if they are sold exchanged or transferred. Rights-of-way may be vacated to permit redevelopment if public access across the affected site is retained. For a list of public access points on the Oregon coast, consult the Oregon Coastal Atlas online at: www.coastalatlas.net*.