Okanogan County hears three open-space tax classification applications; WSDOT flags access issue for one parcel

The Okanogan County hearings examiner took testimony Wednesday on multiple applications to enroll property into the county's open-space tax classification under the Public Benefit Rating System and closed the record, with written decisions to follow.

Senior planner Rocky Robbins presented a request from Kevin Plann to place 30 acres into the open-space tax classification. The property scored 6 points under the county Public Benefit Rating System, which county staff said corresponds to a 30% property-tax reduction for qualifying open-space land.

Robbins also presented three separate applications from the Methow Conservancy seeking to enroll about 280.59 acres across three parcels. Staff reported the largest parcel (parcel number 9108004000) received a maximum 9 points for shoreline environment, special animal sites, minor ponds/wetlands, and acreage that together would yield a 40% reduction in property taxes; two smaller Methow Conservancy parcels received 4 points (20% reduction) and 5 points (25% reduction) respectively.

Kevin Plann, the applicant for the 30-acre request, said he supports conservation and described plans to improve habitat, work with Trout Unlimited on stream repairs, and open portions of the property for public bird-watching and trail use. "We really want to embrace the park," Plann said. He asked for clarification about a comment labeled "IDT" in the staff packet.

Rocky Robbins and staff identified one substantive outside comment from the Washington State Department of Transportation: WSDOT said State Route 20 adjacent to one parcel is a Class 1 highway and that existing access did not appear to match current permits. Staff and the examiner read WSDOT's recommendation that the owner contact WSDOT to resolve access compliance and submit a full access application and review per the DOT design manual. The staff report lists a Washington State DOT contact and phone number for follow-up.

Sarah Brooks, appearing for the Methow Conservancy applications, raised a minor scoring question about points awarded for parcel size and wetlands on one parcel; staff agreed to review and correct the point calculation if necessary. There was no public testimony opposing the applications.

The hearings examiner admitted exhibits and the staff reports into the record and said he would issue written decisions within the next 10 working days. No final approvals were announced at the hearing.