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Board of Equalization

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1. Should you contact the Clallam County Assessor's Office first?

Yes, you are encouraged to contact the Clallam County Assessor's Office to review your valuation any time you have a question regarding your property value. Property owners can often settle disagreements at this level without continuing the petition process. After talking with the Assessor's Office staff, if you feel that you need to continue the process, file a timely petition with the Clallam County Board of Equalization (BOE).

2. When do I receive a Notice of Value?

The Clallam County Assessor’s Office will review all property values each year as required by Washington State; however, property values will only change when market conditions warrant. A Notice of Value shows the appraised value of land and improvements. The Notice of Value will also state the date it was mailed. Historically, a Notice of Value has been mailed to property owners in October.

You must attach a copy of your Notice of Value to your petition if you submit it after July 1. Your petition will not be accepted without the Notice of Value from the Assessor’s Office. Please make sure your mailing address is up-to-date with the Assessor’s Office to ensure you receive your Notice of Value.

3. When is the deadline for filing?

The deadline for filing is either July 1 of the assessment year or within 30 days of when the value notice was mailed by the Assessor's Office, whichever date is later. If you mail your petition, it must be postmarked by midnight of the deadline. Contact the Board of Equalization (BOE) Coordinator for information regarding filing date exceptions.

4. How do I find comparable sales?

State law requires that all property be valued at 100% of market value. Sales of comparable properties are the best indicator of the market value. The Board of Equalization (BOE) often uses comparable sales information when making decisions; therefore, it is important to include comparable sales information with your evidence. Information regarding sales of comparable properties may be obtained through personal research, local realtors, appraisers, online real estate websites (such as Zillow or Redfin), or at the Clallam County Assessor’s Office.

5. What if there are no properties comparable to mine?

Comparable properties do not have to exactly match your property. Look for properties that are most similar, then note their differences and adjust the value of the other property to reflect those differences. 

For example, if your property has an obscured view, and the only similar property that sold has a much better view, discount the sale price to the amount you believe someone would be willing to pay for the lesser view. If your property has deteriorated conditions that would make it difficult to sell, provide contractor estimates of the “cost to cure” those conditions. Photos are a particularly effective support for arguments regarding condition. Additional evidence, above and beyond what is required for a complete petition, may be submitted up to 21 business days prior to your hearing.

6. When will I have a hearing?

After the petition is accepted, the Clallam County Assessor is given an opportunity to review your evidence and respond. If they agree to change the value, they will contact you with a stipulation for you to sign, if you agree. If an agreement on the true and fair value cannot be reached the Board of Equalization (BOE) Coordinator will notify you of the location, date, and time of your scheduled hearing by mail about 6 to 8 weeks after submitting a complete petition.

7. What can I expect at the hearing?

The hearing is an informal review where property owners may represent themselves without an attorney. You and the Assessor's representative will have the opportunity to give oral testimony and review your previously submitted arguments and documentary evidence. Each party may question the other and rebut evidence. There is no requirement that the petitioner or Assessor’s representative attends the hearing.

8. Can my property value be increased?

Yes, the Board of Equalization can sustain, lower, or raise the Assessment so it reflects 100% of the true and fair market value.

9. When will I receive a decision?

Decisions are typically mailed within 45 days of the hearing.

10. What if I am not satisfied with the Board of Equalization’s decision?

Either the Petitioner or Assessor may appeal a Board of Equalization (BOE) decision to the Washington State Board of Tax Appeals. An appeal must be filed with the State Board within 30 calendar days of the mailing date of the BOE’s decision. Forms are available on the BOE webpage, at the BOE office, or may be obtained from the Board of Tax Appeals.

11. Should I wait until after my hearing to pay my property taxes?

Pay your property taxes when due. After your hearing and the finalization of the BOE's decision, the Clallam County Treasurer will notify you of the appropriate adjustments in your tax responsibility or refunds.

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Clerk of Superior Court

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1. Do you accept debit cards, credit cards or personal checks?

Yes, we do accept credit or debit cards. No personal checks will be accepted.

2. What forms do I need for my divorce, probate, or other court case?

Our office is not qualified to provide this service. We maintain records for Superior Court and this is where proceedings are filed, but we are restricted by law on our services and we cannot provide legal advice. If your case is a family matter you may wish to contact the Family Court Facilitator at 360-417-2588, room 212 in the courthouse, or pro bono at 888-201-1014, or Northwest Justice 360-452-9137, at 1020 Caroline Street, Port Angeles. Our main web page also lists other resources available that are not family court matters.

