HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2721

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.

As Reported by House Committee On:

Local Government

Title: An act relating to subzones in countywide flood control zone districts.

Brief Description: Clarifying provisions establishing subzones in countywide flood control zone districts.

Sponsors: Representative Green.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Local Government: 1/31/12 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Modifies provisions governing the establishment of countywide flood control zone districts and associated subzones.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Takko, Chair; Fitzgibbon, Vice Chair; Asay, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Springer, Tharinger and Upthegrove.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Angel, Ranking Minority Member; Rodne and Smith.

Staff: Ethan Moreno (786-7386).

Background:

Flood control zone districts (zones) may be established in a county for the purpose of undertaking, operating, or maintaining flood or storm water control projects that are of special benefit to areas of the county. County commissioners, by virtue of their office, are supervisors of zones created in their county. In any zone with more than 2,000 residents, an election of supervisors, other than the board of county commissioners (board), may be held.

The process for establishing a zone may be initiated through a board resolution or through a petition signed by a qualifying number of voters in the proposed zone. Regardless of initiation process, if required public notice and hearing requirements are satisfied, the board must make a final determination on whether to establish a zone.

Upon establishment of a zone, the board may divide any or all of the zone into separately designated subzones which, upon formation, operate as separate zones. The subzones may only be established through a resolution of the applicable board, and the board, in establishing subzones, is not required to satisfy procedural requirements pertaining to the establishment of zones.

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Summary of Bill:

Provisions governing the establishment of countywide flood control zone districts (zones) and associated subzones are modified. A reference to a previously deleted statute that remained in provisions governing the establishment of zones is deleted, and provisions governing the establishment of subzones are modified to specify that the board of county commissioners, in establishing subzones, is not required to satisfy procedural requirements pertaining to the establishment of zones.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This is a technical bill that is important to the City of Lakewood. The bill clarifies that flood control zone districts may establish subzones. The statute that authorizes the creation of subzones was adopted as a floor amendment in 1969, and it may have been adopted with errors. The provisions of this bill are permissive, not mandatory.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Briahna Taylor, City of Lakewood.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.