AN ACT Relating to open spaces; amending RCW 84.33.120, 84.33.140, 84.33.145, 84.34.020, 84.34.035, 84.34.037, 84.34.050, 84.34.060, 84.34.065, 84.34.070, 84.34.080, 84.34.108, 84.34.145, 84.34.150, 84.34.155, 84.34.160, 84.34.320, and 84.34.360; adding new sections to chapter 84.34 RCW; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 84.33.120 and 1986 c 238 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) In preparing the assessment rolls as of January 1, 1982, for taxes payable in 1983 and each January 1st thereafter, the assessor shall list each parcel of forest land at a value with respect to the grade and class provided in this subsection and adjusted as provided in subsection (2) of this section and shall compute the assessed value of the land by using the same assessment ratio he or she applies generally in computing the assessed value of other property in his or her county. Values for the several grades of bare forest land shall be as follows.

LAND OPERABILITY VALUES

GRADE CLASS PER ACRE

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1 $141

1 2 136

3 131

4 95

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1 118

2 2 114

3 110

4 80

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1 93

3 2 90

3 87

4 66

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1 70

4 2 68

3 66

4 52

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1 51

5 2 48

3 46

4 31

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1 26

6 2 25

3 25

4 23

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1 12

7 2 12

3 11

4 11

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8 1

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(2) On or before December 31, 1981, the department shall adjust, by rule under chapter 34.05 RCW, the forest land values contained in subsection (1) of this section in accordance with this subsection, and shall certify these adjusted values to the county assessor for his or her use in preparing the assessment rolls as of January 1, 1982. For the adjustment to be made on or before December 31, 1981, for use in the 1982 assessment year, the department shall:

(a) Divide the aggregate value of all timber harvested within the state between July 1, 1976, and June 30, 1981, by the aggregate harvest volume for the same period, as determined from the harvester excise tax returns filed with the department under RCW 82.04.291 and 84.33.071; and

(b) Divide the aggregate value of all timber harvested within the state between July 1, 1975, and June 30, 1980, by the aggregate harvest volume for the same period, as determined from the harvester excise tax returns filed with the department under RCW 82.04.291 and 84.33.071; and

(c) Adjust the forest land values contained in subsection (1) of this section by a percentage equal to one-half of the percentage change in the average values of harvested timber reflected by comparing the resultant values calculated under (a) and (b) of this subsection.

For the adjustments to be made on or before December 31, 1982, and each succeeding year thereafter, the same procedure shall be followed as described in this subsection utilizing harvester excise tax returns filed under RCW 82.04.291 and this chapter except that this adjustment shall be made to the prior year's adjusted value, and the five-year periods for calculating average harvested timber values shall be successively one year more recent.

(3) In preparing the assessment roll for 1972 and each year thereafter, the assessor shall enter as the true and fair value of each parcel of forest land the appropriate grade value certified to him or her by the department of revenue, and he or she shall compute the assessed value of such land by using the same assessment ratio he or she applies generally in computing the assessed value of other property in his or her county. In preparing the assessment roll for 1975 and each year thereafter, the assessor shall assess and value as classified forest land all forest land that is not then designated pursuant to RCW 84.33.120(4) or 84.33.130 and shall make a notation of such classification upon the assessment and tax rolls. On or before January 15 of the first year in which such notation is made, the assessor shall mail notice by certified mail to the owner that such land has been classified as forest land and is subject to the compensating tax imposed by this section. If the owner desires not to have such land assessed and valued as classified forest land, he or she shall give the assessor written notice thereof on or before March 31 of such year and the assessor shall remove from the assessment and tax rolls the classification notation entered pursuant to this subsection, and shall thereafter assess and value such land in the manner provided by law other than this chapter 84.33 RCW.

(4) In any year commencing with 1972, an owner of land which is assessed and valued by the assessor other than pursuant to the procedures set forth in RCW 84.33.110 and this section, and which has, in the immediately preceding year, been assessed and valued by the assessor as forest land, may appeal to the county board of equalization by filing an application with the board in the manner prescribed in subsection (2) of RCW 84.33.130. The county board shall afford the applicant an opportunity to be heard if the application so requests and shall act upon the application in the manner prescribed in subsection (3) of RCW 84.33.130.

(5) Land that has been assessed and valued as classified forest land as of any year commencing with 1975 assessment year or earlier shall continue to be so assessed and valued until removal of classification by the assessor only upon the occurrence of one of the following events:

(a) Receipt of notice from the owner to remove such land from classification as forest land;

(b) Sale or transfer to an ownership making such land exempt from ad valorem taxation;

(c) Determination by the assessor, after giving the owner written notice and an opportunity to be heard, that, because of actions taken by the owner, such land is no longer primarily devoted to and used for growing and harvesting timber;

(d) Determination that a higher and better use exists for such land than growing and harvesting timber after giving the owner written notice and an opportunity to be heard;

(e) Sale or transfer of all or a portion of such land to a new owner, unless the new owner has signed a notice of forest land classification continuance except transfer to an owner who is an heir or devisee of a deceased owner, shall not, by itself, result in removal of classification. The signed notice of continuance shall be attached to the real estate excise tax affidavit provided for in RCW 82.45.120, as now or hereafter amended. The notice of continuance shall be on a form prepared by the department of revenue. If the notice of continuance is not signed by the new owner and attached to the real estate excise tax affidavit, all compensating taxes calculated pursuant to subsection (7) of this section shall become due and payable by the seller or transferor at time of sale. The county auditor shall not accept an instrument of conveyance of classified forest land for filing or recording unless the new owner has signed the notice of continuance or the compensating tax has been paid. The seller, transferor, or new owner may appeal the new assessed valuation calculated under subsection (7) of this section to the county board of equalization. Jurisdiction is hereby conferred on the county board of equalization to hear these appeals.

The assessor shall remove classification pursuant to subsections (c) or (d) above prior to September 30 of the year prior to the assessment year for which termination of classification is to be effective. Removal of classification as forest land upon occurrence of subsection (a), (b), (d), or (e) above shall apply only to the land affected, and upon occurrence of subsection (c) shall apply only to the actual area of land no longer primarily devoted to and used for growing and harvesting timber: PROVIDED, That any remaining classified forest land meets necessary definitions of forest land pursuant to RCW 84.33.100 as now or hereafter amended.

