DESIGNATED
FOREST LAND, Chapter 84.33 RCW
This classification requires a
minimum of 20.00 contiguous acres in the same ownership devoted to
growing timber for commercial harvest. Land must be actively managed for
timber production (not simply maintained in its natural state) and must
meet minimum stocking level requirements.
New applications are submitted to the Assessor’s Office for
approval or denial. A timber management plan may also be required as
part of the application. When
land in Designated Forest Land is removed from classification, there
will be a Compensating Tax assessed.
Application
for Designated Forest Land
RCW
84.33 Designated Forest Land
CURRENT
USE OPEN SPACE, Chapter 84.34 RCW
The law provides for three
classifications within the Current Use Open Space Taxation Program: Farm and
Agricultural Land, Timber Land, and Open Space Land. Property in this
classification must be in compliance with the rules and laws specific to
the type of classification granted. When land in Current Use Open Space
is removed from classification, there will be an Additional Tax assessed.
RCW
84.34 Current Use Open Space
WAC
458-30 Open Space Taxation Act Rules
Open
Space Farm and Agriculture Land requires that land be primarily devoted to
the production of livestock or agricultural commodities for commercial
purposes. This means the land must be used on a continuous and regular
basis that demonstrates the owner intends to obtain a monetary profit.
Raising crops or animals for a family’s own use, enjoyment, or
consumption does not qualify. New applications are submitted to the
Assessor’s Office with a $50.00 non-refundable application fee. All
land in this classification must generate a cash income from the
agricultural use of the land, and owners are subject to periodic audits
to prove that an income is being generated. Land of less than 20.00
contiguous acres is subject to meeting minimum income requirements
depending on the number of acres in classification.
Application
for Open Space Farm and Agriculture
Open Space Timber Land requires a minimum of 5.00
contiguous acres devoted to growing timber for commercial harvest. Land
must be actively managed for timber production according to a timber
management plan prepared by a professional forester.
New applications are submitted to the Assessor’s Office with a
$51.00 non-refundable application fee and a management plan and will be
approved or denied in a public hearing by the Board of County
Commissioners.
Application
for Open Space Timber Land
Guidelines
for Timber Management Plans
Open Space
Open Space is reserved for land that
will be retained in its natural state in order to enhance, protect or
preserve natural areas, such as wetlands conservation, wildlife and
nature sanctuaries, historic sites, and protection of streams and water
supplies. New applications are submitted to the Department of Building
& Planning with a $1,275.00 non-refundable application fee. Approval
is determined using a Public Benefit Rating System, and taxes are
reduced according to the level of public benefit.
Application
for Open Space Open Space
TRANSFERRING
OWNERSHIP OF CLASSIFIED LAND
REMOVING
CLASSIFIED LAND
CHANGING FROM ONE CLASSIFICATION TO ANOTHER
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