Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 57.16.050 — Districts authorized — Special assessments — Bonds., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 57.16.050. Districts authorized — Special assessments — Bonds.
(1) A district may establish local improvement districts within its territory; levy special assessments and allow annual installments on the special assessments, together with interest thereon, extending over a period not exceeding twenty years, on all property specially benefited by a local improvement, on the basis of special benefits to pay in whole or in part the damage or costs of any improvements ordered in the district; and issue local improvement bonds in the local improvement district to be repaid by the collection of special assessments. The bonds may be of any form, including bearer bonds or registered bonds as provided in RCW
39.46.030. The levying, collection, and enforcement of special assessments and the issuance of bonds shall be as provided for the levying, collection, and enforcement of special assessments and the issuance of local improvement district bonds by cities and towns insofar as is consistent with this title. The duties devolving upon the city or town treasurer are imposed upon the county treasurer of the county in which the real property is located for the purposes hereof. The mode of assessment shall be determined by the commissioners by resolution.
(2) A district may establish a utility local improvement district, in lieu of a local improvement district, if the petition or resolution for establishing the local improvement district, and the approved comprehensive plan or approved amendment thereto or plan providing for additions and betterments to the original plan, previously adopted, provides that, except as set forth in this section, the special assessments shall be for the purpose of payment of improvements and payment into the revenue bond fund for the payment of revenue bonds. No warrants or bonds shall be issued in a utility local improvement district, but the collection of interest and principal on all special assessments in the utility local improvement district shall be paid into the revenue bond fund, except that special assessments paid before the issuance and sale of bonds may be deposited in a fund for the payment of costs of improvements in the utility local improvement district. Revenue bonds shall be issued using the procedures by which cities and towns issue revenue bonds, insofar as is consistent with this title.
Such revenue bonds may also be issued and sold in accordance with chapter
39.46 RCW.
Notes
Part headings not law—Effective date—1996 c 230: See notes following RCW
57.02.001.
Liberal construction—Severability—1983 c 167: See RCW
39.46.010 and note following.
Assessments and charges against state lands: Chapter
79.44 RCW.
Local improvement bonds: Chapter
35.45 RCW.
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 57.16.050
What does Revised Code of Washington § 57.16.050 cover?
Section 57.16.050 ("Districts authorized — Special assessments — Bonds.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Washington § 57.16.050?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 57.16.050" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Washington law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.
How does Washington § 57.16.050 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.