(6) Within thirty days after such removal of classification as forest land, the assessor shall notify the owner in writing setting forth the reasons for such removal. The owner of such land shall thereupon have the right to apply for designation of such land as forest land pursuant to subsection (4) of this section or RCW 84.33.130. The seller, transferor, or owner may appeal such removal to the county board of equalization.

(7) Unless the owner successfully applies for designation of such land or unless the removal is reversed on appeal, notation of removal from classification shall immediately be made upon the assessment and tax rolls, and commencing on January 1 of the year following the year in which the assessor made such notation, such land shall be assessed on the same basis as real property is assessed generally in that county. Except as provided in subsections (5)(e) and (9) of this section and unless the assessor shall not have mailed notice of classification pursuant to subsection (3) of this section, a compensating tax shall be imposed which shall be due and payable to the county treasurer thirty days after the owner is notified of the amount of the compensating tax. As soon as possible, the assessor shall compute the amount of such compensating tax and mail notice to the owner of the amount thereof and the date on which payment is due. The amount of such compensating tax shall be equal to:

(a) The difference, if any, between the amount of tax last levied on such land as forest land and an amount equal to the new assessed valuation of such land multiplied by the dollar rate of the last levy extended against such land, multiplied by

(b) A number, in no event greater than ten, equal to the number of years, commencing with assessment year 1975, for which such land was assessed and valued as forest land.

(8) Compensating tax, together with applicable interest thereon, shall become a lien on such land which shall attach at the time such land is removed from classification as forest land and shall have priority to and shall be fully paid and satisfied before any recognizance, mortgage, judgment, debt, obligation or responsibility to or with which such land may become charged or liable. Such lien may be foreclosed upon expiration of the same period after delinquency and in the same manner provided by law for foreclosure of liens for delinquent real property taxes as provided in RCW 84.64.050. Any compensating tax unpaid on its due date shall thereupon become delinquent. From the date of delinquency until paid, interest shall be charged at the same rate applied by law to delinquent ad valorem property taxes.

(9) The compensating tax specified in subsection (7) of this section shall not be imposed if the removal of classification as forest land pursuant to subsection (5) of this section resulted solely from:

(a) Transfer to a government entity in exchange for other forest land located within the state of Washington;

(b) A taking through the exercise of the power of eminent domain, or sale or transfer to an entity having the power of eminent domain in anticipation of the exercise of such power;

(c) ((~~Sale or transfer of land within two years after the death of the owner of at least a fifty percent interest in such land;~~

~~(d)~~)) A donation of development rights, or the right to harvest timber, to a government agency or organization qualified under RCW 84.34.210 and 64.04.130 for the purposes enumerated in those sections or the sale or transfer of fee title to a governmental entity or nonprofit nature conservancy corporation, as defined in RCW 64.04.130, exclusively for the protection and conservation of lands recommended for state natural area preserve purposes by the natural heritage council and natural heritage plan as defined in chapter 79.70 RCW: PROVIDED, That at such time as the land is not used for the purposes enumerated, the compensating tax specified in subsection (7) of this section shall be imposed upon the current owner.

(10) With respect to any land that has been designated prior to May 6, 1974, pursuant to RCW 84.33.120(4) or 84.33.130, the assessor may, prior to January 1, 1975, on his or her own motion or pursuant to petition by the owner, change, without imposition of the compensating tax provided under RCW 84.33.140, the status of such designated land to classified forest land.

Sec. 2. RCW 84.33.140 and 1986 c 238 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) When land has been designated as forest land pursuant to RCW 84.33.120(4) or 84.33.130, a notation of such designation shall be made each year upon the assessment and tax rolls, a copy of the notice of approval together with the legal description or assessor's tax lot numbers for such land shall, at the expense of the applicant, be filed by the assessor in the same manner as deeds are recorded, and such land shall be graded and valued pursuant to RCW 84.33.110 and 84.33.120 until removal of such designation by the assessor upon occurrence of any of the following:

(a) Receipt of notice from the owner to remove such designation;

(b) Sale or transfer to an ownership making such land exempt from ad valorem taxation;

(c) Sale or transfer of all or a portion of such land to a new owner, unless the new owner has signed a notice of forest land designation continuance except transfer to an owner who is an heir or devisee of a deceased owner, shall not, by itself, result in removal of classification. The signed notice of continuance shall be attached to the real estate excise tax affidavit provided for in RCW 82.45.120, as now or hereafter amended. The notice of continuance shall be on a form prepared by the department of revenue. If the notice of continuance is not signed by the new owner and attached to the real estate excise tax affidavit, all compensating taxes calculated pursuant to subsection (3) of this section shall become due and payable by the seller or transferor at time of sale. The county auditor shall not accept an instrument of conveyance of designated forest land for filing or recording unless the new owner has signed the notice of continuance or the compensating tax has been paid. The seller, transferor, or new owner may appeal the new assessed valuation calculated under subsection (3) of this section to the county board of equalization. Jurisdiction is hereby conferred on the county board of equalization to hear these appeals;

(d) Determination by the assessor, after giving the owner written notice and an opportunity to be heard, that (i) such land is no longer primarily devoted to and used for growing and harvesting timber, (ii) such owner has failed to comply with a final administrative or judicial order with respect to a violation of the restocking, forest management, fire protection, insect and disease control and forest debris provisions of Title 76 RCW or any applicable regulations thereunder, or (iii) restocking has not occurred to the extent or within the time specified in the application for designation of such land.

Removal of designation upon occurrence of any of subsections (a) through (c) above shall apply only to the land affected, and upon occurrence of subsection (d) shall apply only to the actual area of land no longer primarily devoted to and used for growing and harvesting timber, without regard to other land that may have been included in the same application and approval for designation: PROVIDED, That any remaining designated forest land meets necessary definitions of forest land pursuant to RCW 84.33.100 as now or hereafter amended.

(2) Within thirty days after such removal of designation of forest land, the assessor shall notify the owner in writing, setting forth the reasons for such removal. The seller, transferor, or owner may appeal such removal to the county board of equalization.

