Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

HB 2561

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Bill

Allows ski facilities to satisfy the requirement under the State Building Code that all applicants submit proof of a potable water supply by submitting evidence that the property has, on its premises or reasonably close to its premises, a water tank with a storage capacity large enough to serve the ski facility's daily potable water needs and an agreement with an approved water purveyor to provide water to the tank.

Background:

The State Building Code requires that all building permit applicants must provide evidence that an adequate supply of potable water will be available for the building being proposed. Adequate evidence of a potable water supply can include possession of a water right or a letter from a water purveyor stating the ability to provide water to the building (RCW 19.27.097). All public water systems must provide an adequate quantity and quality of water in a reliable manner at all times (WAC 246-290-420).

Summary of Bill:

For ski facilities only, the requirement under the State Building Code that all applicants submit proof of a potable water supply can be met if the applicant submits evidence that the property has, on its premises or reasonably close to its premises, a water tank with a storage capacity large enough to serve the ski facility's daily potable water needs and an agreement with an approved water purveyor to provide water to the tank. The water purveyor may maintain water in the tank either through a direct connection to a water main or well or by manually transporting unpressurized water by vehicle from a water main or well to the water tank.

To qualify, a ski facility must be an operation open to the public that holds itself out as a purveyor of alpine or cross-country skiing opportunities.