UNCLASSIFIED CITIES

RCW 35.30
in effect

RCW 35.30.010 Additional powers.

The council, or other legislative body, of all cities within the state of Washington which were created by special charter prior to the adoption of the state Constitution, and which have not since reincorporated under any general statute, shall have, in addition to the powers specially granted by the charter of such cities, the following powers: (1) To construct, establish and maintain drains and sewers. (2) To impose and collect an annual license not exceeding two dollars on every dog owned or harbored within the limits of the city. (3) To levy and collect annually a property tax on all property within such city. (4) To license all shows, exhibitions and lawful games carried on therein; and to fix the rates of license tax upon the same, and to provide for the collection of the same by suit or otherwise. (5) To permit, under such restrictions as they may deem proper, the construction and maintenance of telephone, telegraph and electric light lines therein. (6) To impose fines, penalties and forfeitures for any and all violations of ordinances; and for any breach or violation of any ordinance, to fix the penalty by fine or imprisonment or both, but no such fine shall exceed five thousand dollars nor the term of imprisonment exceed one year. (7) To cause all persons imprisoned for violation of any ordinance to labor on the streets or other public property or works within the city. (8) To make all such ordinances, bylaws and regulations, not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of the state of Washington, as may be deemed expedient to maintain the peace, good government and welfare of the city, and to do and perform any and all other acts and things necessary and proper to carry out the purposes of the municipal corporation. The council, or other legislative body, of all cities within the state of Washington which were created by special charter prior to the adoption of the state Constitution, and which have not since reincorporated under any general statute, shall have, in addition to the powers specially granted by the charter of such cities, the following powers: (1) To construct, establish and maintain drains and sewers. (2) To impose and collect an annual license not exceeding two dollars on every dog owned or harbored within the limits of the city. (3) To levy and collect annually a property tax on all property within such city. (4) To license all shows, exhibitions and lawful games carried on therein; and to fix the rates of license tax upon the same, and to provide for the collection of the same by suit or otherwise. (5) To permit, under such restrictions as they may deem proper, the construction and maintenance of telephone, telegraph and electric light lines therein. (6) To impose fines, penalties and forfeitures for any and all violations of ordinances; and for any breach or violation of any ordinance, to fix the penalty by fine or imprisonment or both, but no such fine shall exceed five thousand dollars nor the term of imprisonment exceed one year. (7) To cause all persons imprisoned for violation of any ordinance to labor on the streets or other public property or works within the city. (8) To make all such ordinances, bylaws and regulations, not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of the state of Washington, as may be deemed expedient to maintain the peace, good government and welfare of the city, and to do and perform any and all other acts and things necessary and proper to carry out the purposes of the municipal corporation.

RCW 35.30.011 Nonpolluting power generation by individual — Exemption from regulation — Authorization to contract with utility.

See chapter 80.58 RCW. See chapter 80.58 RCW.

RCW 35.30.014 Hydroelectric resources — Separate legal authority — Creation by irrigation districts and cities, towns, or public utility districts.

See RCW 87.03.825 through 87.03.840 . See RCW 87.03.825 through 87.03.840 .

RCW 35.30.018 Publication of ordinances or summary — Public notice of hearings and meeting agendas.

Promptly after adoption, the text of each ordinance or a summary of the content of each ordinance shall be published at least once in the official newspaper of the city. For purposes of this section, a summary shall mean a brief description which succinctly describes the main points of the ordinance. Publication of the title of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness shall constitute publication of a summary of that ordinance. When the city publishes a summary, the publication shall include a statement that the full text of the ordinance will be mailed upon request. An inadvertent mistake or omission in publishing the text or a summary of the content of an ordinance shall not render the ordinance invalid. In addition to the requirement that a city publish the text or a summary of the content of each adopted ordinance, every city shall establish a procedure for notifying the public of upcoming hearings and the preliminary agenda for the forthcoming council meeting. Such procedure may include, but not be limited to, written notification to the city's official newspaper, publication of a notice in the official newspaper, posting of upcoming council meeting agendas, or such other processes as the city determines will satisfy the intent of this requirement. Promptly after adoption, the text of each ordinance or a summary of the content of each ordinance shall be published at least once in the official newspaper of the city. For purposes of this section, a summary shall mean a brief description which succinctly describes the main points of the ordinance. Publication of the title of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness shall constitute publication of a summary of that ordinance. When the city publishes a summary, the publication shall include a statement that the full text of the ordinance will be mailed upon request. An inadvertent mistake or omission in publishing the text or a summary of the content of an ordinance shall not render the ordinance invalid. In addition to the requirement that a city publish the text or a summary of the content of each adopted ordinance, every city shall establish a procedure for notifying the public of upcoming hearings and the preliminary agenda for the forthcoming council meeting. Such procedure may include, but not be limited to, written notification to the city's official newspaper, publication of a notice in the official newspaper, posting of upcoming council meeting agendas, or such other processes as the city determines will satisfy the intent of this requirement.

RCW 35.30.020 Sewer systems — Sewer fund.

