SB 5505 - DIGEST

Declares an intent to: (1) Encourage storm water management and flood prevention; and

(2) Establish a minimum standard of care for the design, development and maintenance of adequate storm water control facilities in natural watercourses within urban growth areas of high population density.

Provides that, within urban growth areas designated under RCW 36.70A.110, and where drainage to a natural watercourse has been increased significantly beyond the capacity of the watercourse in its natural condition: (1) A city must make diligent efforts to develop, maintain, and enhance the capacity of storm water control facilities to protect life and property from flooding and attendant damages; and

(2) A city is liable in an action for damages to a person whose property is damaged by flooding if the damages would have been avoided by the city's exercise of reasonable care in developing, maintaining, and enhancing the capacity of storm water control facilities.