Determination as to whether construction is a hydraulic project — Preapplication determination — Review and comment period — Written determination.
RCW 77.55.400
in effect(1) A person proposing construction or other work landward of the ordinary high water line that will use, divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow or bed of state waters shall submit a permit application to the department. However, if a person is unsure about whether the work requires a permit, they may request a preapplication determination from the department. The department must evaluate the proposed work and determine if the work is a hydraulic project and, if so, whether a permit from the department is required to ensure adequate protection of fish life. (2) The preapplication determination request must be submitted through the department's online permitting system and must contain: (a) A description of the proposed project; (b) A map showing the location of the project site; and (c) Preliminary plans and specifications of the proposed construction or work, if available. (3) The department shall provide tribes and local governments a seven calendar day review and comment period. The department shall consider all applicable written comments received before issuing a determination. (4) The department shall issue a written determination, including the rationale for the decision, within twenty-one calendar days of receiving the request. (5) Determinations made according to the provisions of this section are not subject to the requirements of chapter 43.21C RCW.
(1) A person proposing construction or other work landward of the ordinary high water line that will use, divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow or bed of state waters shall submit a permit application to the department. However, if a person is unsure about whether the work requires a permit, they may request a preapplication determination from the department. The department must evaluate the proposed work and determine if the work is a hydraulic project and, if so, whether a permit from the department is required to ensure adequate protection of fish life.
(2) The preapplication determination request must be submitted through the department's online permitting system and must contain:
(a) A description of the proposed project;
(b) A map showing the location of the project site; and
(c) Preliminary plans and specifications of the proposed construction or work, if available.
(3) The department shall provide tribes and local governments a seven calendar day review and comment period. The department shall consider all applicable written comments received before issuing a determination.
(4) The department shall issue a written determination, including the rationale for the decision, within twenty-one calendar days of receiving the request.
(5) Determinations made according to the provisions of this section are not subject to the requirements of chapter 43.21C RCW.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.55&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026