3. What forms do we provide?

Domestic violence protection order packets, case information cover sheet (required for new case filings), guardianship summary, return of service,  motion for waiver of a civil filing fee, and motion and order to amend pay or appear payments.  These are available on our main webpage under “Forms”.

4. How do I get Letters Testamentary?

These are issued by our office after the Judge signs an Order directing us to issue the letters. You must file an Estate / Probate and file or present the necessary documents relating to your specific case. Please see our main web page for resources for forms and documents.

5. What is the next step for my divorce or other court matter, or how do I get a court date?

The Court nor the Clerks' Office will move your case along. You will need to file motions and other proceedings in your case to schedule future court hearings and to finalize your court matter. Please refer to our main web page for resources to contact to assist with your question.

6. How long do I have to serve the other party?

Service to parties in a court case is usually set by statute or local court rules. You will need to research the laws pertaining to your case, check the State Court website, local court rules under the Superior Courts web page, or other resources listed on our main web page.

7. How do I evict someone?

Evictions and Unlawful Detainers are filed in our office. Please see our fee schedule listed on our main web page for the filing fee in these cases. You may wish to contact Northwest Justice at 360-452-9137, 1020 Caroline Street, Port Angeles for legal advice.

8. If someone was arrested overnight or on the weekend, when will they be seen by a Judge?

If it is a felony matter or a case that is opened in Superior Court they will be scheduled for our Criminal Ex Parte calendar. Those are scheduled Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1 pm and Thursday at 3 pm. Our office receives the calendar for Criminal Ex Parte about one hour prior to court from the Court Administrator's Office. You can contact the Court Administrator in the morning at 360-415-2386, or you may contact our office one hour prior to court to determine if that person will be seen on that day or not. For misdemeanor or District Court matters you would need to contact District Court.

9. When will I get my bail or bond back?

At the conclusion of the case or when the Judge signs an order releasing or exonerating the bail or bond.

10. Do I have a warrant?

If you have a Clallam County Superior Court case our office can check to see if you have a warrant. For District Court or other State / County warrants, you would need to contact them directly to see if you have a warrant through their agency.

11. How can I get my Superior Court warrant removed (quashed)?

Contact your attorney if you have one appointed. If your warrant is for failing to pay your fines / fees (Pay or Appear) you need to pay $150 to the Clerk's Office and request that your warrant be quashed. After we receive the $150 we will present an Order to the Judge for review. If the warrant is on a criminal case you would need to speak with the Court Administrator to be placed on the Criminal Ex Parte calendar. If the warrant is on a civil case you would need to speak with the Clerk's office to be placed on the Civil Ex Parte calendar.

12. Why do I get two billing statements from your office for my criminal fines / fees?

Once you have been sentenced by a Superior Court Judge your fines and fees are entered into the Statewide computer system. Staff at the State mail out these statements and if you are or have been under the Department of Corrections' supervision you will receive a bill for that and one bill from the Clerk's office for the fines and fees from your sentencing.

13. How long before I get a warrant for not paying my criminal fines / fees?

If you do not pay your fines and fees each month you may be sent to a collection agency any time after 30 days has lapsed.

14. Can I speak to the Judge or Commissioner outside the courtroom about my case?

No, the Judge or Commissioner may only discuss your case in open court.

15. How can I get the interest waived on my criminal fines / fees?

You may present a written motion and order to have your interest waived to the Clerk's Office. The Judge will review the request and present a written decision to grant or deny your motion. The other option is to pay off your principal balance and request your interest be waived when you make the payment. The Clerk's Office staff will then request an Order from the Judge to have the interest balance waived.

16. What do I need to bring to my court hearing?

Pen and paper, any documentation such as proposed Orders to present to the Judge/Commissioner, records pertaining to your case that you would refer to during your presentation to the court. If you are going to want copies of any documents entered in your case you will need to bring money to purchase them. Please see our fee schedule for costs to obtain regular or certified copies.

17. May I fax my documents to you for filing?

No, we do not accept fax filings, you would need to mail them or have them delivered to our office.

