The city of Bainbridge Island received a letter of approval Monday from the Department of Ecology on the city’s Shoreline Master Program update.

The letter, dated July 16, 2014, represents Ecology’s final decision and approval of the update.

No further modifications will be made to the city’s updated SMP and the new regulations will go into effect 14 days from the date of the letter.

A brief timeline provided in the correspondence outlined some of the new SMP’s most recent milestones that lead to the final approval.

Ecology accepted the city’s locally adopted SMP for review June 7, 2013.

A little more than a year later, Ecology conditionally approved the city’s SMP update with specific required and recommended changes.

This month marks its final approval with all the changes incorporated.

“Congratulations to you, your staff, and the Bainbridge Island community for completing this comprehensive update,” stated the letter.

“We know this has been a long and challenging process.”

Along with the letter of approval, the city will receive a legal notice to distribute to the media and public.

This will mark the beginning of a 60-day appeal period.