Windstorm Relief: Property Taxes and Debris Hauling

Dear Neighbors:

As South King County continues to recover from the historic bomb cyclone that thrashed trees and left many in the dark, I want you to be aware that King County has made resources available to help you and your family.

If your property was damaged in the storm, you may be eligible for property tax relief. Please click here for full program details and application instructions.

Please see the information below, and do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions about the two relief programs.

With best wishes,

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember


Property Tax Relief

The King County Assessor, John Wilson, has published the following guidelines for determining eligibility:

Damaged Property Relief Program Details:

• Any real or personal property that has been destroyed, in whole or in part, or is in an area declared a disaster by the governor and reduced in value by more than twenty (20) percent may apply.

• The amount of tax abatement shall be determined by calculating the taxes on the amount deducted from the assessed value for the number of days that remained in the calendar year after the date of destruction or reduction in the value of the property. If taxes abated have already been paid, the amount paid shall be refunded.

• An application must be filed within three years of the date of destruction or reduction in value.

• If the taxpayer disagrees with the determination made by the County Assessor regarding the destroyed property exemption, he/she may appeal the amount of reduction to the County Board of Equalization within sixty (60) days of notification from the Assessor.

• In cases where a fire, natural disaster or vandalism has occurred, supporting documentation is required which identifies the property and the date of occurrence, such as fire department reports and insurance adjuster estimates.

Contact:
Email: Exemptions.Assessments@kingcounty.gov
Phone: (exemptions): 206-296-3920


King County waives yard waste fee at select transfer stations in response to recent windstorm

A proclamation from King County Executive Dow Constantine has cleared the way for free disposal of branches, tree limbs and other wood debris and yard waste left from this week’s windstorm at select King County Recycling and Transfer stations.

King County residents can drop off tree limbs, and other woody debris without paying the standard yard waste fee at the Bow Lake, Cedar Falls, Enumclaw, Factoria, Shoreline, and Vashon facilities beginning Saturday, Nov. 23, until December 9th.

The free service is exclusively for wood debris from the recent storms. Stumps, logs and limbs no longer than six feet in length are allowed – no grass clippings, sod or soil will be accepted. These events are open to all King County residents. People visiting recycling and transfer stations are reminded to secure their loads.

The Algona, Houghton, and Renton stations don’t offer yard waste recycling so customers dropping off storm debris at those facilities will be charged the standard garbage rate of $33 for up to 320 pounds, or $198 per ton.  

Customers must live or do business within King County's 37-city and unincorporated service area to use these solid waste facilities, including the free storm yard waste disposal. More information is available at https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/waste-services/garbage-recycling-compost/solid-waste-facilities, or by calling 206-477-4466. 

King County’s service area does not include the cities of Seattle or Milton. Contact your local government for service information if you live in Pierce County, Snohomish County, the City of Seattle, or the City of Milton.