6609-S AMH SIMP MOET 199

SSB 6609 - H AMD 1561

By Representative Simpson

ADOPTED 3/13/2008

   Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

   "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 19.27 RCW to read as follows:

   (1) The charge under this chapter for building permits for specialty agricultural structures constructed on a commercial agricultural operation may not exceed the sum total of seventy-five dollars plus the vehicle fuel costs for inspections of the structure. This subsection (1) applies only if: (a) The design for the structure has been approved by a state licensed and registered engineer, and certified to meet local conditions related to wind load, snow load, and other natural forces; and (b) the permit application is for a structure with two thousand five hundred square feet or less of floor area.

   (2) Specialty agricultural structures are those that are designed and constructed to house farm equipment, hay, grain, poultry, livestock, or other horticultural products. Human habitation, public use, and employment where agricultural products are processed, treated, or packaged are not permitted uses of a specialty agricultural structure.

   (3) For purposes of this section, "commercial agricultural operation" means an operation that generates an average of at least ten thousand dollars gross income per year from the sale of agricultural products.

   Sec. 2. RCW 19.27.100 and 1975 1st ex.s. c 8 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

   Except as provided in section 1 of this act, nothing in this chapter shall prohibit a city, town, or county of the state from imposing fees different from those set forth in the state building code.

   NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1)(a) A legislative task force on agricultural structure permits is established, with members as provided in this subsection.

   (i) The president of the senate shall appoint one member from each of the two largest caucuses of the senate.

   (ii) The speaker of the house shall appoint one member from each of the two largest caucuses of the house of representatives.

   (iii) The governor shall appoint one member representing the state building code council.

   (b) The task force shall choose its chair from among its legislative membership.

   (c) The task force must have the following nonvoting ex officio members:

   (i) One member representing cities;

   (ii) One member representing counties; and

   (iii) Three members representing statewide agricultural organizations.

   (2) The task force shall review the following issues:

   (a) Permit costs for specialty agricultural structures in Washington and adjoining states and provinces; and

   (b) Alternative fee structures and building code requirements for agricultural structures.

   (3) Staff support for the task force must be provided by the senate committee services and the house of representatives office of program research.

   (4) Legislative members of the task force must be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 44.04.120. Nonlegislative members, except those representing an employer or organization, are entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

   (5) The expenses of the task force must be paid jointly by the house of representatives and the senate. Task force expenditures are subject to approval by the senate facilities and operations committee and the house of representatives executive rules committee, or their successor committees.

   (6) The task force shall report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate committees of the house of representatives and the senate by January 1, 2009.

   (7) This section expires April 1, 2009."

   Correct the title.

EFFECT: (1) Establishes a building permit charge limit for qualifying specialty agricultural structures of $75 plus vehicle fuel costs for inspections.

(2) Specifies that the charge limit applies only if: the design for the structure has been approved by a state licensed and registered engineer, and certified to meet local conditions related to wind load, snow load, and other natural forces; and the permit application is for a structure with 2,500 square feet or less of floor area.

   (3) Establishes a legislative task force on agricultural structure permits.

(4) Specifies membership, governance, and reporting requirements for the task force.

   (5) Includes technical changes.