PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: New sections WAC 458-30-700 Classified forest land -- Removal -- Change in status -- Compensating tax and 458-30-710 Designated forest land -- Removal -- Change in status -- Compensating tax.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 84.08.010.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The contemplated rules will outline the reasons for and process involved in removing forest land from classification or designation under chapter 84.33 RCW. The rules will incorporate and clarify information provided in RCW 84.33.120 and 84.33.140. Rules describing the proper procedure to follow when forest land is removed from classification or designation will assist local officials and taxpayers to better understand their rights and responsibilities in this process. Only the property tax aspects of removal will be discussed in these rules. The rules will also outline how compensating property taxes are calculated when classified or designated forest land is removed from current use status under chapter 84.33 RCW.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Modified negotiated rule making.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Written comments may be submitted by mail, fax, or at the public meeting. Oral comments will be accepted at the public meeting. A preliminary draft of the proposed changes is available upon request. Written comments on and/or requests for copies of the rule may be directed to Kim M. Qually, Legislation and Policy, P.O. Box 47467, Olympia, WA 98504-7467, phone (360) 570-6113, fax (360) 664-0693.
Location and Date of Public Meeting: On May 23, 2000, at 9:30 a.m., Capital Plaza Building, 1025 Union Street, Room 400, Olympia, WA.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Ginny Dale no later than ten days before the hearing date, TDD 1-800-451-7985, or (360) 586-0721.
April 18, 2000
Claire Hesselholt
Rules Manager
Legislation and Policy Division