(3) Unless the removal is reversed on appeal a copy of the notice of removal with notation of the action, if any, upon appeal, together with the legal description or assessor's tax lot numbers for the land removed from designation shall, at the expense of the applicant, be filed by the assessor in the same manner as deeds are recorded, and commencing on January 1 of the year following the year in which the assessor mailed such notice, such land shall be assessed on the same basis as real property is assessed generally in that county. Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, a compensating tax shall be imposed which shall be due and payable to the county treasurer thirty days after the owner is notified of the amount of the compensating tax. As soon as possible, the assessor shall compute the amount of such compensating tax and mail notice to the owner of the amount thereof and the date on which payment is due. The amount of such compensating tax shall be equal to:

(a) The difference between the amount of tax last levied on such land as forest land and an amount equal to the new assessed valuation of such land multiplied by the dollar rate of the last levy extended against such land, multiplied by

(b) A number, in no event greater than ten, equal to the number of years for which such land was designated as forest land.

(4) Compensating tax, together with applicable interest thereon, shall become a lien on such land which shall attach at the time such land is removed from designation as forest land and shall have priority to and shall be fully paid and satisfied before any recognizance, mortgage, judgment, debt, obligation or responsibility to or with which such land may become charged or liable. Such lien may be foreclosed upon expiration of the same period after delinquency and in the same manner provided by law for foreclosure of liens for delinquent real property taxes as provided in RCW 84.64.050. Any compensating tax unpaid on its due date shall thereupon become delinquent. From the date of delinquency until paid, interest shall be charged at the same rate applied by law to delinquent ad valorem property taxes.

(5) The compensating tax specified in subsection (3) of this section shall not be imposed if the removal of designation pursuant to subsection (1) of this section resulted solely from:

(a) Transfer to a government entity in exchange for other forest land located within the state of Washington;

(b) A taking through the exercise of the power of eminent domain, or sale or transfer to an entity having the power of eminent domain in anticipation of the exercise of such power;

(c) ((~~Sale or transfer of land within two years after the death of the owner of at least a fifty percent interest in such land;~~

~~(d)~~)) A donation of development rights, or the right to harvest timber, to a government agency or organization qualified under RCW 84.34.210 and 64.04.130 for the purposes enumerated in those sections or the sale or transfer of fee title to a governmental entity or nonprofit nature conservancy corporation, as defined in RCW 64.04.130, exclusively for the protection and conservation of lands recommended for state natural area preserve purposes by the natural heritage council and natural heritage plan as defined in chapter 79.70 RCW: PROVIDED, That at such time as the land is not used for the purposes enumerated, the compensating tax specified in subsection (3) of this section shall be imposed upon the current owner.

Sec. 3. RCW 84.33.145 and 1986 c 315 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) If no later than thirty days after removal of classification or designation the owner applies for classification under RCW 84.34.020 (1), (2), or (3), then the classified or designated forest land shall not be considered removed from classification or designation for purposes of the compensating tax under RCW 84.33.120 or 84.33.140 until the application for current use classification under RCW 84.34.030 is denied or the property is removed from designation under RCW 84.34.108. Upon removal from designation under RCW 84.34.108, the amount of compensating tax due under this chapter shall be equal to:

(a) The difference, if any, between the amount of tax last levied on such land as forest land and an amount equal to the new assessed valuation of such land when removed from designation under RCW 84.34.108 multiplied by the dollar rate of the last levy extended against such land, multiplied by

(b) A number equal to:

(i) The number of years the land was classified or designated under this chapter, if the total number of years the land was classified or designated under this chapter and classified under chapter 84.34 RCW is less than ten; or

(ii) Ten minus the number of years the land was classified under chapter 84.34 RCW, if the total number of years the land was classified or designated under this chapter and classified under chapter 84.34 RCW is at least ten.

(2) Nothing in this section authorizes the continued classification or designation under this chapter or defers or reduces the compensating tax imposed upon forest land not transferred to classification under subsection (1) of this section which does not meet the necessary definitions of forest land under RCW 84.33.100. Nothing in this section affects the additional tax imposed under RCW 84.34.108.

Sec. 4. RCW 84.34.020 and 1988 c 253 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

As used in this chapter, unless a different meaning is required by the context:

(1) "Open space land" means (a) any land area so designated by an official comprehensive land use plan adopted by any city or county and zoned accordingly or (b) any land area, the preservation of which in its present use would (i) conserve and enhance natural or scenic resources, or (ii) protect streams or water supply, or (iii) promote conservation of soils, wetlands, beaches or tidal marshes, or (iv) enhance the value to the public of abutting or neighboring parks, forests, wildlife preserves, nature reservations or sanctuaries or other open space, or (v) enhance recreation opportunities, or (vi) preserve historic sites, or (vii) preserve visual quality along highway, road, and street corridors or scenic vistas, or (viii) retain in its natural state tracts of land not less than ((~~five~~)) one acre((s)) situated in an urban area and open to public use on such conditions as may be reasonably required by the legislative body granting the open space classification, or (c) any land meeting the definition of farm and agricultural conservation land under subsection (8) of this section. As a condition of granting open space classification, the legislative body may not require public access on land classified under (b)(iii) of this subsection for the purpose of promoting conservation of wetlands.

(2) "Farm and agricultural land" means either (a) any parcel of land ((~~in any~~)) that is twenty or more acres or multiple parcels of land that are contiguous ((~~ownership of~~)) and total twenty or more acres (i) devoted primarily to the production of livestock or agricultural commodities for commercial purposes, ((or)) (ii) enrolled in the federal conservation reserve program or its successor administered by the United States department of agriculture, or (iii) other similar commercial activities as may be established by rule following consultation with the advisory committee established in section 19 of this act; (b) any parcel of land that is five acres or more but less than twenty acres devoted primarily to agricultural uses, which has produced a gross income from agricultural uses equivalent to, as of the effective date of this act, (i) one hundred dollars or more per acre per year for three of the five calendar years preceding the date of application for classification under this chapter for all parcels of land that are classified under this subsection or all parcels of land for which an application for classification under this subsection is made with the granting authority prior to January 1, 1993, and (ii) on or after January 1, 1993, two hundred dollars or more per acre per year for three of the five calendar years preceding the date of application for classification under this chapter; ((or)) (c) any parcel of land of less than five acres devoted primarily to agricultural uses which has produced a gross income as of the effective date of this act, of (i) one thousand dollars or more per year for three of the five calendar years preceding the date of application for classification under this chapter for all parcels of land that are classified under this subsection or all parcels of land for which an application for classification under this subsection is made with the granting authority prior to January 1, 1993, and (ii) on or after January 1, 1993, fifteen hundred dollars or more per year for three of the five calendar years preceding the date of application for classification under this chapter. Parcels of land described in (b)(i) and (c)(i) of this subsection shall, upon any transfer of the property excluding a transfer to a surviving spouse, be subject to the limits of (b)(ii) and (c)(ii) of this subsection. Agricultural lands shall also include ((~~farm woodlots of less than twenty and more than five acres~~)) such incidental uses as are compatible with agricultural purposes, including wetlands preservation, provided such incidental use does not exceed twenty percent of the classified land and the land on which appurtenances necessary to the production, preparation, or sale of the agricultural products exist in conjunction with the lands producing such products. Agricultural lands shall also include any parcel of land of one to five acres, which is not contiguous, but which otherwise constitutes an integral part of farming operations being conducted on land qualifying under this section as "farm and agricultural lands"; or (d) the land on which housing for employees and the principal place of residence of the farm operator or owner of land classified pursuant to (a) of this subsection is sited if: The housing or residence is on or contiguous to the classified parcel; and the use of the housing or the residence is integral to the use of the classified land for agricultural purposes.

