RCW 79.160.010 — Definitions.
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
- (1) "Aquatic lands" means all tidelands, shorelands, harbor areas, and the beds of navigable waters, including lands owned by the state and lands owned by other public or private entities.
- (2) "Department" means the department of natural resources.
(3) "Derelict aquatic structure" means overwater and in-water structures where, as a result of catastrophic damage or disuse or neglect, conditions exist that make the structure unsafe for use, pose a hazard, or pose risks to public health or safety or the surrounding environment. Factors that indicate an aquatic structure is derelict include, but are not limited to, structures that:
- (a) Are unsecured;
- (b) Are abandoned and partially constructed;
- (c) Are at risk of partial or full collapse;
- (d) Are dilapidated by being in a state of disrepair due to catastrophic damage or disuse or neglect;
- (e) Have received a notice from a building or safety authority with jurisdiction that identified structural defects that prohibit the structure from being used;
- (f) Increase the risk of fire, accident, or environmental harm; or
- (g) Otherwise represent a risk to public or environmental health or safety.
- (4) "Owner" means any natural person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, government entity, or organization that has a lawful right to possession of a structure by purchase, exchange, gift, lease, inheritance, or legal action whether or not the structure is subject to a security interest.
[ 2023 c 227 s 2.]