LOCAL OPTION TRANSPORTATION TAXES

RCW 82.80
in effect

RCW 82.80.005 "District" defined.

For the purposes of this chapter, "district" means a regional transportation investment district created under chapter 36.120 RCW. For the purposes of this chapter, "district" means a regional transportation investment district created under chapter 36.120 RCW.

RCW 82.80.010 Motor vehicle and special fuel tax.

(1) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (a) "Distributor" means every person who imports, refines, manufactures, produces, or compounds motor vehicle fuel and special fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020 and sells or distributes the fuel into a county. (b) "Person" has the same meaning as in RCW 82.04.030 . (2) Subject to the conditions of this section, any county may levy, by approval of its legislative body and a majority of the registered voters of the county voting on the proposition at a general or special election, additional excise taxes equal to ten percent of the statewide fuel tax rates under RCW 82.38.030 on motor vehicle fuel and special fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020 sold within the boundaries of the county. Vehicles paying an annual license fee under RCW 82.38.075 are exempt from the county fuel excise tax. An election held under this section must be held not more than twelve months before the date on which the proposed tax is to be levied. The ballot setting forth the proposition must state the tax rate that is proposed. The county's authority to levy additional excise taxes under this section includes the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county. The additional excise taxes are subject to the same exceptions and rights of refund as applicable to other motor vehicle fuel and special fuel excise taxes levied under chapter 82.38 RCW. The proposed tax may not be levied less than one month from the date the election results are certified by the county election officer. The commencement date for the levy of any tax under this section must be the first day of January, April, July, or October. (3) The local option motor vehicle fuel tax on motor vehicle fuel and on special fuel is imposed upon the distributor of the fuel. (4) A taxable event for the purposes of this section occurs upon the first distribution of the fuel within the boundaries of a county to a retail outlet, bulk fuel user, or ultimate user of the fuel. (5) All administrative provisions in chapters 82.01 , 82.03, and 82.32 RCW, insofar as they are applicable, apply to local option fuel taxes imposed under this section. (6) Before the effective date of the imposition of the fuel taxes under this section, a county must contract with the department of revenue for the administration and collection of the taxes. The contract must provide that a percentage amount, not to exceed one percent of the taxes imposed under this section, will be deposited into the local tax administration account created in the custody of the state treasurer. The department of revenue may spend money from this account, upon appropriation, for the administration of the local taxes imposed under this section. (7) The state treasurer must distribute monthly to the levying county and cities contained therein the proceeds of the additional excise taxes collected under this section, after the deductions for payments and expenditures as provided in RCW 46.68.090 (1) (a) and (b) and under the conditions and limitations provided in RCW 82.80.080 . (8) The proceeds of the additional excise taxes levied under this section must be used strictly for transportation purposes in accordance with RCW 82.80.070 . (9) A county may not levy the tax under this section if they are levying the tax in RCW 82.80.110 or if they are a member of a regional transportation investment district levying the tax in RCW 82.80.120 . (1) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (a) "Distributor" means every person who imports, refines, manufactures, produces, or compounds motor vehicle fuel and special fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020 and sells or distributes the fuel into a county. (b) "Person" has the same meaning as in RCW 82.04.030 . (2) Subject to the conditions of this section, any county may levy, by approval of its legislative body and a majority of the registered voters of the county voting on the proposition at a general or special election, additional excise taxes equal to ten percent of the statewide fuel tax rates under RCW 82.38.030 on motor vehicle fuel and special fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020 sold within the boundaries of the county. Vehicles paying an annual license fee under RCW 82.38.075 are exempt from the county fuel excise tax. An election held under this section must be held not more than twelve months before the date on which the proposed tax is to be levied. The ballot setting forth the proposition must state the tax rate that is proposed. The county's authority to levy additional excise taxes under this section includes the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county. The additional excise taxes are subject to the same exceptions and rights of refund as applicable to other motor vehicle fuel and special fuel excise taxes levied under chapter 82.38 RCW. The proposed tax may not be levied less than one month from the date the election results are certified by the county election officer. The commencement date for the levy of any tax under this section must be the first day of January, April, July, or October. (3) The local option motor vehicle fuel tax on motor vehicle fuel and on special fuel is imposed upon the distributor of the fuel. (4) A taxable event for the purposes of this section occurs upon the first distribution of the fuel within the boundaries of a county to a retail outlet, bulk fuel user, or ultimate user of the fuel. (5) All administrative provisions in chapters 82.01 , 82.03, and 82.32 RCW, insofar as they are applicable, apply to local option fuel taxes imposed under this section. (6) Before the effective date of the imposition of the fuel taxes under this section, a county must contract with the department of revenue for the administration and collection of the taxes. The contract must provide that a percentage amount, not to exceed one percent of the taxes imposed under this section, will be deposited into the local tax administration account created in the custody of the state treasurer. The department of revenue may spend money from this account, upon appropriation, for the administration of the local taxes imposed under this section. (7) The state treasurer must distribute monthly to the levying county and cities contained therein the proceeds of the additional excise taxes collected under this section, after the deductions for payments and expenditures as provided in RCW 46.68.090 (1) (a) and (b) and under the conditions and limitations provided in RCW 82.80.080 . (8) The proceeds of the additional excise taxes levied under this section must be used strictly for transportation purposes in accordance with RCW 82.80.070 . (9) A county may not levy the tax under this section if they are levying the tax in RCW 82.80.110 or if they are a member of a regional transportation investment district levying the tax in RCW 82.80.120 .

RCW 82.80.030 Commercial parking tax.

