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Aquatic Use Authorization

(Aquatic Lands Lease)
Description/Purpose

To protect and manage the use of state-owned aquatic lands, consistent with Chapter 79.105 RCW.

Triggers and activities which would require this authorization

Most activities taking place on state-owned aquatic lands may require a lease. Contact your District Land Manager to determine if your proposal requires other forms of authorization.

Costs/Fees
n/a
n/a

It depends on the type of agreement your proposal requires. You may be charged rent or fees depending on the activity. Rates are found in:

Application Information

The application is called 'Attachment E in addition to the Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application (JARPA)' is online and can be accessed at http://www.epermitting.wa.gov/site/alias__resourcecenter/jarpa_jarpa_form/9984/jarpa_form.aspx.

Yes, submit a $25 non-refundable application processing fee with JARPA and Attachment E. DNR may also require surveys or a legal description of the property, a plan of development/operations, bonds, insurance, etc.

The project may also require additional permits as required by other governmental agencies, such as permits contained in the Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application (JARPA).

It's extremely important for you to submit all that is required to avoid delays in the application review process.

Yes, you must complete all other government permits or permit waivers before an authorization can be issued. For example, if the project requires a SEPA decision, and a Hydraulic Project Approval in addition to the use authorization, those processes must be complete before DNR can issue a decision.

To the DNR Aquatic District Office along with your $25 processing fee

It depends. The duration of your use authorization will depend on the proposed uses and the class of land you lease. The land classes are: Bedlands, 1st class tidelands and shorelands, 2nd class tidelands and shorelands, and Harbor Areas.

Use authorization durations are specified under RCW 79.115 through RCW 79.135.

There is no appeal process for the authorization, but DNR staff will work with you to help find either an agreement type that will work for your proposal or recommend modifications to your activity to make it compatible with DNR's stewardship mandate.

Published Decision Time
n/a

Review time generally takes between 6 months to a year after DNR receives a complete application.

The DNR Aquatic District Office will send your application to the project site Land Manager for review. The Land Manager will review the proposed uses for your project and will confirm if land is available to lease.

If the Land Manager approves your application, you will receive a draft of the use authorization and the Land Manager may schedule a meeting to negotiate the terms of the agreement. Once the agreement is final, DNR will send you a signature packet to complete and return.

Legal authority
Schematic
View the schematic
Notes / Comments

JARPA and Attachment E are also available through the DNR Aquatic District Office or Aquatic Resources Division.

Related Entries
Contacts
Department of Natural Resources
Aquatic Resources Division
Headquarters
1111 Washington Street SE
PO Box 47027
Olympia WA 98504-7027
Telephone: (360) 902-1100
Fax: (360) 902-1786
Department of Natural Resources, Pacific Cascade Region
Aquatic Resources Division
601 Bond Rd
PO Box 280
Castle Rock WA 98611
Telephone: (360) 577-2025
Department of Natural Resources, Northeast Region
Aquatic Resources Division
225 South Silke Road
PO Box 190
Colville WA 99114
Telephone: (509) 684-7474
Department of Natural Resources, Northwest Region
Aquatic Resources Division
919 North Township Street
Sedro Woolley WA 98284
Telephone: (360) 856-3500
Department of Natural Resources, Olympic Region
Aquatic Resources Division
411 Tillicum Lane
Forks WA 98331
Telephone: (360) 374-6131
Department of Natural Resources, Southeast Region
Aquatic Resources Division
713 Boxers Rd.
Ellensburg WA 98926-9310
Telephone: (509) 925-8510
Fax: (509) 925-8522
Department of Natural Resources, South Puget Sound Region
Aquatic Resources Division
950 Farman Ave N
Enumclaw WA 98022-9282
Telephone: (360) 825-1631
Fax: (360) 825-1672
Triggering Questions
  • Does the project include construction, use or activities on submerged land that are under the management of DNR?
  • Will the lift be on or over DNR-managed aquatic lands?
  • Will the dock be on or over DNR-managed aquatic lands?
  • Does the project include construction, use or activities on or above DNR-managed aquatic land?
  • Will the mooring buoy be on or above DNR-managed aquatic land?
  • Will the project include beach nourishment?
* Credential details last updated 2/6/2018
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