DRAFT
Ocean Shores Comprehensive Plan 2020
Mayor: Planning Commission:
Crystal Dingler Dan Bricker, Chair
Richard Wills, Vice Chair
City Council: Greg Cox
Susan Conniry Eleanor Dorman
Kathryn Sprigg Cathey Peterson Tanya Roberts Frank Elduen Don Westfall Jon Martin
Steve Ensley Planning Department Staff: Bob Peterson Alicia Bridges Eric Noble
Consultant:
Linda J. Whitcher
OCEAN SHORES COMPRESHENSIVE PLAN
0 TABLE OF CONTENTS
0 TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... 1
1 Purpose and Intent ...... 7 1.1 Using this document ...... 8 1.2 Historic Planning ...... 8 1.3 Washington Growth Management Act (GMA) ...... 8
2 Community Profile ...... 9 2.1 History of Ocean Shores ...... 9 2.2 Geography of Ocean Shores ...... 12 2.3 Climate ...... 12 2.4 Features of Ocean Shores ...... 13 2.5 Visitor Amenities ...... 13 2.6 Conventions ...... 13 2.7 Outdoor Recreation ...... 13 2.8 Culture ...... 14 2.9 Coastal Interpretive Center ...... 14 2.10 Weatherwax ...... 14 2.11 Ocean Shores Community Club ...... 14 2.12 Population Demographics of Ocean Shores ...... 15
3 Land Use Element ...... 21 3.1 Residential Goals and Policies ...... 22 3.2 Commercial Goals and Policies ...... 22 3.3 Industrial Goals and Policies ...... 23 3.4 Stormwater Management Goals and Policies ...... 23 3.5 Visual and Environmental Attractiveness Goals and Policies...... 24 3.6 Quality of Life Goals and Policies ...... 24
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3.7 Annexation Goals and Policies ...... 25 3.8 Dark Skies Goals and Policies ...... 25 3.9 Population Distribution and Projection ...... 26 3.10 Commercial Land Use Categories ...... 27 3.11 Residential Land Use Categories...... 28 3.12 Rezone, Review, and Decision Criteria ...... 29 3.13 Action Plan: Land Use ...... 30
4 Housing Element ...... 31 4.1 Accommodating Population Growth ...... 31 4.2 Housing Goals and Policies ...... 31 4.3 Population Forecast and Demographic Characteristics ...... 33 4.4 Inventory and Analysis of Housing Needs ...... 35 4.5 Existing Housing Characteristics ...... 35 4.6 Housing Affordability ...... 41 4.7 Ability to Accommodate Expected Population Growth: Years 2017 ‐ 2040 ...... 45 4.8 Affordable Housing Strategies ...... 47 4.9 Action Plan: Housing ...... 47
5 Economic Development ...... 49 5.1 Tourism Goals and Policies ...... 49 5.2 Marketing Goals and Policies ...... 49 5.3 Property Development/Construction Goals and Policies ...... 50 5.4 Action plan: Economic Development ...... 55
6 Environmental Element ...... 57 6.1 Environmental Element Key Goals ...... 57 6.2 Wetland Goals and Policies ...... 58 6.3 Critical Aquifer Recharge Area Goals and Policies ...... 59 6.4 Frequently Flooded Areas Goals and Policies ...... 60
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6.5 Geologically Hazardous Areas Goals and Policies ...... 60 6.6 Fish and Wildlife Habitat Goals and Policies ...... 60 6.7 Shoreline Goals and Policies ...... 61 6.8 Twenty‐year Focus: The Challenge and Implementation ...... 61 6.9 Relationship to Growth Management Act ...... 62 6.10 Associated City Plans and Regulations ...... 62 6.11 Wetlands ...... 6 3 6.12 Critical Aquifer Recharge Area ...... 64 6.13 Frequently Flooded Areas ...... 67 6.14 Geologically Hazardous Areas ...... 67 6.15 Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas ...... 69 6.16 Shorelines ...... 70 6.17 Action plan: Environmental Element ...... 71
7 Utilities and Public Facilities Element ...... 73 7.1 Shaping the Future ...... 76 7.2 City Owned Utility Goals and Policies ...... 77 7.3 Drinking Water Utility ...... 79 7.4 Drinking Water Goals and Policies ...... 79 7.5 Wastewater Utility ...... 81 7.6 Wastewater Goals and Policies ...... 82 7.7 Stormwater Utility ...... 82 7.8 Stormwater Goals and Policies ...... 83 7.9 Franchise Utilities ...... 83 7.10 City‐Owned Utilities Overview ...... 86 7.11 Wastewater Utility Overview ...... 87 7.12 Stormwater Utility Overview ...... 88 7.13 Private‐Owned Utilities Overview and Future Needs ...... 89
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7.14 Public Services ...... 90 7.15 Financing Public Facilities ...... 93 7.16 Siting Essential Public Facilities ...... 94 7.17 Action Items ...... 94 7.18 Associated Plans ...... 94
8 Transportation Element ...... 96 8.1 Introduction ...... 96 8.2 General Transportation Goals and Policies ...... 96 8.3 Mass Transit Goals and Policies ...... 97 8.4 Pedestrian and Bicycle Goals and Policies ...... 98 8.5 Airport Goals and Policies...... 99 8.6 Marina and Fresh Waterways Goals and Policies ...... 99 8.7 Existing Conditions ...... 100 8.8 Bridges...... 101 8.9 Functional Classification ...... 102 8.10 Traffic Volumes ...... 104 8.11 Level Of Service Standards ...... 105 8.12 Other Modes Of Transportation ...... 107 8.13 Identification Of Improvements And Funding ...... 110
9 Parks and Recreation Element ...... 112
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LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 2‐1‐ MAP LOCATING OCEAN SHORES ...... 9
FIGURE 8‐1 ‐ COLLECTOR STREET NETWORK ...... 103
LIST OF CHARTS
CHART 2‐1 ‐ OCEAN SHORES POPULATION GROWTH ESTIMATE ...... 15
CHART 2‐2 ‐ OCEAN SHORES POPULATION BY AGE AND SEX 2017 ...... 16
CHART 2‐3 ‐ OCEAN SHORES EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT AGES 25+ 2017 ...... 17
CHART 2‐4 ‐ OCEAN SHORES POPULATION DIVERSITY 2017 ...... 18
CHART 2‐5 ‐ OCEAN SHORES EMPLOYMENT DIVERSITY 2017 ...... 19
CHART 2‐6 ‐ OCEAN SHORES HOUSEHOLD INCOME ...... 20
CHART 5‐1 ‐ OCEAN SHORES RETAIL TRADE VALUES BY INDUSTRY TYPE ...... 52
CHART 5‐2 ‐ SALES TAX DISTRIBUTION BY JURISDICTION ...... 53
CHART 5‐3 ‐ OCEAN SHORES ANNUAL SALES TAX GROSS TAXABLE RETAIL SALES ...... 54
CHART 5‐4 ‐ OCEAN SHORES LODGING TAX REVENUE ...... 55
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 2‐1 ‐ CLIMATE DATA FOR OCEAN SHORES – TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION ...... 12
TABLE 3‐1 ‐ POPULATION DISTRIBUTION 2010 – 2040 ...... 26
TABLE 4‐1 ‐ POPULATION FORECAST 2010 – 2040 ...... 33
TABLE 4‐3 ‐ ESTIMATED NUMBER OF DWELLING UNITS NEEDED BY 2040 ...... 34
TABLE 4‐4 ‐ GENERAL DEMOGRAPHICS 2018 ESTIMATES ...... 35
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TABLE 4‐5 ‐ YEAR HOUSING STRUCTURE WAS BUILT ...... 36
TABLE 4‐6 ‐ HOUSING UNITS BY TYPE ...... 37
TABLE 4‐7 ‐ BEDROOMS PER HOUSING UNIT ...... 37
TABLE 4‐8 ‐ OCCUPANTS PER ROOM ...... 38
TABLE 4‐9 ‐ HOUSING UNITS – OCCUPIED, SEASONAL, VACANT ...... 39
TABLE 4‐10 ‐ YEAR HOUSEHOLDER MOVED INTO UNIT ...... 40
TABLE 4‐11 ‐ SEASONAL, SECOND‐HOME OR OCCASIONAL USE UNITS ...... 40
TABLE 4‐12 ‐ HOUSING UNIT CHARACTERISTICS ...... 41
TABLE 4‐13 ‐ INCOME AND POVERTY ...... 42
TABLE 4‐14 ‐ MORTGAGE STATUS OF OWNER‐OCCUPIED UNITS ...... 42
TABLE 4‐15 ‐ GROSS RENT AS A PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME ...... 43
TABLE 4‐17 ‐ OCEAN SHORES PARCELS BY CURRENT ZONING CLASSIFICATION ...... 46
TABLE 7‐1 ‐ CITY OWNED SERVICES AND FACILITIES SUMMARY ...... 74
TABLE 7‐2 ‐ FRANCHISE UTILITIES ...... 84
TABLE 8‐1 ‐ BRIDGES ...... 101
TABLE 8‐2 ‐ STREET CLASSIFICATION ...... 102
TABLE 8‐3 ‐ VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION ...... 104
TABLE 8‐4 ‐ TYPICAL TRAFFIC PATTERNS BY MONTH ...... 105
TABLE 8‐5 ‐ SIDEWALKS AND SHARED USE PATHWAY LOCATIONS ...... 108
TABLE 8‐6 ‐ BICYCLE LANE LOCATIONS ...... 109
TABLE 8‐7 ‐ PUBLIC FRESHWATER DOCK AND LAUNCH LOCATIONS ...... 110
TABLE 8‐8 ‐ 2020‐2025 STIP FUNDING ...... 111
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OCEAN SHORES COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2040
1 PURPOSE AND INTENT
Ocean Shores Comprehensive Plan 2040 strives to nurture a harmonious environment that will enhance the quality of life for all citizens. It provides for efficient municipal services, promotes the business community, establishes balanced economic growth, and intergovernmental cooperation.
Proudly recognizing our heritage, we will cultivate a community that is attractive now and in the future.
This comprehensive plan anticipates community changes and strives to manage those changes in a deliberate manner, reflecting the desires and wishes of Ocean Shores’ residents. This plan lists goals and policies based on the city’s aspirations set in the context of current and potential opportunities, concerns, and capabilities.
A comprehensive plan is a decision‐making tool based on long‐range goals. The plan looks beyond the conventions of law, exceeding minimum legal requirements to address what the community wants. It describes resident demographics, provides an overview of city history, documents existing land use, examines community roadways and other public utilities, studies local economics and assesses the current physical and ecological environment. It is intended to serve as a type of policy “atlas” for city officials based on the community’s real‐life conditions, helping them make better‐informed decisions.
The City of Ocean Shores’ comprehensive plan is based on locally established visions, goals, and policies derived from extensive public participation. The plan provides an abundance of information and guidance. We will work to fulfill the goals, policies and programs over the next several years, constantly adjusting to meet the needs of our growing city.
This comprehensive plan will shape the city’s zoning and subdivision regulations, capital improvement programming and budgeting, and other legal and regulatory actions necessary to manage Ocean Shores’ physical, social, and environmental character. The full range of the city’s implementation tools must be consistent with this plan.
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1.1 USING THIS DOCUMENT
This comprehensive plan is designed for use and reference by the community, the City Council, the Planning Commission, other agencies, and city staff. It presents policies and programs that will help the city achieve its long‐term goals, embedding them in a document that helps express the community’s character and aspirations. The structure of the plan’s elements includes several sections: a discussion of current conditions relevant to each policy area, a discussion of current and anticipated issues that the element should address, and a series of goals, policies, and action items to help Ocean Shores achieve and maintain its vision.
The comprehensive plan provides direction and identifies action items that when fully developed will implement the plan throughout the city. Implementation will guide revisions to the zoning code, updates to other Planning regulations, and make sure that public services are available to serve new development.
1.2 HISTORIC PLANNING
Ocean Shores adopted its first comprehensive plan in 1998. It was updated in 2007, 2010 and 2014.
Ocean Shores began work on this document in 2018, creating its first‐generation GMA compliant comprehensive plan. Jurisdictions within Grays Harbor County are partially planning, and this plan conforms to the state’s goals and legal requirements.
1.3 WASHINGTON GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT (GMA)
The state legislature enacted the Growth Management Act (GMA), RCW 36.70A, in response to its finding that uncoordinated growth and lack of common goals toward land conservation threatens the public’s health, safety, and general welfare. The Act establishes planning goals for those counties and municipalities planning under the GMA’s requirements.
Ocean Shores is a partially planning jurisdiction. Only critical areas and shoreline management are mandated by the GMA for partially planning jurisdictions. In compliance with state mandates the city updated its Shoreline Master Program in 2018 and has developed a new Environmental Element and critical area regulations as part of this update.
The plan conforms to the Washington State Growth Management Act.
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2 COMMUNITY PROFILE
Ocean Shores sits on Point Brown a 12.4 square mile peninsula at the mouth of Grays Harbor. Developed in the 1960’s, Ocean Shores is a residential community and popular tourism destination with nearly 6,500 full‐time residents.
FIGURE 2‐1‐ MAP LOCATING OCEAN SHORES
Map by Arkyan, accessed 09/16/2019
Grays Harbor, an estuarine bay, is a ria formed at the end of the last ice age when sea levels flooded the Chehalis River. A ria is a coastal inlet formed by the partial submergence of an unglaciated river valley. This drowned river valley, Grays Harbor bay, remains open to the sea and is the only deep‐water Pacific Coast port in the lower 48 states located north of San Francisco. The map illustrates the location of Grays Harbor County within Washington State and Ocean Shores within the county.
2.1 HISTORY OF OCEAN SHORES
For thousands of years, Native American travelers from the Columbia River routinely visited this area to avoid dangerous river bars in both the Columbia River and Grays Harbor by traversing swales and river systems to the South Beach Peninsula of Grays Harbor. They would cross the bay, portage along the narrow back of Point Brown Peninsula Swale and continue their northward Pacific Ocean journeys to visit coastal Olympic Peninsula and Canadian tribes (Woodwick 2010). Native tribes called the peninsula where Ocean Shores now stands, Oyehut, the place of crossing over, and many of the 32 Native American tribes that were present in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties used it.
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The area was the home of the largest permanent camp of the Chehalis people (specifically the Copalis Tribe). It was the usual and accustomed ground of those that became the Consolidated Tribes of the Quinault Nation and for the northern Oregon Chinook people who had a provisioning camp there (Woodwick 2010). The area was rich with salmon found in the Pacific Northwest as well as 23 other fish species that were trade items. Shellfish, particularly the razor clam, were abundant along adjacent beaches in the area. The land supported a vast array of game birds and animals as well as important plants such as cedar, yew, and grasses used by tribal peoples for making baskets and clothing (Woodwick 2010).
The Chehalis ate fish as a diet staple, and constructed longhouses with one end open to the water for easy salmon collection. When non‐Indians started arriving, diseases such as smallpox and malaria spread. However, it was not until the mid‐1850’s that disease truly devastated the Chehalis Tribe. A smallpox outbreak originating from a boat in Neah Bay was referred to as the Big Sick (Woodwick 2010). Thousands of Chehalis people died, and the village was all but abandoned.
Fur trading in Grays Harbor began as early as 1788, when the Boston Fur Company brought trappers to the peninsula. However, the fur trappers did not establish permanent residence on the peninsula. Captain Robert Gray, an American merchant sea captain, sailed into the bay and named it Bullfinch Harbor in May 1792. Later, Captain George Vancouver renamed it Grays Harbor after Captain Gray.
During the 1850’s, new settlers trickled into what would become Ocean Shores and Westport. The new arrivals made themselves at home while the remaining Chehalis found themselves pushed out. In 1855, on behalf of the United States government, Isaac Stevens (1818‐1862) asked the Quinault, Queets, Cowlitz, Shoalwater and Chehalis tribes to cede rights to their land and settle onto a reservation. The "offer" contained a serious caveat that the reservation was not a guaranteed location on their native land. The Chehalis refused and they were labeled a "non‐treaty" tribe, meaning that non‐Indian settlers continued claiming Chehalis land, and the Indians received no compensation from the government (McCausland 1998). The Chehalis were eventually granted a parcel of land in the southeastern corner of what is now Grays Harbor County.
Matthew McGee was the first non‐Native permanent settler of the Point Brown Peninsula. McGee homesteaded the land in the early 1860’s, developing a cattle ranch. McGee sold the southern part of the Peninsula to Olympia businessman Albert Olson (A. O.) Damon in 1878 for establishment of a trading supply center. Supplies and mail would come by boat from Hoquiam and were transported on land to the Tahola and Quinault areas. Damon held a mortgage on McGee’s acreage. Damon later called the note forcing McGee into bankruptcy through which means, Damon acquired the cattle and the entire Peninsula.
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In 1929 Damon passed the land on to his grandson, Ralph Minard. Minard operated a cattle ranch until he sold the Peninsula to the Ocean Shores Development Corporation in 1960 for $1 million.
By the time Minard consolidated his holdings, the Peninsula had a fair size population squatting on the Minard ranch. Minard solved the problem by personally moving all the beach shacks to his north pasture, establishing Oyehut, an un‐incorporated community located north of the city.
The Great Depression brought many people who were dispossessed: urban residents who had lost their jobs, seasonal workers, and migrant fruit and field workers. These refugees of the economic conditions found refuge in homeless camps, such as Jetty Camp and Big Root Camp. They survived by digging clams, fishing and poaching animals. These encampments also included unsavory characters who found more profit in bootlegging, cattle rustling, and other nefarious ways to acquire cash.
In 1960, the Washington State legislature was considering legalizing some forms of gambling. In the expectation of a large casino development, the Ocean Shores Development Corporation bought the Point Brown Peninsula from Ralph Minard and began to sell lots from a travel trailer parked in the dunes. Soon the word spread about the California‐style development of the place called Ocean Shores. The price of lots began at $595 and were sold sight unseen from the first plat maps. As the numbers of lots sold rose, so did the prices.
By December 1960, the developer had planned 25 miles of canals and opened a six‐hole golf course. By 1961, a shopping mall, 100 motel rooms, three restaurants, and an airport were in operation. Three more holes were added to the Ocean Shores golf course in 1963. The full 18‐ hole course was completed in 1966.
In 1966 Pat Boone started hosting his Celebrity Golf Classic at Ocean Shores. Celebrities such as Clint Eastwood, Joe Namath and Fred MacMurray to name just a few, came to play in this event. The Celebrity Golf Classic ran for four years. In 1970 OSGC became a regular stop on the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour. Many tour stars, including Kathy Whitworth, Althea Gibson, JoAnne Carner and Patty Berg, began building their careers here.
The course has also hosted such prestigious events as the 1971 Northwest Open, the 1990 Pacific Northwest Pro‐Am, N.F.L. Celebrity Classics and, most recently, the 2007 PNGA Junior Girls’ Championship. Tournaments have been held here ever since.
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In 1969, The President of the Ocean Shores Development Corporation declared Ocean Shores to be the “richest little city per capita in the country” with an assessed valuation of approximately $35 million and about 800 full‐time residents. The initial vote for incorporation was held in 1969, when voters rejected the initiative. In the November 1970 ballot, incorporation was approved by a two‐to‐one margin.
2.2 GEOGRAPHY OF OCEAN SHORES
The city is known for its long, sandy Pacific Ocean beaches and its miles of navigable freshwater lakes and canals. The Pacific Ocean borders the Point Brown Peninsula on the west, while Grays Harbor bay lies to the south and east. The two largest cities in Grays Harbor County, Aberdeen and Hoquiam are located on the north‐east end of Grays Harbor, at its confluence with the Hoquiam, Wishkah and Chehalis rivers. The Olympic Mountain Range lies northeast of Ocean Shores, stretching in a north‐south line across the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. Vehicular access to the city is via State Route 109 and SR 115 which connect with U.S. Highway 101 in Hoquiam.
