SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 5040

BYSenator Rasmussen

Requiring the rectification of boundary discrepancies prior to plat approval.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 22, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Garrett, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, McCaslin, Talmadge, Zimmerman.

Senate Staff:Sam Thompson (786-7754); Walt Corneille (786-7452)

                  February 24, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 18, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Land development may be permitted after the filing and approval of a short subdivision -- the division of land into four lots or less for sale, lease or transfer.  A short subdivision in a city or town may, by local ordinance, be increased to a maximum of nine lots.  The requirements for short subdivisions are largely governed by local ordinance, which may specify different requirements than those established in statute for standard subdivisions.  Standard subdivisions must be surveyed prior to approval.  Surveys for short subdivisions are mandatory only if the city, town or county ordinance so requires.  Some jurisdictions do not require a survey.

Since surveys are often quite costly, it is suggested that those seeking approval of short subdivisions be assured that their proposal meets all other requirements before a survey is undertaken.  It is also suggested that boundary discrepancies revealed by surveys of either short or standard subdivisions be rectified prior to final approval of a plat (map) of a proposed subdivision.

SUMMARY:

Prior to the filing of a plat (map) of a proposed short subdivision for final approval, local ordinances which require surveys may permit preliminary approval of the short subdivision before the survey is completed.  If the survey of either a short or standard subdivision reveals a discrepancy in boundary lines, the plat must not be given final approval until the discrepancy has been rectified and the title has been quieted.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Jim Williams, Washington State Association of Counties; Mark Triplett, Home Builders Association of Washington State