Shoreline Use
Tacoma Power manages shoreline use within its hydro project lands as part of our Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license responsibilities.
Natural, undeveloped shorelines provide important habitat for fish and wildlife and help support healthy rivers and reservoirs. Approximately 75% of our reservoir shorelines are reserved for wildlife, recreation, hydropower operations, cultural resources and other resource management needs.
In eligible areas, some private shoreline uses, such as docks, buoys and bulkheads, may be allowed. Tacoma Power approval is required before installing structures, removing vegetation or conducting ground-disturbing activities on Project Lands. Requirements and allowable uses vary by hydroelectric project and location.
Use the information below to find shoreline requirements, application information and resources for your project area.
How to Obtain a Shoreline Use Permit
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Review the Checklist and Contact Tacoma Power
If you would like to perform work, such as building, replacing or modifying a shoreline structure, on Tacoma Power Project Lands, start by identifying your project location and contacting the appropriate Tacoma Power representative.
Shoreline Use Permit Checklist
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Review Requirements for Your Project Area
Review the applicable shoreline management documents, specifications and permitting guidance for your location before preparing your application.
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Prepare Your Application Materials
Your application package must include:
A completed Shoreline Use Permit application and applicable fees
Site plan: top-view (overhead) drawing and side-view (elevation drawing)
Written narrative describing the construction methods, equipment, and materials to be used for each structure
Depending on your project and location, additional application materials may be required, including but not limited to, a cultural resource survey, geotechnical reports and environmental assessments all at the applicant’s cost.
Additional engineered plans may be required depending on the proposed project and requirements of Tacoma Power or other regulatory agencies.
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Submit Your Application
Submit your completed application, required maps, drawings, supporting materials, and applicable permit fee(s) as directed by Tacoma Power.
To receive an application, please reach out to your area’s appropriate contact.
Applications must be mailed to:
Tacoma Public Utilities
Real Property Services
P.O. Box 11007
Tacoma, WA 98409Alternate methods of application submittal can be arranged with the appropriate Shoreline and Lands Coordinator upon request.
Resources
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Cushman Hydro Project
Wynnae Wright
Shoreline and Lands Coordinator
wwright@tacoma.govCowlitz River Project and Nisqually River Project
Lindie Schmidt
Shoreline and Lands Coordinator
lschmidt1@tacoma.gov -
PACKS is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) program. The following information applies specifically to shoreline projects at Lake Cushman and Lake Kokanee. Tacoma Power provides the following resources to help applicants meet applicable USACE programmatic requirements.
PACKS Application Tools:
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Regulatory Permitting Assistance
The Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA) is available to assist you with applying for the required regulatory permits for your project or call 1-800-917-0043.
Local Government
Shoreline projects may also require permits or approvals from the county where the property is located. Check with your local permitting agency before beginning work to understand the requirements that apply to your project.
- Mason County: Requires shoreline and building permits for certain new and existing shoreline structures. Review shoreline planning requirements, building permit information and Community Development contact information.
- Pierce County: Review permitting requirements and resources through the Pierce County Development Center.
- Cowlitz County: Find permit information through Cowlitz County Building & Planning.
- Thurston County: Review permitting requirements and project guidance through Thurston County’s Plan Your Project resources.
- Lewis County: Find permitting guidance and resources through Lewis County Community Development.
State Government
Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permits from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are required for any work waterward of the ordinary high water mark. Get their permitting information and requirements and local area Habitat Biologist contact information.
Federal Government
Any addition of fill in the form of concrete or rock (e.g., for a bulkhead or piling footings) or dredging will require a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) Section 404 permit. Get their permitting information and requirements and find contact information for your local area Project Manager.
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If you notice shoreline activity that may not be authorized or may not comply with Tacoma Power’s shoreline requirements, contact:
Alexa Crnic
Tacoma Power’s Lands Officer
acrnic@tacoma.gov -
There are no public meetings scheduled at this time. For information about past shoreline meetings and available materials, contact the Tacoma Power representative for your project area.
FAQ's
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We are not establishing new commercial sites at this time.
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Submitting a complete application and contacting Tacoma Power early in the planning process can help avoid delays. Application review timelines may be affected by:
- The complexity of the project
- The time of year the application is submitted
- The number and type of additional regulatory permits required
- Changes to the project after an application has been submitted
- Potential impacts to Tacoma Power operations, environmental, or cultural resources
- Existing unpermitted structures or unresolved shoreline compliance issues
- Incomplete application materials
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Once your application is received, Tacoma Power will:
- Review the application for completeness
- Confirm applicable fees
- Request additional information, if needed
- Conduct a site visit
- Review the proposed use for consistency with applicable shoreline requirements
- Identify conditions or additional approvals that may be required
- Provide information about next steps
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Tacoma Power has a responsibility under its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licenses to manage shoreline uses within our hydro project boundaries consistent with safe hydroelectric operations, environmental stewardship and federal license requirements.
Shoreline conditions, development and uses can change over time. Tacoma Power may periodically evaluate shoreline conditions, uses and eligibility to ensure shoreline management continues to meet these responsibilities.
If future decisions affect shoreline use or eligibility in a specific area, Tacoma Power will communicate directly with affected applicants or permit holders and provide information about applicable next steps.
Mayfield Lake
Tacoma Power is currently reviewing shoreline conditions and uses in portions of the Mayfield Lake project area. Shoreline Use Permit applications continue to be reviewed under the current process while this evaluation is underway.