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Structural stabilization measures can be "hard" or "soft." "Hard" structural stabilization refers to those <br />with solid, hard surfaces, such as concrete bulkheads, while "soft" structural measures rely on less <br />rigid materials, such as biotechnical vegetation measures. <br />Generally, the harder the construction measure, the greater the impact on shoreline processes, <br />including sediment transport, geomorphology, and biological functions. Additionally, hard structures, <br />especially vertical walls, often create conditions that lead to failure of the structure. Failed bulkheads <br />and walls adversely impact beach aesthetics, may be a safety or navigational hazard, and may <br />adversely impact shoreline ecological functions. <br />A. Policies. Pursuant to RCW 36.70A.480, the shoreline stabilization policies of the 2016 2021 <br />Kittitas County Shoreline Master Program shall be considered as policies of the Kittitas County <br />Comprehensive Plan. <br />B. Regulations. <br />1. New uses and developments shall be located and designed to avoid the need for future <br />shoreline stabilization to the extent feasible. <br />2. Subdivision of land should not create lots that will require shoreline stabilization in order <br />for reasonable use or development to occur. <br />3. New uses and developments on steep slopes or bluffs shall be set back sufficiently to <br />ensure that shoreline stabilization is unlikely to be necessary during the life of the structure, <br />as demonstrated by a geotechnical analysis. <br />4. New uses and developments that would require shoreline stabilization which causes <br />significant impacts to adjacent or down-current properties and shoreline areas shall not be <br />allowed. <br />5. New structural stabilization measures shall only be allowed for the following instances, and <br />then only when necessity is demonstrated based on criteria included in this Section: <br />a. When necessary to protect an existing primary structure; <br />b. In support of new non-water-dependent development, including single-family <br />residence; <br />c. In support of new water-dependent development; and <br />d. To protect projects for the restoration of ecological functions or hazardous substance <br />remediation projects. <br />6. New or enlarged structural shoreline stabilization measures for an existing primary <br />structure, including residences, are permitted only if there is conclusive evidence, <br />documented by a geotechnical analysis, that the structure is in danger from shoreline <br />erosion caused by stream processes or waves. Normal sloughing, erosion of steep bluffs, or <br />shoreline erosion itself, without a scientific or geotechnical analysis, is not demonstration of <br />need. The geotechnical analysis shall evaluate on-site drainage issues and address drainage <br />problems away from the shoreline edge before considering structural shoreline <br />stabilization. <br />7. New structural stabilization for new non-water-dependent development, including single- <br />family residences, is permitted only if it can be demonstrated that: <br />a. The erosion is not being caused by upland conditions, such as the loss of vegetation <br />and drainage;