On September 12, 2006, the Pierce County passed two resolutions directing the Planning and Land Services Department (PALS) to develop recommendations for interim regulations for aquacultural practices and for piers and docks.

Resolution No. R2006-96 directed PALS to develop recommendations regarding aquacultural practices in consultation with the Washington State Department of Ecology and other appropriate state agencies. The resolution stated that at a minimum, these recommendations should address the impacts of aquacultural practices on water quality, the nearshore environment, and general aesthetic quality of the shoreline.

Resolution No. R2006-97 directed PALS to develop recommendations regarding the maximum length of saltwater docks and piers which included disincentives for single use structures and incentives for joint use structures. The resolution also directed PALS to evaluate and develop recommendations for floating boat lifts.

The recommendations from PALS were considered by the Pierce County Planning Commission and Council. Ordinance (2007-34s2), Exhibit A and Exhibit B passed October 16, 2007. The Department of Ecology required changes to the Ordinance before accepting the proposal for further review. To fulfill that requirement the County Council adopted Ordinance (2008-25) on June 3, 2008. The Department of Ecology required further changes, which were adopted by the County Council on April 8, 2009 in Ordinance (2009-26). The Ordinance was approved by the Department of Ecology and became effective on May 14, 2009. An appeal to the ordinance has been filed, however, the appeal does not delay the effective date.