2010/11/03 Council Agenda Packet

Everett City Council September 29,2010 Page 2 The public access element addresses the provision of shoreline access to the general public. Shoreline public access is the ability of the public to reach, touch, and enjoy the water's edge, to travel on the waters of the state, or to view the water and the shorelines from adjacent locations. There variety of types of public access including picnic areas,pathways and trails, floats and docks, promenades, viewing towers, bridges, boat launches, street ends, ingress and egress,parking and others. The City has set forth specific "Goals and Objectives" to guide and protect this important public interest: GOALS: To achieve safe, convenient, and diversified access for the public to the shorelines of Everett. The first 100 years of Everett's history, public access to shorelines was limited by industrial and railroad development. Everett's citizens have indicated that public access is among their highest priorities. The goal of this section shall be to protect and maintain existing public access, to restore and reclaim public access, and to provide safe and meaningful public access,use and enjoyment of Everett's shorelines. OBJECTIVES: 2. To the greatest extent feasible, protect the public's opportunity to enjoy the physical and aesthetic qualities of the shorelines of the state, including views of the water. 3. Protect and, as appropriate, seek to enhance existing public access including expansion of trails, trail networks, and substantial public viewing areas. The Everett Municipal Code defines "Public access" as "provision of physical or visual approach from upland or adjacent properties to shorelines or public waters available to the general public". 33D.040. EMC 33D.080 requires that, "Public access provided by shoreline street ends, public utilities and public rights-of-way shall not be diminished." • 99999 00 11293104(SNP) 151