18. What can I do to avoid common mistakes?

• Double-check your pleadings for completeness and signatures.
• Double-check your pleadings to insure the case title and case number are on the heading.
• If you have multiple cases that you want to file a document into, you will need to supply one for each case.  We do not make copies of pleadings to file in each case. It is up to the party to provide one for each case they want the pleading filed in.
• Include the vital statistic and confidential information sheet when filing new divorce cases.
• Always have your case number ready when calling for information or when you come into our office to file documents or inquire about your case.

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Coroner

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1. Does an autopsy have to be done?

No, this is dependent on the circumstances surrounding the death.

2. How do I get a death certificate?

Death certificates are generated by your funeral home or cremation service. Your funeral director or cremation service director will assist you in obtaining death certificates. Death certificates may also be obtained from the Clallam County Department of Vital Statistics located in the Clallam County Health Department.

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Developmental Disabilities - Resources for Employers

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1. What are the benefits of hiring people with Intellectual Disabilities?

Dedicated and reliable employees: People with developmental disabilities have built a reputation for themselves as hard-working and dedicated employees who take pride in their work and the organizations that employ them.

Low employee turnover: Strong employer loyalty pays off in reduced costs associated with turnover. A three-year study at Washington Mutual, Inc. found a turnover rate of 8% among people with developmental disabilities, compared with an overall rate of 45%, according to an article in Crain's Chicago Business (April 7, 2003).

Agency-provided job training: Workers are trained for your company's specific needs by one of 3 agencies that provide services in Clallam County (Port Angeles, Sequim and surrounding areas) to people with developmental disabilities. These agencies work with employers to assess their workforce needs and provide job-specific skills training to individual workers.

Ongoing agency support: The employment support agencies that match employees with your company's needs don't disappear once the worker is on the job. A job coach from the agency provides ongoing employee support and assessment to assure a good fit and mutual satisfaction between employer and employee.

Economic incentives: Hiring workers with developmental disabilities also can make your company eligible for economic incentives such as The Work Opportunity Tax Credit. The federal tax credit program encourages the employment of nine targeted groups of job seekers by reducing employers' federal income tax liability by as much as $2,400 per qualified new worker. Other economic incentives that your company may qualify for include the Small Business Tax Credit and the Architectural Barrier Removal Tax Deduction.

Benefits to your bottom line: Hiring workers with developmental disabilities can benefit your bottom line. Joe Warren of Canon USA says that bringing on employees with disabilities to clean, sort, and inspect accessories like straps, cords, and instruction booklets from returned Canon products saves his company $5 million per year that would otherwise go to a foreign supplier.

Community recognition: Employing workers with developmental disabilities often also brings community support. Mark Regan of Boston Market Corporation says that the dining room attendants with disabilities who are employed to help clear tables and offer drink refills have prompted many customers to vow their support of Boston Market.

2. Are accommodations expensive?

No. According to the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), almost half of the accommodations needed by employees with disabilities cost nothing, and others typically cost less than $600. By utilizing resources from JAN, employers can accommodate employees with disabilities easily and cost-effectively. To obtain technical assistance in planning and implementing an accommodation, contact JAN at 800-526-7234 V/TTY or visit www.askJAN.org.

3. Is supervision of employees with disabilities different than employees without disabilities?

No. Managing employees with disabilities is really no different than managing any other employee. Use the same practices that are successful in ensuring productivity and employee engagement with all your workers: explain performance, productivity and attendance standards, provide appropriate training and support, and offer timely and constructive feedback.

4. Will having employees with disabilities increase my workers' compensation costs?

No. The classification system of workers' compensation is based on actual losses and the type of business rather than individual employees. Experience rating utilizes each individual employer's own loss history to recognize differences between the employer and the average risk in the class.

5. Will having employees with disabilities increase my organization's health care costs?

Probably not. Group health insurance premiums are based on the risks the group presents, not on individuals. According to a 2008 Employer Perspectives study, most large and medium-sized companies report no significant increase in health insurance costs, which are based on experience ratings. Employers also report that any additional costs are often outweighed by the value that workers with disabilities bring to the workplace.

6. Are employees with disabilities as productive as employees without disabilities?

Yes. A DuPont study of 811 employees revealed that workers with disabilities rated an average of 90 percent or better in job performance. Workers with disabilities represent a diverse labor pool with a wide range of backgrounds and experience, capable of meeting required performance standards.

