HomeMy WebLinkAboutHEARING re Open Space Tax Application - CUA2025-00001JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Greg Ballard, Development Code Administrator
Mo-chi Lindblad, Principal Planner
DATE: July 20, 2026
SUBJECT: HEARING re: Open Space Tax Program Application – CUA2025-00001 Jefferson
Land Trust
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
Resolution 50 0916 24R requires that a public hearing be held before the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) to
approve or deny an application for classification of open space land under the Open Space Tax Program. Department
of Community Development (DCD) staff requests that the BoCC hold this public hearing on Monday, July 20, 2026,
at 10:30 a.m. during the regular BoCC meeting to hear the staff report, take public testimony, and take action to either
approve or deny pending application CUA2025 00001. The public hearing was duly noticed on July 1, 2026, pursuant
to RCW 84.34.037(1).
ANALYSIS:
Staff has prepared a staff report reviewing and analyzing the pending application under the Open Space Tax Program
and providing a recommendation regarding the Public Benefit Rating for the application, which determines the
potential amount of tax benefit the property owner may receive per the Jefferson County Assessor.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This request has no fiscal impact. If approved, the pending open space applications would affect the assessed property
taxes of the parcel; however, such impacts are allowable under the program in exchange for the public benefits of
preserving and protecting open space lands. The parcel is currently assessed as Designated Forest Land (DFL); if
approved, the parcel will be transferred to the Open Space Tax Program.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff requests the BoCC hold the required public hearing for CUA2025-00001 during the regular meeting on July 20,
2026.
REVIEWED BY:
Josh D. Peters, County Administrator Date
7/10/2026
Please publish one time: July 1, 2026
Bill to: Jefferson County Department of Community Development
621 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend, WA 98620
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Current Use Open Space Tax Program Application
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing is scheduled by the Jefferson County Board of
Commissioners for MONDAY, July 20, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Chambers,
County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 (HYBRID). Notice of said
hearing is to be published in the official newspaper of Jefferson County.
The Jefferson County Department of Community Development and the Assessor’s Office are
processing an application for inclusion in the Open Space Tax Program under the Open Space
designation: CUA2025‑00001, submitted by the Jefferson Land Trust for parcel number 602352002.
Staff requests that the Board review the staff report, hold the required public hearing, take testimony,
and approve or deny the application.
The staff report and other information is available for viewing on the County website by visiting:
www.co.jefferson.wa.us and follow this pathway – Services – Laserfiche Web Portal (username and password
is: public) - Board of Commissioners – BOCC Agenda Packets – 2026 Weekly Agenda Items – 07 July 2026
– 072026 – HEARING re Open Space Tax Application
You are welcome to participate in this hearing. You will need to join the meeting by 10:30 a.m.
using the following methods: VIRTUALLY: Via the following Zoom, link:
https://zoom.us/j/93777841705, PHONE: Dial 1-253-215-8782 and enter access code: 937-7784-
1705# and press *9 to “raise your hand” to be called upon. Access for the hearing impaired can be
accommodated using Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6384, or IN-PERSON.
In addition, written testimony is also invited beginning on July 1, 2026 through July 20, 2026 at the end
of the Public Hearing, unless extended by the Board of County Commissioners. Written public testimony
may be submitted by Email to: jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us You may view documents and testimony
received by visiting: www.co.jefferson.wa.us and following this pathway – Services – Laserfiche
Web Portal (username and password is: public) – Board of Commissioners – BOCC Agenda Packets
– 2026 Weekly Agenda Items – 07 July 2026 – 072026 – HEARING re Open Space Tax Application
You can also Mail your testimony to: Jefferson County Commissioners’ Office; P.O. Box 1220, Port
Townsend, WA 98368. Written testimony must be received by the Board of County Commissioners by
the end of the hearing testimony period.
Signed this 22nd day of June, 2026.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Greg Brotherton, Chair
Open Space Tax Program Application – CUA2025-00001 Page | 1
STAFF REPORT
TO
THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Re: Current Use Tax Assessment (CUA) ) FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS
Open Space/Open Space Application ) AND PROPOSED
) RECOMMENDATIONS
)
Case No.: CUA2025-00001 Jefferson Land Trust )
Parcel Number 602352002 )
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Open Space Taxation Act, enacted in 1970, allows property owners to have their open space,
agricultural, and timber lands valued at their current use rather than at their highest and best use. The Act
provides a property tax reduction as an incentive to preserve certain types of lands in their current use, when
such preservation will provide a public and/or environmental benefit.
