Recreational Water Contact Facility Operating Permit

What is the purpose of this permit?
The Water Recreation Program issues annual and seasonal Operating Permits only in Lewis County, WA. This permit is a means for the Health Department to ensure water recreation contact facilities are in compliance with Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-262. Through regular inspections the safety of these facilities can be monitored and corrective actions outlined for the facility owner/operator.
Who issues this permit?
Variable: See notes/comments for more information.
What activities require this permit?
Water contact facilities such as water slides.
How much will this permit cost?
Varies depending on type of facility and duration of season.
Where can I get the application for this permit?
The application is online and can be accessed at https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/water-recreation/regulated-facilities/owner-and-operator.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
Fees
How long will it take to review my application?
Renewal provided within 30 days.
Where do I submit my application?
waterrecreation@doh.wa.gov
How long is my permit valid?
Varies- annual and seasonal.
Notes / Comments:
The Department of Health issues this permit for Lewis County Only. For all other Counties, contact your local health jurisdiction .
Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 3.3
Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 4

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 92.3
Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 203

(Summary results based on 3 submittals in 2023)

Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL: https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/water-recreation/regulated-facilities/owner-and-operator
Helpdesk phone: (360)236-3370
Subject matter expert phone: (360)236-3817
Subject matter expert email: david.delong@doh.wa.gov
Statewide Contact:
Department of Health
Office of Environmental Health and Safety
Water Recreation Program
PO Box 47825
Olympia, WA 98504-7825
Telephone: (360) 236-3330
Email: waterrecreation@doh.wa.gov
Website: https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/water-recreation
* Permit information last updated 2/21/2023
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