2.3 CLIMATE
Under the Koppen climate classification system, Ocean Shores is defined an “oceanic climate” (also known as a “marine climate”) with tendencies towards a “Mediterranean climate.” Oceanic weather features cool summers and cool but not cold winters with a relatively narrow annual temperature range. Mediterranean climates tend to have dry summers and mild wet winters. Ocean Shores does have the relative narrow annual temperature range and the cool, but not cold winters. However, Ocean Shores does tend to have somewhat drier summers than most oceanic climates.
TABLE 2‐1 ‐ CLIMATE DATA FOR OCEAN SHORES – TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION Month Jan Feb Mar Apr Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record High 68 76 76 85 94 96 94 92 85 69 64 96 Average 49 51 54 56 63 66 67 67 60 53 48 58 High Average Low 38 37 39 41 49 52 52 49 44 40 36 44 Record Low 11 9 22 26 33 32 35 30 24 12 7 7 Average 11.1 8.18 8.08 5.73 2.57 1.36 1.64 2.57 7.56 12.1 10.8 75.3 Precipitation Temperature in Fahrenheit Precipitation in Inches
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2.4 FEATURES OF OCEAN SHORES
Ocean Shores has six miles of sandy beaches and twenty‐three miles of interconnected lakes and canals. Recreational opportunities include world‐class bird watching, boating and golfing. The 1,226‐acre Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area and Protection Island lie on the south side of the city.
Exploring Ocean Shores is quite an adventure whether by car, bicycle or one of the many rental mopeds or pedal vehicles. Wildlife is abundant and it is common to see deer, raccoons, river otter, seals, blue heron, pelicans and other shorebirds from just a few feet away.
2.5 VISITOR AMENITIES
Over 1,200 overnight accommodations are available. Consequently, visitors to Ocean Shores have many options for procuring comfortable lodging. Most of the accommodations are on the ocean, many with fireplaces, swimming pools, spas and full kitchens. Ocean Shores restaurants offer food options from fast food to fine dining including ethnic cuisine, seafood and comfort food. Several also offer live entertainment.
Ocean Shores shops feature souvenirs, hardware, groceries, clothing, kites, candy, pet care, knick‐knacks, games and puzzles, wines, beer, liquor, clamming gear, gifts, appliances, antiques, collectibles and more.
2.6 CONVENTIONS
The Ocean Shores Convention Center hosts numerous meetings and public events year‐round. It is available for organizations to host conventions and events.
2.7 OUTDOOR RECREATION
Ocean Shores offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities in both public and private parks and facilities. Beach activities include combing for shells and agates, digging for razor clams and bird watching. Kite flying, building sandcastles, and horseback riding are also popular. Kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and boat rides on the canals and Duck Lake are popular as are land‐based activities such as biking and scooter riding, walking, hiking and golfing.
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2.8 CULTURE
Ocean Shores boasts a vibrant artist community utilizing a multitude of mediums including jewelry, traditional fine art paintings, photography, quilting and fabric mediums. Works are on display at the local galleries, artists’ studios and Convention Center events. The Stage West Theater Group is comprised of amateur actors and directors. They put on several shows each year. The annual Celtic Music Festival hosts the largest Celtic music venue in the Western U.S.
2.9 COASTAL INTERPRETIVE CENTER
The nationally recognized Coastal Interpretive Center is a hands‐on learning center, which encourages touching, feeling, and handling the exhibits. The mission of the Coastal Interpretive Center is to “educate the public about the natural and cultural history of Washington’s Pacific Coast and inspire the wonder and joy of nature.”
2.10 WEATHERWAX
Wetland and Habitat Bank preserves and enhances 121.86 acres of aquatic and associated upland habitat in the heart of the city. It preserves a wetland mosaic of old growth/mature forest associated with Duck Lake. The Bank’s undeveloped wetland and upland habitats positively benefit the surrounding environment by improving water quality, maintaining hydrological functions, and providing flood storage capacity and preserving intact wildlife habitat. The uplands in the Bank site buffer the on‐site wetlands and provide valuable hydrologic, and water quality functions that maintain wetland water quality.
The public is welcome to walk the mile‐long trail that winds through the old growth, mature forested uplands.
2.11 OCEAN SHORES COMMUNITY CLUB
The Ocean Shores Community Club was established in 1960 to provide recreational facilities for the benefit and enjoyment of its members. Members have access to the Club’s five developed properties including the Bayshore Clubhouse, Bill Ellis Park, Cabana Park, Damon Park and Ken Peterson Park.
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Clubhouse amenities include a beautiful bay view, indoor heated swimming pool, saunas, spa, changing rooms with showers and lockers, gymnasium, fitness center, meeting room, reading room, outside deck and play areas, game room and café with free wireless internet service. This private park system includes two outdoor heated swimming pools each equipped with indoor facilities providing changing rooms, showers and lockers, picnic areas, playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis court, pickleball courts, horseshoe pits, and a pond and nature trail.
2.12 POPULATION DEMOGRAPHICS OF OCEAN SHORES
This comprehensive plan uses the latest available data from the US Census Bureau and Washington State Office of Financial Management. Data is based on the 2010 decennial census and updates.
Population Growth
The most reliable information on population is the Federal decennial census. The most recent census taken in 2010 shows Ocean Shores population at 5,569 persons.
Washington State Department of Financial Management estimates that the population of Ocean Shores is currently 6,490 persons. This is a 16.5% population increase since the decennial census in 2010.
CHART 2‐1 ‐ OCEAN SHORES POPULATION GROWTH ESTIMATE Ocean Shores Population Growth Estimate 2010 ‐ 2019 Data source: Washington State Office of Financial Management
2019 6,490 2018 6,220 2017 6,055 2016 5,955 2015 5,935 2014 5,880 2013 5,815 2012 5,745 2011 5,615 2010 5,569 5,000 5,200 5,400 5,600 5,800 6,000 6,200 6,400 6,600
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Age and Sex Distribution
Ocean Shores’ population is divided almost evenly between male and female. The age and sex distribution in Ocean Shores population is shown in the chart below.
CHART 2‐2 ‐ OCEAN SHORES POPULATION BY AGE AND SEX 2017 Ocean Shores Population by Age and Sex 2017 Data Source: United States Census Bureau 6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0 Female Male Total 0 to 19 262 416 678 20 to 64 1573 1194 2767 65 plus 1103 1166 2269 total 2938 2776 5714
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Educational Attainment
About 93% of the Ocean Shores population, aged 25 and older, has a high school diploma or higher. Over 30% of those individuals have a college degree. Ocean Shores’ educational attainment is shown in the chart below.
CHART 2‐3 ‐ OCEAN SHORES EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT AGES 25+ 2017 Ocean Shores Educational Attainment Ages 25+ Data source: US Census Bureau. 2017 Estimate
Less than 9th grade, 106 Graduate degree, 261 Grades 9 ‐ 12, 237
Bachelor's degree, High school graduate, 654 1273
Associate Degree, 619
Some college, 1767
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Diversity
Ocean Shores' population is not highly diverse. Nearly 90% of the population identifies as white. The number of individuals identifying as other than white has increased since the 2010 census with Native American and Asian populations experiencing the highest increases during that period. A comparison of population diversity in Ocean Shores on the 2017 census estimate is shown in the chart below.
CHART 2‐4 ‐ OCEAN SHORES POPULATION DIVERSITY 2017 Population Diversity 2017
White and Asian, 124 American Indian and Alaska Native, 229
White and American Indian and Alaska Asian, 263 Native, 35
Black or African American, 1 (Not shown on chart)
White, 5,062
Employment
2017 population estimates from the US Census Bureau show that 40% of Ocean Shores residents are age 65 or above. The age 65 and older population generally represents those at or nearing retirement. This percentage of retired citizens in Ocean Shores, many with fixed incomes, sheds some light on the percentages of the population that is not employed. In contrast 15% of Washington State residents and 21% of Grays Harbor residents are 65 or above.
The city’s estimated unemployment rate is about 5% of the total population who are still in the labor force. The employment status of individuals age 16 and older is shown in the chart below.
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CHART 2‐5 ‐ OCEAN SHORES EMPLOYMENT DIVERSITY 2017 Ocean Shores Employment Diversity 2017 Data source: United States Census Bureau
Civilian Employed, 2072
Not Employed, 2810
Civilian unemployed, 265
Armed Forces, 0
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Household Income
The 2017 median income for Ocean Shores households was $40,451. The number of households in each income category is shown in the following chart.
CHART 2‐6 ‐ OCEAN SHORES HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Ocean Shores Household Income per Year (2017) Data Source: United States Census Bureau 511 483 418 340 309 289 283 168 6 0
Less than $10,000 ‐ $14,500 ‐ $25,000 ‐ $35,000 ‐ $50,000 ‐ $75,000 ‐ $100,000 ‐ $150,000 ‐ $200,000+ $10,000 $14,999 $24,999 $34,999 $49,999 $74,999 $99,999 $149,999 $199,999
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3 LAND USE ELEMENT
The Land Use Element provides an overall framework for the Comprehensive Plan. It specifically considers the distribution and location of land density and intensity of land uses given community goals, population trends and projections. It is the city's plan for growth during the next 20 years. The focus of this element is on land uses for housing and commercial development.
The Future Land Use Map shows the approximate locations for a variety of land uses in Ocean Shores. It is not a zoning map. Rather it provides guidance for zoning and other regulations to ensure that land use and development is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Although these map lines are approximate, all future land uses should be consistent with the intent of this map and the land use category descriptions, as well as the goals and policies of this Plan.
In general, zoning and land uses should not deviate from the Future Land Use Map boundaries by more than about 200 feet. Compatible and supporting land uses, such as parks, schools, churches, public facilities and utilities, streets and similar features, are expected throughout the city.
City regulations, such as zoning, design review, stormwater, engineering, building and subdivision standards ensure that new development conforms to the goals and policies described in this chapter. The purpose of the goals and policies in this chapter is to direct land use patterns, densities, and design standards which:
Expand on the sense of community Maintain city parks, open spaces, and other community facilities Protect views and features of the city’s highly valued beaches, and fresh waterways Reflect the community’s design vision Maintain or improve the character of established neighborhoods Preserve the historic features of Ocean Shores Provide people with opportunities to live close to work Create desirable neighborhoods with a variety of housing opportunities, different lifestyles and income levels Reflect the land’s physical and environmental capability
The Housing Element shows that Ocean Shores has about 5000 single‐family vacant lots. These lots are basically ready to build as they are platted and have public utilities readily available. With this reserve of lots, the city will be able to easily accommodate an additional 1000 residents into the year 2040.
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3.1 RESIDENTIAL GOALS AND POLICIES Land Use Goal 1. Support and improve our scenic, residential community, which is comprised largely of single‐family neighborhoods surrounded by ocean beaches and scenic fresh waterways. Land Use Policy 1. Enhance livability through provision of recreation facilities, protection of historic properties, attractive common areas, accessibility for emergency services, adequate parking and public walkways. Land Use Policy 2. Permit a wide choice of residential housing opportunities for residents and homeowners of Ocean Shores. Land Use Policy 3. Continue to allow camping, in compliance with city regulations regarding camping on lots in residential zones. Review the impact of camping during regular Comprehensive Plan updates. Land Use Policy 4. Provide adequate land to accommodate a full range of residential uses.
3.2 COMMERCIAL GOALS AND POLICIES Land Use Goal 2. Enhance the overall quality of the city’s business districts and provide enough area to accommodate growth in the city’s commercial zones in an efficient and attractive pattern. Land Use Policy 5. Emphasize pedestrian access in commercial areas, particularly in downtown commercial districts. Land Use Policy 6. Promote high quality design for commercial structures in the downtown areas, especially along major city entrance routes. Land Use Policy 7. Unify the downtown commercial area through the construction of walkways, unified design, landscaping and signage. Land Use Policy 8. Protect the existing areas most suitable for resort and destination tourist activities from incompatible uses. Land Use Policy 9. Require landscaping of parking areas to improve their appearance and functionality. Land Use Policy 10. Provide flexibility in parking requirements, stall size and landscaping requirements to limit the amount of land devoted to parking.
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Land Use Goal 3. Encourage and facilitate the downtown revitalization process and promote the investment and participation of property owners, businesses and citizens. Land Use Policy 11. Establish a special planning area for the “downtown” business district with the specific purpose of formulating and implementing a plan for revitalizing the area and developing a long‐term vision for its growth and development as the primary retail and service area for the City and region. Land Use Policy 12. Include business owners and citizens in the plan development through an open public process. Land Use Policy 13. Address public and private investment issues, land use and planning issues, infrastructure issues, and thematic, coherence, and promotional issues in the downtown plan.
3.3 INDUSTRIAL GOALS AND POLICIES Land Use Goal 4. Support emerging economic development opportunities and new jobs by providing for light industrial and business parks. Land Use Policy 14. Locate new businesses and industrial uses in areas that maximize use of available and planned infrastructure, have access to major transportation corridors, and have few natural limitations and minimal impact on adjacent residential development. Land Use Policy 15. Encourage light industrial development that is relatively non‐ polluting and is compatible with the city’s character.
3.4 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT GOALS AND POLICIES Land Use Goal 5. Require that all persons comply with the provisions of the Ecology Stormwater Manual in compliance with the hydraulic, geologic, and built‐environment features of Ocean Shores. Land Use Policy 16. Improve storm water systems to remediate areas with recurring street flooding. Land Use Policy 17. Implement regulations to manage storm water to protect: human life, health and safety private and public property infrastructure protect resources such as shellfish beds, eelgrass beds, kelp, marine and freshwater habitat
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achieve water and sediment quality standards by reducing and eventually eliminating harm from pollutant discharges Land Use Policy 18. Adopt ordinances and programs to control storm water runoff through approaches including, but not limited to the most recent Washington State Department of Ecology storm water manual.
3.5 VISUAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ATTRACTIVENESS GOALS AND POLICIES Land Use Goal 6. Preserve and maintain the city’s environmental attractiveness; especially: the ocean beaches fresh waterways Weatherwax Wetland and Habitat Bank Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area North Jetty and Grays Harbor bay Land Use Policy 19. Promote the visual attractiveness of the city through retention of natural vegetation and planting of indigenous plant species in landscape installations. Land Use Policy 20. Eliminate nuisances (abandoned vehicles, rubbish, etc.) that detract from the overall visual attractiveness of the city. Land Use Policy 21. Promote environmental education through community outreach, provide education about city policies and best management practices. Land Use Policy 22. Preserve the natural amenities of the city to the maximum extent practicable while providing opportunities for expanding the economic base of the community. Land Use Policy 23. Encourage landscaping and building design that contributes to the overall aesthetic quality of the city.
3.6 QUALITY OF LIFE GOALS AND POLICIES Land Use Goal 7. Encourage development of high‐quality construction and site design that is responsive to the vision of the Comprehensive Plan. Land Use Policy 24. Enhance the quality of life in the city by providing recreation facilities, constructing attractive common areas, providing adequate parking, accessible public walkways and public restrooms. Land Use Policy 25. Require landscape buffers that separate incompatible land uses and provide land use transitions.
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Land Use Policy 26. Assure that new development includes improvements to adjacent public streets and other infrastructure to support the development and mitigate development impacts. Land Use Policy 27. Maintain Ocean Shores Golf Course in perpetuity as a unique and viable economic development and recreational asset for Ocean Shores’ citizens and visitors.
3.7 ANNEXATION GOALS AND POLICIES Land Use Goal 8. Process annexations in accordance with Washington State annexation laws in a timely and efficient manner and facilitate public notification of proposed annexations. Land Use Policy 28. Annexation evaluation and recommendation will be based on the following points: The ability of the city to provide public services as set forth in the city’s adopted Comprehensive Plan’s Capital Facility Plan. The identified infrastructure provisions and/or improvements as identified shall be provided at the time of development or within six years as allowed by City Council Whether the annexation would eliminate an unincorporated island or could be expanded to eliminate an unincorporated island Whether the annexation would follow logical boundaries, such as streets, waterways, or substantial topographic changes Whether the annexation would eliminate an irregularity or irregularities in the city’s boundaries, thereby improving service delivery Other factors deemed important by the City Council
3.8 DARK SKIES GOALS AND POLICIES Land Use Goal 9. Work to protect the beautiful night skies that we enjoy in Ocean Shores for present and future generations. Land Use Policy 29. Advocate for the protection of the night sky by: Educating the public and policymakers about night sky conservation Promoting environmentally responsible outdoor lighting Empowering the public with the tools and resources to help bring back the night
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Educating the public and landowners of the advantages of using Dark Sky certified lighting fixtures and equipment for the environment, their security, and their bottom‐line Encouraging the community, businesses, government agencies and leaders by helping them recognize the economic benefits of adopting non‐light‐polluting practices and preserving our dark nighttime sky Consider lighting regulations to control light pollution from new developments.
3.9 POPULATION DISTRIBUTION AND PROJECTION
Population growth data shows the expected growth by 2040, the planning period. This population figure is used in the Housing Element to calculate the number of new housing units needed to accommodate that growth.
Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM) is responsible for preparing population projections for the state. Office of Financial Management prepares a reasonable range of population growth projected over 20 years that is used for planning purposes. Office of Financial Management does not provide long range population projections at the city level. The city level projections were calculated as a percentage of the county’s total.
TABLE 3‐1 ‐ POPULATION DISTRIBUTION 2010 – 2040
Population Distribution 2010 Population Census 2017 Population Estimate 2040 Population Estimate Ocean Shores 5,569 5,984 6,943
Grays Harbor 72,797 72,970 84,665 County Ocean Shores % of 7.7% 8.2% 8.2% County Total Data Source: Washington State Office of Financial Management; Ocean Shores ‐ 2040 population projection
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3.10 COMMERCIAL LAND USE CATEGORIES
Gateway Corridor
Gateway Corridor applies along Point Brown Boulevard between SR115 to Albatross, and along the adjacent side streets. Generally, more intense commercial uses and larger structures should be located near the street edge with less intensive uses and smaller structures farther from the street to transition to adjacent zoning designations. Opportunities to live, work, shop and recreate will be located within walking distance of these areas.
Typical uses in Gateway Corridor include: Commercial developments: retail, service, office, restaurant Hotels/motels Residential: mixed‐use associated with retail or office development Assembly: indoor and outdoor spaces Government facilities Financial businesses Recreational
Services/Professional Offices
Services/Professional Offices applies along the streets that flank Gateway Corridor and Commercial/Residential. It accommodates a wide range of offices, services, limited retail uses with mixed‐use residential and moderate‐to‐high density multifamily housing.
Typical uses in Public Services/Professional Offices include: Banking Medical services Real estate Personal services Auto services Mini storage Contractors Long term vehicle storage Repair Commercial/Residential Restaurants
The majority of Commercial/Residential uses are found in the southern end of the city where it applies along Point Brown Avenue from Tonquin Avenue to the Marina. Wherever Commercial/Residential is located, it accommodates a range of services, retail, and mixed‐use including: Commercial developments: retail, service, office Hotels/motels
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Residential: mixed‐use associated with retail or office development Restaurants Neighborhood Center
Neighborhood Center provides for neighborhood‐oriented convenience businesses with small parks or other public spaces. In general, neighborhood centers should be focused on serving nearby residents, be well integrated with adjacent land uses, and have excellent pedestrian and bicyclist access, with minimal car parking. The commercial center in Oyhut Bay is an example of a neighborhood center.