(3) "Timber land" means any parcel of land ((~~in any~~)) that is five or more acres or multiple parcels of land that are contiguous ((~~ownership of~~)) and total five or more acres which is or are devoted primarily to the growth and harvest of forest crops ((~~and which is not classified as reforestation land pursuant to chapter 84.28 RCW~~)) for commercial purposes. A timber management plan shall be filed with the county legislative authority at the time (a) an application is made for classification as timber land pursuant to this chapter or (b) when a sale or transfer of timber land occurs and a notice of classification continuance is signed. Timber land means the land only.

(4) "Current" or "currently" means as of the date on which property is to be listed and valued by the ((~~county~~)) assessor.

(5) "Owner" means the party or parties having the fee interest in land, except that where land is subject to real estate contract "owner" shall mean the contract vendee.

(6) "Contiguous" means land adjoining and touching other property held by the same ownership. Land divided by a public road, but otherwise an integral part of a farming operation, shall be considered contiguous.

(7) "Granting authority" means the appropriate agency or official who acts on an application for classification of land pursuant to this chapter.

(8) "Farm and agricultural conservation land" means either:

(a) Land that was previously classified under subsection (2) of this section, that no longer meets the criteria of subsection (2) of this section, and that is reclassified under subsection (1) of this section; or

(b) Land that is traditional farmland that is not classified under chapter 84.33 or 84.34 RCW, that has not been irrevocably devoted to a use inconsistent with agricultural uses, and that has a high potential for returning to commercial agriculture.

Sec. 5. RCW 84.34.035 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 212 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

The assessor shall act upon the application for current use classification of farm and agricultural lands under ((~~subsection (2) of~~)) RCW 84.34.020(2), with due regard to all relevant evidence. The application shall be deemed to have been approved unless, prior to the first day of May of the year after such application was mailed or delivered to the assessor, ((he)) the assessor shall notify the applicant in writing of the extent to which the application is denied. An owner who receives notice that his or her application has been denied may appeal such denial to the ((~~county legislative authority~~)) board of equalization in the county where the property is located. The appeal shall be filed in accordance with RCW 84.40.038, within thirty days after the mailing of the notice of denial. Within ten days following approval of the application, the assessor shall submit notification of such approval to the county auditor for recording in the place and manner provided for the public recording of state tax liens on real property. The assessor shall retain a copy of all applications.

The assessor shall, as to any such land, make a notation each year on the assessment list and the tax roll of the assessed value of such land for the use for which it is classified in addition to the assessed value of such land were it not so classified.

((~~The assessor shall also file notice of both such values with the county treasurer, who shall record such notice in the place and manner provided for recording delinquent taxes.~~))

Sec. 6. RCW 84.34.037 and 1985 c 393 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Applications for classification or reclassification under RCW 84.34.020 ((~~subsection~~)) (1) ((~~or (3)~~)) shall be made to the county legislative authority. An application made for classification or reclassification of land under RCW 84.34.020 ((~~subsection~~)) (1)(b)((~~, or (3)~~)) and (c) which is in an area subject to a comprehensive plan shall be acted upon in the same manner in which an amendment to the comprehensive plan is processed. Application made for classification of land which is in an area not subject to a comprehensive plan shall be acted upon after a public hearing and after notice of the hearing shall have been given by one publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the area at least ten days before the hearing: PROVIDED, That applications for classification of land in an incorporated area shall be acted upon by a ((~~determining~~)) granting authority composed of three members of the county legislative body and three members of the city legislative body in which the land is located.

(2) In determining whether an application made for classification or reclassification under RCW 84.34.020((~~, subsection~~)) (1)(b)((~~, or (3)~~)) and (c) should be approved or disapproved, the granting authority may take cognizance of the benefits to the general welfare of preserving the current use of the property which is the subject of application, and ((~~may~~)) shall consider ((~~whether or not preservation of current use of the land when balanced against~~)):

(a) The resulting revenue loss or tax shift ((~~from granting~~));

(b) Whether granting the application for land applying under RCW 84.34.020(1)(b) will ((~~(1)~~)) (i) conserve or enhance natural, cultural, or scenic resources, ((~~(2)~~)) (ii) protect streams, stream corridors, wetlands, natural shorelines and aquifers, ((~~(3)~~)) (iii) protect soil resources and unique or critical wildlife and native plant habitat, ((~~(4)~~)) (iv) promote conservation principles by example or by offering educational opportunities, ((~~(5)~~)) (v) enhance the value of abutting or neighboring parks, forests, wildlife preserves, nature reservations, sanctuaries, or other open spaces, ((~~(6)~~)) (vi) enhance recreation opportunities, ((~~(7)~~)) (vii) preserve historic and archaeological sites, ((~~(8)~~)) (viii) affect any other factors relevant in weighing benefits to the general welfare of preserving the current use of the property((~~: PROVIDED, That~~)); and

(c) Whether granting the application for land applying under RCW 84.34.020(1)(c) will (i) either preserve land previously classified under RCW 84.34.020(2) or preserve land that is traditional farmland and not classified under chapter 84.33 or 84.34 RCW, (ii) preserve land with a potential for returning to commercial agriculture, and (iii) affect any other factors relevant in weighing benefits to the general welfare of preserving the current use of property.