(1) Subject to the conditions of this section, the legislative authority of a county, city, or district may fix and impose a parking tax on all persons engaged in a commercial parking business within its respective jurisdiction. A city or county may impose the tax only to the extent that it has not been imposed by the district, and a district may impose the tax only to the extent that it has not been imposed by a city or county. The jurisdiction of a county, for purposes of this section, includes only the unincorporated area of the county. The jurisdiction of a city or district includes only the area within its boundaries. (2) In lieu of the tax in subsection (1) of this section, a city, a county in its unincorporated area, or a district may fix and impose a tax for the act or privilege of parking a motor vehicle in a facility operated by a commercial parking business. The city, county, or district may provide that: (a) The tax is paid by the operator or owner of the motor vehicle; (b) The tax applies to all parking for which a fee is paid, whether paid or leased, including parking supplied with a lease of nonresidential space; (c) The tax is collected by the operator of the facility and remitted to the city, county, or district; (d) The tax is a fee per vehicle or is measured by the parking charge; (e) The tax rate varies with zoning or location of the facility, the duration of the parking, the time of entry or exit, the type or use of the vehicle, or other reasonable factors; and (f) Tax exempt carpools, vehicles with a disabled parking placard, or government vehicles are exempt from the tax. (3) "Commercial parking business" as used in this section, means the ownership, lease, operation, or management of a commercial parking lot in which fees are charged. "Commercial parking lot" means a covered or uncovered area with stalls for the purpose of parking motor vehicles. (4) The rate of the tax under subsection (1) of this section may be based either upon gross proceeds or the number of vehicle stalls available for commercial parking use. The rates charged must be uniform for the same class or type of commercial parking business. (5) The county, city, or district levying the tax provided for in subsection (1) or (2) of this section may provide for its payment on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. Each local government may develop by ordinance or resolution rules for administering the tax, including provisions for reporting by commercial parking businesses, collection, and enforcement. (6) The proceeds of the commercial parking tax fixed and imposed by a city or county under subsection (1) or (2) of this section shall be used for transportation purposes in accordance with RCW 82.80.070 or for transportation improvements in accordance with chapter 36.73 RCW. The proceeds of the parking tax imposed by a district must be used as provided in chapter 36.120 RCW. (1) Subject to the conditions of this section, the legislative authority of a county, city, or district may fix and impose a parking tax on all persons engaged in a commercial parking business within its respective jurisdiction. A city or county may impose the tax only to the extent that it has not been imposed by the district, and a district may impose the tax only to the extent that it has not been imposed by a city or county. The jurisdiction of a county, for purposes of this section, includes only the unincorporated area of the county. The jurisdiction of a city or district includes only the area within its boundaries. (2) In lieu of the tax in subsection (1) of this section, a city, a county in its unincorporated area, or a district may fix and impose a tax for the act or privilege of parking a motor vehicle in a facility operated by a commercial parking business. The city, county, or district may provide that: (a) The tax is paid by the operator or owner of the motor vehicle; (b) The tax applies to all parking for which a fee is paid, whether paid or leased, including parking supplied with a lease of nonresidential space; (c) The tax is collected by the operator of the facility and remitted to the city, county, or district; (d) The tax is a fee per vehicle or is measured by the parking charge; (e) The tax rate varies with zoning or location of the facility, the duration of the parking, the time of entry or exit, the type or use of the vehicle, or other reasonable factors; and (f) Tax exempt carpools, vehicles with a disabled parking placard, or government vehicles are exempt from the tax. (3) "Commercial parking business" as used in this section, means the ownership, lease, operation, or management of a commercial parking lot in which fees are charged. "Commercial parking lot" means a covered or uncovered area with stalls for the purpose of parking motor vehicles. (4) The rate of the tax under subsection (1) of this section may be based either upon gross proceeds or the number of vehicle stalls available for commercial parking use. The rates charged must be uniform for the same class or type of commercial parking business. (5) The county, city, or district levying the tax provided for in subsection (1) or (2) of this section may provide for its payment on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. Each local government may develop by ordinance or resolution rules for administering the tax, including provisions for reporting by commercial parking businesses, collection, and enforcement. (6) The proceeds of the commercial parking tax fixed and imposed by a city or county under subsection (1) or (2) of this section shall be used for transportation purposes in accordance with RCW 82.80.070 or for transportation improvements in accordance with chapter 36.73 RCW. The proceeds of the parking tax imposed by a district must be used as provided in chapter 36.120 RCW.

RCW 82.80.035 Commercial parking tax for passenger-only ferry service districts — Definitions.

(1) Subject to the conditions of this section, a passenger-only ferry service district located in a county with a population of one million or less as of January 1, 2016, may fix and impose a parking tax on all persons engaged in a commercial parking business within its respective jurisdiction. (2) In lieu of the tax in subsection (1) of this section, a passenger-only ferry service district located in a county with a population of one million or less as of January 1, 2016, may fix and impose a tax for the act or privilege of parking a motor vehicle in a facility operated by a commercial parking business. The passenger-only ferry service district may provide that: (a) The tax is paid by the operator or owner of the motor vehicle; (b) The tax applies to all parking for which a fee is paid, whether paid or leased, including parking supplied with a lease of nonresidential space; (c) The tax is collected by the operator of the facility and remitted to the city, county, or passenger-only ferry service district; (d) The tax is a fee per vehicle or is measured by the parking charge; (e) The tax rate varies with zoning or location of the facility, the duration of the parking, the time of entry or exit, the type or use of the vehicle, or other reasonable factors; and (f) Tax exempt carpools, vehicles with special license plates and parking placards for persons with disabilities, or government vehicles are exempt from the tax. (3) The rate of the tax under subsection (1) of this section may be based either upon gross proceeds or the number of vehicle stalls available for commercial parking use. The rates charged must be uniform for the same class or type of commercial parking business. (4) The passenger-only ferry service district levying the tax provided for in subsection (1) or (2) of this section may provide for its payment on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. (5) The proceeds of the parking tax imposed by a passenger-only ferry service district under subsection (1) or (2) of this section must be used as provided in RCW 36.57A.224 . (6) "Commercial parking business" as used in this section, means the ownership, lease, operation, or management of a commercial parking lot in which fees are charged. "Commercial parking lot" means a covered or uncovered area with stalls for the purpose of parking motor vehicles. (1) Subject to the conditions of this section, a passenger-only ferry service district located in a county with a population of one million or less as of January 1, 2016, may fix and impose a parking tax on all persons engaged in a commercial parking business within its respective jurisdiction. (2) In lieu of the tax in subsection (1) of this section, a passenger-only ferry service district located in a county with a population of one million or less as of January 1, 2016, may fix and impose a tax for the act or privilege of parking a motor vehicle in a facility operated by a commercial parking business. The passenger-only ferry service district may provide that: (a) The tax is paid by the operator or owner of the motor vehicle; (b) The tax applies to all parking for which a fee is paid, whether paid or leased, including parking supplied with a lease of nonresidential space; (c) The tax is collected by the operator of the facility and remitted to the city, county, or passenger-only ferry service district; (d) The tax is a fee per vehicle or is measured by the parking charge; (e) The tax rate varies with zoning or location of the facility, the duration of the parking, the time of entry or exit, the type or use of the vehicle, or other reasonable factors; and (f) Tax exempt carpools, vehicles with special license plates and parking placards for persons with disabilities, or government vehicles are exempt from the tax. (3) The rate of the tax under subsection (1) of this section may be based either upon gross proceeds or the number of vehicle stalls available for commercial parking use. The rates charged must be uniform for the same class or type of commercial parking business. (4) The passenger-only ferry service district levying the tax provided for in subsection (1) or (2) of this section may provide for its payment on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. (5) The proceeds of the parking tax imposed by a passenger-only ferry service district under subsection (1) or (2) of this section must be used as provided in RCW 36.57A.224 . (6) "Commercial parking business" as used in this section, means the ownership, lease, operation, or management of a commercial parking lot in which fees are charged. "Commercial parking lot" means a covered or uncovered area with stalls for the purpose of parking motor vehicles.