Typical uses in Neighborhood Center include: Small scale retail Cafes and coffee shops Residential on a second floor
3.11 RESIDENTIAL LAND USE CATEGORIES
A major objective of the Land Use Chapter is to maintain the vitality, quality and character of Ocean Shores residential neighborhoods. The neighborhoods vary widely in age, size and style of housing. These diverse attributes make them unique and desirable places to live.
Residential Low: Residential Low (RL) land use designation is the primary residential land use designation. It allows a maximum density of six dwelling units per acre.
Purpose: To establish areas for low‐density, detached single‐family dwellings, to assure maximum light, air, open space, privacy, and protection of property values.
Description: These areas should be composed primarily of detached single‐family dwelling units. Though flexibility in dwelling type may be allowed through the planned development process, overall density should not exceed six units per acre or significantly diverge from an overall single‐family character.
Residential Medium: Residential Medium density (RM) land use designation allows a maximum density of 24 dwelling units per acre.
Purpose: To meet the demand for housing that balances the need for economies in construction with the desire for open space amenities by providing space for relatively low intensity and multifamily uses. This designation can also provide a buffer between single‐family areas and higher density uses.
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Description: These areas should be composed primarily of attached multi‐family dwelling units up to a maximum density of 24 units per acre. Housing types should include single family, duplex, tri‐plex, four‐plex, five‐plex or six‐plex structures.
Residential High: Residential High (RH) land use designation allows a maximum density of 62 dwelling units per acre.
Purpose: To provide space for location and construction of multi‐family high density structures, to assure adequate light, air, open space, privacy, and the protection of property values while providing recreational and affordable housing.
Description: This designation should include a variety of densities up to a maximum of 62 units per acre. Housing types should include detached single‐family dwellings, duplex, townhomes, row houses and multi‐family.
3.12 REZONE, REVIEW, AND DECISION CRITERIA
Proposed rezones must demonstrate compliance with these criteria: Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan Consistency with the city’s development regulations that implement the Comprehensive Plan Compatibility with adjoining zoning districts and with transitions to ensure compatibility Demonstrate that adequate infrastructure is in place to support the development potential of the proposed zoning or commit to providing that infrastructure
The review and approval process should: Apply standards in a fair and uniform manner Preserve the special character and quality of Ocean Shores by raising the level of community expectations for the quality of the built environment by encouraging originality and creativity in site planning and architecture Preserve and enhance property values Ensure that new developments maintain or improve neighborhood character and livability Communicate these aspirations to applicants and assist applicants in achieving excellence Consider the applicant’s needs and goals and the broader public impact of any proposal
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The following criteria must be considered when making land use and development decisions: New development should incorporate design elements to ensure compatibility with existing land uses and that enhance the city image Land uses that generate high traffic volumes should have access limited to arterial roads Development proposals should include provisions to mitigate adverse noise, air quality, visual, and other environmental factors that affect compatibility with surrounding uses and the community Development should be sensitive to the natural features of the site and vicinity
3.13 ACTION PLAN: LAND USE
Eliminate the provisions in the current zoning code that allow single‐family residential development in commercial zones. Allow mixed‐use development that blends residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, or industrial uses, where those functions are physically and functionally integrated, in the downtown commercial areas.
Encourage planned unit developments by allowing reduced setbacks, reduced lot size, mixed uses, and similar standards in exchange for open space, superior design and urban amenities that are incorporated into the project.
Implement a design review board to foster the attractiveness and functional utility of the community as a place to live and work.
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4 HOUSING ELEMENT
4.1 ACCOMMODATING POPULATION GROWTH
How will Ocean Shores accommodate the population which is expected to grow to 6,943 people by 2040? The Housing Element helps the city plan for this growth by evaluating the community’s housing needs. This element looks at the population growth between 2018 and 2040, the number of housing units required to meet that projected growth, evaluates the current housing stock, and shows that the city has enough land to accommodate future housing needs.
The goals and policies of this element are designed to protect and enhance existing neighborhoods, plan for and create new residential neighborhoods, and provide all residents across the economic spectrum safe, affordable and quality housing opportunities.
4.2 HOUSING GOALS AND POLICIES Housing Goal 1. Promote the detached single‐family housing form through a variety of approaches to development; and preserve, protect and strengthen the vitality and stability of existing neighborhoods. Housing Policy 1. Promote community involvement to achieve neighborhood improvement through city‐initiated neighborhood enhancement activities. Housing Policy 2. Enhance the appearance of and maintain public spaces in residential areas. Housing Policy 3. Review the city's development regulations to ensure that they promote neighborhood livability and quality by protecting residential areas from undesirable activities through aggressive enforcement of adopted City codes. Housing Policy 4. Update city’s development regulations to minimize the removal of native vegetation on a building site. Develop enforcement protocol and best practices to ensure revegetation compliance and planting survival. Housing Policy 5. Develop universal design standards for single family residential construction. Focus on increasing durability for structures built in an ocean environment. Housing Policy 6. Ensure that residential zone classifications are compatible in intensity with surrounding land uses, traffic patterns, historic properties and environmentally sensitive features. Seek gradual transitions of density rather than abrupt transitions. Housing Policy 7. Remediate unkempt, unsafe, unsanitary, and improperly maintained premises, structures and sidewalks in the city.
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Allow a variety of densities and housing types to provide housing opportunities including affordable housing and housing to meet the needs of all community members. Housing Policy 8. Encourage and promote a wide range of residential development types and densities in various parts of the city to meet the needs of a diverse population and to provide for a variety of housing choices. Housing Policy 9. Work with and support homeowners’ efforts to preserve, maintain, and enhance local housing. Housing Policy 10. Partner with Coastal Community Action Program to meet the needs of all who will benefit from affordable, assisted and accessible housing. Housing Policy 11. Encourage and support social and health service organizations that offer support programs for those with special needs, particularly those programs that help people remain in the community. Housing Policy 12. Assure that adequate essential public facilities are available for all new development. Consider access to parks, neighborhood walkability and access to public transit.
Work in coordination with Grays Harbor County and the Coastal Community Action Program to refine and implement the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness.
The Housing Element analysis is based on the standards set by the Growth Management Act in Chapter 36.70A.070(2) RCW. A housing element must contain the following features: An inventory and analysis of existing and projected housing needs that identifies the number of housing units necessary to manage projected growth Identification of sufficient land for housing, including, but not limited to, government assisted housing, housing for low‐income families, manufactured housing, multifamily housing, and group homes and foster care facilities Provisions for existing and projected housing needs of all economic segments of the community A statement of goals, policies, objectives, and mandatory provisions for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing, including single‐family residences
These mandatory features are addressed in the following segments:
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Population Forecast and Distribution Ability to Accommodate Expected Population Growth: 2017 ‐ 2040 Inventory and Analysis of Housing Needs Existing Housing Characteristics Housing Affordability Affordable Housing Strategies Housing Goals and Policies Action Plan to Implement Housing Goals and Policies
4.3 POPULATION FORECAST AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS
Washington State Office of Financial Management prepares population projections for the state. A range of population growth projections over the next 20‐plus years is developed for planning purposes. The population forecast detailed below shows a total countywide growth of 11,695 by 2040 with Ocean Shores accommodating about 1000 of those new residents.
TABLE 4‐1 ‐ POPULATION FORECAST 2010 – 2040 Grays Harbor County Population Forecast 2010 ‐ 2040
2010 2017 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Census Projection Projection Projection Projection Projection Projection
High 72,797 72,970 78,027 80,200 82,259 83,426 84,665
Medium 72,797 72,970 73,613 74,617 75,794 75,865 75,589
Low 72,797 72,970 69,202 69,369 69,425 68,597 67,846
Data Source: Office of Financial Management, Forecasting Dec. 2017 Growth Management Projection. Data compiled by Grays Harbor Council of Governments Note: Differences in 2010 figures compared to other tables is due to census corrections
United States Census Bureau provided a 2017 population projection at the city level, which shows Ocean Shores accommodating 8.2% of the county’s population. This is a 6.4% growth rate over seven years. In contrast, the projection for Grays Harbor County shows a decline of 100 persons.
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The city generated population projection is 8.2% of the Grays Harbor County’s projection. Using the high estimate for 2040 projections yields a population of 6,943 ‐ an addition of almost 1000 residents over the next two decades.
Table 4‐2 ‐ Population Distribution 2010 – 2040 Population Distribution 2010 Population 2017 Population 2040 Population Census Estimate Estimate
Ocean Shores 5,569 5,984 6,943
Grays Harbor County 72,797 72,970 84,665 Ocean Shores: 7.70% 8.20% 8.20% Percentage of County Total Data Source: Washington State Office of Financial Management and Ocean Shores ‐ for the city’s 2040 population projection
The US Census Bureau states that there was an average of 1.99 persons per household in Ocean Shores between 2012 and 2016. Using that household density, an estimate of 510 new primary residences are needed by 2040 to meet the expected population growth. This would be about 23 additional dwellings each year for 22 years. It is interesting to note that about 108 houses per year were built between 2014 and 2017.
TABLE 4‐3 ‐ ESTIMATED NUMBER OF DWELLING UNITS NEEDED BY 2040
Population growth Persons per household Number of dwelling units needed to 2017‐ 2040 2012‐2016 accommodate 1000 new residents
1,016 1.99 510
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The US Census Bureau states that most Ocean Shores residents – 44% are of working age, 18 to 64. Almost 40% of the city’s residents are of retirement age, 65 and over.
TABLE 4‐4 ‐ GENERAL DEMOGRAPHICS 2018 ESTIMATES
General Demographic Characteristics: Ocean Shores 2018 Estimates Persons under 5 years 4.60%
Persons age 5 to 17 years 11.30%
Persons age 18 to 64 44.40%
Persons 65 years and over 39.70%
Total 100%
4.4 INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS OF HOUSING NEEDS
The Housing Inventory data shows that the city has enough land for housing both its current and projected population.
This inventory and analysis data were collated from several sources: Grays Harbor Council of Governments, US Census Bureau and Office of Financial Management. The data includes an inventory of existing housing characteristics, an estimate of the number of housing units required in the future and an analysis of housing needs.
4.5 EXISTING HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS
Data shows that Ocean Shores has a good stock of available housing. Positive indicators of a good housing stock include:
Most of the housing stock is less than 30 years old The city is not challenged by overcrowding A low percentage of homes lack complete facilities
Tables 4‐5 through 4‐12 give an overall picture of the housing stock. How old or new are the houses in Ocean Shores? How many single‐family homes are there? How many apartments? How many rooms are in each house and how many bedrooms?
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Table 4‐5 shows that 63% of Ocean Shores housing stock is less than 30 years old ‐ built after 1989.
TABLE 4‐5 ‐ YEAR HOUSING STRUCTURE WAS BUILT
Year Structure was Built Number of Housing Units Percent of housing units
Total 5,969 100%
Built 2014 to 2017 326 5%
Built 2010 to 2013 216 4%
Built 2000 to 2009 1,915 32%
Built 1990 to 1999 1,324 22%
Built 1980 to 1989 946 16%
Built 1970 to 1979 639 11%
Built 1960 to 1969 505 8%
Built 1950 to 1959 49 1%
Built 1940 to 1949 13 0%
Built 1939 or earlier 36 1%
Data Source: US Census Bureau and City of Ocean Shores
Single‐family residential houses comprise 77% of the total housing stock in Ocean Shores.
The single‐family statistics provided by the US Census include fully detached, semi‐detached (semi‐attached, side‐by‐side), row houses, and townhouses. In the case of attached units, each must be separated from the adjacent unit by a ground‐to‐roof wall in order to be classified as a single‐family structure. Also, these units must not share heating/air‐conditioning systems or utilities, such as water supply, power supply or sewage disposal lines.
Single‐family statistics do not include units built one on top of another and those built side‐by‐ side that do not have a ground‐to‐roof wall, or have common facilities – such as attic, basement, heating plant and plumbing.
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TABLE 4‐6 ‐ HOUSING UNITS BY TYPE
Housing Units by Type Years: 1939 or earlier to 2014
Total housing units 5,643 Percentage
1‐unit detached 4,344 77%
1‐unit attached 88 2%
Multi‐family 775 14%
Mobile home 436 8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 0 <1%
Data Source: US Census Bureau
TABLE 4‐7 ‐ BEDROOMS PER HOUSING UNIT
Bedrooms per Housing Unit
Total housing units 5,643
No bedroom 70
1 bedroom 517
2 bedrooms 1,909
3 bedrooms 2,856
4 bedrooms 227
5 or more bedrooms 64
Data Source: US Census Bureau
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TABLE 4‐8 ‐ OCCUPANTS PER ROOM
Occupants Per Room
Number of occupied housing units 3,011
1.00 or less 2,930
1.01 to 1.50 81
1.51 or more 0
Data Source: US Census Bureau
Ninety‐seven percent of the households in Ocean Shores have one or fewer occupants per room. This metric developed by the United States Department of Health shows that the city is not at‐risk from overcrowding from a safety and health perspective.
Overcrowding or crowding refers to the condition where more people are living in a given space than is considered tolerable from a safety and health perspective. The Department of Health measures overcrowding and its contribution to the prevalence of communicable diseases, and risk of homelessness. This metric does not consider if the residents feel crowded, but rather it indicates a greater risk of diseases such as meningitis, hepatitis and tuberculosis.
Overcrowding looks at the number of people per household divided by the number of rooms per household, including the kitchen and bathroom. The US Department of Health has set the optimal metric at one person or less per room in the house.
The following four tables contain information about neighborhood stability. What are the occupancy rates ‐ how long do people stay in their homes? What is the housing quality? Do the houses lack basic facilities such as kitchens, indoor plumbing or telephone service? And how many of the homes in Ocean Shores are primary residences versus second or vacation homes?
Useful definitions:
What is an “Occupied housing unit”?
A housing unit is occupied if a person or group of persons is living in it at the time of the census. The persons living in the unit must consider it their usual place of residence or have no usual place of residence elsewhere.
What is a “Vacant housing unit”?
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A housing unit is vacant if no one is living in it at the time of the census, unless its occupants are only temporarily absent. A vacant unit may be one which is entirely occupied by persons who have a usual residence elsewhere. New units not yet occupied are classified as vacant housing units if construction has reached a point where all exterior windows and doors are installed, and final usable floors are in place.
TABLE 4‐9 ‐ HOUSING UNITS – OCCUPIED, SEASONAL, VACANT
Housing Units ‐ Occupied, Seasonal, Vacant
Occupied housing units 3,011
Owner occupied 2,194
Renter occupied 817
Estimated seasonal, second home or occasional use units 2,358
Other vacant units 274
Total vacant units 2,632
Data Source: US Census Bureau
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TABLE 4‐10 ‐ YEAR HOUSEHOLDER MOVED INTO UNIT
Year Householder Moved into Unit
Occupied housing units 3,011 Percentage
Moved in 2015 or later 247 8%
Moved in 2010 to 2014 1,223 41%
Moved in 2000 to 2009 1,153 38%
Moved in 1990 to 1999 276 9%
Moved in 1980 to 1989 101 3%
Moved in 1979 and earlier 11 <1%
Data Source: US Census Bureau
Table 4‐10 details residency time frames. It shows that 51% of the people for whom their Ocean Shores home is their primary residence have lived in the city since 2009 or earlier.
TABLE 4‐11 ‐ SEASONAL, SECOND‐HOME OR OCCASIONAL USE UNITS
Seasonal, Second‐Homes or Occasional Use Units
Total housing units 5,643
Estimated seasonal, second home or occasional use units 2,358
Other vacant units 274
Data Source: US Census Bureau
Fifty‐three percent of the housing in Ocean Shores is the primary residence of its occupants. The balance of the housing (47%) are “second” or “vacation” homes for people who have a primary home in another location. The Census Bureau considers these secondary residences to be “vacant” and has set Ocean Shores vacancy rate at 47%.
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TABLE 4‐12 ‐ HOUSING UNIT CHARACTERISTICS
Housing Unit Characteristics
Occupied housing units 3,011 Percentage
Lacking complete plumbing facilities 0 0%
Lacking complete kitchen facilities 99 3%
No telephone service available 18 <1%
Data Source: US Census Bureau
Table 4‐12 looks at another factor used by the US Department of Health when analyzing the adequacy of a city’s housing stock: How many houses lack complete plumbing, a kitchen, or telephone service? Four percent of the housing units in Ocean Shores lack complete facilities.
4.6 HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
How is “housing affordability” defined and why it is a concern?
The Department of Housing and Urban Development finds that housing is affordable when basic housing costs – rent, mortgage, utilities and tax do not exceed 30% of the household income. Households that spend more than 30% of their income on housing are considered to have “rent burden”. This burden of excessive housing cost jeopardizes their ability to pay other bills or handle financial fluctuations.
“Rent burden” trends for households paying mortgages or rent are revealed in this section:
52% of households in Ocean Shores that have a mortgage spend more than 30% of their household income in basic housing costs 75% of households in Ocean Shores that rent spend more than 30% of their household income for basic housing costs (rent, mortgage, utilities and tax)
2017 population estimates from the US Census Bureau show that 40% of Ocean Shores residents are age 65 or above. The age 65 and older population generally represents those at or nearing retirement. This percentage of retired citizens in Ocean Shores, many with fixed incomes, sheds some light on the percentages of renters and owners spending more than 30% of household income on housing costs. In contrast 15% of Washington State residents and 21% of Grays Harbor residents are 65 or above.
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The overall Washington average income to avoid rent burden is $40,000 per year. The median income in Ocean Shores is $36,950.
TABLE 4‐13 ‐ INCOME AND POVERTY
Income and Poverty
Median household income (in 2016 dollars) 2012 ‐ 2016 $36,950
Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2016 dollars), 2012‐2016 $24,239
Persons in poverty, percent 10%
Data Source: US Census Bureau
Table 4.13 shows the per capita income and poverty rate in 2016 dollars. Ocean Shores’ poverty rate in 2016 was 10%. The rate for all of Grays Harbor County was 16.6% and the national rate was 14%.
TABLE 4‐14 ‐ MORTGAGE STATUS OF OWNER‐OCCUPIED UNITS
Mortgage Status of Owner‐Occupied Units
Owner‐occupied units 2,194 Percentage
Housing units with a mortgage 1,226 56%
Housing units without a mortgage 968 44%
Data Source: US Census Bureau
Table 4‐14 shows that 56% of the housing units in Ocean Shores have a mortgage, while 44% do not.
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TABLE 4‐15 ‐ GROSS RENT AS A PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Gross Rent as a Percentage of Household Income (GRAPI)
Occupied units paying rent # of UNITS PERCENTAGE
Less than 15.0 to 29.9 percent 188 23%
30.0 to 34.9 percent 67 8.2%
35.0 percent or more 498 61%
GRAPI cannot be computed 64 7.8%
Total 817 100%
Data Source: US Census Bureau
Table 4‐15 shows that 75% of households in Ocean Shores that rent, spend more than 30% of their household income in basic housing costs.
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Table 4‐16 ‐ Selected Monthly Owner Costs as a Percentage of Household Income
Selected Monthly Owner Costs as a Percentage of Household Income (SMOCAPI)
Number of Percentage Units
Housing units with a mortgage (excluding units where 1,226 56.3% SMOCAPI cannot be computed)
Less than 20.0 to 29.9 percent 580 26.6%
30.0 to 34.9 percent 108 5.0%
35.0 percent or more 538 24.7%
SMOCAPI not computed 0 0.0%
Housing units without a mortgage 952 43.7%
Less than 20.0 to 29.9 percent 850 39.0%
30.0 to 34.9 percent 0 0.0%
35.0 percent or more 102 4.7%
SMOCAPI not computed 16 0.7%
Total 2,178 100%
Table 4‐16 shows that out of the 2,178 households in Ocean Shores that do not rent, there are 646 with a mortgage that spend more than 30% of their household income to cover basic housing costs. In addition, there are 102 households in Ocean Shores which do not have a mortgage and are not renters, that spend more than 30% of their household income to cover basic housing costs.