(3) If a public benefit rating system is adopted under RCW 84.34.055, the county legislative authority shall rate property ((~~applying~~)) for which application for classification has been made under RCW 84.34.020 (1)(b) and (c) according to the public benefit rating system in determining whether an application should be approved or disapproved, but when such a system is adopted, open space properties then classified under this chapter which do not qualify under the system shall not be removed from classification but may be rated according to the public benefit rating system((~~: PROVIDED FURTHER, That~~)).

(4) The granting authority may approve the application with respect to only part of the land which is the subject of the application((~~: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That~~)). If any part of the application is denied, the applicant may withdraw the entire application((~~: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That~~)). The granting authority in approving in part or whole an application for land classified or reclassified pursuant to RCW 84.34.020(1) ((~~or (3)~~)) may also require that certain conditions be met, including but not limited to the granting of easements((~~: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That~~)). As a condition of granting open space classification, the legislative body may not require public access on land classified under RCW 84.34.020 (1)(b)(iii) for the purpose of promoting conservation of wetlands.

(5) The granting or denial of the application for current use classification or reclassification is a legislative determination and shall be reviewable only for arbitrary and capricious actions. ((~~The granting authority may not require the granting of easements for land classified pursuant to RCW 84.34.020(3).~~))

Sec. 7. RCW 84.34.050 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 212 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The granting authority shall immediately notify the ((~~county~~)) assessor and the applicant of its approval or disapproval which shall in no event be more than six months from the receipt of said application. No land other than farm and agricultural land shall be ((~~considered qualified~~)) classified under this chapter until an application in regard thereto has been approved by the appropriate legislative authority.

(2) When the granting authority ((~~finds that~~)) classifies land ((~~qualifies~~)) under this chapter, it shall file notice of the same with the assessor within ten days. The assessor shall, as to any such land, make a notation each year on the assessment list and the tax roll of the assessed value of such land for the use for which it is classified in addition to the assessed value of such land were it not so classified.

(3) Within ten days following receipt of the notice from the granting authority ((~~that~~)) of classification of such land ((~~qualifies~~)) under this chapter, the assessor shall submit such notice to the county auditor for recording in the place and manner provided for the public recording of state tax liens on real property.

((~~(4) The assessor shall also file notice of both such value with the county treasurer, who shall record such notice in the place and manner provided for recording delinquent taxes.~~))

Sec. 8. RCW 84.34.060 and 1985 c 393 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

In determining the true and fair value of open space land and timber land, which has been classified as such under the provisions of this chapter, the assessor shall consider only the use to which such property and improvements is currently applied and shall not consider potential uses of such property. The ((~~assessor shall compute the assessed value of such property by using the same assessment ratio which he applies generally in computing the assessed value of other property: PROVIDED, That the~~)) assessed valuation of open space land ((~~with no current use shall not be less than that which would result if it were to be assessed for agricultural uses,~~)) shall not be less than the minimum value per acre of classified farm and agricultural land except that the assessed valuation of open space land ((~~with no current use~~)) may be valued based on the public benefit rating system adopted under RCW 84.34.055: PROVIDED FURTHER, That timber land shall be valued according to chapter 84.33 RCW.

Sec. 9. RCW 84.34.065 and 1989 c 378 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:

The true and fair value of farm and agricultural land shall be determined by consideration of the earning or productive capacity of comparable lands from crops grown most typically in the area averaged over not less than five years, capitalized at indicative rates. The earning or productive capacity of farm and agricultural lands shall be the "net cash rental", capitalized at a "rate of interest" charged on long term loans secured by a mortgage on farm or agricultural land plus a component for property taxes. The current use value of land under RCW 84.34.020(2)(d) shall be established as: The prior year's average value of open space farm and agricultural land used in the county plus the value of land improvements such as septic, water, and power used to serve the residence. This shall not be interpreted to require the assessor to list improvements to the land with the value of the land.

For the purposes of the above computation:

(1) The term "net cash rental" shall mean the average rental paid on an annual basis, in cash ((~~or its equivalent~~)), for the land being appraised and other farm and agricultural land of similar quality and similarly situated that is available for lease for a period of at least three years to any reliable person without unreasonable restrictions on its use for production of agricultural crops. There shall be allowed as a deduction from the rental received or computed any costs of crop production charged against the landlord if the costs are such as are customarily paid by a landlord. If "net cash rental" data is not available, the earning or productive capacity of farm and agricultural lands shall be determined by the cash value of typical or usual crops grown on land of similar quality and similarly situated averaged over not less than five years. Standard costs of production shall be allowed as a deduction from the cash value of the crops.

The current "net cash rental" or "earning capacity" shall be determined by the assessor with the advice of the advisory committee as provided in RCW 84.34.145, and through a continuing ((~~study within his office~~)) internal study, assisted by studies of the department of revenue. This net cash rental figure as it applies to any farm and agricultural land may be challenged before the same boards or authorities as would be the case with regard to assessed values on general property.

(2) The term "rate of interest" shall mean the rate of interest

charged by the farm credit administration and other large financial institutions regularly making loans secured by farm and agricultural lands through mortgages or similar legal instruments, averaged over the immediate past five years.

The "rate of interest" shall be determined annually by ((~~adoption of~~)) a rule adopted by the ((~~revenue~~)) department of ((~~the state of Washington,~~)) revenue and such rule shall be published in the state register not later than January 1 of each year for use in that assessment year. The ((~~determination of the revenue~~)) department of revenue determination may be appealed to the state board of tax appeals within thirty days after the date of publication by any owner of farm or agricultural land or the assessor of any county containing farm and agricultural land.

(3) The "component for property taxes" shall be a ((~~percentage equal to the estimated mileage rate times the legal assessment ratio~~)) figure obtained by dividing the assessed value of all property in the county into the property taxes levied within the county in the year preceding the assessment and multiplying the quotient obtained by one hundred.