RCW 82.80.070 Use of revenues.

(1) The proceeds collected pursuant to the exercise of the local option authority of RCW 82.80.010 and 82.80.030 (hereafter called "local option transportation revenues") shall be used for transportation purposes only, including but not limited to the following: The operation and preservation of roads, streets, and other transportation improvements; new construction, reconstruction, and expansion of city streets, county roads, and state highways and other transportation improvements; development and implementation of public transportation and high capacity transit improvements and programs; and planning, design, and acquisition of right-of-way and sites for such transportation purposes. The proceeds collected from excise taxes on the sale, distribution, or use of motor vehicle fuel and special fuel under RCW 82.80.010 shall be used exclusively for "highway purposes" as that term is construed in Article II, section 40 of the state Constitution. (2) The local option transportation revenues shall be expended for transportation uses consistent with the adopted transportation and land use plans of the jurisdiction expending the funds and consistent with any applicable and adopted regional transportation plan for metropolitan planning areas. (3) Each local government with a population greater than eight thousand that levies or expends local option transportation funds, is also required to develop and adopt a specific transportation program that contains the following elements: (a) The program shall identify the geographic boundaries of the entire area or areas within which local option transportation revenues will be levied and expended. (b) The program shall be based on an adopted transportation plan for the geographic areas covered and shall identify the proposed operation and construction of transportation improvements and services in the designated plan area intended to be funded in whole or in part by local option transportation revenues and shall identify the annual costs applicable to the program. (c) The program shall indicate how the local transportation plan is coordinated with applicable transportation plans for the region and for adjacent jurisdictions. (d) The program shall include at least a six-year funding plan, updated annually, identifying the specific public and private sources and amounts of revenue necessary to fund the program. The program shall include a proposed schedule for construction of projects and expenditure of revenues. The funding plan shall consider the additional local tax revenue estimated to be generated by new development within the plan area if all or a portion of the additional revenue is proposed to be earmarked as future appropriations for transportation improvements in the program. (4) Local governments with a population greater than eight thousand exercising the authority for local option transportation funds shall periodically review and update their transportation program to ensure that it is consistent with applicable local and regional transportation and land use plans and within the means of estimated public and private revenue available. (5) In the case of expenditure for new or expanded transportation facilities, improvements, and services, priorities in the use of local option transportation revenues shall be identified in the transportation program and expenditures shall be made based upon the following criteria, which are stated in descending order of weight to be attributed: (a) First, the project serves a multijurisdictional function; (b) Second, it is necessitated by existing or reasonably foreseeable congestion; (c) Third, it has the greatest person-carrying capacity; (d) Fourth, it is partially funded by other government funds, such as from the state transportation improvement board, or by private sector contributions, such as those from the local transportation act, chapter 39.92 RCW; and (e) Fifth, it meets such other criteria as the local government determines is appropriate. (6) It is the intent of the legislature that as a condition of levying, receiving, and expending local option transportation revenues, no local government agency use the revenues to replace, divert, or loan any revenues currently being used for transportation purposes to nontransportation purposes. (7) Local governments are encouraged to enter into interlocal agreements to jointly develop and adopt with other local governments the transportation programs required by this section for the purpose of accomplishing regional transportation planning and development. (8) Local governments may use all or a part of the local option transportation revenues for the amortization of local government general obligation and revenue bonds issued for transportation purposes consistent with the requirements of this section. (9) Subsections (1) through (8) of this section do not apply to a regional transportation investment district imposing a tax or fee under the local option authority of this chapter. Proceeds collected under the exercise of local option authority under this chapter by a district must be used in accordance with chapter 36.120 RCW. (1) The proceeds collected pursuant to the exercise of the local option authority of RCW 82.80.010 and 82.80.030 (hereafter called "local option transportation revenues") shall be used for transportation purposes only, including but not limited to the following: The operation and preservation of roads, streets, and other transportation improvements; new construction, reconstruction, and expansion of city streets, county roads, and state highways and other transportation improvements; development and implementation of public transportation and high capacity transit improvements and programs; and planning, design, and acquisition of right-of-way and sites for such transportation purposes. The proceeds collected from excise taxes on the sale, distribution, or use of motor vehicle fuel and special fuel under RCW 82.80.010 shall be used exclusively for "highway purposes" as that term is construed in Article II, section 40 of the state Constitution. (2) The local option transportation revenues shall be expended for transportation uses consistent with the adopted transportation and land use plans of the jurisdiction expending the funds and consistent with any applicable and adopted regional transportation plan for metropolitan planning areas. (3) Each local government with a population greater than eight thousand that levies or expends local option transportation funds, is also required to develop and adopt a specific transportation program that contains the following elements: (a) The program shall identify the geographic boundaries of the entire area or areas within which local option transportation revenues will be levied and expended. (b) The program shall be based on an adopted transportation plan for the geographic areas covered and shall identify the proposed operation and construction of transportation improvements and services in the designated plan area intended to be funded in whole or in part by local option transportation revenues and shall identify the annual costs applicable to the program. (c) The program shall indicate how the local transportation plan is coordinated with applicable transportation plans for the region and for adjacent jurisdictions. (d) The program shall include at least a six-year funding plan, updated annually, identifying the specific public and private sources and amounts of revenue necessary to fund the program. The program shall include a proposed schedule for construction of projects and expenditure of revenues. The funding plan shall consider the additional local tax revenue estimated to be generated by new development within the plan area if all or a portion of the additional revenue is proposed to be earmarked as future appropriations for transportation improvements in the program. (4) Local governments with a population greater than eight thousand exercising the authority for local option transportation funds shall periodically review and update their transportation program to ensure that it is consistent with applicable local and regional transportation and land use plans and within the means of estimated public and private revenue available. (5) In the case of expenditure for new or expanded transportation facilities, improvements, and services, priorities in the use of local option transportation revenues shall be identified in the transportation program and expenditures shall be made based upon the following criteria, which are stated in descending order of weight to be attributed: (a) First, the project serves a multijurisdictional function; (b) Second, it is necessitated by existing or reasonably foreseeable congestion; (c) Third, it has the greatest person-carrying capacity; (d) Fourth, it is partially funded by other government funds, such as from the state transportation improvement board, or by private sector contributions, such as those from the local transportation act, chapter 39.92 RCW; and (e) Fifth, it meets such other criteria as the local government determines is appropriate. (6) It is the intent of the legislature that as a condition of levying, receiving, and expending local option transportation revenues, no local government agency use the revenues to replace, divert, or loan any revenues currently being used for transportation purposes to nontransportation purposes. (7) Local governments are encouraged to enter into interlocal agreements to jointly develop and adopt with other local governments the transportation programs required by this section for the purpose of accomplishing regional transportation planning and development. (8) Local governments may use all or a part of the local option transportation revenues for the amortization of local government general obligation and revenue bonds issued for transportation purposes consistent with the requirements of this section. (9) Subsections (1) through (8) of this section do not apply to a regional transportation investment district imposing a tax or fee under the local option authority of this chapter. Proceeds collected under the exercise of local option authority under this chapter by a district must be used in accordance with chapter 36.120 RCW.