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4.7 ABILITY TO ACCOMMODATE EXPECTED POPULATION GROWTH: YEARS 2017 ‐ 2040
Ocean Shores can accommodate the growth forecast by Washington State Office of Financial Management for the year 2040. The city has an adequate supply of residentially zoned land available for development. This land can accommodate the expected population growth of 1000 new residents.
If Ocean Shores’ percentage of total county population stays at 8.2% (the estimated 2017 percentage) in 2040, then Ocean Shores needs to accommodate between 424 and 972 more residents.
A recent analysis completed for the Ocean Shores Planning Commission by Grays Harbor Council of Governments, Table 4‐17, shows that Ocean Shores has 8,981 lots in the R‐1 zone classification. 5,164 of those lots are vacant. If the existing inventory of vacant platted lots in the R‐1 zone classification were developed with a single‐family home and if each home were occupied by 1.99 persons, then these 5164 lots would accommodate more than 10,000 persons ‐ ten times the projected 2040 growth.
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TABLE 4‐17 ‐ OCEAN SHORES PARCELS BY CURRENT ZONING CLASSIFICATION
Acreage Percent of Total Number of Percent of Total
All Parcels ‐ Citywide 40,538 100% 11,223 100%
Residential Zone Classifications
R1 Single Family 2203.09 54.4% 8981 80.0%
R2 Duplex 16.52 0.4% 86 0.8%
R3 Triplex 27.26 0.7% 143 1.3%
R4 Fourplex 9.42 0.2% 24 0.2%
R5 Fiveplex & Sixplex 55.03 1.4% 216 1.9%
R6A Recreational Vehicle & Trailer 13.5 0.3% 157 1.4%
R6B Mobile & Manufacture Home 47.39 1.2% 237 2.1%
R6C Manufactured Home, Double 42.13 1.0% 196 1.7%
R7 Multi‐family Medium Density 117.15 2.9% 242 2.2%
R8 Multi‐family High Density 17.25 0.4% 69 0.6%
R9 Multi‐family Ultra High Density 31.56 0.8% 63 0.6%
Commercial Zone Classifications
B1 Retail Commercial 281.97 7.0% 502 4.5%
B2 General Commercial 204.78 5.1% 159 1.4%
Parcels not included in Zoning
Fresh Waterways, Sand areas, Recreational, Easements, Tidelands, Water, Misc. 986.33 24.30% 148 1.2%
Sub Total 3,916.84 96.6% 11,196 99.9%
Data source: Grays Harbor Council of Governments based on Grays Harbor County Assessor 2018
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4.8 AFFORDABLE HOUSING STRATEGIES
Land use plans and development regulations play a significant role in promoting affordable housing. If the zone classifications limit housing choice in a city, the number of affordable homes will be decreased. Zoning should not limit affordable housing but must balance the cost of protecting human life, for example by restricting construction in hazardous erosion areas or in areas subject to storm surge flooding, in comparison to the increased cost of housing. Lot size, lot width and minimum floor area, and design standards are basic parameters that determine the cost of housing.
Snohomish County Human Services Department published “Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice” in 2012. Among the points made in this report are these which are relevant to Ocean Shores:
Zoning regulations may create housing barriers by limiting or imposing conditions on group homes. Definitions for the term “family” which limit the number of unrelated persons who can live together in a house to five is more restrictive than the State provisions for group homes. Allowing six to eight residents per residence allows for a larger supply of group homes while maintaining residential character and avoiding large institutional facilities. Limited transit options for low income, disabled, senior residents and refugees create a fair housing barrier. Limited transit may create an impediment to fair housing choice because it could have the effect of preventing certain protected classes from accessing housing, employment, services and amenities at the same level as other residents.
Ocean Shores Zoning Code contains several criteria that could be restricting affordable housing development. The city should conduct an internal review of its code considering the practices listed in the Action Plan and to take actions to remove identified housing barriers.
4.9 ACTION PLAN: HOUSING
Revise the zoning designations to establish residential zone classifications that are distinct from each other Adopt residential design criteria for new construction establishing roof pitch and front porch design standards to minimize maintenance and improve durability of the houses Conduct an internal review of city code for housing barriers and remove any identified barriers to affordable housing including:
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Small lots. At least one zone district should allow small lots (3,000 to 6,000 square feet) for single family detached housing in some locations Minimum house sizes. The zoning and subdivision regulations should not establish minimum house or dwelling unit sizes beyond those mandated by the building code Group homes. The Ocean Shores zoning code should state that housing for groups protected by the Fair Housing Act are treated as residential uses and should allow those group housing uses in at least one residential district as a permitted use without the need for a conditional use permit Definition of family. Codes in Ocean Shores should allow six to eight unrelated persons to reside together in group home settings. This will allow for more group homes and thus accommodate more persons who need a group home setting
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5 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Three major sectors of the city’s economy are tourism, retail and property development/construction. The city anticipates that these sectors will continue to constitute the majority of the city’s economy. The city’s efforts will be directed toward enhancing these economic sectors in a manner that results in the desired balance between the residential and tourism elements of the community, as well as the overall quality of life in the community.
The vitality of all the major sectors of the city's economy is dependent in large part on the regional tourist activities enhanced by the city’s physical location, its natural amenities and the attractiveness of its residential and commercial areas.
5.1 TOURISM GOALS AND POLICIES
Tourism is a major revenue stream for Ocean Shores. Continued support of tourism is essential to attracting a wider range of tourist activities in Ocean Shores. Economic Goal 1. Promote Ocean Shores as a premier destination community. Economic Policy 1. Encourage investment in broadband infrastructure to support businesses and education. Economic Policy 2. Maintain and promote beach activities through city coordination with the business and arts communities. Economic Policy 3. Maintain quality beach access roads allowing safe and easy access to the beach. Economic Policy 4. Encourage redevelopment of the marina/campground. Economic Policy 5. Encourage redevelopment of the beach access at Damon Point including parking and other amenities. Economic Policy 6. Promote recreational activities and facilities such as the golf course, water activities on the lake and canals, shore and surf fishing, sail boarding, bird and whale watching as well as cycling and walking. Economic Policy 7. Promote year around tourism activities. Economic Policy 8. Maintain and improve city facilities necessary to support the development of the tourist industry.
5.2 MARKETING GOALS AND POLICIES
Marketing is essential to economic vitality in Ocean Shores. Develop a strong marketing plan to advance economic development. In all efforts, citizen outreach and input should be considered.
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Economic Policy 9. Create a citywide marketing campaign that includes a city brand, slogan and image that attracts new visitors and investors and supports a vibrant community with a strong business sector. Economic Policy 10. Conduct an analysis of market gaps to guide marketing efforts. Economic Policy 11. Work with Ocean Shores/North Beach Chamber of Commerce, local businesses and citizens to promote economic development in the city; develop a plan to attract new events, promote our beaches, bay and fresh waterways and recreational activities in the city. Economic Policy 12. Identify the gaps in the variety of retail and services that are needed to provide full service to the entire community. Economic Policy 13. Recruit businesses to provide full service to the entire community. Economic Policy 14. Consider the impact of city policies on Ocean Shores' economic development goals. Work toward a balance between economic development, maintenance of high‐quality services and the financial health of the city while maintaining the quality of life that attracts residents.
5.3 PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT/CONSTRUCTION GOALS AND POLICIES
Foster a positive business environment within the city and proactively invest in transportation, infrastructure and utilities to support construction industry growth. Economic Goal 2. Promote responsible property development in Ocean Shores. Economic Policy 15. Provide a positive, accessible and customer‐oriented atmosphere to those seeking municipal services. Economic Policy 16. Promote a customer focused culture throughout the city's organization that continuously improves the quality, predictability, and timeliness of the development process. Economic Policy 17. Encourage consistency in the city’s land use regulations, while allowing flexibility and creativity in the site development process. Economic Policy 18. Review development regulations periodically to ensure that new uses are consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan. Economic Policy 19. Encourage mixed use developments within commercial districts that enhance the economic quality while providing housing opportunities. Economic Policy 20. Maintain and update the city’s land use, transportation and utility plans on a regular basis to guide the future of the city’s major commercial areas and help them respond to change.
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Economic Policy 21. Continue to identify, construct and maintain infrastructure systems and facilities required to promote and sustain a positive economic climate. Anticipate needs and coordinate city infrastructure investments with economic development opportunities. Economic Policy 22. Encourage property maintenance through city sponsored neighborhood clean‐up days.
Which business categories generate the most tax in Ocean Shores?
Accommodation and Food Service, Retail, and Construction are the highest tax generators in Ocean Shores. The percentage of sales for these top three retail trades has increased from 81% to nearly 85%. Policies 12 and 13 recognize this dominance and encourage identification of the gaps in retail and service to provide full service to the community.
Chart 5‐1 shows those business categories that generate at least $1,000,000 in tax revenue per year. The taxable retail sales values are based on city sales tax collections. The tax collections are grouped in accord with North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes which identify a company's primary business activity. These codes identify a firm's primary business activity. For example, a firm with NAICS 72 is primarily engaged in accommodation and food service. The federal government developed this system which is used by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and many other statistical agencies.
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CHART 5‐1 ‐ OCEAN SHORES RETAIL TRADE VALUES BY INDUSTRY TYPE
Ocean Shores Retail Trade Values by Industry Type 2011 ‐ 2017 Data Source: Washington State Department of Revenue
$26,316,669 Accomodation & Food Service $38,444,941
$18,651,811 Retail $30,911,360
$11,530,273 Construction $23,907,315
$3,290,795 Wholesale Trade $4,924,744
$1,087,667 Administrative & Suppot Services $2,574,574 2011 2017
$1,498,635 Arts/Entertainment/Recreation $1,929,317
$794,743 Manufacturing $1,737,615
$2,113,179 Real Estate/Rental/Leasing $1,398,366
$1,193,617 Other Services $1,390,837
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Sales tax generation and distribution
Ocean Shores ranks as the second highest city in Grays Harbor County for sales tax, coming in next to Aberdeen. The city leads the county and other incorporated cities in the percentage of increase of sales tax collections. Ocean Shores has about 8% of the total county population and generates about 9% of sales tax revenue.
CHART 5‐2 ‐ SALES TAX DISTRIBUTION BY JURISDICTION
Sales Tax Distribution by Jurisdiction Data source: Washington State Department of Revenue
Westport $370,256 $467,196
Oakville $52,509 $47,665 2011 2017
Montesano $413,065 $478,015
McCleary $77,127 $113,165
Hoquiam $596,478 $686,575
Elma $411,269 $537,874
Cosmopolis $213,972 $208,910
Ocean Shores $628,928 $977,738
Aberdeen $4,092,182 $3,677,144
Unincorp Grays Harbor County $2,682,878 $3,656,320
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Are tax revenues growing?
Retail sales in Ocean Shores have grown steadily. Revenues increased by $42 million, from $70‐ million in 2011 to $112‐million in 2017, a growth rate of approximately 61% in six years.
CHART 5‐3 ‐ OCEAN SHORES ANNUAL SALES TAX GROSS TAXABLE RETAIL SALES
Ocean Shores Annual Sales Tax Gross Taxable Retail Sales North American Industrial Classification System Data source: Washington State Department of Revenue
$112,610,901 2017 $109,263,337 2016
2015 $94,241,294
2014 $80,277,447
2013 $74,158,498
2012 $69,685,869
2011 $70,013,300
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Are lodging taxes different than sales tax?
The special hotel/motel or lodging tax is a consumer tax on lodging charges for stays of less than 30 days in hotels, motels and similar facilities. Ocean Shores collects a special hotel/motel and Convention Center tax in addition to state and local sales tax for businesses that provide lodging.
This chart shows that the collected revenue has grown steadily, increasing approximately 34% in five years. This tax is sent to the State Department of Revenue which passes it through to the city as Lodging Tax for use in funding Convention Center operations, promoting tourism and related activities.
CHART 5‐4 ‐ OCEAN SHORES LODGING TAX REVENUE
Ocean Shores Lodging Tax Revenue Data source: Washington State Department of Revenue
$975,558 2016
2015 $938,465
2014 $867,236
2013 $762,358
2012 $731,143
2011 $727,133
5.4 ACTION PLAN: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Tourism Develop the high dune trail/boardwalk and beach access road parking Provide additional public restrooms with recycling and trash receptacles Construct an ocean viewing tower Construct a parking structure that can double as a tsunami refuge
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Use the city’s beach web cams as promotional tools Promote the city’s amenities Promote the fresh waterways Promote birding, wildlife viewing, and whale watching. Improve and develop bay, ocean, and fresh waterways access points Work with Grays Harbor County, Aberdeen, Hoquiam and Westport to restore the passenger ferry between Ocean Shores, Aberdeen, Hoquiam and Westport
Marketing Work with businesses to revitalize and improve the city's commercial areas Develop the city’s marketing website into a tourist‐friendly avenue for local businesses and tourism‐oriented organizations Develop sidewalks, storm drain facilities and amenities to make downtown more walkable and encourage visitors to spend time there Work with the Chamber of Commerce and citizens to determine what community needs are not being met by the existing slate of business and service organizations, then actively encourage business development to meet those needs
Property Development/Construction Remediate unkempt, unsafe, unsanitary and improperly maintained premises, structures and sidewalks in the city Encourage working with non‐profit organizations to create volunteer neighborhood revitalization programs to proactively respond to neighborhood concerns in a coordinated and strategic manner Encourage development of more “Adopt A Park” teams and encourage the Park Board to develop a city‐wide volunteer park development and revitalization program Review regulations for short‐term vacation rentals, allowing the city to remain competitive with other coastal communities Develop an enforcement program that focuses on violations of development standards and involves significant violation fees to support the program
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6 ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENT
This element addresses all critical areas not regulated by the Shoreline Master Program.
This chapter explores the relationship between Ocean Shores' natural environment, land use planning, and a variety of regulatory and non‐regulatory efforts. These elements ensure that future growth meets the needs of Ocean Shores while protecting natural resources and the environment.
The intent of designating and protecting “Critical Areas” is to prevent harm to the community from natural hazards and to protect natural resources. Floods, tsunami and erosion are examples of natural hazards. Wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas and critical aquifer recharge areas are examples of natural resources areas that need protection.
Critical Area Regulations and the Shoreline Master Program are major tools used to minimize or mitigate development impacts and restore critical areas. Voluntary and non‐regulatory efforts such as the Weatherwax Mitigation Bank and Fresh Waterways Advisory Board activities enhance the natural environment.
This chapter sets goals and policies for: Wetlands Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas Frequently Flooded Areas Geologically Hazardous Areas Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas Shorelines
6.1 ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENT KEY GOALS Environmental Goal 1. Preserve and develop the city’s natural systems to protect public health, safety and welfare, and to maintain the integrity of the natural environment. Environmental Goal 2. Support regulation of activities in sensitive and hazardous areas to ensure high environmental quality and to avoid risks or damage to life and property. Environmental Goal 3. Coordinate implementation of regulation and preservation efforts through the Comprehensive Plan, Critical Areas Regulation, Shoreline Master Program, Water Systems Plan and Water Conservation Program. Environmental Goal 4. Develop and implement educational and voluntary programs that promote environmental stewardship.
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Environmental Goal 5. Support standards that maintain or improve environmental quality while allowing the business and residential communities safety from dune fires, maintaining hotel views and allowing visitors and locals to easily traverse the dunes on bicycle and walking trails. Environmental Goal 6. Reduce the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers to the extent feasible and identify alternatives, including integrated pest management plans, to minimize risks to human health and the environment.
6.2 WETLAND GOALS AND POLICIES Environmental Goal 7. Protect the water quality, flows and ecological integrity of wetlands by appropriately regulating land uses and storm water, through the development review process. Environmental Goal 8. Ensure no net loss of wetland habitat ecological functions and values. Environmental Goal 9. Increase wetland protection at the landscape and site scale by avoiding or minimizing impacts. Where there are unavoidable impacts, ensure adequate compensation and mitigation for wetland loss. Environmental Goal 10. Implement regulatory activities according to a clear and effective set of criteria for reviewing and responding to applications to streamline the permit review process. Environmental Goal 11. Ensure the long‐term protection of ecological resources of statewide importance, such as anadromous fish habitats, forage fish spawning and rearing areas, and unique environments. Environmental Policy 1. Protect and retain wetlands, lakes and canals through: Use of best management practices Managing and treating storm‐water runoff Protecting adjacent native vegetation Removing invasive plant species and Limiting the use of fertilizers/pesticides or other chemicals Environmental Policy 2. Avoid locating new development in areas having valuable wetlands. Environmental Policy 3. Work to improve wetland mapping throughout the city. Environmental Policy 4. Encourage recreational, educational, and scientific activities that do not adversely affect the ecological functions and values of wetlands and their associated buffers. Environmental Policy 5. Identify high priority wetlands for protection.
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Environmental Policy 6. Use transfer of development rights and other techniques to protect key lands. Environmental Policy 7. Develop criteria to determine the completeness of applications. Environmental Policy 8. Develop criteria to determine the adequacy of applications. Environmental Policy 9. Continue to refine application processes and protocols. Environmental Policy 10. Preserve critical wetlands and uplands, provide perpetual water quality, hydrologic, and habitat functions for important lacustrine and palustrine wetland systems located centrally on the Ocean Shores peninsula.
6.3 CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA GOALS AND POLICIES Environmental Goal 12. Ensure safe and adequate water supplies and protect groundwater quality from potential contamination sources. Environmental Goal 13. Protect and improve the water quality of the freshwater lake and canal system by increasing available water during summer months. Environmental Policy 11. Continue to monitor critical aquifer recharge areas and promote best practices and regulations to protect the water quality of the aquifer and freshwater resources. Environmental Policy 12. Require hydro‐geological reports for new development in the Critical Aquifer Recharge Area. Update the Critical Areas Regulation to set criteria for when such a report is required and the information to be included. Environmental Policy 13. Include regulations in the Critical Areas Regulation to enhance aquifer recharge. These regulations should include low impact development standards that provide for infiltration of storm water; and small‐scale, Best Management Practices for smaller development that is exempted from requirements for storm water facilities. Environmental Policy 14. Conduct a gradation engineering analysis to determine if the native soils in Ocean Shores meet Department of Ecology aquifer protection standards. Environmental Policy 15. Collect all transportation surface run‐off and treat it before it reaches the aquifer. Environmental Policy 16. Build a reclamation and reuse water program. Rather than consuming water, a natural resource, reclamation and reuse would close the consumption cycle. If reclaimed water were used for irrigation instead of "first use" water, it would cycle back into the lakes and canals improving summer water quality in the lake system. Environmental Policy 17. Develop a Critical Aquifer Recharge Area ordinance to protect the functions and values of our drinking water by preventing pollution and maintaining supply.
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6.4 FREQUENTLY FLOODED AREAS GOALS AND POLICIES Environmental Goal 14. Reduce the risk of damage to life, property and the natural environment from flooding through appropriate regulatory means. Environmental Policy 18. Preserve the natural flood storage functions of 100‐year floodplains where feasible. Encourage and emphasize non‐structural methods for flood prevention and damage reduction, as appropriate. Avoid blockage of floodwaters that could impact neighboring properties.