The city council of all unclassified cities in this state are authorized to construct a sewer or system of sewers and to keep the same in repair; the cost of such sewer or sewers shall be paid from a special fund to be known as the "sewer fund" to be provided by the city council, which fund shall be created by a tax on all the property within the limits of such city: PROVIDED, That such tax shall not exceed one dollar and twenty-five cents per thousand dollars of the assessed value of all real and personal property within such city for any one year. Whenever it shall become necessary for the city to take or damage private property for the purpose of making or repairing sewers, and the city council cannot agree with the owner as to the price to be paid, the city council may direct proceedings to be taken by law for the condemnation of such property for such purpose. The city council of all unclassified cities in this state are authorized to construct a sewer or system of sewers and to keep the same in repair; the cost of such sewer or sewers shall be paid from a special fund to be known as the "sewer fund" to be provided by the city council, which fund shall be created by a tax on all the property within the limits of such city: PROVIDED, That such tax shall not exceed one dollar and twenty-five cents per thousand dollars of the assessed value of all real and personal property within such city for any one year. Whenever it shall become necessary for the city to take or damage private property for the purpose of making or repairing sewers, and the city council cannot agree with the owner as to the price to be paid, the city council may direct proceedings to be taken by law for the condemnation of such property for such purpose.

RCW 35.30.030 Assessment, levy and collection of taxes.

The city council shall have power to provide by ordinance a complete system for the assessment, levy, and collection of all city taxes. All taxes assessed together with any percentage imposed for delinquency and the cost of collection, shall constitute liens on the property assessed from and after the first day of November each year; which liens may be enforced by a summary sale of such property, and the execution and delivery of all necessary certificates and deeds therefor, under such regulations as may be prescribed by ordinance or by action in any court of competent jurisdiction to foreclose such liens: PROVIDED, That any property sold for taxes shall be subject to redemption within the time and within the manner provided or that may hereafter be provided by law for the redemption of property sold for state and county taxes. The city council shall have power to provide by ordinance a complete system for the assessment, levy, and collection of all city taxes. All taxes assessed together with any percentage imposed for delinquency and the cost of collection, shall constitute liens on the property assessed from and after the first day of November each year; which liens may be enforced by a summary sale of such property, and the execution and delivery of all necessary certificates and deeds therefor, under such regulations as may be prescribed by ordinance or by action in any court of competent jurisdiction to foreclose such liens: PROVIDED, That any property sold for taxes shall be subject to redemption within the time and within the manner provided or that may hereafter be provided by law for the redemption of property sold for state and county taxes.

RCW 35.30.040 Limitation of indebtedness.

Whenever it is deemed advisable to do so by the city council thereof, any city having a corporate existence in this state at the time of the adoption of the Constitution thereof is hereby authorized and empowered to borrow money and to contract indebtedness in any other manner for general municipal purposes, not exceeding in amount, together with the existing general indebtedness of the city, the amount of indebtedness authorized by chapter 39.36 RCW, as now or hereafter amended, to be incurred without the assent of the voters. Whenever it is deemed advisable to do so by the city council thereof, any city having a corporate existence in this state at the time of the adoption of the Constitution thereof is hereby authorized and empowered to borrow money and to contract indebtedness in any other manner for general municipal purposes, not exceeding in amount, together with the existing general indebtedness of the city, the amount of indebtedness authorized by chapter 39.36 RCW, as now or hereafter amended, to be incurred without the assent of the voters.

RCW 35.30.050 Additional indebtedness with popular vote.

Any such city may borrow money or contract indebtedness for strictly municipal purposes over the amount specified in RCW 35.30.040 , but not exceeding in amount, together with existing general indebtedness, the amount of indebtedness authorized by chapter 39.36 RCW as now or hereafter amended, to be incurred with the assent of the voters, through the council of the city, whenever three-fifths of the voters assent thereto, at an election to be held for that purpose, at such time, upon such reasonable notice, and in the manner presented by the city council, not inconsistent with the general election laws. Any such city may borrow money or contract indebtedness for strictly municipal purposes over the amount specified in RCW 35.30.040 , but not exceeding in amount, together with existing general indebtedness, the amount of indebtedness authorized by chapter 39.36 RCW as now or hereafter amended, to be incurred with the assent of the voters, through the council of the city, whenever three-fifths of the voters assent thereto, at an election to be held for that purpose, at such time, upon such reasonable notice, and in the manner presented by the city council, not inconsistent with the general election laws.

RCW 35.30.060 Additional indebtedness for municipal utilities.

In addition to the powers granted in RCW 35.30.040 and 35.30.050 , any such city, through its council may borrow money or contract indebtedness not exceeding in amount the amount of indebtedness authorized by chapter 39.36 RCW, as now or hereafter amended, for the purpose of supplying the city with water, artificial light, or sewers, when the plants used therefor are owned and controlled by the city, whenever three-fifths of the voters assent thereto at an election to be held for that purpose, according to the provisions of RCW 35.30.050 . In addition to the powers granted in RCW 35.30.040 and 35.30.050 , any such city, through its council may borrow money or contract indebtedness not exceeding in amount the amount of indebtedness authorized by chapter 39.36 RCW, as now or hereafter amended, for the purpose of supplying the city with water, artificial light, or sewers, when the plants used therefor are owned and controlled by the city, whenever three-fifths of the voters assent thereto at an election to be held for that purpose, according to the provisions of RCW 35.30.050 .