RCW 82.80.080 Distribution of taxes.

(1) The state treasurer shall distribute revenues, less authorized deductions, generated by the local option taxes authorized in RCW 82.80.010 and * 82.80.020 , levied by counties to the levying counties, and cities contained in those counties, based on the relative per capita population. County population for purposes of this section is equal to one and one-half of the unincorporated population of the county. In calculating the distributions, the state treasurer shall use the population estimates prepared by the state office of financial management and shall further calculate the distribution based on information supplied by the departments of licensing and revenue, as appropriate. (2) The state treasurer shall distribute revenues, less authorized deductions, generated by the local option taxes authorized in RCW 82.80.010 and * 82.80.020 levied by qualifying cities and towns to the levying cities and towns. (3) The state treasurer shall distribute to the district revenues, less authorized deductions, generated by the local option taxes under RCW 82.80.010 or fees under RCW 82.80.100 levied by a district. (1) The state treasurer shall distribute revenues, less authorized deductions, generated by the local option taxes authorized in RCW 82.80.010 and * 82.80.020 , levied by counties to the levying counties, and cities contained in those counties, based on the relative per capita population. County population for purposes of this section is equal to one and one-half of the unincorporated population of the county. In calculating the distributions, the state treasurer shall use the population estimates prepared by the state office of financial management and shall further calculate the distribution based on information supplied by the departments of licensing and revenue, as appropriate. (2) The state treasurer shall distribute revenues, less authorized deductions, generated by the local option taxes authorized in RCW 82.80.010 and * 82.80.020 levied by qualifying cities and towns to the levying cities and towns. (3) The state treasurer shall distribute to the district revenues, less authorized deductions, generated by the local option taxes under RCW 82.80.010 or fees under RCW 82.80.100 levied by a district.

RCW 82.80.090 Referendum.

A referendum petition to repeal a county or city ordinance imposing a tax or fee authorized under RCW 82.80.030 must be filed with a filing officer, as identified in the ordinance, within seven days of passage of the ordinance. Within ten days, the filing officer shall confer with the petitioner concerning form and style of the petition, issue an identification number for the petition, and write a ballot title for the measure. The ballot title shall be posed as a question so that an affirmative answer to the question and an affirmative vote on the measure results in the tax or fee being imposed and a negative answer to the question and a negative vote on the measure results in the tax or fee not being imposed. The petitioner shall be notified of the identification number and ballot title within this ten-day period. After this notification, the petitioner has thirty days in which to secure on petition forms the signatures of not less than fifteen percent of the registered voters of the county for county measures, or not less than fifteen percent of the registered voters of the city for city measures, and to file the signed petitions with the filing officer. Each petition form must contain the ballot title and the full text of the measure to be referred. The filing officer shall verify the sufficiency of the signatures on the petitions. If sufficient valid signatures are properly submitted, the filing officer shall submit the referendum measure to the county or city voters at a general or special election held on one of the dates provided in RCW 29A.04.321 as determined by the county or city legislative authority, which election shall not take place later than one hundred twenty days after the signed petition has been filed with the filing officer. The referendum procedure provided in this section is the exclusive method for subjecting any county or city ordinance imposing a tax or fee under RCW 82.80.030 to a referendum vote. A referendum petition to repeal a county or city ordinance imposing a tax or fee authorized under RCW 82.80.030 must be filed with a filing officer, as identified in the ordinance, within seven days of passage of the ordinance. Within ten days, the filing officer shall confer with the petitioner concerning form and style of the petition, issue an identification number for the petition, and write a ballot title for the measure. The ballot title shall be posed as a question so that an affirmative answer to the question and an affirmative vote on the measure results in the tax or fee being imposed and a negative answer to the question and a negative vote on the measure results in the tax or fee not being imposed. The petitioner shall be notified of the identification number and ballot title within this ten-day period. After this notification, the petitioner has thirty days in which to secure on petition forms the signatures of not less than fifteen percent of the registered voters of the county for county measures, or not less than fifteen percent of the registered voters of the city for city measures, and to file the signed petitions with the filing officer. Each petition form must contain the ballot title and the full text of the measure to be referred. The filing officer shall verify the sufficiency of the signatures on the petitions. If sufficient valid signatures are properly submitted, the filing officer shall submit the referendum measure to the county or city voters at a general or special election held on one of the dates provided in RCW 29A.04.321 as determined by the county or city legislative authority, which election shall not take place later than one hundred twenty days after the signed petition has been filed with the filing officer. The referendum procedure provided in this section is the exclusive method for subjecting any county or city ordinance imposing a tax or fee under RCW 82.80.030 to a referendum vote.