6.5 GEOLOGICALLY HAZARDOUS AREAS GOALS AND POLICIES Environmental Goal 15. Manage development in geologically hazardous areas to protect public health and safety. Environmental Goal 16. Allow the city to place additional development conditions when determined necessary in Geologically Hazardous Areas. Environmental Goal 17. Provide standards that assist in protecting human life, property and essential services from potential geological hazardous areas through Critical Areas Regulations. Environmental Goal 18. Develop a buy‐out program for properties immediately north of the jetty which are at risk of severe coastal erosion. Environmental Goal 19. Develop a plan to address continued erosion of Damon Point and the impacts on shoreline properties in North Bay. Environmental Goal 20. Develop earthquake and tsunami safe havens. Environmental Policy 19. Require that site‐specific studies be submitted with development proposals in geologically hazardous areas to evaluate the risk, potential impacts, and identify necessary mitigations of the proposed development. Environmental Policy 20. Minimize and control soil erosion during and after development using best available technology, best management practices, and other development restrictions.
6.6 FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT GOALS AND POLICIES Environmental Goal 21. Protect biological diversity by appropriately regulating fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas. Environmental Goal 22. Ensure no net loss of fish and wildlife habitat ecological functions and values. Environmental Goal 23. Proactively seek to improve habitat functions by not only reversing the decline but achieving the greatest possible gain in habitat functions over the next 20 years.
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Environmental Policy 21. Maintain an official inventory of city‐owned open space properties. Whenever feasible, permanently conserve these properties for open space purposes. Environmental Policy 22. Encourage public access provisions in open space properties where such access will complement and avoid negatively disrupting fish, wildlife and plants. Environmental Policy 23. Encourage building, site and infrastructure design and practices that provide safe fish and wildlife passage and avoid, reduce and/ or mitigate hazards to fish and wildlife. Environmental Policy 24. Restore surface waters that have become degraded to provide for fish, wildlife, plants and recreational opportunities. Environmental Policy 25. Promote the use of native plants in new development projects to support native wildlife. Environmental Policy 26. Encourage public‐private partnerships and voluntary efforts to protect, restore, and enhance fish and wildlife habitats. Support these efforts on public lands by continuing the successful Fresh Waterways Board programs and other volunteer efforts.
6.7 SHORELINE GOALS AND POLICIES
The goals and policies of Ocean Shores Shoreline Master Program, 2018 are adopted by reference and declared to be an element of this comprehensive plan. Environmental Goal 24. Manage the city’s shorelines by implementing specific policies, use regulations and development standards for each of the shoreline environments identified in the city’s Shoreline Master Program. Environmental Goal 25. Develop a dune management plan to protect the shorelines while addressing fire safety and promoting ocean views. Environmental Goal 26. Ensure the long‐term protection of ecological resources of statewide importance, such as anadromous fish habitats, forage fish spawning and rearing areas and unique environments.
6.8 TWENTY‐YEAR FOCUS: THE CHALLENGE AND IMPLEMENTATION
Ocean Shores faces several challenges in continuing to achieve the community’s desired land use vision, while accommodating the growth that is expected over the next twenty years. These include:
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Making choices about the city’s future that balances consideration of environmental stewardship and urban growth and development Improving the water quality of Oyhut Creek, Duck Lake, and the associated lakes and canals Mapping and classifying all known geologically hazardous areas and areas of geologic concern. Incorporating information from site‐specific geotechnical reports and erosion problems into the city’s Geographic Information System to ensure the map remains relevant Maintaining and improving the city‐owned storm water facilities, inspection and maintenance program Preventing/managing for dune wildfires Rehabilitating the North Jetty to stabilize the Pacific Ocean shoreline in the city Managing marine shoreline erosion Developing an education program to encourage citizen participation in environmental stewardship programs such as storm water and vegetation management Review and update the city's plans and regulations that implement this chapter as needed
6.9 RELATIONSHIP TO GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT
The Washington State Growth Management Act requires every county and city to adopt policies and development regulations that designate and protect critical areas ‐Chapter 36.70A.060(2) RCW. Grays Harbor County is a Partially Planning jurisdiction as designated by the Growth Management Act. Consequently, many policies and regulations for critical areas are required or encouraged, as defined in Chapter 36.70A.030(5) RCW:
Wetlands Areas with a critical recharging effect of aquifers used for potable water Frequently flooded areas Geologically hazardous areas Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas
6.10 ASSOCIATED CITY PLANS AND REGULATIONS
The following plans and documents relate to the success of environmental protection in the City of Ocean Shores and implementation of this element.
OSMC Title 19.02 Critical Areas Regulations OSMC Title 19.03 Ocean Dunes Protection Act (Ord. 1040 § 1 (part), 2019)
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OSMC Title 18 Shoreline Master Program (2018) North Beach Recreation Management Plan for the Ocean Beaches, 1989 Grays Harbor North Jetty and Ocean Shores Shoreline Erosion Study, Coast and Harbor Engineering, November 15, 2016 City of Ocean Shores Water Systems Plan, Pace Engineers, 2016 Water Conservation Program, City of Ocean Shores, Resolution 311 OSMC Title 13 Water and Sewers Grays Harbor Comprehensive Plan, Resource Lands and Critical Areas Element Shoreline Inventory and Characterization for the Cities of Ocean Shores and Westport, Herrera, April 2015 Ocean Shores Weatherwax Wetland and Habitat Bank Mitigation Bank Instrument, November 2015 Feasibility Study Report Dune Firebreak and Walk and Bike Path Ocean Shores, Washington for City of Ocean Shores, May 26, 2016, GeoEngineers
6.11 WETLANDS
Why are wetlands important?
Wetlands are present throughout the city. Wetlands and wetland buffers are designated critical areas in Ocean Shores and are included as a regulated fish wildlife habitat conservation area. They are also designated as a priority habitat by WDFW.
When Ocean Shores was first developed in the 1960's the inter‐dunal wetlands were excavated to make the fresh waterway system that gives the city its unique character.
Today, we know that wetlands are critical transition areas between aquatic and upland habitats. As such, they are vitally important. Natural wetlands help clean and improve the water quality of surface water. They create detention areas for water overflow, keeping the land from flooding. They also provide habitat for many animal and plant species.
Coastal wetlands protect water quality, reduce flooding, provide aquifer recharge for drinking water and other uses, and provide critical habitat for fish and wildlife.
Undeveloped land adjacent to a wetland provides a buffer to help minimize the impacts of urbanization. The long‐term functions and values of a wetland is dependent on land development strategies that protects these areas.
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One of the best opportunities for preserving wetlands is during the process of subdividing land. As wetlands are identified, projects can be designed around the wetland by clustering new development on smaller lots, transferring density to another part of a site, or offering density bonuses for innovative conservation applications.
The city will continue to promote various ways to preserve wetlands as well as the economic value and developmental potential of the land.
Mapped wetlands include those that are identified in the National Wetland Inventory (NWI), Priority Habitat Species (PHS) database, National Land Cover Database (NLCD) and the Ocean Shores 1997 wetlands inventory. In Ocean Shores, wetland habitat is found along much of the inner harbor shoreline, estuarine intertidal along the northern coastline of Grays Harbor, marine intertidal along the entire outer coast shoreline, and freshwater wetland habitat in isolated inland pockets.
When a potential wetland area is found, a study is conducted to determine the appropriateness of wetland designation. Wetlands are identified and delineated using the standards of the Washington State Department of Ecology Wetland Delineation Manual, 1997 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and the Regional Supplement for Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast.
6.12 CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
Why are Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas important?
All of Ocean Shores drinking water comes from ground water supplies. Once this essential life‐ sustaining water is contaminated it is difficult, costly and sometimes impossible to clean up. Preventing contamination is necessary to avoid exorbitant costs, hardships and potential physical harm to people. Where soils and the underlying ground are very permeable, and the ground water table is shallow, therefor hydrogeologic conditions are susceptible to contamination.
The entire city is in a critical aquifer recharge area classified by the Washington State Department of Health due to the soils and geology of the spit that the city is built on. The Department of Health designates the Ocean Shores aquifer as High Risk for contamination because of the transmissivity rate at which groundwater flows horizontally through the aquifer.
The aquifers also have critical recharging effects on the lakes, canals and wetlands that provide critical fish and wildlife habitat. Protecting adequate recharge of these aquifers provides additional benefits in maintaining fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas.
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What is an aquifer?
An aquifer is a geologic formation that stores water. Wells can be drilled into aquifers and water can be pumped out. Precipitation adds water (this is recharge) into the porous sands and rock in the aquifer. Ground water in aquifers will eventually discharge to or be replenished by springs, rivers, wells, precipitation, lakes, wetlands and the oceans as part of the water cycle.
Ocean Shores is located on a spit of land created by longshore coastal drift. The spit is made up of sandy sediments deposited over the last 15,000 years since the Holocene Age. It would be easy to assume that soils that began life as sand would be well drained. However, several of the soils that began life as dune sands are poorly drained, to the extent that some have evolved into peats due to saturation lasting thousands of years. The sandy soils and low elevation of Ocean Shores result in a water table that fluctuates between 14 feet below ground surface in dry summer months and two feet below the surface in wet, winter months.
Water supply and systems in Ocean Shores
Water supply is obtained from two distinct aquifers from a variety of groundwater wells. This groundwater is the only source of our public water supply. The deep aquifer is located at a depth of just over 500 feet where the water is pumped from a 20‐foot thick layer of permeable gravel. Five primary wells withdraw from the primary aquifer located between 50 and 100 feet below the surface. It consists of a layer of coarse sand and pea gravel up to 40 feet in thickness.
The Ocean Shores water system is a Group A Public System owned and operated by the city. The system is self‐sufficient in that it produces 100% of the potable water and fire protection service delivered to the 12‐ square‐mile service area. Service is provided to approximately 5,800 connections including permanent single‐family residents, seasonal summer homes and cottages, hotels and motels, condominiums, commercial establishments and recreational activities.
Some residential properties use private wells for irrigation. These private wells are typically used to irrigate non‐commercial lawns or gardens that are up to one‐half acre in size or less. There is not a gallon per day limit for these private non‐commercial wells, however water use is limited to reasonable use.
The Golf Course, Community Club and Oyhut Bay have private irrigation systems. These larger water users use a variety of water sources. The golf course diverts surface water from the canals, Oyhut Bay has an individual water right and the Community Club has developed exempt wells. Commercial or industrial users such as these irrigating with water from exempt wells are limited to 5,000 gallons per day with no acreage limit for irrigation.
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Aquifer and water quality protection ‐ new initiatives and existing measures
New initiative
Reclamation and re‐use of storm water. Rather than consuming water, a limited natural resource, the reclamation and reuse of storm water would close the consumption cycle. If reclaimed water were used for irrigation instead of "first use" water, it would cycle back into the lakes and canals improving summer water quality in the lake system.
Existing measures
Proactive measures for the aquifer's water quality are detailed in City of Ocean Shores Water System Plan, prepared by Pace Engineers, Inc., 2016. Water quality monitoring, capital improvements, and best management practices protect the aquifer recharge area, groundwater quality, and conserve groundwater resources.
Examples of these proactive measures include the city's requirement that all new construction connect to the sanitary sewer system and the Water Conservation Plan adopted in 1993 by Resolution 311.
The Critical Areas Ordinance, Shoreline Master Program and Flood Plain Regulation are tools that the city uses to preserve wetlands and limit flooding which helps preserve groundwater quality.
Saltwater Intrusion in Coastal Fresh Water Aquifers
The city is located on a peninsula on the Pacific Ocean coast and thus there is a risk of saltwater intrusion. Saltwater intrusion becomes a problem in coastal areas where freshwater aquifers are hydraulically connected with seawater. When large amounts of fresh water are withdrawn from these aquifers, hydraulic gradients encourage the flow of seawater toward the water wells.
The city carefully and consistently monitors chloride, conductivity, and iron bacteria in the raw water source to anticipate trends, anticipate degradation of the water supply and perform remedial action in advance of water quality issues.
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6.13 FREQUENTLY FLOODED AREAS
The Federal Flood Insurance Program was created to guarantee protection of lands in flood hazard areas if eligibility requirements are met. Preservation of the 100‐year floodplain is the current program standard. The 100‐ year floodplain is the area of land flooded by a storm that has a 1 percent probability of occurring in any year.
Alterations to natural floodplains generally result in increasing the flooding risk to people. The Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) records show that the City of Ocean Shores has about 600 flood insurance policies in force, covering property valued at roughly 166 million dollars. For a community of this size, that is a significant amount of coverage and number of affected individuals. In recognition of the flood hazards concerns, the city updated its Flood Damage Prevention ordinance, OSMC 15.36, on January 23, 2017.
FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps delineate flood hazard areas. The mapping includes those areas inundated by 100‐year and 500‐year floods. The city's building and planning staff use FEMA maps to assess flood hazard potential on any given site.
Along the Pacific coast and Grays Harbor shoreline are properties designated as areas of special flood hazard as they are in Velocity Zones (V zones). These coastal high hazard areas have special flood hazards associated with high velocity waters from tidal surges.
Flooding results in property damage, public safety hazards, and destroying aquatic and riparian habitats. and impact fish and wildlife habitats. Traditional flood control practices have been particularly damaging to fish and wildlife habitat, but contemporary methods are striving to provide an acceptable level of flood protection to people and property, while at the same time preserving and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat. Reducing risk to people and property is best achieved by limiting floodplain development and ensuring that allowed development does not increase flood elevations and flow velocities, change flood flow patterns, reduce flood storage capacity, increase erosion or increase the area of flood inundation.
6.14 GEOLOGICALLY HAZARDOUS AREAS
Why are Geologically Hazardous Areas important?
Geologically hazardous areas include those areas susceptible to erosion, sliding, earthquake or other geological events. They pose a threat to the health and safety of citizens when incompatible commercial, residential or industrial development is sited in areas of significant hazard.
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Some geological hazards can be reduced or mitigated by engineering, design, or modified construction or mining practices so that risks to public health and safety are minimized. When technology cannot reduce risks to acceptable levels, building in geologically hazardous areas must be avoided.
Ocean Shores has erosion, seismic and tsunami hazards, but there are no slopes of sufficient grade to generate landslides.
Erosion hazards
The most significant erosion areas in Ocean Shores are along the southern Pacific Ocean beaches and southern shoreline in Grays Harbor. Within these areas the two most significant erosion areas are beaches in the city immediately adjacent to the North Jetty and Damon Point. While Damon Point is not inside city limits and is regulated by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the area west of Damon Point largely by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Point's erosion impacts lands in the city. The Quinault Marina is immediately adjacent to Damon Point and is also susceptible to erosion impacts.
Adverse erosion impacts are also found along the shoreline in Grays Harbor. The shoreline erodes during winter storms and is impacting residential property, public beach access points and city streets.
Shoreline erosion summary:
Rehabilitation of Grays Harbor North Jetty is critical to preventing a chronic erosion problem Study and implement erosion remediation between the North Jetty and the Marina breakwater Sand fences deployed from spring to fall may help to increase resilience during the subsequent winter Beach and dune nourishment offer only a temporary solution and is necessary until a permanent fix is available Aggravated erosion occurs at the ends of rock structures 25,800 cubic yards of sediment erode from beaches and dunes each year A dune breach represents the highest risk to upland infrastructure, while a long‐term breach of the Damon Spit may represent a risk eastward
Quinault Marina erosion summary:
Long term erosion threatens loss of the recreational vehicle park, marina facilities and boat access
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A long‐term breach of the Damon Spit may represent a risk eastward Over wash of Damon Spit and sedimentation of the marina and boat access channel threatens the viability of the facility Damon Spit is becoming narrower, flatter and migrating toward the Quinault Marina Long term viability of the recreational vehicle park will require beach nourishment and erosion protection Long term viability of the marina will require considerable engineering and maintenance dredging
Seismic hazards
Seismic hazard areas are subject to severe risk of damage because of seismic‐induced settlement, shaking, lateral spreading, surface faulting, slope failure or soil liquefaction. Given the sandy soils present throughout the city, seismic damage could be significant.
Tsunami hazards
Assessments of loss of property and life incurred from historic tsunamis have described important features of tsunami preparedness (Dengler and Preuss 2003). Education is a key component of preparedness, and the city and other state and federal agencies have made numerous efforts to keep the public informed of tsunami hazards. Evacuation routes have been established and are signed throughout the city. As the science of tsunamis evolves, it is important to continue to educate the public about the latest research.
6.15 FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT CONSERVATION AREAS
Why are Fish and Wildlife Habitat conservation areas important?
Ocean Shores provides habitat for many common fish and wildlife species. Many of these species are protected as Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas which contribute to the state's biodiversity. Designating these areas within the city’s jurisdiction is an important part of land use planning for appropriate development densities, open space corridors, and incentive‐ based land conservation and stewardship programs (WAC 365‐190‐130).
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas in Ocean Shores, which are designated critical areas in Ocean Shores Municipal Code Chapter 19.02, include:
The dune protection area as delineated in the Ocean Dunes Protection Act (OSMC Chapter 19.03) and the beaches associated with the Pacific Ocean between the OHWM and the line of extreme low tide (city limit line)
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The marshes and tidelands associated with Grays Harbor between the OHWM and the line of extreme low tide (city limit line) The Oyhut Wildlife Area Duck Lake and all city‐owned land adjacent to and within 200 feet of the OHWM All the other freshwater canals and waterways and all city‐owned land adjacent to and within 25 feet of the OHWM
6.16 SHORELINES
Why are shorelines important?
The shorelines of Ocean Shores have great social, ecological, recreational, cultural, economic and aesthetic value. Grays Harbor, the Pacific Ocean, and the freshwater canals and waterways provide habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife including salmon, shellfish, forage fish and waterfowl. Opportunities for surfing, beach combing, fishing and other forms of recreation are abundant and popular.
Ocean Shores' shoreline resources are valuable and irreplaceable. Careful planning and development will ensure that these values are maintained to achieve no net loss of ecological functions and values over the planning period.
Washington’s Shoreline Management Act (SMA), Chapter 90.58 RCW, was passed by the Legislature in 1971 and adopted by the public in a 1972 referendum. The goal of the SMA is "to prevent the inherent harm of uncoordinated and piecemeal development of the State’s shorelines."
The Shoreline Management Act (SMA) specifically states:
“It is the policy of the State to provide for the management of the shorelines of the State by planning for and fostering all reasonable and appropriate uses. This policy is designed to insure the development of these shorelines in a manner, which, while allowing for limited reduction of rights of the public in the navigable waters, will promote and enhance the public interest. This policy contemplates protecting against adverse effects to the public health, the land and its vegetation and wildlife, and the waters of the State and their aquatic life, while protecting generally public rights of navigation and corollary rights incidental thereto.”
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The city’s shoreline jurisdiction includes the Pacific Ocean, Grays Harbor, Duck Lake, Grand Canal, and other connecting canals. The city's shoreline jurisdiction extends out three nautical miles (the extent of state waters) and based on RCW 35.21.160, the city's jurisdiction in Grays Harbor extends to the middle of the channel between Ocean Shores and Westport and to the middle of Grays Harbor. Damon Point is not within city limits and therefore is not part of the city's shoreline jurisdiction.
In the city, the Pacific Ocean and Grays Harbor and their associated shorelands are defined as shorelines of statewide significance. Shorelines of statewide significance are considered resources for all people of the state. Preference for development in these areas is given to uses that favor long‐range goals and support the overall public interest.
The city adopted Ocean Shores Shoreline Master Program in 2018. The Shoreline Master Program establishes environment designations, policies and regulations for specific shoreline areas to guide use and development in the shoreline jurisdiction.
