SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5156

BYSenators Bluechel, Kreidler and Garrett

Exempting class AA counties from state flood controls.

Senate Committee on Parks & Ecology

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 22, 1987; February 5, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5156 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Kreidler, Chairman; Rinehart, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Hansen, Kiskaddon.

Senate Staff:Gary Wilburn (786-7453)

                  February 5, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON PARKS & ECOLOGY, FEBRUARY 5, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Chapter 86.16 RCW establishes a flood control management program for the state.  The Department of Ecology establishes flood control zones using quadrangle maps published by the United States Geological Survey.  Permits are required for constructing, reconstructing, or modifying any structures within the flood control zone.  The Department of Ecology administers the permit program, and delegations of the program may be made to the governing body of any county, city or town provided statutory minimal requirements are satisfied.  Enforcement powers for violation of the permit requirement or abatement of structures constructed in violation of the statutory requirements are provided.

SUMMARY:

All construction activities, public or private, within class AA counties (those with a population in excess of 500,000) are exempted from the requirements of Chapter 86.16 RCW.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The exemption in the bill is narrowed to towns within the King County portion of Snohomish River flood control zone, for structures constructed prior to and land platted prior to August 15, 1966.  Such towns may apply to the Department of Ecology for exemption, based upon physical characteristics within the town.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Ray Nelson, Nelson Stock Ranch; Chuck Steele, FEMA; Wendy Bolender, Washington Association of Realtors; Rod Mack, Department of Ecology; Elizabeth Tabbutt, WEC