RCW 82.80.100 Regional transportation investment district — Local option vehicle license fee.

(1) Upon approval of a majority of the voters within its boundaries voting on the ballot proposition, a regional transportation investment district may set and impose an annual local option vehicle license fee, or a schedule of fees based upon the age of the vehicle, of up to one hundred dollars per motor vehicle registered within the boundaries of the region on every motor vehicle. As used in this section "motor vehicle" has the meaning provided in RCW 46.04.320 , but does not include farm tractors or farm vehicles as defined in RCW 46.04.180 and 46.04.181 , off-road vehicles as defined in RCW 46.04.365 , nonhighway vehicles as defined in RCW 46.09.310 , and snowmobiles as defined in RCW 46.04.546 . Vehicles registered under chapter 46.87 RCW and the international registration plan are exempt from the annual local option vehicle license fee set forth in this section. The department of licensing shall administer and collect this fee on behalf of regional transportation investment districts and remit this fee to the custody of the state treasurer for monthly distribution under RCW 82.80.080 . (2) The local option vehicle license fee applies only when renewing a vehicle registration, and is effective upon the registration renewal date as provided by the department of licensing. (3) A regional transportation investment district imposing the local option vehicle license fee or initiating an exemption process shall enter into a contract with the department of licensing. The contract must contain provisions that fully recover the costs to the department of licensing for collection and administration of the fee. (4) A regional transportation investment district imposing the local option fee shall delay the effective date of the local option vehicle license fee imposed by this section at least six months from the date of the final certification of the approval election to allow the department of licensing to implement the administration and collection of or exemption from the fee. (1) Upon approval of a majority of the voters within its boundaries voting on the ballot proposition, a regional transportation investment district may set and impose an annual local option vehicle license fee, or a schedule of fees based upon the age of the vehicle, of up to one hundred dollars per motor vehicle registered within the boundaries of the region on every motor vehicle. As used in this section "motor vehicle" has the meaning provided in RCW 46.04.320 , but does not include farm tractors or farm vehicles as defined in RCW 46.04.180 and 46.04.181 , off-road vehicles as defined in RCW 46.04.365 , nonhighway vehicles as defined in RCW 46.09.310 , and snowmobiles as defined in RCW 46.04.546 . Vehicles registered under chapter 46.87 RCW and the international registration plan are exempt from the annual local option vehicle license fee set forth in this section. The department of licensing shall administer and collect this fee on behalf of regional transportation investment districts and remit this fee to the custody of the state treasurer for monthly distribution under RCW 82.80.080 . (2) The local option vehicle license fee applies only when renewing a vehicle registration, and is effective upon the registration renewal date as provided by the department of licensing. (3) A regional transportation investment district imposing the local option vehicle license fee or initiating an exemption process shall enter into a contract with the department of licensing. The contract must contain provisions that fully recover the costs to the department of licensing for collection and administration of the fee. (4) A regional transportation investment district imposing the local option fee shall delay the effective date of the local option vehicle license fee imposed by this section at least six months from the date of the final certification of the approval election to allow the department of licensing to implement the administration and collection of or exemption from the fee.

RCW 82.80.110 Motor vehicle and special fuel tax — Dedication by county to regional transportation investment district plan.

