SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5328

                    As of January 31, 1997

Title:  An act relating to raising the amount that must be exceeded by the cost of construction of a dock, including a community dock, designed for pleasure craft only, for the private noncommercial use of the owner, lessee, or contract purchaser of single and multiple family residences for the construction to be considered substantial development under the shoreline management act of 1971.

Brief Description:  Exempting certain dock construction, maintenance, and repair from the shoreline management act.

Sponsors:  Senators Hargrove, Morton, Loveland, Snyder and Stevens.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Agriculture & Environment:  2/5/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT

Staff:  Kari Guy (786-7437)

Background:  The Shoreline Management Act requires that a development conducted on shorelines of the state be consistent with the guidelines, rules, and master programs created under the act.  A shoreline substantial development permit is required for any construction with a fair market value which exceeds $2,500, with some exemptions.

One exemption is for the construction of a dock, including a community dock, which is designed for pleasure craft only.  This exemption applies in salt waters if the fair market value of the dock does not exceed $2,500, and in fresh waters if the fair market value of the dock does not exceed $10,000. The exemption level for docks in fresh waters was increased from $2,500 to $10,000 in 1996.  The original $2,500 exemption level was established in 1973.

It has been suggested that the fair market value exemption limit for docks has not kept pace with inflation.

Summary of Bill:  Construction of a dock or community dock for a fair market value which does not exceed $20,000 is exempt from substantial development permit requirements. In addition, maintenance of an existing dock at up to $10,000 per occurrence is allowed one time in a ten-year period, and emergency repairs or reconstruction may be made in any amount.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.