H-3281.10 _______________________________________________
HOUSE BILL 2928
_______________________________________________
State of Washington 52nd Legislature 1992 Regular Session
By Representatives Fraser, Wynne, Belcher, Morris, Wang, Dellwo, Scott and Jones
Read first time 01/31/92. Referred to Committee on Revenue.
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
--------------------------------------------------------------
1 $141
1 2 136
3 131
4 95
---------------------------------------------------------------
1 118
2 2 114
3 110
4 80
---------------------------------------------------------------
1 93
3 2 90
3 87
4 66
---------------------------------------------------------------
1 70
4 2 68
3 66
4 52
---------------------------------------------------------------
1 51
5 2 48
3 46
4 31
---------------------------------------------------------------
1 26
6 2 25
3 25
4 23
---------------------------------------------------------------
1 12
7 2 12
3 11
4 11
---------------------------------------------------------------
8 1
---------------------------------------------------------------
(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.
(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 land:
(a) Previously classified under subsection (2) of this section;
(b) That no longer meets the criteria of subsection (2) of this section; and
(c) That is reclassified under subsection (1) of this section.
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) preserve land previously classified under RCW 84.34.020(2), (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)).
(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) and the land is designated as agricultural land under RCW 36.70A.170.
(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.
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;
(c) A brief description of the timber on the land, or if the timber has been harvested, the owner's plan for restocking;
(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. This act shall take effect January 1, 1993.