7. Are employees with disabilities absent from work more often?

A 2007 DePaul University Economic Impact Study of 25 businesses from the healthcare, retail, and hospitality sectors and 314 employees concluded that workers with disabilities had fewer scheduled absences than employees without disabilities and nearly identical job performance ratings. In addition, workers with disabilities tend to remain with their employers for longer tenures, reducing turnover.

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District Court I - Infractions & Traffic Court

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1. What is an Infraction?

Previously, many traffic and other charges were crimes. The Legislature has decriminalized many traffic, parks, wildlife, and fisheries offenses. These offenses are now called infractions and are civil cases.

2. Will a traffic infraction appear on my driving record?

When you pay the penalty, mitigate, or if the Judge finds you have committed a traffic infraction at a contested hearing, the state law requires that the infraction be reported to the Department of Licensing. The infraction will then appear on your driving record. Neither the Court Clerk nor the Judge has the authority to keep the infraction off your record. If you prevail at a contested hearing and the infraction is dismissed, it is not reported to the Department of Licensing and will not appear on your driving record.

3. What must I do if I receive an Infraction?

Read the entire notice of infraction (ticket). You should note that you must respond within thirty (30) days of the date the ticket was issued. An infraction is not a crime, but failure to respond can result in the suspension of your driver's license. You can respond by either mailing the ticket to the court, bringing it in person to the District Court Office, or fill out a response to infraction on the Public Infraction Response for Mitigation Form. Select one of the boxes on the ticket and verify your address. If you select box one, you are electing to pay the amount of the penalty as shown on the front of the ticket. You can also take advantage of our credit card payment system by calling 1-866-844-1123 or pay online.

4. What if I do not pay my ticket or appear for a hearing?

A failure to pay or respond to the ticket within 30 days results in an order that the infraction was committed. If you asked for a hearing and do not appear your payment is due immediately. When an infraction is not paid in a timely manner or a hearing is missed, a $53 late penalty is added to the amount shown on the ticket. Your license may then be suspended if the penalty is not paid following a notice to pay the increased penalty, and the account may be assigned to a collection agency.

5. What is deferred finding?

You may elect to defer 1 moving and 1 non-moving infraction each 7 years. To make this election, bring your ticket to the District Court I counter for the proper application forms.

6. What should I wear and how should I act in court?

Suitable attire is required. Shoes and shirts are necessary. Halter tops, tank tops, and shorts are not permitted. Hats are to be removed upon entering the courtroom. No smoking, food or drink will be allowed. Children over age 6 may be present in the courtroom, but if they disturb the proceedings you may be requested to remove them. The court does not provide child care. Upon your arrival, find your name on the calendar outside the courtroom and then have a seat in the proper courtroom until the session convenes. You do not need to check with the Clerk unless your name is not on the list. When your case is called, come forward and take a seat at one of the counsel tables until instructed otherwise by the Judge.

7. What is a mitigation hearing?

A mitigation hearing is where you admit you committed the violation, but wish to explain the circumstances of the infraction. To request a mitigation hearing you should check box two on the infraction. The Judge, depending on the explanation and your record, may adjust the penalty. However, the Judge will not dismiss your ticket. As the court is required to forward all committed traffic tickets to the Department of Licensing, it will appear on your driving record. See Mitigation of Infractions.

8. What is a contested hearing?

If you believe you did not commit the violation then you should select box three on the infraction and have a contested hearing. Unless you request the officer to be subpoenaed, the procedure at the hearing will be for the Judge to read the sworn statement of the officer. Then you may testify or present any evidence or witnesses that you wish. If you want to have the officer or any technician present, please advise the Clerk at the time you present your ticket or as soon thereafter as possible so the hearing can be appropriately scheduled. A subpoena will need to be served on the witness Contested Infractions.

9. May I have a lawyer at a contested hearing?

You may, at your own expense, have a lawyer appear and represent you at your hearing. If you are to be represented by counsel, the lawyer is required to file a notice of appearance with the court, and the appropriate prosecutor, prior to the hearing date. A separate hearing is held when lawyers are involved and it is necessary to have sufficient notice for scheduling.

10. Is there a right to appeal?

If you do not win a contested hearing you have the right to appeal to the Superior Court of Clallam County. The notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days of the judgment. There will be various appeal costs, payable in advance, including a $230 Superior Court filing fee and a $40 Court Costs preparation fee. If you appeal, the Superior Court will review the record that was made at the District Court, but there will not be a new trial. The District Court Office will provide you with information about the appellate process.