Chapter 84.34 RCW authorizes the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) to adopt an open
space program and public benefit rating system for evaluating lands proposed for open space current use
assessment. Resolution No. 82-91, adopted on August 12, 1991, and has guided citizens and the county in
processing applications for the Open Space Tax Program. In 1995, Resolution No. 75-95 was incorporated
into the program to address tidelands, shorelands and buffers. Resolution 50‑0916‑24R further requires that
a public hearing be held before the BoCC to approve or deny any application for classification of open
space land under the Open Space Tax Program.
Applications for Current Use Assessment are submitted through the Department of Community
Development (DCD), but they are not considered Land Use applications under the Jefferson County Code.
DCD evaluates each property using the Public Benefit Rating System (PBRS), while the Assessor
determines the potential property tax reduction based on the resulting point total. Together, DCD and the
Assessor develop a recommendation regarding whether the property should be approved for inclusion in
the program and the amount of tax benefit the property owner may receive. The BoCC then reviews the
recommendation and, upon approval, signs an Open Space Tax Agreement with the property owner
APPLICATION SUMMARY
Property Owner and Address Parcel Number
and size
Abbreviated Legal Description and
Site Location
Zoning
Jefferson Land Trust
Attn: Sarah Spaeth, Director of
Conservation
1033 Lawrence St
Port Townsend, WA 98368
602352002
Approximately
27.54 acres
S35 T26 R2W Lot 3(Less HWY & Tax
14) subj/restrictive ease AF#657607
Located at 305743 Highway 101,
Brinnon 98320
AL-20
PUBLIC BENEFIT RATING SYSTEM
To evaluate the benefits of the proposed property, Part IV (Open Space Lands) of Resolution 82-91 uses a
set of evaluation elements such as resources, site assess, transfer of development rights, county policy goals,
and shoreland buffers. If these elements are present on the property, they may be claimed through a point
Open Space Tax Program Application – CUA2025-00001 Page | 2
system to determine the total score. The total number of points is then used to determine the rating and
property’s current use value as a percentage of the market value. A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 12
points are required to qualify for enrollment in the program.
Based on the submitted PBRS worksheet, the application has been evaluated under the PBRS as described
below (see also attached PBRS worksheet). Staff evaluates the worksheet using the detailed criteria outlined
in Part IV, Sections V and VI of Resolution 82-91.
PBRS Summary Table
Evaluation Elements CUA2025-00001
Points
High and Low Priority Resources 4
Access 1
Transfer of Development Rights 6
County Policy Goals 1
Shorelands and Buffers N/A 1
Total Points (not less than 5 and not to exceed 12) 12
Current Use Assessment Valuation Schedule
(percent of market value)
10%
PBRS ANALYSIS
1 Pursuant to Resolution 75-95, eligibility for this category requires a minimum undisturbed width and depth of 200 feet of native
vegetation adjacent to marine waters, backed by Designated Forest Land (DFL). The subject shoreline meets only the minimum
width requirement. In addition, only the upper portion of the property, located west of Highway 101, is currently enrolled in the
DFL program. A minimum 100-foot road right-of-way separates this upper portion from the waterfront portion, so the area east
of Highway 101 does not qualify for the Shorelands and Buffers element.
Open Space Tax Program Application – CUA2025-00001 Page | 3
Applicant’s Statement:
Jefferson Land Trust seeks to keep this undeveloped 27.54-acre forested parcel just north of Brinnon on the
tax rolls. Because protection of forest and shoreline habitat and water quality values requires management
that excludes commercial timber harvest, the current DFL tax classification is no longer appropriate. The
Land Trust is therefore requesting that the property be reclassified as Open Space/Open Space under the
County's Open Space Tax Program, based on the property's attributes, whose long-term protection under
Land Trust ownership will provide significant public benefit in perpetuity.
The conservation easement was acquired by the US Navy in 2022 and recorded under Auditor’s File
Number 657607. The recorded Grant Deed of Conservation Easement permanently protects the property’s
conservation values, including scenic, natural, open space, water quality, mature and old growth forest,
riparian habitat, wildlife corridor habitat and marine shoreline resources. The easement restricts a range of
activities, including any residential, agricultural, commercial, or industrial development or use. Most of the
development rights have been transfer to the US Navy, the grantee of the Easement.
PBRS Detail:
This parcel has more than 800 feet of rocky, low-bluff shoreline adjacent to state-owned tidelands leased
for shellfish production. The forested area contains mature second-growth stands with a diverse range of
species, including several large mother trees that may be old growth. Wildlife use documented in the broader
area includes elk, bear and spotted owls. The undeveloped low-bluff shoreline is considered critical habitat
for wildlife as well as for eelgrass and other macroalgae.
