Washington § 88.24.020 - County may authorize wharves and prescribe rates.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 88.24.020 — County may authorize wharves and prescribe rates., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 88.24.020. County may authorize wharves and prescribe rates.

(1) Whenever any person shall be desirous of erecting any wharf at the terminus of any public highway, or at any accustomed landing place, he or she may apply to the county commissioners of the proper county, who, if they shall be satisfied that the public convenience requires said wharf, may authorize the same to be erected and kept up for any length of time not exceeding twenty years. And they shall annually prescribe the rates of wharfage and charges thereon, but there shall be no charge for the landing of passengers or their baggage.
(2) No such authority shall be granted to any person other than the owner of the land where the wharf is proposed to be erected, unless such owner shall neglect to apply for such authority; and whenever application shall be made for such authority by any person other than such owner, the board of county commissioners shall not grant the same unless proof shall be made that the applicant caused notice in writing of his or her intention to make such application, to be given by posting up at least three notices in public places in the neighborhood where the proposed wharf is to be erected and one notice at the county courthouse, twenty days prior to any regular session of the board of county commissioners at which application shall be made and by serving a copy of said notice in writing upon such owner of the land, if residing in the county, at least ten days before the session of the board of county commissioners at which the application is made.
(3) When such application is heard, if the owner of such land applies for such authority and files his or her undertaking with one or more sureties to be approved by the county commissioners in a sum not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, to be fixed by the county commissioners, conditioned that such person will erect said wharf within the time therein limited, to be fixed by the county commissioners, and maintain the same and keep said wharf according to law; and if default shall at any time be made in the condition of such undertaking damages not exceeding the penalty may be recovered by any person aggrieved before any court having competent jurisdiction, then said county commissioners shall authorize such owner of the land to erect and keep such wharf.
(4) If such owner of the land does not apply as aforesaid the commissioners may authorize the same to be erected and kept by such applicant upon his or her entering into an undertaking as required of such owner of the land.
[ 2013 c 23 s 535; 1893 c 49 s 1; Code 1881 s 3272; 1863 p 531 s 2; 1854 p 537 s 2; RRS s 9614.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 88.24.020

What does Revised Code of Washington § 88.24.020 cover?

Section 88.24.020 ("County may authorize wharves and prescribe rates.") 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 § 88.24.020?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 88.24.020" (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 § 88.24.020 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

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