Sec. 10. RCW 84.34.070 and 1984 c 111 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) When land has once been classified under this chapter, it shall remain under such classification and shall not be applied to other use except ((~~a transfer between classifications under RCW 84.34.020 (2) and (3)~~)) as provided by subsection (2) of this section for at least ten years from the date of classification and shall continue under such classification until and unless withdrawn from classification after notice of request for withdrawal shall be made by the owner. During any year after eight years of the initial ten-year classification period have elapsed, notice of request for withdrawal of all or a portion of the land((~~, which shall be irrevocable,~~)) may be given by the owner to the ((~~county~~)) assessor or assessors of the county or counties in which such land is situated. In the event that a portion of a parcel is removed from classification, the remaining portion must meet the same requirements as did the entire parcel when such land was originally granted classification pursuant to this chapter unless the remaining parcel has different income criteria. Within seven days the ((~~county~~)) assessor shall transmit one copy of such notice to the legislative body which originally approved the application. The ((~~county~~)) assessor or assessors, as the case may be, shall, when two assessment years have elapsed following the date of receipt of such notice, withdraw such land from such classification and the land shall be subject to the additional tax and applicable interest due under RCW 84.34.108((~~: PROVIDED, That~~)). Agreement to tax according to use shall not be considered to be a contract and can be abrogated at any time by the legislature in which event no additional tax or penalty shall be imposed.

(2) The following reclassifications are not considered withdrawals or removals and are not subject to additional tax under RCW 84.34.108:

(a) Reclassification between lands under RCW 84.34.020 (2) and (3);

(b) Reclassification of land classified under RCW 84.34.020 (2) or (3) or chapter 84.33 RCW to open space land under RCW 84.34.020(1);

(c) Reclassification of land classified under RCW 84.34.020(2) or (3) to forest land classified under chapter 84.33 RCW; and

(d) Reclassification of land classified as open space land under RCW 84.34.020(1)(c) and reclassified to farm and agricultural land under RCW 84.34.020(2) if the land had been previously classified as farm and agricultural land under RCW 84.34.020(2).

(3) Applications for reclassification shall be subject to applicable provisions of RCW 84.34.037, 84.34.035, section 20 of this act, and chapter 84.33 RCW.

(4) The income criteria for land classified under RCW 84.34.020(2) (b) and (c) may be deferred for land being reclassified from land classified under RCW 84.34.020 (1)(c) or (3), or chapter 84.33 RCW into RCW 84.34.020(2) (b) or (c) for a period of up to five years from the date of reclassification.

Sec. 11. RCW 84.34.080 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 212 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:

When land which has been classified under this chapter as open space land, farm and agricultural land, or timber land is applied to some other use, except through compliance with RCW 84.34.070, or except as a result solely from any one of the conditions listed in RCW 84.34.108(5), the owner shall within sixty days notify the county assessor of such change in use and additional real property tax shall be imposed upon such land in an amount equal to the sum of the following:

(1) The total amount of the additional tax and applicable interest due under RCW 84.34.108; plus

(2) A penalty amounting to twenty percent of the amount determined in subsection (1) of this section.

Sec. 12. RCW 84.34.108 and 1989 c 378 s 35 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) When land has once been classified under this chapter, a notation of such ((~~designation~~)) classification shall be made each year upon the assessment and tax rolls and such land shall be valued pursuant to RCW 84.34.060 or 84.34.065 until removal of all or a portion of such ((~~designation~~)) classification by the assessor upon occurrence of any of the following:

(a) Receipt of notice from the owner to remove all or a portion of such ((~~designation~~)) classification;

(b) Sale or transfer to an ownership, except a transfer that resulted from a default in loan payments made to or secured by a governmental agency that intends to or is required by law or regulation to resell the property for the same use as before, making all or a portion of such land exempt from ad valorem taxation;

(c) Sale or transfer of all or a portion of such land to a new owner, unless the new owner has signed a notice of classification continuance, except transfer to an owner who is an heir or devisee of a deceased owner shall not, by itself, result in removal of classification. The signed notice of continuance shall be attached to the real estate excise tax affidavit provided for in RCW 82.45.120, as now or hereafter amended. The notice of continuance shall be on a form prepared by the department of revenue. If the notice of continuance is not signed by the new owner and attached to the real estate excise tax affidavit, all additional taxes calculated pursuant to subsection (3) of this section shall become due and payable by the seller or transferor at time of sale. The county auditor shall not accept an instrument of conveyance of classified land for filing or recording unless the new owner has signed the notice of continuance or the additional tax has been paid. The seller, transferor, or new owner may appeal the new assessed valuation calculated under subsection (3) of this section to the county board of equalization. Jurisdiction is hereby conferred on the county board of equalization to hear these appeals;

(d) Determination by the assessor, after giving the owner written notice and an opportunity to be heard, that all or a portion of such land ((is)) no longer ((~~primarily devoted to and used for the purposes under which it was granted classification~~)) meets the criteria for classification under this chapter. The criteria for classification pursuant to this chapter continue to apply after classification has been granted.

The granting authority, upon request of an assessor, shall provide reasonable assistance to the assessor in making a determination whether such land continues to meet the qualifications of RCW 84.34.020 (1) or (3). The assistance shall be provided within thirty days of receipt of the request.

(2) Within thirty days after such removal of all or a portion of such land from current use classification, the assessor shall notify the owner in writing, setting forth the reasons for such removal. The seller, transferor, or owner may appeal such removal to the county board of equalization.

(3) Unless the removal is reversed on appeal, the assessor shall revalue the affected land with reference to full market value on the date of removal from classification. Both the assessed valuation before and after the removal of classification shall be listed and taxes shall be allocated according to that part of the year to which each assessed valuation applies. Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, an additional tax, applicable interest, and penalty shall be imposed which shall be due and payable to the county treasurer thirty days after the owner is notified of the amount of the additional tax. As soon as possible, the assessor shall compute the amount of such an additional tax, applicable interest, and penalty and the treasurer shall mail notice to the owner of the amount thereof and the date on which payment is due. The amount of such additional tax ((~~shall be equal to~~)), applicable interest, and penalty shall be determined as follows:

(a) The amount of additional tax shall be equal to the difference between the property tax paid as "open space land", "farm and agricultural land", or "timber land" and the amount of property tax otherwise due and payable for the seven years last past had the land not been so classified; ((~~plus~~))

(b) The amount of applicable interest shall be equal to the interest upon the amounts of such additional tax paid at the same statutory rate charged on delinquent property taxes from the dates on which such additional tax could have been paid without penalty if the land had been assessed at a value without regard to this chapter.

(c) The amount of the penalty shall be as provided in RCW 84.34.080. The penalty shall not be imposed if the removal satisfies the conditions of RCW 84.34.070.

