Frequently Asked Questions

Q. “Will I see a reduction on my entire tax bill?”

A. It depends! If there is no development on the property and all of the acreage is included,  then the answer is yes. If there are structures, you live on the property, and areas for personal use will be excluded, then the answer is no. Enrollment in PBRS only reduces the appraised land value for the portion of a property participating. Since most properties have a home the entire parcel can’t be enrolled. This means the improvement value (home) and the value of the land excluded from the program do not receive a tax reduction. The amount of tax savings varies and depends on the land’s appraised value, amount of property to be enrolled and level of PBRS qualification.

Q. “Do I have to reapply each year?”

A. Nope. Once enrolled you’re in. There is no need to renew your property’s participation. However, if you wish to improve your enrollment status (increase PBRS points and/or PBRS acreage), then you do need to reapply.

Q. “I heard I can withdraw after ten years and owe nothing back.”

A. If any part of the land enrolled in PBRS is withdrawn or removed, then the owner will owe back the most recent 7-years of tax savings received on that area.  Interest will also apply and maybe penalty as well.

Q. “Will county staff or the public now be coming on my property?”

A. Enrollment in PBRS does not mean your land must be accessible to the general public (unless of course you’re receiving PBRS credit for access). Program staff may need a scheduled visit to review your participation status.  Participation does not otherwise require any additional access permissions.

Q.“Can I enroll just my wetland area in PBRS, since I can’t do anything with it anyway?”

A. In a word, no. Enrolled PBRS land must provide extra resource protection beyond what’s already required by existing land use restrictions. An owner must voluntarily restrict activities/uses that might impact a resource. This extra protection is what justifies the tax reduction.

Q. “Can I remove a tree in the participating area that’s about to fall on my house?”

A. Health and safety come first, so the answer is yes as it relates to the PBRS program, but there are other agencies who may need to approve such action. Contact Department of Local Services to see if a clearing permit is required and consider consulting with an arborist.  Also, take a photo before removal and then contact PBRS program staff. 

Q. “Am I allowed to walk on my land once it’s enrolled in the program?”

A.  Simply put; we hope you enjoy your land and that you continue to be good stewards of your property. The use/creation of foot paths/trails is allowed, but please know certain restrictions on constructing or clearing for trails in designated critical areas may exist and a County permit is likely required. 

Q. “I read that I need a farm management plan to receive credit for the farm and agricultural land category. What is a farm management plan?”

A. A farm management plan is a document developed by the King Conservation District (KCD) and you, the farmer or landowner. It is a series of actions developed to meet a farmer’s goals while protecting water quality and natural resources. A farm plan details farming goals, farm size, soils type, proximity to streams or water bodies, type of livestock or crops and machinery/buildings resources. You don’t have to be a commercial operation to have a farm plan developed for you. The KCD works with farms of all sizes, from backyard horse owners to dairy and beef operations! - KCD website

Q. “How do I get a farm management plan? How much does it cost?”

A. To get a farm management plan you must contact the KCD to get on their waiting list. The wait time for a site visit to your property can be a few months so it is best to contact them right away.  You can contact them by phone (425-282-1900) or fill out a form on their website. A farm management plan is free.

Q. “I read that I need a forest stewardship plan to receive credit for the forest stewardship land category. What is a forest stewardship plan?”

A.  A forest stewardship plan is a record of a landowner’s goals and intentions for forested portions of their property. The plan includes best management practices to reach those goals as well as details current conditions and the resources existing on the property.  For more information, please visit the Washington State University Extension Fact Sheet FS060E.

Q. “How do I get a forest stewardship plan? How much does it cost?”

A. There are a few ways you can obtain a forest stewardship plan. You can write the plan yourself using the forest stewardship plan template and then have it approved by a King County forester. Forest stewardship plans are very detailed and this option may be overwhelming for some.  Another option is to hire a professional forester. This option can be helpful for busy folks although it can be expensive. The third option is to attend a forest stewardship class hosted by WSU. There is a fee to take the course but you are coached through writing your own plan. The class is offered on-location (cities vary) and on-line.

Q. “I read that I need a resource restoration plan to receive credit for the resource restoration category. What is a resource restoration plan?”

A. A resource restoration plan describes an enrolling area that will be natively re-vegetated. Emphasis is placed on the restoration of riparian zones, migration corridors and wildlife, forest, stream and wetland habitats.

Q. “How do I get a resource restoration plan? How much does it cost?”

A. There are a few ways that you can obtain a resource restoration plan. You can write the plan yourself. Another option is to contact the King Conservation District either by phone (425-282-1900) or by a form on their website. A resource restoration plan from the KCD is free. For projects involving forest restoration, it may be appropriate to work with a King County forester to help develop a restoration plan. Additionally, there are other groups that can help with resource restoration plans.  Contact PBRS staff to see if the group you would like use is acceptable.  Please refer to the example of what a resource restoration plan looks like in the question above.

Q. “What is the application process for the PBRS program?”

A. Participation in PBRS program requires approval by the King County Council (and city council if applicable). It will take approximately 4-6 months for your application to be acted on by council.  Applying this year will result in a reduction in your next year’s appraised land value (if your application is approved), which means your property tax savings will begin in two calendar years.
The following actions will occur before enrollment in PBRS:

• Review of your submitted PBRS application
• Site visit from staff to help determine property eligibility
• Review and approval of any forest stewardship, farm management, rural stewardship, or resource restoration plan, if pertinent (there are four PBRS categories, if pursued, that require a plan)
• Staff report with enrollment recommendation is presented at a scheduled public hearing. This hearing is held before the King County Hearing Examiner. If your property is located in a city, then a second hearing is also held by the city
• Affirmative action and approval is required for enrollment in PBRS. If your property is located in the unincorporated area, then only King County Council’s action is needed. If your property is located in a city, then affirmative action of that city’s council is also needed
• County Council approval (and city council approval, if applicable) allows for the execution of an Open Space Taxation Agreement
• Staff completes final administrative actions
• Formal enrollment occurs once the signed Open Space Taxation Agreement is recorded

Q. I want to sell my property. Now what?

A. Contact PBRS staff! It is helpful to let us know in advance of the sale so that we can review the property and make sure that it complies with the program requirements.  PBRS staff are available to work with the seller and buyer of the property through most of the process. Visit the PBRS Sales Form for more detailed information.