The five shoreline environment designations established by the Shoreline Master Program, which are an “overlay” to the comprehensive plan land use designations are:
Aquatic High Intensity Natural Shoreline Residential Urban Conservancy
6.17 ACTION PLAN: ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENT
Update Critical Areas Regulation to:
Identify sensitive species and habitats and implement regulatory measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate development impact Designate the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife “priority habitats and species list” as Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas Work with partner agencies to encourage informational and educational programs and activities dealing with the protection of wildlife such as the Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary program established by the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife Establish appropriate protection measures and procedures for habitat conservation, including measures to mark buffer boundaries during construction and prohibiting construction activity or mechanical equipment in these areas
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Control sediment sources by requiring best management practices and the preparation of an erosion and sediment control plan for sites where vegetation clearing, earth movement or other soil disturbing activities are proposed Implement current best available science and state guidelines for critical areas
Geologically Hazardous Areas
Repair Grays Harbor North Jetty in coordination with United States Army Corps of Engineers, State of Washington, Grays Harbor County and the City of Westport Build a tsunami refuge in coordination with adjacent local governments, North Beach School District and federal and state agencies Work with the Quinault Indian Nation to restore the Quinault Marina
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7 UTILITIES AND PUBLIC FACILITIES ELEMENT
The purpose of this Element is to ensure that Ocean Shores will have adequate utilities and facilities to serve future growth. This Element includes information about current utilities and capital facilities, where to find detailed system plans with inventories, projected future needs, level of service standards, and goals and policies.
Utilities and public facilities include systems owned by the city as well as those owned by other governmental agencies (such as the school district) and by private companies. city‐owned facilities include drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, parks and recreation, fire and EMS, police, the library and airport. Non‐city owned facilities and utilities include public schools, electricity, solid waste and telecommunications.
This Element serves as a check on the feasibility of achieving other elements of the plan. It addresses utility service and public facilities. Ocean Shores’ ability to achieve long‐term environmental, economic and social balance is influenced by how services are delivered to the community. To achieve sustainability, consider how today’s actions will affect future generations. The long‐term view will emphasize reducing waste, preventing pollution, engaging the community, and managing fiscal and environmental resources conservatively.
Some of the utility and public facility programs discussed in this chapter have adopted their own detailed master or capital plans to guide the design and daily administration of their services. This Element is intended to serve as a bridge between those specific plans and the broader vision of this Comprehensive Plan.
For communities fully planning under the Growth Management Act, a full‐fledged capital facilities plan is mandatory. As a partially planning community, Ocean Shores is not including a complete capital facilities plan in this update. It remains a goal of the city to develop such a plan, and it is a natural next step to fully implement this comprehensive plan.
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TABLE 7‐1 ‐ CITY OWNED SERVICES AND FACILITIES SUMMARY
Functional Service Facility name Address Plan
City of Ocean 710 Point Brown Ave Water Ocean Shores Public Works Shores Water NW System Plan
1440 Ocean Shores Blvd Sewer Wastewater Treatment Plant SW
Stormwater Wastewater Treatment Plant 1440 Ocean Shores Blvd
Municipal Services Ocean Shores City Hall 585 Pt. Brown Ave NW
Fire and Emergency 585 Point Brown Ave Ocean Shores Fire Station Response NW
577 Point Brown Ave Police Ocean Shores Police Station NW
Comprehensive Park and Parks and Dispersed throughout Parks, trails, recreation facilities Recreation Recreation the city Facilities Plan, 2018
573 Point Brown Ave Library Ocean Shores Library NW
Airport Layout Airport Ocean Shores Municipal Airport 498 Duck Lake Dr NE Plan
Ocean Shores Convention 120 W Chance a La Mer Convention Center Center NW
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What does this chapter address?
This chapter gives a brief overview of publicly and investor‐owned provided utilities. It identifies the public facilities and public services provided in Ocean Shores, and the siting of essential public facilities.
The goals and policies in this element convey the city’s intent to:
Set clear goals for service delivery and system expansion for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems, solid waste management, telecommunications and energy infrastructure. Reduce risks to human and environmental health and safety. Utilities include all facilities and lines used to distribute, collect, transmit, control, or dispose of drinking water, stormwater and sanitary sewage, solid waste, electricity, and telecommunications. The city provides drinking water and sanitary and stormwater disposal. Several private companies hold franchises with the city and deliver a variety of utilities. Typically, the city manages their use of public rights‐of‐way and defines their geographic service areas. Set clear goals for public safety and emergency response, school facilities and library services. Ensure that public facilities and services support the local and regional growth planning objectives.
Utilities/Facilities Goal 1. Work in cooperation with other public agencies to ensure there are efficient and high‐quality public services and facilities to meet community needs for water, waste and stormwater treatment, public safety, education, libraries, recreation, and transportation. Utilities/Facilities Goal 2. Develop a Capital Improvement Program with processes for implementing goals and policies of the Utilities and Public Facilities Element.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 1. Consider the fiscal impacts of major public projects or project involving the expansion of capacity or service areas as a major factor in the selecting and budgeting of capital projects. Utilities/Facilities Policy 2. Include programming flexibility that allows for contingent expenditures needed to respond to emergency situations or to obligate unexpected funds that become available. Utilities/Facilities Policy 3. Ensure that the operating and maintenance costs of a facility are financially feasible prior to constructing a facility.
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7.1 SHAPING THE FUTURE
Citizen engagement and involvement is an important component of city utility management. Customers and users help with environmental restoration projects and efforts to reduce pollution and waste. OSMC chapter 2.58 created a public works advisory committee in 2006. This committee has not been active since 2013. It may be re‐convened in the future.
The three city‐owned and operated utilities are:
Drinking Water. This utility’s mission is to provide and protect healthy drinking water for the community. This involves protecting groundwater and promoting water conservation, as well as ensuring that drinking water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Wastewater. The mission of this utility is to protect public and environmental health through the collection and treatment of wastewater. The few remaining septic systems in the city are required to connect to the sewer system when the septic systems fail. Storm and Surface Water. The mission of this utility is to protect public and environmental health and minimize flooding through the collection and treatment of stormwater. Stormwater is a major source of aquafer recharge and refills the fresh waterways, lakes and canals. Consequently, stormwater contaminants should be removed.
Over the next 20 years, there will be a growing need to manage utility resources efficiently. Our challenges will include:
Maintaining drinking water, storm and wastewater systems. Operation and maintenance needs will continue to expand, as the utility system and its components, such as pipes, pumps, valves, treatment facilities, reservoirs and wells, age. These needs must be met while keeping rates affordable. Preparing for sea level rise. Washington Department of Ecology’s “Washington Coastal Hazards Resilience Network” http://www.wacoastalnetwork.com/) is developing tools that will help coastal communities become more resilient to disasters. Ocean Shores will continue to closely consider their recommendations as the city evolves.
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7.2 CITY OWNED UTILITY GOALS AND POLICIES
Utilities/Facilities Goal 3. Coordinate utility and land use plans so that utility services can be provided and maintained for proposed future land uses.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 4. Require new developments to construct drinking water, wastewater and stormwater utilities in ways that meet the community development, environmental protection, and resource protection goals of this Plan, and that are consistent with adopted utility plans and extension policies. Utilities/Facilities Policy 5. Evaluate land use plans and utility goals periodically to ensure growth is guided by current environmental constraints and the latest available utility technology. Utilities/Facilities Policy 6. Continue to make repairs and prioritize capital improvements to existing systems based on age, condition, risk of failure and capacity. Utilities/Facilities Policy 7. Annually update the utility portions of the Capital Facilities Plan to reevaluate infrastructure priorities.
Utilities/Facilities Goal 4. Provide reliable utility service at the lowest reasonable cost, consistent with the city’s aims of environmental stewardship, social equity, economic development and the protection of public health.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 8. Ensure that new development projects pay for their own utility infrastructure based on their expected needs for the next 20 years. Also require them to contribute to their portion of existing infrastructure. Routinely review new‐development charges when updating utility master plans, or more frequently as needed. Utilities/Facilities Policy 9. Ensure that utility fees, such as rates and general facility charges, are structured to reasonably reflect the actual cost of providing services to each customer class. Fees must also encourage customers to conserve water and reduce their demand on the wastewater treatment system. Utilities/Facilities Policy 10. Provide special rates for low‐income or disabled utility customers. Utilities/Facilities Policy 11. Ensure that adequate funds are generated by the city’s utilities to maintain utility services and capital improvement programs. Utilities/Facilities Policy 12. Use fiscally responsible management practices in order to maintain favorable bond ratings for the city’s utilities. Utilities/Facilities Policy 13. Provide service to existing and new customers consistent with the legal obligation of city utilities to provide service. Utilities/Facilities Policy 14. Use debt financing only in emergency cases when needed to support capital facility investments.
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Utilities/Facilities Policy 15. Consider the social, economic and environmental impacts of utility repairs, replacements and upgrades.
Utilities/Facilities Goal 5. Develop and manage utilities efficiently and effectively.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 16. Coordinate public utility functions (such as operations and maintenance, public education and outreach, and capital facilities planning) for drinking water, wastewater, and storm and surface water. Utilities/Facilities Policy 17. Create and regularly revise the Ocean Shores Municipal Code and Engineering Development and Design Standards to give detailed guidance on how utility services should be delivered and paid for in accordance with the principles established in this Comprehensive Plan. Utilities/Facilities Policy 18. Update all utility master plans regularly and in accordance with state law. Utilities/Facilities Policy 19. Coordinate long‐term planning and scheduling of utility capital improvements with neighboring jurisdictions and other local agencies. Utilities/Facilities Policy 20. Work with the county to provide regionally coordinated utility systems for urban services that benefit from a regional approach. Utilities/Facilities Policy 21. Locate public and franchise utilities in public rights‐of‐way and/or easements on private property in a manner to facilitate safe and efficient operation, maintenance and repair, and to minimize conflicts. Utilities/Facilities Policy 22. Provide guidance in the Engineering Design and Development Standards to direct public and franchise utilities location, including opportunities for co‐location. Utilities/Facilities Policy 23. Evaluate programs for effectiveness and efficiency on a regular basis. Utilities/Facilities Policy 24. Contribute a portion of utility revenue each year to educational programs for schools, neighborhoods and community organizations to help meet utility goals. Utilities/Facilities Policy 25. Ensure consistent maintenance, asset management, and emergency management practices for all utilities. Utilities/Facilities Policy 26. Develop specific targets for reducing drinking water use. Utilities/Facilities Policy 27. Raise community awareness about why and how to conserve water. Utilities/Facilities Policy 28. Reduce water system leakage as much as possible, at a minimum below the Washington State limit of 10 percent of total water production. Utilities/Facilities Policy 29. Model best practices in city operations.
Explore development of a city managed water reuse system with the intent of using reclaimed water as an alternative for irrigation.
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7.3 DRINKING WATER UTILITY
Ocean Shores residents recognize that the water they use comes from groundwater supplies that need to remain plentiful and unpolluted by “above‐ground” activities. The city’s Drinking Water Utility aims not only to preserve the supply of this resource, but to keep it clean and prevent saltwater intrusion– both for people and for the plants, fish and wildlife that also depend on it.
The daily population in Ocean Shores varies dramatically depending on the season as the city has a very large number of part time residents and tourists. Every day the city delivers affordable, high‐quality drinking water to between 5,000 to 12,000 people through approximately 6,000 connections. This water consistently meets 100% of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards for safe drinking water, and it is pumped to homes at a fraction of the cost some will pay for unregulated bottled water.
Ocean Shores’ Drinking Water Utility operates under a permit granted by the Washington State Department of Health “Office of Drinking Water”. Additional information about the city’s Drinking Water Utility can be found in Ocean Shores Water System Plan.
In the next 20 years, the Utility will face these challenges and issues: Changing water quality regulations. The Utility must be ready to respond to any changes in water quality regulations and treatment requirements imposed by state and federal agencies. Keeping pace with development. Ocean Shores sits on top of its aquafer. Best estimates project that the aquafer will adequately meet the city’s future population needs simply by drilling additional wells. However, some forms of light industry can be very water intensive. Care must be exercised to control or prohibit water intensive industry which could dramatically impact or cause saltwater incursion into the aquifer. Protecting groundwater from contamination. Risks to groundwater will increase as the population increases. The city will continue to regularly evaluate, monitor, and take action to control sources of pollution.
7.4 DRINKING WATER GOALS AND POLICIES
Utilities/Facilities Goal 6. Provide adequate supplies of clean drinking water for current and future generations.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 30. Monitor water levels in aquifers
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Utilities/Facilities Policy 31. Coordinate with Grays Harbor County and consider an intertie and booster station with the Hogan’s Corner water system to increase Ocean Shores system resiliency in the event of source (aquafer) contamination.
Utilities/Facilities Goal 7. Groundwater in the city’s Drinking Water (Wellhead) Protection Areas is protected from contamination so that it does not require additional treatment.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 32. Monitor groundwater quality to detect contamination, evaluate pollution reduction efforts, and to understand risks to groundwater. Utilities/Facilities Policy 33. Implement programs to change behaviors that threaten groundwater quality, and that raise awareness about aquifers and the need for groundwater protection. Utilities/Facilities Policy 34. Prevent groundwater contamination in Drinking Water Protection Areas by developing and implementing spill prevention and response plans. Utilities/Facilities Policy 35. Maintain the city’s Critical Areas Ordinance, policies, development review process and program management, to ensure protection of groundwater quality and quantity. Utilities/Facilities Policy 36. Maintain a contaminant‐source inventory that identifies priority pollutants for each wellhead protection area and update the inventory lists regularly.
Utilities/Facilities Goal 8. Operate and maintain the drinking water system so that high quality drinking water is delivered to customers.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 37. Maintain and update the Water System Plan, Engineering Design and Development Standards and Ocean Shores Municipal Code to ensure drinking water utility facilities meet the requirements of Washington Department of Health and Ocean Shores Municipal Code. Utilities/Facilities Policy 38. Maintain 100 percent compliance with state and federal requirements, and continually improve the water quality management program. Utilities/Facilities Policy 39. Improve Ocean Shores’ water supply system to achieve the most favorable and practical fire insurance rating, consistent with adopted service levels. Utilities/Facilities Policy 40. Continue and improve maintenance management, including preventive maintenance, repairs and replacements. Utilities/Facilities Policy 41. Prepare for and respond to emergencies and maintain secure facilities. Utilities/Facilities Policy 42. Continue to improve operations and maintenance program management, including safety, asset management and meter replacement.
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Utilities/Facilities Policy 43. Continue to maintain adequate storage, transmission and distribution facilities.
7.5 WASTEWATER UTILITY
The purpose of Ocean Shores Wastewater Utility is to protect public and environmental health by ensuring that wastewater is collected, treated and disposed with minimal risk.
Ocean Shores provides wastewater collection service to a 12‐square‐mile service area. In addition to serving properties inside city limits, it also serves North Beach Junior/Senior High School, Ocean City State Park, and Quinault Beach Resort. All collected wastewater is conveyed to the Wastewater Treatment Plant located at the southern tip of Point Brown, 1440 Ocean Shores Boulevard SW.
Treated wastewater, effluent, is discharged into the mouth of Grays Harbor using a controlled discharge cycle which takes advantage of outgoing tides which prevents contamination of shellfish beds.
Wastewater Utility activities are guided by the Sewer Comprehensive Plan last updated in 2008 and by the city’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES). The NPDES must be renewed every 5 years. Renewal is dependent on compliance with the permit standards.
The Wastewater Utility faces the following key challenges over the next 20 years:
Maintaining existing infrastructure. The city’s wastewater infrastructure is designed to meet the city’s needs well into the future. Regular maintenance and repair activities are required to ensure the system’s effectiveness. Reducing septic systems. A handful of septic systems are located inside city limits. They are permitted for continued use and are inspected at three‐year intervals. As each of these existing systems fail, the owner is required to connect to the city’s sewer system.
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7.6 WASTEWATER GOALS AND POLICIES
Utilities/Facilities Goal 9. Protect public and environmental health by ensuring that wastewater is collected, treated and disposed with minimal risk. Utilities/Facilities Goal 10. Provide capacity to meet projected demand while complying with the city’s NPDES.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 44. Any future public or private development must connect to the city’s existing vacuum collection system. Utilities/Facilities Policy 45. Evaluate the structural integrity of wastewater infrastructure as it ages; repair and maintain as needed. Utilities/Facilities Policy 46. Facilitate the implementation and use of new technology and management systems.
7.7 STORMWATER UTILITY
Ocean Shores’ growth and urbanization have placed increasing demands on natural systems. Major challenges facing the Storm and Surface Water Utility in upcoming years include:
Managing the impact of increasing stormwater runoff. The cumulative impact of paving and development will increase pollutants in the lakes, bay and ocean, decrease infiltration to groundwater, and reduce forest habitat. Preparing for sea level rise. Use a coordinated effort to protect the city from the flooding that could result from sea level rise. Continue to participate with Washington Coastal Hazards Resilience Network and other regional efforts. Keeping up with new technology. As innovative approaches to treating and controlling stormwater evolve, the Storm and Surface Water Utility must evaluate the effectiveness and long‐term implications of new technologies, while also managing risks associated with potential failures.
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7.8 STORMWATER GOALS AND POLICIES
Utilities/Facilities Goal 11. Reduce the frequency and severity of flooding and anticipate hazards, acknowledging that impacts from major storm events may not be readily managed. Utilities/Facilities Goal 12. Develop and implement a sea level rise risk management plan in coordination with regional, state and federal initiatives.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 47. Improve conveyance systems in areas that are vulnerable to flooding. Utilities/Facilities Policy 48. Emphasize the importance of emergency preparedness. Utilities/Facilities Policy 49. Evaluate the structural integrity of aging stormwater pipes and repair as needed. Utilities/Facilities Policy 50. Inspect public stormwater systems to identify required maintenance and repairs.
7.9 FRANCHISE UTILITIES
Growth in residential, commercial, or industrial development often requires expanded utility services. Because of this, city land use decisions that affect the location and density of new development will drive franchise utility expansion.
Most investor‐owned utilities are regulated by Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC), which ensures that customers receive safe and reliable service at reasonable rates. The Commission regulates the rates and charges, services, facilities and practices of most of Washington’s gas, electric, and telecommunication utilities.
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TABLE 7‐2 ‐ FRANCHISE UTILITIES
UTILITY PROVIDER SERVICE AREA
Electricity Grays Harbor PUD Entire city
Telecommunications Multiple companies Entire city
Solid Waste Services LeMay Grays Harbor Entire city
Franchise Utility Goals and Policies
Utilities/Facilities Goal 13. Work cooperatively with private utility providers for delivery of safe and reliable service at reasonable rates.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 51. Coordinate utility planning activities with the private utility providers. The city will work with the private utilities to achieve consistency between their facility plans and the city’s regulations and long‐range plans. Utilities/Facilities Policy 52. Share information, when requested, with private utilities on current and projected figures for population, employment, development, and utility service demand. Utilities/Facilities Policy 53. Process permits and approvals for private utility facilities in a fair and timely manner, and in accordance with development regulations that foster predictability. Utilities/Facilities Policy 54. Ask for input from the private utilities when developing policies that will affect their service and activities, such as street excavation, street obstructions, and fees. Utilities/Facilities Policy 55. Maintain agreements or establish new franchise agreements where appropriate, with private utilities, updating them as needed to adapt to changing needs and plans. Utilities/Facilities Policy 56. Work with Grays Harbor County to create consistent utility regulations and long‐range plans that promote efficient and effective utility services. Utilities/Facilities Policy 57. Work with Grays Harbor County to coordinate when private, multijurisdictional utility additions and improvements are being planned. Utilities/Facilities Policy 58. Make decisions that are consistent and complementary to regional demand and resources and that reinforce an interconnected regional distribution network. Utilities/Facilities Policy 59. Work with Grays Harbor County to coordinate emergency management related to utility services by following the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan for the Grays Harbor Region.