(1) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (a) "Distributor" means every person who imports, refines, manufactures, produces, or compounds motor vehicle fuel and special fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020 and sells or distributes the fuel into a county. (b) "Person" has the same meaning as in RCW 82.04.030 . (2) For purposes of dedication to a regional transportation investment district plan under chapter 36.120 RCW, subject to the conditions of this section, a county may levy additional excise taxes equal to ten percent of the statewide fuel tax rates under RCW 82.38.030 on motor vehicle fuel and special fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020 sold within the boundaries of the county. The additional excise tax is subject to the approval of the county's legislative body and a majority of the registered voters of the county voting on the proposition at a general or special election. An election held under this section must be held not more than twelve months before the date on which the proposed tax is to be levied. The ballot setting forth the proposition must state that the revenues from the tax will be used for a regional transportation investment district plan. The county's authority to levy additional excise taxes under this section includes the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county. Vehicles paying an annual license fee under RCW 82.38.075 are exempt from the county fuel excise tax. The additional excise taxes are subject to the same exceptions and rights of refund as applicable to other motor vehicle fuel and special fuel excise taxes levied under chapter 82.38 RCW. The proposed tax may not be levied less than one month from the date the election results are certified by the county election officer. The commencement date for the levy of any tax under this section will be the first day of January, April, July, or October. (3) The local option motor vehicle fuel tax on motor vehicle fuel and on special fuel is imposed upon the distributor of the fuel. (4) A taxable event for the purposes of this section occurs upon the first distribution of the fuel within the boundaries of a county to a retail outlet, bulk fuel user, or ultimate user of the fuel. (5) All administrative provisions in chapters 82.01 , 82.03, and 82.32 RCW, insofar as they are applicable, apply to local option fuel taxes imposed under this section. (6) Before the effective date of the imposition of the fuel taxes under this section, a county must contract with the department of revenue for the administration and collection of the taxes. The contract must provide that a percentage amount, not to exceed one percent of the taxes imposed under this section, will be deposited into the local tax administration account created in the custody of the state treasurer. The department of revenue may spend money from this account, upon appropriation, for the administration of the local taxes imposed under this section. (7) The state treasurer must distribute monthly to the county levying the tax as part of a regional transportation investment plan, after the deductions for payments and expenditures as provided in RCW 46.68.090 (1) (a) and (b). (8) The proceeds of the additional taxes levied by a county in this section, to be used as a part of a regional transportation investment plan, must be used in accordance with chapter 36.120 RCW, but only for those areas that are considered "highway purposes" as that term is construed in Article II, section 40 of the state Constitution. (9) A county may not levy the tax under this section if they are a member of a regional transportation investment district that is levying the tax in RCW 82.80.120 or the county is levying the tax in RCW 82.80.010 . (1) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (a) "Distributor" means every person who imports, refines, manufactures, produces, or compounds motor vehicle fuel and special fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020 and sells or distributes the fuel into a county. (b) "Person" has the same meaning as in RCW 82.04.030 . (2) For purposes of dedication to a regional transportation investment district plan under chapter 36.120 RCW, subject to the conditions of this section, a county may levy additional excise taxes equal to ten percent of the statewide fuel tax rates under RCW 82.38.030 on motor vehicle fuel and special fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020 sold within the boundaries of the county. The additional excise tax is subject to the approval of the county's legislative body and a majority of the registered voters of the county voting on the proposition at a general or special election. An election held under this section must be held not more than twelve months before the date on which the proposed tax is to be levied. The ballot setting forth the proposition must state that the revenues from the tax will be used for a regional transportation investment district plan. The county's authority to levy additional excise taxes under this section includes the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county. Vehicles paying an annual license fee under RCW 82.38.075 are exempt from the county fuel excise tax. The additional excise taxes are subject to the same exceptions and rights of refund as applicable to other motor vehicle fuel and special fuel excise taxes levied under chapter 82.38 RCW. The proposed tax may not be levied less than one month from the date the election results are certified by the county election officer. The commencement date for the levy of any tax under this section will be the first day of January, April, July, or October. (3) The local option motor vehicle fuel tax on motor vehicle fuel and on special fuel is imposed upon the distributor of the fuel. (4) A taxable event for the purposes of this section occurs upon the first distribution of the fuel within the boundaries of a county to a retail outlet, bulk fuel user, or ultimate user of the fuel. (5) All administrative provisions in chapters 82.01 , 82.03, and 82.32 RCW, insofar as they are applicable, apply to local option fuel taxes imposed under this section. (6) Before the effective date of the imposition of the fuel taxes under this section, a county must contract with the department of revenue for the administration and collection of the taxes. The contract must provide that a percentage amount, not to exceed one percent of the taxes imposed under this section, will be deposited into the local tax administration account created in the custody of the state treasurer. The department of revenue may spend money from this account, upon appropriation, for the administration of the local taxes imposed under this section. (7) The state treasurer must distribute monthly to the county levying the tax as part of a regional transportation investment plan, after the deductions for payments and expenditures as provided in RCW 46.68.090 (1) (a) and (b). (8) The proceeds of the additional taxes levied by a county in this section, to be used as a part of a regional transportation investment plan, must be used in accordance with chapter 36.120 RCW, but only for those areas that are considered "highway purposes" as that term is construed in Article II, section 40 of the state Constitution. (9) A county may not levy the tax under this section if they are a member of a regional transportation investment district that is levying the tax in RCW 82.80.120 or the county is levying the tax in RCW 82.80.010 .

RCW 82.80.120 Motor vehicle and special fuel tax — Regional transportation investment district.

(1) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (a) "Distributor" means every person who imports, refines, manufactures, produces, or compounds motor vehicle fuel and special fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020 and sells or distributes the fuel into a county. (b) "Person" has the same meaning as in RCW 82.04.030 . (c) "District" means a regional transportation investment district under chapter 36.120 RCW. (2) A regional transportation investment district under chapter 36.120 RCW, subject to the conditions of this section, may levy additional excise taxes equal to ten percent of the statewide fuel tax rates under RCW 82.38.030 on motor vehicle fuel and special fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020 sold within the boundaries of the district. The additional excise tax is subject to the approval of a majority of the voters within the district boundaries. Vehicles paying an annual license fee under RCW 82.38.075 are exempt from the district's fuel excise tax. The additional excise taxes are subject to the same exceptions and rights of refund as applicable to other motor vehicle fuel and special fuel excise taxes levied under chapter 82.38 RCW. The proposed tax may not be levied less than one month from the date the election results are certified. The commencement date for the levy of any tax under this section will be the first day of January, April, July, or October. (3) The local option motor vehicle fuel tax on motor vehicle fuel and on special fuel is imposed upon the distributor of the fuel. (4) A taxable event for the purposes of this section occurs upon the first distribution of the fuel within the boundaries of the district to a retail outlet, bulk fuel user, or ultimate user of the fuel. (5) All administrative provisions in chapters 82.01 , 82.03, and 82.32 RCW, insofar as they are applicable, apply to local option fuel taxes imposed under this section. (6) Before the effective date of the imposition of the fuel taxes under this section, a district must contract with the department of revenue for the administration and collection of the taxes. The contract must provide that a percentage amount, not to exceed one percent of the taxes imposed under this section, will be deposited into the local tax administration account created in the custody of the state treasurer. The department of revenue may spend money from this account, upon appropriation, for the administration of the local taxes imposed under this section. (7) The state treasurer must distribute monthly to the district levying the tax as part of the regional transportation investment district plan, after the deductions for payments and expenditures as provided in RCW 46.68.090 (1) (a) and (b). (8) The proceeds of the additional taxes levied by a district in this section, to be used as a part of a regional transportation investment district plan, must be used in accordance with chapter 36.120 RCW, but only for those areas that are considered "highway purposes" as that term is construed in Article II, section 40 of the state Constitution. (9) A district may only levy the tax under this section if the district is comprised of boundaries identical to the boundaries of a county or counties. A district may not levy the tax in this section if a member county is levying the tax in RCW 82.80.010 or 82.80.110 . (1) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (a) "Distributor" means every person who imports, refines, manufactures, produces, or compounds motor vehicle fuel and special fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020 and sells or distributes the fuel into a county. (b) "Person" has the same meaning as in RCW 82.04.030 . (c) "District" means a regional transportation investment district under chapter 36.120 RCW. (2) A regional transportation investment district under chapter 36.120 RCW, subject to the conditions of this section, may levy additional excise taxes equal to ten percent of the statewide fuel tax rates under RCW 82.38.030 on motor vehicle fuel and special fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020 sold within the boundaries of the district. The additional excise tax is subject to the approval of a majority of the voters within the district boundaries. Vehicles paying an annual license fee under RCW 82.38.075 are exempt from the district's fuel excise tax. The additional excise taxes are subject to the same exceptions and rights of refund as applicable to other motor vehicle fuel and special fuel excise taxes levied under chapter 82.38 RCW. The proposed tax may not be levied less than one month from the date the election results are certified. The commencement date for the levy of any tax under this section will be the first day of January, April, July, or October. (3) The local option motor vehicle fuel tax on motor vehicle fuel and on special fuel is imposed upon the distributor of the fuel. (4) A taxable event for the purposes of this section occurs upon the first distribution of the fuel within the boundaries of the district to a retail outlet, bulk fuel user, or ultimate user of the fuel. (5) All administrative provisions in chapters 82.01 , 82.03, and 82.32 RCW, insofar as they are applicable, apply to local option fuel taxes imposed under this section. (6) Before the effective date of the imposition of the fuel taxes under this section, a district must contract with the department of revenue for the administration and collection of the taxes. The contract must provide that a percentage amount, not to exceed one percent of the taxes imposed under this section, will be deposited into the local tax administration account created in the custody of the state treasurer. The department of revenue may spend money from this account, upon appropriation, for the administration of the local taxes imposed under this section. (7) The state treasurer must distribute monthly to the district levying the tax as part of the regional transportation investment district plan, after the deductions for payments and expenditures as provided in RCW 46.68.090 (1) (a) and (b). (8) The proceeds of the additional taxes levied by a district in this section, to be used as a part of a regional transportation investment district plan, must be used in accordance with chapter 36.120 RCW, but only for those areas that are considered "highway purposes" as that term is construed in Article II, section 40 of the state Constitution. (9) A district may only levy the tax under this section if the district is comprised of boundaries identical to the boundaries of a county or counties. A district may not levy the tax in this section if a member county is levying the tax in RCW 82.80.010 or 82.80.110 .

