Open Space-Public Benefit Rating

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Open Space-Public Benefit Rating System-Tax Program

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.

PRIORITY RESOURCES	CATEGORIES	POINT SYSTEM
	High Priority Critical Salmon Habitat, Fish & Wildlife Habitat, Marine Waters, Streams, Wetlands, Estuaries & Tidal Marshes, Wooded Areas, Agricultural Lands, Prairie Lands	5 points each
	Medium Priority Aquifer Recharge Areas, Flood Hazard Areas, Lakes, Private Open Space Passive Recreation, Privately Owned and Operated Recreational Facilities, Private Trails & Corridors Archaeological Sites, Historic Landmark Sites,	3 points each
	Low Priority 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

BONUS	CATEGORIES	POINT SYSTEM
	Public Access Granted (Note: Some priority resource categories require public access.)	5 points
	Conservation/Historic Easement Granted in Perpetuity (forever)	10 points
	Site Within a Designated Urban Growth Area (UGA) or the Comprehensive Urban Growth Area (CUGA)	5 points
	Site is Adjacent to (abuts) or Creates Linkage with Another Open Space Parcel	5 points

SUPER BONUS	CATERGORIES	POINT SYSTEM
	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

POINTS	0-2	3	6	9	12	15	18	20	25+
% Reduction of Market Value	0%	20%	30%	40%	50%	60%	70%	80%	90%

Applications are made to: Pierce County Planning & Land Services Development Center, 2401 S 35th St., Tacoma WA 98409.
The non-refundable application fee must be submitted with the application. $600.00, for land within city limits or any urban growth area. $250.00 for all others. Call 798-3683 to verify correct fee. Cities may charge an additional fee. Contact your city to inquire.
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.

Applications submitted in any given year from January 1 through December 31 are approved or denied for the FOLLOWING assessment year, with tax reduction applied the year AFTER approval.

FOR INFORMATION REGARDING:

Applications are available online or by contacting the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer at (253) 798-7137.

2401 South 35th Street Room 142
Tacoma, WA 98409
Hours: 8:30 - 4:30
Contact Number 253-798-7137