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Utilities/Facilities Goal 14. Locate utilities underground to protect public health, safety and welfare, and to create a more reliable utility system.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 60. Encourage placing existing private utility distribution lines underground, in accordance with Washington Utilities Transportation Commission standards and Ocean Shores Municipal Code. Utilities/Facilities Policy 61. Develop and maintain a management plan, consistent with the Ocean Shores Municipal Code and the Engineering Development and Design Standards, for underground and overhead utilities.
Utilities/Facilities Goal 15. Co‐locate utility facilities.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 62. Promote the co‐location of new utility distribution and communication facilities when doing so is consistent with utility industry practices and national electrical and other codes. Utilities/Facilities Policy 63. Give private utilities timely notice when road construction is planned, to coordinate utility trenching work.
Utilities/Facilities Goal 16. Minimize adverse impacts of above‐ground utility facilities such as sub stations and cellular towers on surrounding land uses.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 64. Ensure that the city’s zoning code includes standards that ensure that new private utility facilities are coordinated and integrated with surrounding land uses, so they are reasonably compatible with the natural and built environment. These regulatory standards should also support facility design which minimizes the visual intrusion of facilities in all areas. Utilities/Facilities Policy 65. Encourage telecommunication utilities to use existing structures, such as existing towers and buildings, where possible.
Utilities/Facilities Goal 17. Provide every resident and business in Ocean Shores with access to affordable cable television and Internet services.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 66. Encourage cable services to incorporate their latest features and improvements for their Ocean Shores‐area customers as they become technologically and economically feasible. Utilities/Facilities Policy 67. Seek to ensure that any cable franchisee serving the Ocean Shores area provides a high quality of customer service, signal transmission, and programming variety. Utilities/Facilities Policy 68. Allow public educational institution and government programming to be aired on designated cable channels. Utilities/Facilities Policy 69. Coordinate with Grays Harbor PUD to maximize the fiber optic infrastructure.
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7.10 CITY‐OWNED UTILITIES OVERVIEW
Drinking Water Utility Overview
The city owns several wells located in the center of the city from which it draws its water supply. The primary source of water comes from a shallow aquifer located approximately 95 feet below the surface. Water is treated using the city’s water treatment plant, using MIEX® technology to remove dissolved organic carbon, iron, and manganese from the groundwater.
To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations which limit the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Your water is treated according to EPA and State Department of Health (DOH) regulations.
Ocean Shores owns and operates its Group A public system which produces 100% of the drinking water and fire protection service delivered to the 12‐square‐mile service area. About 6,000 connections deliver water to permanent and seasonal residents, hotels, motels, condominiums, and a wide variety of commercial and recreational establishments.
Water is supplied by five active groundwater wells (Wells 4, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 14) located in the city’s wellfield the city began the work to install a new well in 2014. The new well was identified in the Water System Plan as a high priority to allow for resting of other source wells to protect both the sources and equipment from overuse, resulting in an increased life expectancy of all existing wells.
The well can produce 750 gallons per minute of production, exceeding expectations by 25%. The new source was approved by the Department of Health and has been in use since June 2017.
Ocean Shores’ water service area boundary generally follows the city limit. Policies related to providing service to this area are defined in Washington’s Municipal Water Law, Ocean Shores’ Water System Plan and municipal code. When the Water System Plan was prepared, the city was using only 41% of the maximum allotted water right. An increase to 53% usage was projected over the 20‐year planning period. Based on this information, it appears Ocean Shores has adequate water rights reserved to supply customers within the service area for a minimum of 50 years. Conservation programs will also help extend Ocean Shores’ water supply beyond that timeframe.
Fluctuating water demands, high fire flows, and maintaining yields from groundwater wells have historically presented the biggest challenges in operating the water system.
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Drinking Water Utility Future Needs
Future needs for drinking water will be met by:
Repairing and replacing deteriorating pipes, pumps and reservoirs. Funding system development by requiring that developers fund growth‐related improvements. Funding other improvements through utility fees and assessments.
7.11 WASTEWATER UTILITY OVERVIEW
Wastewater collection is currently provided within city limits through a combination of gravity and vacuum sewers that convey wastewater flows to the Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment and discharge. The city also provides wastewater treatment to users outside city limits ‐ Ocean City State Park, North Beach Junior/Senior High School and Quinault Beach Resort.
In the future, the service area could be expanded to include Illahee/Oyehut, Hogan’s Corner and Ocean City. These areas are forecasted to grow to a population of 1,015 in the year 2030. The city will determine which areas may be added to the existing service area to receive wastewater treatment.
Most communities in the Pacific Northwest experience peak flows during the winter rainy season due to infiltration and inflow, but wastewater flow patterns are somewhat unusual in the city due to the influence of tourist activity during the summer months and holidays. The city’s flow patterns are more closely linked to seasonal and holiday events and are less influenced by rainfall since the city has eliminated much of the potential for infiltration and inflow through the installation of a vacuum collection system.
The current base flows within the service area are calculated at 350,000 gallons per day (gpd) in the winter and 551,000 gpd in the summer. These flows are forecasted to increase to 650,000 gpd in winter and 992,000 gpd in summer for the year 2030 using the high growth rate. The wastewater flows from the expanded service area under consideration are forecasted to reach a base flow of 95,000 gpd. Total base flows are the combination of those in the existing and new service areas: 745,000 in the winter and 1,087,000 gpd in the summer.
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Wastewater Utility Future Needs
The Ocean Shores wastewater plant was engineered to accommodate future growth within the geographical confines of the peninsula the city is located on. Future growth or incorporation north of the city limits will need to be addressed when and if that potential growth becomes a reality.
When infrastructure improvements are needed due to new development, future users of the new facilities repay the city through general facilities charges, latecomer fees or other potential cost recovery tools.
The Capital Improvement Program to meet forecasted 6‐ to 20‐year needs is included in the Wastewater Management Plan and revised and updated in the city’s most recently adopted Capital Facilities Plan.
7.12 STORMWATER UTILITY OVERVIEW
For the most part, historical flooding problems have been corrected over the past couple of decades. Now, flooding problems are typically smaller in scale and easier to address than in the past. The Utility manages a pipe televising program to assess the condition of underground infrastructure and to schedule maintenance and repairs before serious problems develop.
Many of the older areas of the city were built before stormwater treatment was required. The Utility looks for opportunities to retrofit stormwater treatment in these areas when feasible.
Stormwater Utility Future Needs
Ocean Shores’ Stormwater Drainage Manual requires new development to infiltrate stormwater onsite whenever possible. The need for existing stormwater facility upgrades or repairs is assessed by the Utility annually as part of the Capital Facilities Plan update process.
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7.13 PRIVATE‐OWNED UTILITIES OVERVIEW AND FUTURE NEEDS
Waste Management
The Washington Solid Waste Management ‐ Reduction and Recycling Act, Chapter 70.95 RCW, requires Grays Harbor County to prepare a 20‐year comprehensive solid waste management plan (CSWMP). In 2012 Grays Harbor County developed the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan in association with Ocean Shores and other cities, towns, and other affected groups located in the County. This plan directs the actions of government, haulers, residents, and businesses in the County
The plan was developed in compliance with Department of Ecology publication Guidelines for the Development of Local Solid Waste Management Plans and Plan Revisions, December 1999, and Beyond Waste: The Washington State Hazardous Waste Management Plan and Solid Waste Management Plan, a statewide framework for participating in the reduction of waste.
Solid waste management has remained relatively stable in the County since the adoption of the CSWMP in 2001. The cornerstones to solid waste management in the County are:
The 20‐year contract between Grays Harbor County and Harold LeMay Enterprises, Inc., to operate the Central Transfer Station and recycling programs The 20‐year contract with Regional Disposal Company to export solid waste to the Roosevelt Regional Landfill in Klickitat County Providing solid waste education services
Lemay Grays Harbor handles Ocean Shores’ solid waste disposal.
The Collections Program operates the drop‐box and curbside collection services, so waste can be disposed of reliably, with minimal impact on environmental and public health and worker safety. In addition to daily residential and commercial collection, the collections staff empties downtown trash containers, removes waste from community events, and cleans up illegal dump sites. They design collection routes, provide onsite technical assistance and customer service, deliver and remove city‐owned waste receptacles, and handle billing for drop boxes and commercial dumpsters.
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Electric Utility
Grays Harbor PUD provides electrical service throughout the city. Unlike some other Franchise utilities, providers of electricity such as Grays Harbor PUD must provide electricity upon demand and in accordance with "tariffs" on file with the Washington Utilities and Trade Commission (WUTC). To fulfill its public service obligations, Grays Harbor PUD must plan to extend or add to its facilities when needed.
Telecommunications Utility
The volatility and competitiveness of the telecommunications market makes it difficult to accurately assess the way future telecommunications will be provided. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates cellular providers in each cellular geographic service area. There are several FCC‐licensed providers in Ocean Shores.
At the state level, cellular telecommunications companies are regulated by the WUTC. Although the technology is increasingly used as a reliable backup communication system during times of emergency, the WUTC defines cellular technology as a utility of convenience, not necessity. Therefore, cellular phone providers are not required to provide service upon demand.
Standard (landline) telephone service is regulated by the WUTC as a necessity. Therefore, CenturyLink Communications International, Inc. (CenturyLink, formerly Quest and AT&T) must provide standard phone facilities on demand.
Cable Services Utility
Ocean Shores has a franchise agreement with Coast Communications. The Federal Communications Commission is responsible for enforcing a variety of cable television regulations. Ocean Shores is the local municipal franchising authority that regulates cable television service at the local level.
7.14 PUBLIC SERVICES
Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services
Utilities/Facilities Policy 70. Provide high‐quality emergency preparation, prevention, and response to the citizens and our visitors in the City of Ocean Shores. Provide a high level of fire protection and emergency medical services equal to or exceeding the industry standard.
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Utilities/Facilities Policy 71. Continue to provide a highly skilled and adequately staffed fire fighting force to respond to fire, medical, and hazardous material emergencies, and to protect life and property. Utilities/Facilities Policy 72. Continue to provide fire prevention and inspection services to minimize damage from fires. Utilities/Facilities Policy 73. Continue to manage fire protection functions, paramedic services, and city emergency services by planning, organizing, directing, and controlling available resources. Utilities/Facilities Policy 74. Improve and maintain fire facilities to ensure equitable and reliable response with fire and life safety protection that exceeds minimum established service levels.
Police Services
Utilities/Facilities Goal 18. Maintain the quality of life in the city by providing a safe environment for residents and visitors, through responding to calls for service, community policing, and other community‐based efforts.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 75. Provide a high level of police protection services equal to or exceeding the industry standard. Utilities/Facilities Policy 76. Continue to provide a highly skilled and adequately staffed police force to respond to public safety needs, emergencies, and to protect life and property. Utilities/Facilities Policy 77. Improve and maintain police facilities to allow police personnel to efficiently and effectively respond to public safety needs. Utilities/Facilities Policy 78. Deliver police services in a professional, timely, objective, and impartial manner. Utilities/Facilities Policy 79. Maintain a departmental environment that is open, accessible, responsive, and seeks feedback in a way that is consistent with the small‐ town feeling of the community.
Emergency Management
Utilities/Facilities Goal 19. Coordinate the city’s preparation, mitigation, response and recovery to disasters through an all‐hazard Emergency Management program that includes planning for major catastrophic events.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 80. Provide adequate public facilities‐such as emergency coordination centers, communications infrastructure, and dispatch systems‐to support emergency management, response, and recovery. Utilities/Facilities Policy 81. Maintain mutual aid coordination with regional emergency response providers as appropriate to protect life and ensure safety.
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Utilities/Facilities Policy 82. Maintain and enhance the city’s ability to withstand and recover from natural disasters and human‐made disruptions in order to minimize disruptions to public services.
Library Services
In 2018, the Ocean Shores Library Board of Trustees undertook a process to develop a strategic plan to guide library activities over the next five years. A survey was completed by 431 library patrons to serve as a guide in assessing the needs of the library community.
Utilities/Facilities Goal 20. The Ocean Shores Public Library will be the essential community resource for residents to access information and ideas that strengthen and enrich their lives. Utilities/Facilities Goal 21. As the heart of Ocean Shores community, the library provides access to the world through reading, learning and connecting.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 83. Provide a comfortable and safe place to visit by providing a safe, welcoming place to meet and interact with others through the following services: meeting room, seating in library, extended open hours, clean, updated facility, designated spaces and collections, and displays. Utilities/Facilities Policy 84. Connect to the online world with public internet access by providing high‐speed internet for patrons to access the digital world through online training, technology support and Wi‐Fi access. Utilities/Facilities Policy 85. Stimulate imagination through reading, viewing, and listening for pleasure by providing materials to enhance patron’s leisure time, will find out what they want, and will have the help they need to make choices and access the options by providing the following services: reader’s guidance, programs, displays. Utilities/Facilities Policy 86. Promote lifelong learning by providing the resources needed for patrons to explore topics of personal interest and continue learning throughout their lives by providing the following services: collections, information and referral, programs, and staff training.
Educational Services
The city is served by North Beach School District which extends beyond city limits. Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction works with districts throughout the state with development of their individual capital facilities plans. Coordination between the city and North Beach School District plans and the Comprehensive Plan will help incorporate consistent planning practices. The level of service standard for public schools is determined by the State Office of the Superintendent for Public Instruction.
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Utilities/Facilities Goal 22. Coordinate with the North Beach School District to ensure that school sites and facilities meet the educational needs of the City of Ocean Shores residents.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 87. Encourage and coordinate public use of public school grounds for community purposes while meeting educational and student safety needs and balancing impacts on surrounding neighborhoods. Utilities/Facilities Policy 88. Consider the adequacy of school facilities when reviewing new residential development. Utilities/Facilities Policy 89. Continue to participate in Washington State Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School Program. Utilities/Facilities Policy 90. Coordinate the use of school facilities as gathering and aid‐ distribution locations during natural disasters and other emergencies.
7.15 FINANCING PUBLIC FACILITIES
Utilities/Facilities Goal 23. Ensure that planned public facilities are financially feasible. Utilities/Facilities Goal 24. Identify specific sources and realistic projected amounts of public money that will provide full funding for the capital improvement projects needed for existing and future development.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 91. Identify the public process and actions needed to develop and implement new or increased sources of revenue needed to make this element feasible. Utilities/Facilities Policy 92. Consider specific funding strategies subject to the policy criteria described for each of the following:
Charge impact fees when the City Council determines that new development should pay its proportionate share of the public facilities that it needs. Use grants, public/private partnerships, and investments by businesses locating in Ocean Shores to leverage local funding. Use debt when the City Council determines that it is appropriate to advance the construction of priority capital improvements and to amortize the cost over the life of the public facility. Encourage public‐private partnerships to finance infrastructure. Facilitate the formation of local improvement districts to construct needed infrastructure improvements.
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7.16 SITING ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
The Growth Management Act requires that Comprehensive Plans include a process for identifying and siting Essential Public Facilities (EPF). The Growth Management Act defines essential public facilities as those “that are typically difficult to site, such as airports, state education facilities and state or regional transportation facilities as defined in RCW 47.06.140, state and local correctional facilities, solid waste handling facilities, and in‐patient facilities including substance abuse facilities, mental health facilities, group homes, and secure community transition facilities as defined in RCW 71.09.020.”
The comprehensive plan may not prohibit essential public facilities.
Utilities/Facilities Goal 25. Participate countywide planning process to develop or revise a plan for siting essential public facilities of a state, regional or local nature. Utilities/Facilities Goal 26. Plan for and site essential public facilities essential public facilities in a manner consistent with RCW 36.70A.200 and Countywide Planning Policies.
Utilities/Facilities Policy 93. Participate in any Grays Harbor County program to develop a process for siting essential public facilities of a state, regional or local nature. Utilities/Facilities Policy 94. Amend Ocean Shores Municipal Code Title 17 Zoning to address siting local essential public facilities.
7.17 ACTION ITEMS
Activate the Public Works advisory committee Establish franchise agreements with all private utilities Update Ocean Shores Municipal Code Title 17 Zoning to address siting essential public facilities Update Ocean Shores Municipal Code Title 17 Zoning to include standards ensuring that new franchise utility facilities are coordinated and integrated with surrounding land uses Develop a Capital Facilities Plan
7.18 ASSOCIATED PLANS
Draft Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan: https://oceanshores.civicweb.net/document/25976 Ocean Shores Municipal Code: https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/OceanShores
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City of Ocean Shores Water Systems Plan: https://oceanshores.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/41972?preview=42534 City of Ocean Shores Comprehensive Park and Recreation Plan: https://oceanshores.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/19567 Ocean Shores Municipal Airport Layout Plan Report: https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/NR/rdonlyres/FFCA0E3F‐933C‐4260‐8C08‐ 1B88A8B74019/0/OceanShores_Plan.pdf
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8 TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
8.1 INTRODUCTION
The Transportation Element addresses the motorized and non‐motorized transportation needs of the City of Ocean Shores. It represents the community’s policy regarding projected transportation needs (current and future); location and condition of the existing traffic circulation system; the cause, scope, and nature of transportation problems; level of service standards; street classifications; and associated transportation problems the City must address regarding growth in the next 20 years. Transportation improvements or strategies to accommodate the impacts of development should be made concurrent with the development. Such improvements and strategies must be in place or financially planned for within six years of development use.
The type and availability of transportation resources are major factors in the development of land use patterns, while conversely, the way land is used greatly influences the need and location for new or improved transportation facilities. The relationship between transportation and land use is one of continuous interaction, and their planning must be coordinated.
8.2 GENERAL TRANSPORTATION GOALS AND POLICIES
Transportation Goal 1. Emphasize efficient use of the existing system of streets and rights‐ of‐way for all modes of ground‐based travel. Maintain and enhance connectivity to the City by ground, air, and water. Transportation Policy 1. Continue to implement Ocean Shores Municipal Code Chapter 12.02 Complete Streets Policy. Transportation Policy 2. Promote traffic flow improvements in collector streets, at major intersections and entrances to the City for vehicular, pedestrian and bicyclist and emergency traffic. Transportation Policy 3. Manage the efficiency of traffic flow in the collector network by monitoring traffic, upgrading traffic control devices and using best traffic management practices. Transportation Policy 4. Maintain and consider improvements to the existing designated beach approaches. Transportation Policy 5. Update and adopt the six‐year STIP annually to identify capital improvements and funding sources.
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Transportation Policy 6. Evaluate opportunities for improving street amenities. Transportation Policy 7. Promote the development of improved onsite and offsite parking especially in commercial areas. Develop standard parking plan requirements that include mixed vehicle size accommodations. Transportation Policy 8. Acquire and develop public access to take advantage of topography, shared use pathway access points, scenic views and natural features in shoreline and other recreational areas (e.g. turnouts and parking areas). Transportation Policy 9. Protect, manage and enhance those characteristics of roadway corridors that are unique or have historic significance or aesthetic quality, for the benefit and enjoyment of the public and require the design of street systems serving new developments to complement existing street patterns. Transportation Policy 10. Establish development standards for street and road improvements that serve multiple transportation functions, including automobiles, trucks, transit, pedestrians and bicycles. Transportation Policy 11. Protect residential areas of the City from substantial adverse transportation impacts.
a. Minimize the amount of through traffic on local streets in residential areas; b. Design road and street improvements to fit the character of the areas through which they pass; and c. Involve affected neighborhoods and other interested citizens in the planning of street and road improvement projects.
Transportation Policy 12. Continue and improve asphalt preservation activities on paved streets, drainage improvements and bridge maintenance and replacement. Transportation Policy 13. Consider the shared needs of small street legal motorized recreational vehicles such as scooters and mopeds in street improvements. Transportation Policy 14. Encourage the design and development of a reasonable level of signs and other notices that welcome visitors and provide information about businesses and attractions in Ocean Shores.