RCW 35.30.070 Adoption of powers granted to code cities — Resolution required.

If the legislative body of an unclassified city determines that it would serve the best interests and general welfare of such municipality, the body may by resolution adopt any powers granted to cities classified under Title 35A RCW including, but not limited to, the power to define the functions, powers, and duties of its officers and employees. If the legislative body of an unclassified city determines that it would serve the best interests and general welfare of such municipality, the body may by resolution adopt any powers granted to cities classified under Title 35A RCW including, but not limited to, the power to define the functions, powers, and duties of its officers and employees.

RCW 35.30.080 Alternative election procedures — Resolution required.

(1) When a majority of the legislative body of an unclassified city determines that it would serve the best interests and general welfare of such municipality to change the election procedures of such city to the procedures specified in this section, such legislative body may, by resolution, declare its intention to adopt such procedures for the city. Such resolution must be adopted at least one hundred eighty days before the general municipal election at which the new election procedures are implemented. Within ten days after the passage of the resolution, the legislative body shall cause it to be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation within the city. (2) All general municipal elections in an unclassified city adopting a resolution under subsection (1) of this section shall be held biennially in the odd-numbered years as provided in RCW 29A.04.330 and shall be held in accordance with the general election laws of the state. The term of the treasurer shall not commence in the same biennium in which the term of the mayor commences. Candidates for the city council shall run for specific council positions. The staggering of terms of city officers shall be established at the first election, where the simple majority of the persons elected as councilmembers receiving the greatest numbers of votes shall be elected to four-year terms of office and the remainder of the persons elected as councilmembers and the treasurer shall be elected to two-year terms of office. Thereafter, all elected city officers shall be elected for four-year terms and until their successors are elected and qualified and assume office in accordance with RCW 29A.60.280 . (1) When a majority of the legislative body of an unclassified city determines that it would serve the best interests and general welfare of such municipality to change the election procedures of such city to the procedures specified in this section, such legislative body may, by resolution, declare its intention to adopt such procedures for the city. Such resolution must be adopted at least one hundred eighty days before the general municipal election at which the new election procedures are implemented. Within ten days after the passage of the resolution, the legislative body shall cause it to be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation within the city. (2) All general municipal elections in an unclassified city adopting a resolution under subsection (1) of this section shall be held biennially in the odd-numbered years as provided in RCW 29A.04.330 and shall be held in accordance with the general election laws of the state. The term of the treasurer shall not commence in the same biennium in which the term of the mayor commences. Candidates for the city council shall run for specific council positions. The staggering of terms of city officers shall be established at the first election, where the simple majority of the persons elected as councilmembers receiving the greatest numbers of votes shall be elected to four-year terms of office and the remainder of the persons elected as councilmembers and the treasurer shall be elected to two-year terms of office. Thereafter, all elected city officers shall be elected for four-year terms and until their successors are elected and qualified and assume office in accordance with RCW 29A.60.280 .

RCW 35.30.100 Criminal code repeal by city operating municipal court — Agreement covering costs of handling resulting criminal cases — Arbitration.

A city operating a municipal court may not repeal in its entirety that portion of its municipal code defining crimes unless the municipality has reached an agreement with the appropriate county under chapter 39.34 RCW under which the county is to be paid a reasonable amount for costs associated with prosecution, adjudication, and sentencing in criminal cases filed in district court as a result of the repeal. The agreement shall include provisions for periodic review and renewal of the terms of the agreement. If the municipality and the county are unable to agree on the terms for renewal of the agreement, they shall be deemed to have entered into an agreement to submit the issue to arbitration under chapter 7.04A RCW. Pending conclusion of the arbitration proceeding, the terms of the agreement shall remain in effect. The municipality and the county have the same rights and are subject to the same duties as other parties who have agreed to submit to arbitration under chapter 7.04A RCW. A city operating a municipal court may not repeal in its entirety that portion of its municipal code defining crimes unless the municipality has reached an agreement with the appropriate county under chapter 39.34 RCW under which the county is to be paid a reasonable amount for costs associated with prosecution, adjudication, and sentencing in criminal cases filed in district court as a result of the repeal. The agreement shall include provisions for periodic review and renewal of the terms of the agreement. If the municipality and the county are unable to agree on the terms for renewal of the agreement, they shall be deemed to have entered into an agreement to submit the issue to arbitration under chapter 7.04A RCW. Pending conclusion of the arbitration proceeding, the terms of the agreement shall remain in effect. The municipality and the county have the same rights and are subject to the same duties as other parties who have agreed to submit to arbitration under chapter 7.04A RCW.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=35.30&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026