(1) State lands may be leased not to exceed ten years with the following exceptions:

     (a) The lands may be leased for agricultural purposes not to exceed twenty-five years, except:

     (i) Leases that authorize tree fruit or grape production may be for up to fifty-five years;

     (ii) Share crop leases may not exceed ten years;

     (b) The lands may be leased for commercial, industrial, business, or recreational purposes not to exceed fifty-five years;

     (c) The lands may be leased for public school, college, or university purposes not to exceed seventy-five years;

     (d) The lands may be leased for residential purposes not to exceed ninety-nine years; and

     (e) The lands and development rights on state lands held for the benefit of the common schools may be leased to public agencies, as defined in RCW 79.17.200, not to exceed ninety-nine years. The leases may include provisions for renewal of lease terms.

     (2) No lessee of state lands may remain in possession of the land after the termination or expiration of the lease without the written consent of the department.

     (a) The department may authorize a lease extension for a specific period beyond the term of the lease for cropping improvements for the purpose of crop rotation. These improvements shall be deemed authorized improvements under RCW 79.13.030.

     (b) Upon expiration of the lease term, the department may allow the lessee to continue to hold the land for a period not exceeding one year upon such rent, terms, and conditions as the department may prescribe, if the leased land is not otherwise utilized.

     (c) Upon expiration of the one-year lease extension, the department may issue a temporary permit to the lessee upon terms and conditions it prescribes if the department has not yet determined the disposition of the land for other purposes.

     (d) The temporary permit shall not extend beyond a five-year period.

     (3) If during the term of the lease of any state lands for agricultural, grazing, commercial, residential, business, or recreational purposes, in the opinion of the department it is in the best interest of the state so to do, the department may, on the application of the lessee and in agreement with the lessee, alter and amend the terms and conditions of the lease. The sum total of the original lease term and any extension thereof shall not exceed the limits provided in this section.

[2007 c 504 § 2; 2003 c 334 § 323.]

NOTES:

     Savings -- Severability -- 2007 c 504: See notes following RCW 79.13.010.

     Intent -- 2003 c 334: See note following RCW 79.02.010.