RCW 82.80.130 Passenger-only ferry service — Local option motor vehicle excise tax authorized.

(1) Public transportation benefit areas authorized to implement passenger-only ferry service under RCW 36.57A.200 whose boundaries (a) are on the Puget Sound, but (b) do not include an area where a regional transit authority has been formed, may submit an authorizing proposition to the voters and, if approved, may levy and collect an excise tax, at a rate approved by the voters, but not exceeding four-tenths of one percent on the value of every motor vehicle owned by a resident of the taxing district, solely for the purpose of providing passenger-only ferry service. The tax must be collected only at the time of vehicle registration renewal under *chapter 46.16 RCW. The tax will be imposed on vehicles previously registered in another state or nation when they are initially registered in this state. The tax will not be imposed at the time of sale by a licensed vehicle dealer. In a county imposing a motor vehicle excise tax surcharge under RCW 81.100.060 , the maximum tax rate under this section must be reduced to a rate equal to four-tenths of one percent on the value less the equivalent motor vehicle excise tax rate of the surcharge imposed under RCW 81.100.060 . This rate does not apply to vehicles registered under RCW 46.16A.455 with a scale weight more than six thousand pounds, or to vehicles registered under RCW 46.16A.425 , 46.17.335 , or 46.17.350 (1)(c). (2) The department of licensing shall administer and collect the tax in accordance with chapter 82.44 RCW. The department shall deduct a percentage amount, as provided by contract, not to exceed one percent of the taxes collected, for administration and collection expenses incurred by it. The remaining proceeds must be remitted to the custody of the state treasurer for monthly distribution to the public transportation benefit area. (3) The public transportation benefit area imposing this tax shall delay the effective date at least six months from the date the fee is approved by the qualified voters of the authority area to allow the department of licensing to implement administration and collection of the tax. (4) Before an authority may impose a tax authorized under this section, the authorization for imposition of the tax must be approved by a majority of the qualified electors of the authority area voting on that issue. (1) Public transportation benefit areas authorized to implement passenger-only ferry service under RCW 36.57A.200 whose boundaries (a) are on the Puget Sound, but (b) do not include an area where a regional transit authority has been formed, may submit an authorizing proposition to the voters and, if approved, may levy and collect an excise tax, at a rate approved by the voters, but not exceeding four-tenths of one percent on the value of every motor vehicle owned by a resident of the taxing district, solely for the purpose of providing passenger-only ferry service. The tax must be collected only at the time of vehicle registration renewal under *chapter 46.16 RCW. The tax will be imposed on vehicles previously registered in another state or nation when they are initially registered in this state. The tax will not be imposed at the time of sale by a licensed vehicle dealer. In a county imposing a motor vehicle excise tax surcharge under RCW 81.100.060 , the maximum tax rate under this section must be reduced to a rate equal to four-tenths of one percent on the value less the equivalent motor vehicle excise tax rate of the surcharge imposed under RCW 81.100.060 . This rate does not apply to vehicles registered under RCW 46.16A.455 with a scale weight more than six thousand pounds, or to vehicles registered under RCW 46.16A.425 , 46.17.335 , or 46.17.350 (1)(c). (2) The department of licensing shall administer and collect the tax in accordance with chapter 82.44 RCW. The department shall deduct a percentage amount, as provided by contract, not to exceed one percent of the taxes collected, for administration and collection expenses incurred by it. The remaining proceeds must be remitted to the custody of the state treasurer for monthly distribution to the public transportation benefit area. (3) The public transportation benefit area imposing this tax shall delay the effective date at least six months from the date the fee is approved by the qualified voters of the authority area to allow the department of licensing to implement administration and collection of the tax. (4) Before an authority may impose a tax authorized under this section, the authorization for imposition of the tax must be approved by a majority of the qualified electors of the authority area voting on that issue.

RCW 82.80.140 Vehicle fee — Transportation benefit district — Exemptions.

