ORDINANCE NO. 2007-05

 

(Amending Ordinance 2006-14 Adopting and Establishing Rules of Implementation of the Open Space, Agricultural and Timber Lands Current Use Assessment Programs,

Chapter 84.34, Revised Code of Washington)

 

Whereas, on November 16, 2006, Skamania County adopted a new Chapter 3.45 titled “Current Use Assessment Programs” to the Skamania County Code Title 3; and,

 

WHEREAS, Skamania County has determined a need to amend Section 3.45.11(a) to include language for any parcel that was in the process of a land division at the time of adoption of the ordinance; and

 

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, having provided proper notice in the official newspaper of general circulation and with a quorum present, conducted a public hearing to consider a text amendment; and,

 

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Skamania County, Washington, that Chapter 3.45 Current Use Assessment Programs, Section 3.45.11(a) of Skamania County Code Title 3 is hereby amended as follows:

 

3.45.11 “Primary Use” for Forest Crop Production

 

“Timber Land” shall mean any parcel of land that is five (5) or more acres, or multiple parcels of land that are contiguous and total five (5) or more acres, which is or are devoted primarily to the growth and harvest of forest crops for commercial purposes.  To satisfy the definition of “Timber Land,” the parcel:

 

            a.         Cannot be located within or part of an approved preliminary or recorded subdivision or short plat, unless the parcel is twenty (20) acres or larger;, except for any parcels which were in the process of a land division at the time this ordinance was adopted, and who apply for classification pursuant to RCW 84.34.020(3) within 30 days from the date of adoption of this ordinance.

 

            b.         If it contains a residence, or is used for residential purposes, must be at least twenty (20) acres of contiguous ownership.    For purposes of this Section 3.45.11(b), “contiguous ownership” shall mean land adjoining and touching other property held in the same exclusive ownership, even if that exclusive ownership of land is divided by a county road or other public or private easement; and

 

            c.         Cannot be used in a manner which conflicts with or detracts from the growing of timber, including but not limited to raising livestock, agricultural or recreational development.

 

 

 

REVIEWED IN REGULAR SESSION this 6th day of February 2007, and set for public hearing on the 20th day of February 2007 at 1:30 p.m.