Open Space-Public Benefit Rating System-Tax Program
Application Form On-line
As authorized by RCW 84.34 the Pierce County Code 2.114, Ordinance 98-114s, adopted a Public Benefit Rating System (PBRS), for applicants, which ranks various open space features (listed below), and is composed of high, medium, and low priority resources, bonus categories, and a super bonus category. A minimum of three (3) priority resources points is necessary to qualify for the program and a maximum of fifteen (15) priority points is allowed. The number of PBRS points correlates to a percent of market value reduction during the period of continued eligibility.
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| PRIORITY RESOURCES |
CATEGORIES |
POINT SYSTEM |
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High PriorityCritical Salmon Habitat, Fish & Wildlife Habitat, Marine Waters, Streams, Wetlands, Estuaries & Tidal Marshes, Wooded Areas, |
5 points each |
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Medium PriorityAgricultural Lands, Aquifer Recharge Areas, Flood Hazard Areas, Lakes, Private Open Space Passive Recreation, Privately Owned and Operated Recreational Facilities, Private Trails & Corridors |
3 points each |
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Low PriorityArchaeological Sites, Historic Landmark Sites, Landslide Hazard Areas (Steep Slopes), Private Parks & Private Golf Courses w/Developed Facilities, Scenic View Points & Corridors, Seismic Hazard Areas, Volcanic Hazard Area |
1 point each |
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| BONUS |
CATEGORIES |
POINT SYSTEM |
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Public Access Granted (Note: Some priority resource categories require public access.) |
5 points |
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Conservation/Historic Easement Granted in Perpetuity (forever) |
10 points |
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Site Within a Designated Urban Growth Area (UGA) or the Comprehensive Urban Growth Area (CUGA) |
5 points |
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Site is Adjacent to (abuts) or Creates Linkage with Another Open Space Parcel |
5 points |
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| SUPER BONUS |
CATERGORIES |
POINT SYSTEM |
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Properties with at least five priority resource points and which allow a degree of public access appropriate to the sensitivity of the resource(s) & which provide a qualifying conservation easement in perpetuity |
25 points |
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| POINTS |
0-2 |
3 |
6 |
9 |
12 |
15 |
18 |
20 |
25+ |
| % Reduction of Market Value |
0% |
20% |
30% |
40% |
50% |
60% |
70% |
80% |
90% |
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- Applications are made to: Pierce County Planning & Land Services (East), 2401 S 35th St., Tacoma WA 98409.
- The application fee of $600.00 must be submitted along with the application. Applications submitted in any given year are approved or denied the following year, with tax reductions applied the year after approval.
- The fee for advertising the final public hearing will be billed and payable prior to recording the final contract. The fee varies, depending on length of legal, approximately $50.00.
- Any applicant requesting public access as a resource or if public access is a requirement can obtain signage requirements at the Pierce County Land Services office.
- Please be aware that land is subject to a back-tax liability if the use changes after being declared Open Space.
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FOR INFORMATION REGARDING:
Applications are available online or by contacting the Pierce County Planning and Land Services at (253)798- 2783.
Property Value and Tax questions should be directed to the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer at (253) 798-7137.
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2401 South 35th Street Room 142
Tacoma, WA 98409
Hours: 8:30 - 4:30
Customer Service Hotline (253) 798-6111
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