(1) Subject to the provisions of RCW 36.73.065 , a transportation benefit district under chapter 36.73 RCW may fix and impose an annual vehicle fee, not to exceed one hundred dollars per vehicle registered in the district, for each vehicle subject to vehicle license fees under RCW 46.17.350 (1) (a), (c), (d), (e), (g), (h), (j), or (n) through (q) and for each vehicle subject to gross weight license fees under RCW 46.17.355 with a scale weight of six thousand pounds or less. (2)(a) A district that includes all the territory within the boundaries of the jurisdiction, or jurisdictions, establishing the district may impose by a majority vote of the governing board of the district up to: (i) Twenty dollars of the vehicle fee authorized in subsection (1) of this section, (ii) forty dollars of the vehicle fee authorized in subsection (1) of this section if a twenty dollar vehicle fee has been imposed for at least twenty-four months, or (iii) fifty dollars of the vehicle fee authorized in subsection (1) of this section if a vehicle fee of forty dollars has been imposed for at least twenty-four months and a district has met the requirements of RCW 36.73.065 (6). If the district is countywide, the revenues of the fee must be distributed to each city within the district by interlocal agreement. The interlocal agreement is effective when approved by the district and sixty percent of the cities representing seventy-five percent of the population of the cities within the district in which the countywide fee is collected. (b) A district may not impose a fee under this subsection (2): (i) For a passenger-only ferry transportation improvement unless the vehicle fee is first approved by a majority of the voters within the jurisdiction of the district; or (ii) That, if combined with the fees previously imposed by another district within its boundaries under RCW 36.73.065 (4)(a)(i), exceeds fifty dollars. If a district imposes or increases a fee under this subsection (2) that, if combined with the fees previously imposed by another district within its boundaries, exceeds fifty dollars, the district shall provide a credit for the previously imposed fees so that the combined vehicle fee does not exceed fifty dollars. (3) The department of licensing shall administer and collect the fee. The department shall deduct a percentage amount, as provided by contract, not to exceed one percent of the fees collected, for administration and collection expenses incurred by it. The department shall remit remaining proceeds to the custody of the state treasurer. The state treasurer shall distribute the proceeds to the district on a monthly basis. (4) No fee under this section may be collected until six months after approval under RCW 36.73.065 . (5) The vehicle fee under this section applies only when renewing a vehicle registration, and is effective upon the registration renewal date as provided by the department of licensing. (6) The following vehicles are exempt from the fee under this section: (a) Campers, as defined in RCW 46.04.085 ; (b) Farm tractors or farm vehicles, as defined in RCW 46.04.180 and 46.04.181 ; (c) Mopeds, as defined in RCW 46.04.304 ; (d) Off-road and nonhighway vehicles, as defined in RCW 46.04.365 ; (e) Private use single-axle trailer, as defined in RCW 46.04.422 ; (f) Snowmobiles, as defined in RCW 46.04.546 ; and (g) Vehicles registered under chapter 46.87 RCW and the international registration plan. (1) Subject to the provisions of RCW 36.73.065 , a transportation benefit district under chapter 36.73 RCW may fix and impose an annual vehicle fee, not to exceed one hundred dollars per vehicle registered in the district, for each vehicle subject to vehicle license fees under RCW 46.17.350 (1) (a), (c), (d), (e), (g), (h), (j), or (n) through (q) and for each vehicle subject to gross weight license fees under RCW 46.17.355 with a scale weight of six thousand pounds or less. (2)(a) A district that includes all the territory within the boundaries of the jurisdiction, or jurisdictions, establishing the district may impose by a majority vote of the governing board of the district up to: (i) Twenty dollars of the vehicle fee authorized in subsection (1) of this section, (ii) forty dollars of the vehicle fee authorized in subsection (1) of this section if a twenty dollar vehicle fee has been imposed for at least twenty-four months, or (iii) fifty dollars of the vehicle fee authorized in subsection (1) of this section if a vehicle fee of forty dollars has been imposed for at least twenty-four months and a district has met the requirements of RCW 36.73.065 (6). If the district is countywide, the revenues of the fee must be distributed to each city within the district by interlocal agreement. The interlocal agreement is effective when approved by the district and sixty percent of the cities representing seventy-five percent of the population of the cities within the district in which the countywide fee is collected. (b) A district may not impose a fee under this subsection (2): (i) For a passenger-only ferry transportation improvement unless the vehicle fee is first approved by a majority of the voters within the jurisdiction of the district; or (ii) That, if combined with the fees previously imposed by another district within its boundaries under RCW 36.73.065 (4)(a)(i), exceeds fifty dollars. If a district imposes or increases a fee under this subsection (2) that, if combined with the fees previously imposed by another district within its boundaries, exceeds fifty dollars, the district shall provide a credit for the previously imposed fees so that the combined vehicle fee does not exceed fifty dollars. (3) The department of licensing shall administer and collect the fee. The department shall deduct a percentage amount, as provided by contract, not to exceed one percent of the fees collected, for administration and collection expenses incurred by it. The department shall remit remaining proceeds to the custody of the state treasurer. The state treasurer shall distribute the proceeds to the district on a monthly basis. (4) No fee under this section may be collected until six months after approval under RCW 36.73.065 . (5) The vehicle fee under this section applies only when renewing a vehicle registration, and is effective upon the registration renewal date as provided by the department of licensing. (6) The following vehicles are exempt from the fee under this section: (a) Campers, as defined in RCW 46.04.085 ; (b) Farm tractors or farm vehicles, as defined in RCW 46.04.180 and 46.04.181 ; (c) Mopeds, as defined in RCW 46.04.304 ; (d) Off-road and nonhighway vehicles, as defined in RCW 46.04.365 ; (e) Private use single-axle trailer, as defined in RCW 46.04.422 ; (f) Snowmobiles, as defined in RCW 46.04.546 ; and (g) Vehicles registered under chapter 46.87 RCW and the international registration plan.

RCW 82.80.900 Purpose — Effective dates — Application — Implementation — 1990 c 42.

See notes following RCW 46.68.090 . See notes following RCW 46.68.090 .
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=82.80&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026