Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Natural Resources Committee

HB 2399

Brief Description:  Modifying provisions concerning Class IV forest practices.

Sponsors:  Representatives Rockefeller, Doumit, Jackley, Chase, McDermott and Haigh; by request of Department of Natural Resources.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Extends the deadline to December 31, 2005 for cities and counties to adopt provisions setting standards for Class IV forest practices.

Hearing Date:  1/22/02

Staff:  Bill Lynch (786‑7092).

Background:

The Board of Natural Resources is required to establish rules to govern different classes of forest practices.  Class IV forest practices apply to lands that have been or are being converted to another use, lands that are not going to be reforested because of the likelihood that they will be converted to urban development in the future, lands contained within urban growth areas under certain circumstances, and forest practices which have a potential for substantial impact on the environment and required an environmental impact statement under the State Environmental Policy Act.  In 1997, the Legislature granted cities and counties more authority over lands that are being converted out of forestry uses.

Each city and county is required to adopt ordinances or regulations setting standards for Class IV forest practices regulated by local government.  They must include minimum standards for Class IV forest practices, necessary administrative provisions, and procedures for collection and administration of the necessary fees.  The Class IV forest practices regulations are administered and enforced by the cities and counties that adopt the regulations.

The Department of Natural Resources continues to administer Class IV forest practices permits within a jurisdiction until it has determined that a city or county's forest practices meet or exceed the requirements of the state's Forest Practices Act and the administration of the rules under that act.

Cities and counties are required to adopt the ordinances or regulations pertaining to Class IV forest practices by December 31, 2001.  Only three counties have been able to comply with this deadline.

Summary of Bill:

The deadline for each county and city to adopt ordinances or regulations which set standards for Class IV forest practices regulated by local government is extended from December 31, 2001 to December 31, 2005.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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