Payment of arbitrators, mediators, and neutral experts.
RCW 64.55.140
in effect(1) Where the building permit that authorized commencement of construction of a building was issued on or after August 1, 2005: (a)(i) If the action is referred to arbitration under RCW 64.55.100 , the party who demands arbitration shall advance the fees of any arbitrator and any mediator appointed under RCW 64.55.120 ; and (ii) A party who requests the appointment of a neutral expert pursuant to RCW 64.55.130 shall advance any appointed neutral expert's fees incurred up to the issuance of a final report. (b) If the action has not been referred to arbitration, the court shall determine liability for the fees of any mediator appointed under RCW 64.55.120 , unless the parties agree otherwise. (c) Ultimate liability for any fees or costs advanced pursuant to this subsection (1) is subject to the fee- and cost-shifting provisions of RCW 64.55.160 . (2) Where the building permit that authorized commencement of construction of a building was issued before August 1, 2005: (a)(i) If the action is referred to arbitration under RCW 64.55.100 , the party who demands arbitration is liable for and shall pay the fees of any appointed arbitrator and any mediator appointed under RCW 64.55.120 ; and (ii) A party who requests the appointment of a neutral expert pursuant to RCW 64.55.130 is liable for and shall pay any appointed neutral expert's fees incurred up to the issuance of a final report. (b) If the action has not been referred to arbitration, the court shall determine liability for the fees of any mediator appointed under RCW 64.55.120 , unless the parties agree otherwise. (c) Fees and costs paid under this subsection (2) are not subject to the fee- and cost-shifting provisions of RCW 64.55.160 .
(1) Where the building permit that authorized commencement of construction of a building was issued on or after August 1, 2005:
(a)(i) If the action is referred to arbitration under RCW 64.55.100 , the party who demands arbitration shall advance the fees of any arbitrator and any mediator appointed under RCW 64.55.120 ; and
(ii) A party who requests the appointment of a neutral expert pursuant to RCW 64.55.130 shall advance any appointed neutral expert's fees incurred up to the issuance of a final report.
(b) If the action has not been referred to arbitration, the court shall determine liability for the fees of any mediator appointed under RCW 64.55.120 , unless the parties agree otherwise.
(c) Ultimate liability for any fees or costs advanced pursuant to this subsection (1) is subject to the fee- and cost-shifting provisions of RCW 64.55.160 .
(2) Where the building permit that authorized commencement of construction of a building was issued before August 1, 2005:
(a)(i) If the action is referred to arbitration under RCW 64.55.100 , the party who demands arbitration is liable for and shall pay the fees of any appointed arbitrator and any mediator appointed under RCW 64.55.120 ; and
(ii) A party who requests the appointment of a neutral expert pursuant to RCW 64.55.130 is liable for and shall pay any appointed neutral expert's fees incurred up to the issuance of a final report.
(b) If the action has not been referred to arbitration, the court shall determine liability for the fees of any mediator appointed under RCW 64.55.120 , unless the parties agree otherwise.
(c) Fees and costs paid under this subsection (2) are not subject to the fee- and cost-shifting provisions of RCW 64.55.160 .
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=64.55&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026