BULKHEADS

Bulkheads are retaining wall-like structures whose primary purpose is to hold or prevent the sliding of soil caused by wave erosion. Mason County issues bulkhead permits in areas where serious wave erosion threatens an established use or existing buildings on upland property. In many areas, wave erosion is not a serious threat, and a bulkhead is not truly needed. Often times, property owners spend considerable time and money on constructing bulkheads where they are not necessary. The Shoreline Master Program states, "Residential development along shorelines should be designed and sited to make shore protection measures unnecessary. " In other words, the most long-term, preventative means of shoreline property protection is a construction setback in which the residence is built a safe distance (setback) from the shoreline. An adequate setback will prevent the residence from being threatened by storms and erosion. Setbacks also prevent the interruption of the natural erosion processes that support marine and riparian habitats. ALTERNATIVES TO BULKHEADING The modification of shorelines has resulted in adverse impacts to valuable biological, cultural, and social resources. Some types of bulkheads have more deleterious impacts than others and, therefore, are discouraged. Section 17.01.110 (g)(1) of the Mason County Resource Ordinance dictates that “hard