(4) Additional tax, ((~~together with~~)) applicable interest ((~~thereon~~)), and penalty, shall become a lien on such land which shall attach at the time such land is removed from ((~~current use~~)) classification under this chapter and shall have priority to and shall be fully paid and satisfied before any recognizance, mortgage, judgment, debt, obligation or responsibility to or with which such land may become charged or liable. Such lien may be foreclosed upon expiration of the same period after delinquency and in the same manner provided by law for foreclosure of liens for delinquent real property taxes as provided in RCW 84.64.050 now or as hereafter amended. Any additional tax unpaid on its due date shall thereupon become delinquent. From the date of delinquency until paid, interest shall be charged at the same rate applied by law to delinquent ad valorem property taxes.

(5) The additional tax, applicable interest, and penalty specified in subsection (3) of this section shall not be imposed if the removal of ((~~designation~~)) classification pursuant to subsection (1) of this section resulted solely from:

(a) Transfer to a government entity in exchange for other land located within the state of Washington;

(b)(i) A taking through the exercise of the power of eminent domain, or (ii) sale or transfer to an entity having the power of eminent domain in anticipation of the exercise of such power, said entity having manifested its intent in writing or by other official action;

(c) ((~~Sale or transfer of land within two years after the death of the owner of at least a fifty percent interest in such land;~~

~~(d)~~)) A natural disaster such as a flood, windstorm, earthquake, or other such calamity rather than by virtue of the act of the landowner changing the use of such property;

((~~(e)~~)) (d) Official action by an agency of the state of Washington or by the county or city within which the land is located which disallows the present use of such land;

((~~(f)~~)) (e) Transfer of land to a church ((~~and~~)) when such land would qualify for ((~~property tax~~)) exemption pursuant to RCW 84.36.020; ((or

~~(g)~~)) (f) Acquisition of property interests by state agencies or agencies or organizations qualified under RCW 84.34.210 and 64.04.130 for the purposes enumerated in those sections: PROVIDED, That at such time as these property interests are not used for the purposes enumerated in RCW 84.34.210 and 64.04.130 the additional tax specified in subsection (3) of this section shall be imposed; or

(g) Removal of land classified as farm and agricultural land under RCW 84.34.020(2)(d).

Sec. 13. RCW 84.34.145 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 212 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:

The county legislative authority shall appoint a five member committee representing the active farming community within the county to serve in an advisory capacity to the ((~~county~~)) assessor in implementing assessment guidelines as established by the department of revenue for the assessment of open space, farms and agricultural lands, and timber lands classified pursuant to this 1973 amendatory act.

Sec. 14. RCW 84.34.150 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 212 s 15 are each amended to read as follows:

Land classified under the provisions of chapter 84.34 RCW prior to July 16, 1973 which meets the ((~~definition of farm and agricultural land~~)) criteria for classification under the provisions of this 1973 amendatory act, ((~~upon request for such change made by the owner to the county assessor, shall be~~)) is hereby reclassified ((~~by the county assessor~~)) under the provisions of this 1973 amendatory act. This change in classification shall be made without additional tax, applicable interest, penalty, or other requirements: PROVIDED, That subsequent to such reclassification, the land shall be fully subject to the provisions of chapter 84.34 RCW((~~, as now or hereafter amended~~)). A condition imposed by a granting authority prior to July 16, 1973, upon land classified pursuant to RCW 84.34.020 (1) or (3) shall remain in effect during the period of classification.

Sec. 15. RCW 84.34.155 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 212 s 19 are each amended to read as follows:

Land classified under the provisions of ((~~chapter 84.34 RCW as timber land~~)) RCW 84.34.020 (2) or (3) which meets the definition of forest land under the provisions of chapter 84.33 RCW, upon request for such change made by the owner to the ((~~county assessor~~)) granting authority, shall be reclassified by the ((~~county~~)) assessor under the provisions of chapter 84.33 RCW. This change in classification shall be made without additional tax, applicable interest, penalty, or other requirements set forth in chapter 84.34 RCW: PROVIDED, That subsequent to such reclassification, the land shall be fully subject to the provisions of chapter 84.33 RCW, as now or hereafter amended.

Sec. 16. RCW 84.34.160 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 212 s 18 are each amended to read as follows:

The department of revenue and each ((~~local assessor~~)) granting authority is hereby directed to publicize the qualifications and manner of making applications for ((~~current use~~)) classification. ((~~Whenever possible~~)) Notice of the qualifications, method of making applications, and availability of further information on current use classification shall be included ((~~with the second half property tax statements for 1973, and thereafter, shall be included~~)) with every notice of change in valuation ((~~of unplatted lands~~)).

Sec. 17. RCW 84.34.320 and 1979 c 84 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

Any land classified as farm and agricultural land ((~~which is designated for current use classification~~)) pursuant to chapter 84.34 RCW at the earlier of the times the legislative authority of a local government adopts a resolution, ordinance, or legislative act (1) to create a local improvement district, in which such land is included or would have been included but for such classification ((~~designation~~)), or (2) to approve or confirm a final special benefit assessment roll relating to a sanitary and/or storm sewerage system, domestic water supply and/or distribution system, or road construction and/or improvement, which roll would have included such land but for such classification ((~~designation~~)), shall be exempt from special benefit assessments or charges in lieu of assessment for such purposes as long as that land remains in such classification, except as otherwise provided in RCW 84.34.360.

Whenever a local government creates a local improvement district, the levying, collection and enforcement of assessments shall be in the manner and subject to the same procedures and limitations as are provided pursuant to the law concerning the initiation and formation of local improvement districts for the particular local government. Notice of the creation of a local improvement district that includes farm and agricultural land shall be filed with the county assessor and the legislative authority of the county in which such land is located. The ((~~county~~)) assessor, upon receiving notice of the creation of such a local improvement district, shall send a notice to the owner of the farm and agricultural lands listed on the tax rolls of the applicable county treasurer of: (1) The creation of the local improvement district; (2) the exemption of that land from special benefit assessments; (3) the fact that the farm and agricultural land may become subject to the special benefit assessments if the owner waives the exemption by filing a notarized document with the governing body of the local government creating the local improvement district before the confirmation of the final special benefit assessment roll; and (4) the potential liability, pursuant to RCW 84.34.330, if the exemption is not waived and the land is subsequently removed from the farm and agricultural land status. When a local government approves and confirms a special benefit assessment roll, from which farm and agricultural land has been exempted pursuant to this section, it shall file a notice of such action with the ((~~county~~)) assessor and the legislative authority of the county in which such land is located and with the treasurer of that local government, which notice shall describe the action taken, the type of improvement involved, the land exempted, and the amount of the special benefit assessment which would have been levied against the land if it had not been exempted. The filing of such notice with the ((~~county~~)) assessor and the treasurer of that local government shall constitute constructive notice to a purchaser or encumbrancer of the affected land, and every person whose conveyance or encumbrance is subsequently executed or subsequently recorded, that such exempt land is subject to the charges provided in RCW 84.34.330 and 84.34.340 if such land is withdrawn or removed from its current use classification as farm and agricultural land.

