This Just In Regarding the Critical Areas Ordinance

Four years ago the Critical Areas Ordinance was passed here in King County. The ordinance required property owners of acreage in rural King County to leave 35% of their property untouched as a buffer, for purposes of preserving and protecting wetlands, stormwater and the environment in general. The effect of this ordinance has been that in some cases owners have seen their property values plummet, or have been unable to utilize their property in the manner that they had originally intended.

It was just announced today that the State Court of Appeals has overturned this ordinance. Apparently, it turns out that government taking of land is unconstitutional...though you would think that county officials would know that small detail. If King County wanted to preserve rural land and protect it from development, then perhaps it should have offered to purchase protected portions of land from the property owners.

It'll be interesting to see if there will be lawsuits against the property for lost property values, permit fees, etc. Rural property owners have won this 4-year battle at last.

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Thanks for stopping by my blog!

You can reach me at 206-595-5866, or e-mail me: LisaBosques@PNWRealty.com

Or visit my website: www.98146online.com

I am an Associate Broker and Marketing Specialist with Prudential Northwest Realty Associates. I specialize in homes located in the Burien/North Highline/West Seattle area, and I am here to serve all of your Real Estate needs.
Your success is my goal!

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