Open Space Public Benefit Rating System

The Public Benefit Rating System

As permitted by Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 84.34, Douglas County has adopted a Douglas County Public Benefit Rating System (PBRS) through Ordinance TLS 13-07-25B (PDF), codified as Douglas County Code Chapter 3.52. This rating system was created to provide greater clarity and predictability to property owners seeking open space classification. In the past, there were very few objective criteria to help property owners and decision makers evaluate the merits of open space classification.

The PBRS rating system prioritizes a series of open space resources and assigns each a numerical point value. Parcels can have more than one resource generating value. The score from the sum of the values is then applied to an assessment schedule approved by the County Assessor. Higher scoring parcels will be granted a greater reduction in market value assessment. A determination will be made based on the following resource conditions:

• Conserve or enhance natural, cultural or scenic resources
• Protect:
  • Native plant habitat
  • Natural shorelines and aquifers
  • Soil resources
  • Streams and stream corridors
  • Unique or critical wildlife
  • Wetlands
• Promote conservation principles by example or by offering educational opportunities
• Enhance the value of abutting or neighboring:
  • Forests
  • Nature reservations or sanctuaries
  • Parks
  • Wildlife preserves
  • Other open spaces
• Enhance recreation opportunities
• Preserve historic and archeological sites
• Preserve visual quality along highway, road and street corridors or scenic vistas
• Affect any other factors relevant in weighing benefits to the general welfare of preserving the current use of the property

The Public Process

Applications can be made for classification at any time during the year from January 1st through December 31st. Valuation assessment begins on January 1st in the year following the year the application was filed. Taxes upon classified land shall be due and payable in the year following the year the land was valued at its current use and placed on the assessment rolls.

The reduction in property taxes appears the second year after the application is submitted:

• Year 1: Application submitted (any time during the year)
• Year 2: Tax rolls changed for the following year
• Year 3: Taxes reduced

How to Apply

Each open space classification type has its own eligibility criteria. The idea of reduced taxes is an ever-popular one and the County's Open Space Plan and PBRS reserve eligibility for those properties which have the best qualities for achieving the goals of the program.

Applications for open space classification are available and processed through Douglas County Transportation and Land Services (TLS). Interested parties should contact TLS to set up a meeting to discuss options and for assistance with filling out the application.

Farm and agricultural current use and timber land applications are filed with the County Assessor's Office. Farm and agriculture current use applications must be accompanied by a farm management plan, prepared by a qualified agronomist. Timber land applications must be accompanied by a timber management plan, prepared by a qualified forester.

Related Documents

• Application Checklist (PDF)
• Application for Classification or Reclassification (DOC)
• Eligibility Criteria Checklist (PDF)
• Notary Certification Form (PDF)
• Open Space Taxation Agreement (DOC)
• WA Department of Revenue Open Space Application (DOC)