The owner of the land exempted from special benefit assessments pursuant to this section may waive that exemption by filing a notarized document to that effect with the legislative authority of the local government upon receiving notice from said local government concerning the assessment roll hearing and before the local government confirms the final special benefit assessment roll. A copy of that waiver shall be filed by the local government with the ((~~county~~)) assessor, but the failure of such filing shall not affect the waiver.

Except to the extent provided in RCW 84.34.360, the local government shall have no duty to furnish service from the improvement financed by the special benefit assessment to such exempted land.

Sec. 18. RCW 84.34.360 and 1979 c 84 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

((~~Within ninety days after June 7, 1979,~~)) The department of revenue shall adopt rules it shall deem necessary to implement RCW 84.34.300 through 84.34.380 which shall include, but not be limited to, procedures to determine the extent to which a portion of the land otherwise exempt may be subject to a special benefit assessment for the actual connection to the domestic water system or sewerage facilities, and further to determine the extent to which all or a portion of such land may be subject to a special benefit assessment for access to the road improvement in relation to its value as farm and agricultural land as distinguished from its value under more intensive uses. The provision for limited special benefit assessments shall not relieve such land from liability for the amounts provided in RCW 84.34.330 and 84.34.340 when such land is withdrawn or removed from its current use classification as farm and agricultural land.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 19. A new section is added to chapter 84.34 RCW to read as follows:

There is created an advisory committee to assist the department of revenue in recommending changes to the rules implementing this chapter. The committee shall have twelve members. Four shall be assessors, selected by assessors. Two assessors shall reside east of the crest of the Cascade mountains. The remaining members shall be appointed by the department. Two shall represent natural resource protection organizations. Two shall represent the public. Four shall represent a cross-section of the agricultural and forestry community. Two community members shall reside east of the crest of the Cascade mountains. The term of appointment for the community members, the natural resource protection organization members, and the public members shall be four years.

The committee shall meet at least annually, and at such other times as it deems necessary, to recommend adoption of new or amended administrative rules and other changes as it finds appropriate.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 20. A new section is added to chapter 84.34 RCW to read as follows:

An application for current use classification under RCW 84.34.020(3) shall be made to the county legislative authority.

(1) The application shall be made upon forms prepared by the department of revenue and supplied by the granting authority and shall include the following:

(a) A legal description of, or assessor's parcel numbers for, all land the applicant desires to be classified as timber land;

(b) The date or dates of acquisition of the land;

(d) Whether there is a forest management plan for the land;

(e) If so, the nature and extent of implementation of the plan;

(f) Whether the land is used for grazing;

(g) Whether the land has been subdivided or a plat filed with respect to the land;

(h) Whether the land and the applicant are in compliance with the restocking, forest management, fire protection, insect and disease control, weed control, and forest debris provisions of Title 76 RCW or applicable rules under Title 76 RCW;

(i) Whether the land is subject to forest fire protection assessments pursuant to RCW 76.04.610;

(j) Whether the land is subject to a lease, option, or other right that permits it to be used for a purpose other than growing and harvesting timber;

(k) A summary of the past experience and activity of the applicant in growing and harvesting timber;

(l) A summary of current and continuing activity of the applicant in growing and harvesting timber;

(m) A statement that the applicant is aware of the potential tax liability involved when the land ceases to be classified as timber land.

(2) An application made for classification of land under RCW 84.34.020(3) shall be acted upon after a public hearing and after notice of the hearing is given by one publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the area at least ten days before the hearing. Application for classification of land in an incorporated area shall be acted upon by a granting authority composed of three members of the county legislative body and three members of the city legislative body in which the land is located.

(3) The granting authority shall act upon the application with due regard to all relevant evidence and without any one or more items of evidence necessarily being determinative, except that the application may be denied for one of the following reasons, without regard to other items:

(a) The land does not contain a stand of timber as defined in chapter 76.09 RCW and applicable rules, except this reason shall not alone be sufficient to deny the application (i) if the land has been recently harvested or supports a growth of brush or noncommercial type timber, and the application includes a plan for restocking within three years or the longer period necessitated by unavailability of seed or seedings, or (ii) if only isolated areas within the land do not meet minimum standards due to rock outcroppings, swamps, unproductive soil, or other natural conditions;

(b) The applicant, with respect to the land, has failed to comply with a final administrative or judicial order with respect to a violation of the restocking, forest management, fire protection, insect and disease control, weed control, and forest debris provisions of Title 76 RCW or applicable rules under Title 76 RCW;

(c) The land abuts a body of salt water and lies between the line of ordinary high tide and a line paralleling the ordinary high tide line and two hundred feet horizontally landward from the high tide line.

The granting authority may approve the application with respect to only part of the land that is described in the application, and if any part of the application is denied, the applicant may withdraw the entire application. The granting authority, in approving in part or whole an application for land classified pursuant to RCW 84.34.020(3), may also require that certain conditions be met.

Granting or denial of an application for current use classification is a legislative determination and shall be reviewable only for arbitrary and capricious actions. The granting authority may not require the granting of easements for land classified pursuant to RCW 84.34.020(3).

The granting authority shall approve or disapprove an application made under this section within six months following the date the application is received.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 21. A new section is added to chapter 84.34 RCW to read as follows:

If approval of an application for classification or reclassification under RCW 84.34.020 (1), (2), or (3) results in the incorrect classification of a parcel of land the assessor may place the property in the correct classification. Such a correction shall not be considered a withdrawal or removal and is not subject to additional tax under RCW 84.34.108. The assessor will notify the landowner of any correction of classification.

This section expires on December 31, 1995.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 22. This act shall take effect January 1, 1993.