Opinion ID: 2624863
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Negligent Permitting

Text: We turn now to whether these facts otherwise support a cause of action for negligent permitting. We have held negligent permitting cannot be the basis of a negligence claim against local government, absent a recognized exception. See Taylor v. Stevens County, 111 Wash.2d 159, 759 P.2d 447 (1988); accord Phillips v. King County, 136 Wash.2d 946, 968 P.2d 871 (1998). Under stare decisis, this Court will not overturn a prior holding unless it is shown that it is incorrect or harmful; no such showing has been made here. Bishop v. Miche, 137 Wash.2d 518, 529, 973 P.2d 465 (1999). [4] The Howes assert the special relationship exception. To fall within the special relationship exception on their negligent permitting claim, the Howes must establish: (1) there is direct contact or privity between the public official and the injured plaintiff which sets the latter apart from the general public, and (2) there are express assurances given by a public official, which (3) gives rise to justifiable reliance on the part of the plaintiff. Taylor, 111 Wash.2d at 166, 759 P.2d 447. Notwithstanding the enforceability of the waiver, the Howes have not satisfied this test. They did not have direct contact with county officials, and they did not receive express assurances that the property was safe at the time of permitting, and therefore, they had nothing upon which to justifiably rely.