A seasonal stream and riparian corridor on the property connect the waters of Hood Canal with the forested
uplands. Retaining the forest and preventing development will limit runoff and associated siltation of Hood
Canal, helping protect the priority aquatic shoreline habitat for shellfish and other species. Maintaining the
forested condition also allows precipitation a greater opportunity to infiltrate and recharge groundwater as
precipitation patterns shift with climate change. Soils will be protected, the shoreline and beach will remain
undeveloped, and the tidelands will benefit.
The parcel lies approximately one-quarter mile from the expanse of the Olympic National Forest, and a 20-
acre Washington State Parks property shares a corner with this parcel, contributing to regional habitat
connectivity and wildlife movement corridors.
Highway 101 (classified as a Washington State, and a Pacific Coast, Scenic Byway), passes through the
property, which is also within the Hood Canal and Coyle Peninsula viewsheds.
Under the PBRS, a total of 12 points are possible for this application, corresponding to a tax benefit equal
to 10 percent of the property’s market value under the current use assessment valuation schedule.
STAFF FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS
1. Processing of the subject application is in accordance with the established procedures and criteria
of the Jefferson County Open Space Tax Program and RCW 84.34.037.
2. The subject application is consistent with the Goals and Policies for Open Space/Open Space Tax
Classification as set forth in the Jefferson County Open Space Tax Program, which in turn is
consistent with the goals and policies of the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan.
Open Space Tax Program Application – CUA2025-00001 Page | 4
3. RCW 84.34.037 requires that notice of the hearing be provided to the public by publication in a
local newspaper of general circulation in the area at least ten days prior to the hearing. Legal notice
will be published on July 1, 2026 in the Port Townsend Leader.
4. SEPA Review: The subject proposal is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant
to WAC 197-11-800(14)(k).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Based on the above analysis, findings and conclusions, the application for enrollment in the Jefferson
County Open Space Tax Program as Open Space/Open Space Current Use Assessment as described in this
report, is hereby recommended for APPROVAL subject to the following conditions:
RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
The applicant shall file the executed Change of Designation Form with the Assessor’s office.
Open Space Tax Program Application – CUA2025-00001
PBRS WORKSHEETS
OPEN SPACE CURRENT USE TAX ASSESSMENT
PUBLIC BENEFIT RATING WORKSHEET
Phone: Applicant. ____________ _ ------------
Site Address: ____________________________ _
HIGH PRJORITY RESOURCES
Significant Archaeo logical and Historical Sites
Significant Geologic and Shoreline Features
H igh Priority Wetlands
H igh Priority Shorelines
Significant Fish and Wildlife Habitat Areas
Special Animal and Plant Sites
Public Water Supply Watersheds
Surface Water Quality Buffer Areas
Floodplains
Urban Open Spaces
LOW PRIORITY RESOURCES
Low Priority Shorelines
Public Lands Buffer
Scenic Vistas
Steep Slopes
Prime Agricultural Lands
Low P riority Wetlands
(2 points each)
( 1 point each)
Total Priority Re source Points
(4 Maximum Points)
ACCESS (1 point each )
Unlimited Public Access (signs required)
Restricted Access due to Environmental Sensitivity
Some Public Access
Total Access Points
(3 Maximum Points)
TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGH TS (TDR)
Conveyance recorded wi th the Auditor
Public Benefit Rating Worksheet
T otal TDR Points
(6 Maximum Points)
Page I of2
Open Space Tax Program Application – CUA2025-00001
CHANGE OF DESIGNATION FORM
Change of Designation
(Chapter 84.33 RCW)
File with County Assessor
Applicant’s Name: County:
Address: Tax Code Area:
City, State, Zip:
Phone Number:
Land Subject To This Application: (legal description)
Parcel No. or Account No.:
Change in Designation
The land is currently designated as forest land under the provisions of Chapter 84.33 RCW and meets the definition
of one of the following and I/we request reclassification as: (Check appropriate box.)
Open space land as provided under RCW 84.34.020(1). (Attach completed form REV 64 0021)
Farm and agricultural land as provided under RCW 84.34.020(2). (Attach completed form REV 64 0024 or
64 0108)
Timber land as provided under RCW 84.34.020(3), unless county has merged their timber land classification
into their designated forest land program. (Attach completed form REV 64 0109 or 64 0111 and a timber
management plan)
Affirmation
As owner(s) or contract purchaser(s) of the land described in this application, I/we hereby indicate by my/our
signature that I/we am aware of the potential tax liability involved when the land ceases to be classified under the
provisions of Chapter 84.34 RCW.
