H-1957.1  _______________________________________________

                          HOUSE BILL 2109

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State of Washington      55th Legislature     1997 Regular Session

By Representatives Dunn and Boldt

Read first time 02/20/97.  Referred to Committee on Government Reform & Land Use.

Limiting Columbia River Gorge commission authority to prohibit property development.

    AN ACT Relating to the Columbia River Gorge commission; adding a new section to chapter 43.97 RCW; and making an appropriation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 43.97 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) If the commission has by rule or interpretation applied the federal Columbia River Gorge national scenic area act to an existing lot or parcel of property or parcel in such a way that prohibits development of that property or parcel, in whole or in part, and the property or parcel is within an incorporated city's limits or was purchased or acquired by the present owner before January 1, 1987, then the commission shall, upon application by the owner:

    (a) Approve a single building permit for that property or parcel; or

    (b) Fully compensate the owner for the value of the property or parcel at its current fair market value as if the permit was granted.

    (2) The assessor of the county in which the property in question lies shall determine the amount of compensation under subsection (1)(b) of this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  The sum of two hundred seventy-six thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998, from the general fund to the Columbia River Gorge commission for the purposes of this act.

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