SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5869
As of January 5, 2024
Title: An act relating to rural fire district stations.
Brief Description: Concerning rural fire district stations.
Sponsors: Senators Short and Lovelett.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs: 1/09/24.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Exempts rural fire district stations from the provisions governing plats and subdivisions if the division of land into lots or tracts is less than two acres and is used or to be used for the construction and operation of a rural fire district station.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT, LAND USE & TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Staff: Maggie Douglas (786-7279)
Background:

Subdivisions and Plats. The state subdivision law governs the manner in which cities and counties administer the division of land into parcels for the purpose of sale, lease, or other transfers of ownership. When the division is of four or fewer parcels, it is considered a short subdivision. State law requires cities and counties to establish systems for short subdivisions, but leaves the details largely up to city or county control. Once established, all long and short subdivisions are subject to certain statutory requirements. 


Current law allows nine exceptions to the requirements of the state subdivision law: 

  • property divisions for cemeteries and burial plots;
  • certain divisions of five acres or larger;
  • divisions resulting from a will or inheritance;
  • certain divisions for industrial or commercial use;
  • certain divisions by lease where no residential structures other than mobile homes, tiny houses or tiny houses with wheels, or trailers will be placed on the land;
  • divisions to adjust boundaries;
  • certain divisions for condominium developments; 
  • divisions for property leases for personal wireless services facilities; and
  • divisions for consumer-owned or investor-owned utilities.


Local zoning ordinances reflect the appropriate and allowable uses of land as determined and administered by city and county governments. Proposed subdivisions must conform to local zoning determinations.


Local Fire Protection Services. Counties, cities and towns, airport districts, certain port districts, and fire protection districts are authorized to provide local fire protection services, including fire prevention and suppression services and emergency medical services for the protection of life and property. 

Summary of Bill:

An additional exception to the state subdivision law is established for divisions of land into lots or tracts of less than two acres used or to be used for the purpose of establishing a site for construction and operation of a rural fire district station.  

Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.