Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government & Housing Committee |
HB 2082
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Creating the state capitol campus special height district.
Sponsors: Representatives Hunt, Kessler, Wallace, McCoy, Carlyle, Ormsby, Chase and Kenney.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/28/10
Staff: Ethan Moreno (786-7386).
Background:
In 1967 the legislature established the optional municipal code as an alternative form of classification of city government. Cities that operate under the optional municipal code (i.e., code cities) have broad statutory home rule authority in matters of local concern. Of the 281 Washington cities, 187 operate under the optional municipal code.
Among numerous provision in the optional municipal code, code cities were granted express authority to adopt a comprehensive plan for anticipating and influencing the orderly and coordinated development of land and building uses within the city. After adopting a comprehensive plan, code cities may implement all or part of the plan through ordinances that provide for certain regulatory provisions, including:
the adoption of an official map and regulations relating to locations and requirements for streets, parks, public buildings, and other public facilities;
dividing the city into land use zones with specific standards, requirements and conditions for regulating land and buildings; and
the adoption of design standards, requirements, regulations, and procedures for the subdivision of land.
The City of Olympia operates under the optional municipal code.
Summary of Bill:
Provisions governing planning and zoning actions in code cities are modified to create the state capitol campus height district (district). The district's stated purpose is to protect the scenic beauty of the state capitol campus for the citizens of the state and for out-of-state visitors. The district is located as follows: the Olympia Isthmus--from the centerline of Water Street, proceeding west to the shoreline of the Deschutes spillway bounded by the Capitol Lake shoreline and the Budd Inlet shoreline.
The maximum allowable height for a new or remodeled building or structure within the district is 35 feet.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.