BILL REQ. #:  H-4981.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/03/10.   

     AN ACT Relating to the state capitol campus special height district; adding a new section to chapter 35A.63 RCW; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that the broad public vista northward from the historic capitol campus, and the public view of the state capitol from many points to the north of it, constitute a vista of statewide and national historic significance.
     The vista is an integral part of the design of the state capitol campus. The state's founders sited the capitol campus in its location principally to take advantage of this expansive vista. The vista is representative of much of the physical characteristics of very large areas of the state; it provides a visual and physical connection between the capitol and Puget Sound; it inspires; and it promotes an appreciation of the scenic grandeur and rich natural resources of our state.
     The city of Olympia was so named because of the spectacular vista of the Olympic mountains from many locations in the city, including the downtown, Budd Inlet, and capitol campus areas.
     The vista is of national significance because it includes routes of early exploring and mapping that contributed to this area becoming incorporated into the United States of America rather than another country. Within this vista, many historical events took place that were significant for understanding of: Maritime history and early days of Native American life; pioneer life; Washington territory; and the state of Washington.
     This state and national treasure has been passed down from one generation to another. It includes public vistas of Budd Inlet, south Puget Sound, the Olympic mountains, and a broad range of forested hills.
     Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to take steps to protect this state and national scenic and historic asset.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 35A.63 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) A special height district is created to protect the scenic beauty of the state capitol campus for the citizens of this state and for out-of-state visitors.
     (2) The state capitol campus special height district is located as follows: The Olympia Isthmus--from the western boundary of Capitol Waterway in Olympia proceeding west to the shoreline of the Deschutes spillway bounded by Capitol Lake shoreline and Budd Inlet shoreline.
     (3) The maximum allowable height for a new or remodeled building or structure located within the state capitol campus special height district is thirty-five feet.
     (4) Nothing in this section is intended to affect any project in the state capitol campus special height district that has vested prior to the effective date of this act.