8.3 MASS TRANSIT GOALS AND POLICIES
Transportation Goal 2. Facilitate effective use of the transportation system through coordination of transportation facilities and services for all types of motorized and non‐ motorized transportation throughout the county.
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Transportation Policy 15. Work with Grays Harbor Transit to increase transit accessibility in the community by adding buses, bus routes and park and ride lots. Transportation Policy 16. Maximize vanpooling opportunities for commuters who travel in and out of Ocean Shores. Transportation Policy 17. Actively participate in the development of regional transportation facilities to ensure that the City's transportation needs are incorporated in regional system planning. Transportation Policy 18. Work with the other cities within the region to increase accessibility to other communities. Transportation Policy 19. Promote the improvement of transit services that improve accessibility within the City limits. Transportation Policy 20. Promote the improvement of transit services within the City by considering the reasonable concerns and potential contributions of private transportation providers.
8.4 PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE GOALS AND POLICIES
Transportation Goal 3. Develop a transportation system that provides for alternate modes of transportation such as pedestrian and bicycle travel. Transportation Policy 21. The City should develop a safe and convenient environment for walking and bicycling by establishing the following policies:
a. Separate pedestrian and vehicle traffic. b. Require segregated internal pedestrian circulation systems in new or redeveloping commercial‐retail districts where appropriate and reasonable. c. Require pathway linkages and/or sidewalks in planned unit development, plat, and short plat approvals where appropriate and reasonable. d. Develop safe, attractive sidewalks adjacent to all collector streets and any streets abutting multifamily and commercial development. Sidewalk improvements in the downtown commercial area should be given priority. e. Develop a linkage system in areas where sidewalks are intermittent. f. Provide area illumination at potentially hazardous intersections and pedestrian crossings. g. Improve gravel shoulders for pedestrian use.
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h. Ensure all new sidewalks and pedestrian amenities are designed in conformance with Association of American State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) guidelines implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act. i. Give priority to pedestrian and bicyclist access in school, park, sport and commercial areas and on new streets.
Transportation Policy 22. Use utility corridors and street rights‐of‐way, where adequate space is available and other public lands for shared use pathway purposes. Transportation Policy 23. Assure that adequate right‐of‐way necessary and appropriate for non‐motorized transportation is obtained via the development process.
8.5 AIRPORT GOALS AND POLICIES
Transportation Goal 4. Promote continued development of the City’s airport as a center for regional air travel and as a source for economic development within the community. Transportation Policy 24. Obtain federal and state monies wherever possible to add to the existing infrastructure and benefit the overall quality of the facility. Transportation Policy 25. Encourage development and reasonable expansion of the airport to provide services and goods to visiting and resident pilots. Transportation Policy 26. Follow the recommendations of the City of Ocean Shores Airport Master Plan in development of airport facilities. Transportation Policy 27. Encourage and support development of air related and support businesses at the airport such as flight instruction, fuel service, and maintenance. Transportation Policy 28. Follow FAA rules as established and develop standards and clear zone regulations that insure that growth around the airport will not hinder airport operations or the safety of the surrounding area. Transportation Policy 29. Encourage the establishment of air commuter services.
8.6 MARINA AND FRESH WATERWAYS GOALS AND POLICIES
Transportation Goal 5. Promote links between Ocean Shores and the other communities around Grays Harbor by water routes and support the fresh waterways as a mode of access within the City.
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Transportation Policy 30. Support the Port of Grays Harbor, other cities in the region and private property owners in developing, maintaining and improving marine‐ related transportation links. Transportation Policy 31. Seek designation of marine transportation channels as federally maintained navigation channels. Transportation Policy 32. Support improvement of public docking and launch areas and work to prevent impediments to safe navigation within the fresh waterways. Transportation Policy 33. Work to re‐establish pedestrian ferry services from Ocean Shores to Westport.
8.7 EXISTING CONDITIONS
Vehicular circulation to and from the City of Ocean Shores is provided by State Route (S.R.) 109 that connects with U.S. Highway 101 in Hoquiam and north to the Quinault Indian Nation with several collectors connecting to U.S. Highway 101 along the way. A two‐mile spur, S.R. 115, connects with S.R. 109 at the Hogan’s Corner area and provides direct access to the City. Entrances to the City are provided at both Point Brown Avenue, Short Cuddy Avenue and from various beach approaches. The City is no longer as accessible by water as it once was because the pedestrian ferry that traveled between the Ocean Shores Marina and Westport seasonally is no longer in service. The City owned airport located in the eastern part of the City, bordering Grays Harbor, accommodates air travel.
Approximately 224 lane miles of paved roadways that extend throughout the City provide internal circulation. Point Brown Avenue is the major link between the northern commercial area and the southern commercial area. Ocean Shores Boulevard provides the major connection between the northern and southern tourist areas and access to the Ocean Beaches via five connecting beach approaches. Major intersections within the City include the intersections of E Chance a la Mer and Point Brown Avenue, as well as Ocean Shores Boulevard and W Chance a la Mer. Since Chance a la Mer functions as the principal beach access for the northwestern commercial and tourist area, the intersections between it and the major north and south roads of Point Brown Avenue and Ocean Shores Boulevard play a significant role in traffic circulation within the City.
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8.8 BRIDGES
The street system crosses the fresh waterways at nine locations. Four timber bridges dating back to incorporation are still in service along with five concrete bridges which replaced their original timber structures. The bridge types and sufficiency ratings are shown in Table 8.1. A sufficiency rating of 40 or less is required to qualify and compete for federal replacement funding.
TABLE 8‐1 ‐ BRIDGES
Name Type Sufficiency Rating
Chance a la Mer Timber 49
Albatross Timber 54
Bass Avenue Concrete 92
Razor Clam Bridge Concrete 100
Overlake Drive Duck Lake Timber 41
Tonquin Concrete 95
Mt Olympus Ave Timber 56
Point Brown Bridge Concrete 99
Ocean Lake Way Concrete 98 NOTE: Bridge sufficiency rating is a calculated rating indicating the bridge’s capability. Factors included in the calculation are: • the structure’s adequacy and safety (accounting for 55% and based on inspection data), • the structure’s serviceability and functional obsolescence (accounting for 30% and based on ability of bridge to meet current traffic conditions), and • how essential the bridge is for public use (accounting for 15%) Ratings range from 100 (entirely sufficient) to 0 (entirely insufficient or deficient). The Sufficiency Rating is considered by the federal government when a state requests federal bridge dollar to improve the condition of the bridge. Bridges with low sufficiency ratings are eligible for more funds. Sufficiency Rating 80 – 100 Funding Eligibility Not available 50 – 79 Eligible for costs to rehabilitate or refurbish bridge 0 – 49 Eligible for costs to replace bridge
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8.9 FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has developed a Functional Classification System that all municipalities in the state use as a guideline for the designation of streets within their jurisdiction. This classification system was developed to ensure consistent determinations of streets throughout the state. Based on the WSDOT database, streets and roads in the City are presently classified by WSDOT as shown in Table 8.2 and Figure 8.1.
TABLE 8‐2 ‐ STREET CLASSIFICATION
Street From To
Major Collector – 47.6 Lane Miles
Point Brown Avenue City Entrance Marine View Drive
Ocean Shores Boulevard Point Brown Avenue E. Ocean Shores Boulevard
W Chance a la Mer Beach Approach Point Brown Avenue
Marine View Drive Ocean Shores Boulevard Point Brown Avenue
Minor Collector – 20.3 Lane Miles
Damon Road Point Brown Avenue Beach Approach
E Chance a la Mer Point Brown Avenue Albatross Street
Albatross Street E Chance a la Mer Duck Lake Drive
Duck Lake Drive Albatross Street Catala Avenue
Catala Avenue Duck Lake Drive Discovery Avenue
Overlake Drive Duck Lake Drive Ocean Lake Way
Ocean Lake Way Overlake Street Ocean Shores Boulevard
Canal Drive Ocean Lake Way Mount Olympus Avenue
Mount Olympus Avenue Canal Drive Discovery Avenue
Discovery Avenue Mount Olympus Avenue Point Brown Avenue
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FIGURE 8‐1 ‐ COLLECTOR STREET NETWORK
NOTE: Purple denotes main collectors. Yellow denotes minor collectors.
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8.10 TRAFFIC VOLUMES
Vehicular traffic within the City is generated primarily by the northern commercial area, the southern commercial area, and the ocean beaches. The highest traffic volumes within the City occur at the north end. Based on traffic counts done in the 1990’s, Point Brown Avenue, near the City entrance carried the highest traffic volumes with an average weekday volume of 4,900. Chance a la Mer, in between Point Brown Avenue and Ocean Shores Boulevard, carried the second highest volume with an average weekday volume of 3,000. Since Chance a la Mer and Point Brown Avenue carry the greatest traffic volume within the City, the busiest intersection therefore occurs where these two streets meet one another. While it is likely that the raw numbers have increased, the basic pattern of usage probably has not since no major changes to the streets or traffic have occurred.
Because the City of Ocean Shores is situated on a Peninsula, the available vehicular routes into City limits are generally confined to S.R. 115. WSDOT conducted short duration traffic counts at S.R. 115 at the intersection with S.R. 109 and in 2018 estimated the vehicle classifications shown by Table 8.3.
TABLE 8‐3 ‐ VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION
Vehicle Classification Percent of Volume
Passenger Vehicle 93.5%
Single Unit Truck 4.6%
Double Unit Truck 1.8%
Triple Unit Truck 0.1%
The City has maintained traffic counters at the City entrances since 2015. In terms of inbound traffic, the 2019 Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) is estimated at 5,700 vehicles. The year 2030 forecast is 6,800 AADT inbound vehicles. The growth factor used in the 2030 forecast is based on 1987 through 2018 annual traffic counts taken on S.R. 115 by WSDOT.
Effects of Recreational Travel
Peak traffic flows occur on weekends in the summer months and low volume flows occur on weekdays in the winter months. In 2019 the peak daily volume was 16,400 on July 4th, and the low daily volume was 2,300 on February 5th. Seasonal fluctuations reflect the impact that recreational travel has on the City’s seasonal traffic patterns. Table 8.4 demonstrates the percentage of annual traffic that occurred in each month of 2019.
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TABLE 8‐4 ‐ TYPICAL TRAFFIC PATTERNS BY MONTH
Ocean Shores Patterns Typical WA West Recreational Patterns 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% % of Annual Traffic 2% 0%
The Washington West Recreational line represents expected seasonal percentages from WSDOT for average Western Washington recreational areas (2016‐2018) in comparison to observed monthly patterns in Ocean Shores in 2019.
8.11 LEVEL OF SERVICE STANDARDS
Standards, which major collector streets are measured against, allow the City to determine if a street or a segment of a street is operating at a level acceptable to the City. When a street or a segment of a street falls below the acceptable level of service assigned to that classification of street, it is a clear indication that traffic volume is exceeding the capacity of the street and/or that traffic controls such as stop signs, turning lanes, or traveling lanes are not sufficient. The City has adopted Link (A‐F) Level of Service (LOS) standards as minimum criteria for the quality of service provided at peak hours for roadways on all minor and major collectors in the City that handle significant levels of local traffic. These standards are as follows:
LOS A. Primarily free‐flow traffic operations at an average travel speed. Vehicles are completely unimpeded in their ability of maneuver within the traffic stream. Stopped delays at intersections are minimal.
LOS B. Reasonably unimpeded traffic flow operations at average travel speeds. The ability to maneuver within the traffic stream is only slightly restricted and stopped delays are not bothersome. Drivers are not generally subject to appreciable tensions.
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LOS C. Stable traffic flow operations. However, the ability to maneuver and change lanes in midblock locations may be more restricted than in LOS B, and longer queues and/or adverse signal coordination may contribute to lower average travel speeds. Motorists will experience appreciable tension while driving.
LOS D. Small increases in traffic flow may cause substantial increases in approach delays and decreases in arterial speed. This may be due to adverse signal progression, inappropriate signal timing, high volumes or some combinations of these.
LOS E. Significant delays in traffic flow operations and lower operating speeds. Conditions are caused by some combination of adverse progression, high signal density, extensive queuing at critical intersections and inappropriate signal timing.
LOS F. Traffic flow operations at extreme low speeds. Intersection congestion is likely at critical signal locations, with high approach delays resulting. Adverse signal progression is frequently a contributor to this condition.
Level of Service is based on the qualitative perceptions of the motorist or passengers but has a quantitative basis of measurement. The motorist or passenger will judge the quality of the commute trip on road condition, travel time and safety of the commute from one location to another. However, to determine if the roadway is operating at its designed capacity and is contributing to the overall efficiency of the combined network of roads and streets within the City, a quantitative analysis to determine the minimum acceptable LOS can be established. The WSDOT established a LOS D as the minimum acceptable LOS for streets and roads within an urban area. Roads operating at that level of service are considered operating at their capacity. The City adopts LOS C or better for designing City streets and roads and for evaluating development impacts to traffic. The collector roadways within the City are presently operating at or above LOS C.
However, this determination of level of service is based on overall average use. The peak usage associated with the seasonal, weekend, and holiday influx of visitors to the City is not well represented in this methodology. During these peak times, level of service could be lower based on quantity of vehicles alone. Further, given the relatively high level of service resident users become accustomed to in off‐peak months, the perceived level during these times could be lower.
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WSDOT has established LOS standards for S.R. 109 at LOS D and S.R. 115 at LOS C. LOS standards for state highways are intended to help monitor the performance of the system, to evaluate improvement strategies, and to facilitate coordination between the City's six‐year street, road, or transit program and the State Office of Financial Management's ten‐year investment program. The City encourages WSDOT to maintain and improve the existing LOS standards by employing a variety of transportation system management strategies.
8.12 OTHER MODES OF TRANSPORTATION
Mass Transit
Ocean Shores is a part of the Grays Harbor Transit system, which provides bus services between the City and other areas throughout the region including Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Ocean City, Copalis Crossing, Hogan’s Corner, Pacific Beach, Moclips and Taholah. In addition to the regional system, Grays Harbor Transit provides a local service between the northern commercial area and the Ocean Shores Marina area.
Bus shelters are located in the northern commercial area at the Chance a la Mer beach approach, at the 700 block of Point Brown Avenue NE., and at the 1000 block of Discovery Avenue SE.
Transit between the Ocean Shores Marina, the northern commercial area, and the airport is provided on Saturday and Sunday. Along with regularly scheduled service, Grays Harbor Transit also provides Dial‐A‐Ride services within the City to and from specific points.
Pedestrian and Bicycle
There is not a comprehensive pedestrian transportation system within the City except for shoulders which are only incidental carriers of pedestrian traffic. Sidewalks and marked street crossings are not present in residential areas and are present in only some of the commercial areas. The present location of sidewalks and shared use pathways is shown in Table 8‐5.
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TABLE 8‐5 ‐ SIDEWALKS AND SHARED USE PATHWAY LOCATIONS
Street From To
Sidewalks
Ocean Shores Blvd NW W Chance a la Mer Capstan Street NW
Capstan Street NW Ocean Shores Blvd NW Ocean Court NW
W Chance a la Mer Point Brown Avenue Beach Approach
E Chance a la Mer Point Brown Avenue Dolphin Avenue NE
Dolphin Avenue NE E Chance a la Mer J K Lewis Street NE
Point Brown Avenue NE Chance a la Mer 573 Point Brown Avenue NW
Oyhut Bay Blvd SW Marine View Drive SW Gooseberry Lane SW
Shared Use Pathways
Point Brown Avenue NW 573 Point Brown Avenue Ocean Lake Way NE NW
Ocean Lake Way NE Point Brown Avenue NW Canal Drive SE
Canal Drive SE Ocean Lake Way NE 300 Mt Olympus Avenue SE
At the present time, the City lacks a comprehensive bicycle transportation scheme. The present location of marked bicycle lanes is shown in Table 8.6.
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TABLE 8‐6 ‐ BICYCLE LANE LOCATIONS
Street From To
Point Brown Avenue Chance a la Mer Marine View Drive
Sportsmens Street SW Ocean Shores Blvd SW E Ocean Shores Blvd SW
Pacific Boulevard NW Ocean Shores Boulevard SW Point Brown Avenue NE
Ocean Lake Way SW Ocean Shores Boulevard SW Point Brown Avenue NE
Taurus Boulevard SW Ocean Shores Boulevard SW Point Brown Avenue SE
Air
Air transportation is available to Ocean Shores through the City owned airport located in the northeastern part of the City bordering North Bay, Grays Harbor. It is unattended and open to general aviation. The airport consists of a 50 foot by 3,100‐foot runway and accompanying taxiways and hangars. The entrance to the airport is located at the intersection of Albatross Street and Duck Lake Drive NE.
Marina and Freshwater Ways
A pedestrian ferry between the Ocean Shores Marina and Westport provided seasonal transportation across Grays Harbor from 1986 to 2008. The ferry was shut down in 2008 due to sediment buildup at the Ocean Shores Marina. The Ocean Shores Marina is currently owned by the Quinault Indian Nation.
Water travel within the City is also possible via the City’s 23 miles of fresh waterways system that presently provides transportation routes for small boats, canoes and kayaks. Public docks and launches are at the locations shown in Table 8.7.
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TABLE 8‐7 ‐ PUBLIC FRESHWATER DOCK AND LAUNCH LOCATIONS Park Name Location Waterway Dock Boat Launch
Limpet Park Limpet Court Duck Lake None Hand Launch
North Bay Park Albatross Street Duck Lake Yes Ramp Launch
Chinook Park Duck Lake Drive Duck Lake Yes Ramp Launch
Bill Ellis Park* Mt Olympus Duck Lake Yes Hand Launch
Oyhut Canal* Marine View Drive Oyhut Canal Yes Hand Launch
Texmar Park Texmar Avenue Lake Minard None Hand Launch
S End Grand Canal Park Discovery Avenue Grand Canal Yes None
* Private dock open to public
8.13 IDENTIFICATION OF IMPROVEMENTS AND FUNDING
Transportation costs and benefits should be shared equitably and provide for consistency and fairness in establishing priorities for transportation expenditures. The developer/project applicants are also required to provide all on‐site and necessary off‐site transportation improvements to mitigate project impacts identified through the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) process. There is value in continuing and improving the developer driven and funded requirements. However, from a capital and operational standpoint, the City has three streams of revenue, the General Fund, the Transportation Benefit District and the Gas Tax. Their contribution amounts are in that order. Capital transportation projects will continue to be primarily driven by competitively acquired grant funding with a 10% to 13.5% City match. These improvements and their funding sources are identified through the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) on an annual basis with a 6‐year forecast. The most recent STIP for the six years of 2020 through 2025, is incorporated by reference as adopted by the City Council and includes twenty‐three desired improvements. The estimated funding that would be necessary to realize all these improvements and actual funded improvement amounts are shown in Table 8‐8.
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TABLE 8‐8 ‐ 2020‐2025 STIP FUNDING Proposed Funded
Federal $46,175,998 Federal $277,217 $11,991,746 State State $137,200
City $11,473,591 City $2,131,171*
Total $69,641,335 Total $2,545,588 *Includes $245,000 for the High Dune Trail, $86,171 for timber bridge repairs and assumes the City continues to allocate $300,000 per year towards pavement preservation.
While many of the recommended improvements remain unfunded at this time, that fact should not immediately impact the adopted LOS standard on collector streets. City expenditures on transportation should reflect the following priorities: 1. Address urgent or emergency conditions that are dangerous to public health or safety. 2. Correct existing and future deficiencies. 3. Add desired new streets, shared use pathways or amenities.
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9 PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT
Ocean Shores Comprehensive Park and Recreation Facilities Plan, 2018 – 2023 is adopted by reference and declared to be an element of this comprehensive plan.
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