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Owner of historic Bowker House missed statutory window for special tax valuation, staff says
Summary
Staff told the commission that the owner of the Bowker House did not submit required documentation in time to qualify for a special property tax valuation under state law RCW 84.26; the commission has no authority to override the statute.
Commission staff reported that an owner of the Bowker House in the historic neighborhood failed to meet the timing and documentation requirements to qualify for Washington’s special tax valuation for historic properties under RCW 84.26.
Staff said the tax break offers a 10-year special valuation for qualifying historic properties but carries strict deadlines and documentation thresholds. The Bowker House owner had pursued renovations and staff provided the owner with information about the program and time frames, but the application was submitted too late to be accepted under state rules.
The commission has no authority to waive state statutory deadlines; staff said it provided a formal letter to the owner explaining the issue and inviting submission of any additional documentation if the owner believes there is an error. Staff described the outcome as unfortunate given renovations completed on the property but said the statute’s deadlines are binding.
The commission recorded the report and did not take further action.