If this land is removed from classification before ten years have elapsed, compensating tax may also be due for part of
the period it was designated as forest land. See reference to RCW 84.33.145 on page two.
Signature(s) of All Owner(s) or Contract Purchaser(s)
Date
Attachments:
REV 64 0021 REV 64 0108 REV 64 0111
REV 64 0024 REV 64 0109
Timber Management Plan
Assessors Use Only
If the parcel(s) subject to this transfer document is considered contiguous, as defined in RCW 84.33.035(4), with
other parcels having different ownerships, verify all remaining designated parcels with different ownerships are still:
Adjoining
Being managed as part of a single operation
Meeting the definition of “family” as defined in RCW 84.34.020(6)(b)(ii) with the owner of an adjoining parcel
REV 64 0038e (w) (6/3/14) See next page
Jefferson Land Trust Jefferson
1033 Lawrence St.441
Port Townsend, WA 98368
360-379-9501
S35 T26 R2W LOT 3(LESS HWY & TAX 14)
602352002
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REV 64 0038e (w) (613/14)
RCW 84.33.145
( 1) If no later than thirty days after removal of
designation the owner applies for classification
under RCW 84.34.020(1), (2) or (3), then the
designated forest land shall not be considered
removed from designation for purposes of
compensating tax under RCW 84.33.140 until the
application for current use classification under
chapter 84.34 RCW is denied or the property is
removed from classification under RCW
84.34.108. Upon removal from classification
under RCW 84.34.108, the amount of
compensating tax due under chapter 84.33 RCW
shall be equal to:
(a) The difference, if any, between the amount
of the assessed valuation on such land as
forest land and the amount of the new
assessed valuation of such land when
removed from classification 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
designated under this chapter, if the total
number of years the land was designated
under chapter 84.33 RCW 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
designated under chapter 84.33 RCW and
classified under chapter 84.34 RCW is at
least ten.
See next page
(2) Nothing in this section authorizes the continued
designation under this chapter or defers or reduces
the compensating tax imposed upon forest land
not transferred to classification µnder subsection
(1) of this section which does not meet the
necessary definitions of forest land under RCW
84.33.035. Nothing in this section affects the
additional tax imposed under RCW 84.34.108.
(3) In a county with a population of more than six.
hundred thousand inhabitants or in a county with a
population of at least two hundred forty-five
thousand inhabitants that borders Puget Sound as
defined in RCW 90.71.010. no amount of
compensating tax is. due under this section if the
removal from classification under RCW 84.34.108
results from a transfer of property described in
RCW 84.34.108(6).
To ask about the availability ofthis publication in an alternate fonnat for the visually impaired, please call 1-800-647-7706.
Teletype ('ITY) users may use the Washington Relay Service by calling 711. For tax assistance, call (360) 534-1400.
REV 64 0038e (w) (6/3/14)
Jefferson Land Trust application for Change of Designation from DFL to OS/OS tax class
Full legal description for APN 602352002.
Government Lot 3, Section 35, Township 26 North, Range 2 West, EXCEPT right of way of
State Highway No. 9 as conveyed by deeds recorded in Volume 133, pages 492-93 and Volume
148, pages 50-51, records of Jefferson County, Washington; ALSO EXCEPT the following
described tract:
Beginning at the West Quarter corner of said Section 35, thence North 0° 43' 32" East, 779.64
feet:
Thence South 89° 16' 28" East, 2,277.55 feet to the point of beginning;
Thence continuing South 89° 16' 28" East, 178.85 feet to the balanced Government Meander
Line;
Thence along said Government Meander Line South 8° 05' 40" West, 170.13 feet;
Thence South 11° 40' 41" East, 131.92 feet;
Thence South 5° 35' 26" West, 263.60 feet;
Thence South 23° 37' 31" West, 22.45 feet;
Thence departing from said Government Meander Line westerly at North 89° 24' 36" West,
314.98 feet;
Thence North 0° 35' 24" East, 532.10 feet;
Thence North 73° 43' 02" East, 169.37 feet to the point of beginning.
SITUATE IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, STATE OF WASHINGTON.
TOGETHER WTH AND SUBJECT TQ EASEMENTS, RIGHTS-OF-WAY,
COVENANTS, ENCUMBRANCES AND RESTRICTIONS OF RECORD, IF ANY.
Open Space Open Space Applicant:
Jefferson Land Trust
1033 Lawrence St.
Port Townsend, WA 98368
(360)379-9501