11. What if I can not pay my penalty all at once?

If you can not pay all of your penalty at the time of the hearing, the Judge or the Clerk will work out a time payment agreement. This is a contract with the Court for installment payments and must be strictly adhered to. Failure to follow the contract can result in late fees, a possible suspension of your license, and assignment of the account to a collection agency.

12. How does assignment to a collection agency happen?

When your case is referred to a collection agency, you receive a letter from the agency. The letter will tell you the status of your case and give you the actual assignment to collections date. You have approximately 30 days to pay the court before assignment. Once your case is assigned to the collections agency, you must pay the principal owed on the case, collection fees and interest (if any) directly to the collections agency. If there is a lien on your driver's license, once the case is paid to the collections agency, you may contact the court to have the case adjudicated with the Department of Licensing and your driver's license cleared for reinstatement.

Please be advised that collection fees are in addition to the principal amount owed.

13. What is a mitigation of infractions?

If you wish to mitigate an infraction, the court will set an "in-person hearing" before a judge by returning your copy of the infraction to the court with the mitigation request. You may, however, mitigate by email. If you decide to submit your case to the Court by declaration, your presence is not required, but your declaration, and that of your witnesses, must be received prior to 30 days from the date of the infraction. If your declaration has not been received within 30 days, the infraction will be deemed to have been committed and will be turned into the Department of Licensing with a $53.00 penalty. The penalty can directly affect your driving privileges and may result in collection proceedings. Use the form for your sworn statement and sworn statements from any witnesses you may have. After the Court has reviewed your statements it will render a decision. If the Court finds mitigating circumstances regarding the infraction, it will impose a reduced penalty. You will be notified by email at the address you provide.

14. What are contested infractions?

If you wish to contest an infraction, the court will set an "in person hearing" before a judge. Please mail in, or bring, your copy of the infraction to the court with this request by checking the Contested Hearing box on the bottom right side of your copy of the infraction. A notice with the date and time of your hearing will be sent to the address you provide directly below the request for a Contested Hearing on the infraction. The request for a Contested Hearing should be received by the court within fifteen days, and must be received within thirty days, of the date the infraction was issued. If you fail to appear for the scheduled hearing the infraction will be deemed to have been committed and turned into the Department of Licensing with a $53 penalty. The penalty can directly affect your driving privileges and may result in collection proceedings.

If you decide to contest in person, you and your witnesses must personally appear in court at the date set. If, after the hearing, the Court finds you have committed the infraction, you will have a right to appeal both the finding of guilt and the amount of the penalty.

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District Court I - Name Changes

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1. Who can change a name?

This information explains the procedures for changing either your name or the name of your minor child or ward. In Washington State any person over 18 years of age can choose and use any name he or she wishes as long as the purpose of the change in the name is not to defraud another or for any illegal purpose. An example of defrauding another would be to change names to avoid paying bills, or other creditors, or to escape obligations such as child support. The process to change your name is simple and straightforward. The process to change the name of your minor child or ward is a bit more complicated.

2. How do I obtain a court order to change my name?

To get a court ordered name change, you must first file a petition in the District Court in the county and judicial district in which you reside. If you live in Clallam County, you may file your Petition for Name Change (PDF) in either location of the District Court depending on your residence location:

District Court 1 (East of Lake Crescent):
Clallam County Courthouse
223 E 4th Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362 

Phone: 360-417-2560

District Court 2 (West of Lake Crescent):
502 East Division
Forks, WA 98331 

Phone: 360-374-6383

Either office can assist you to insure you are filing in the proper court.

3. How much does it cost to file for a name change?

The filing fee is $93.00 plus a $203.50 fee for filing with the Auditor's Office which must be paid in cash, or by money order or certified check. Personal checks are not accepted. Certified copies of your order may be obtained in perpetuity from the Auditor after recording.

4. What information do I need to include in the petition for a name change?

A petition for name change should state your current full exact name, your requested new name, spelled exactly, and the reasons for the change. The petition should also state that you are not changing your name for fraudulent or illegal purposes and that changing your name will not be detrimental to the interests of any other person. If you are an offender under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections, you must follow special procedures. If you are a registered sex offender subject to registration under RCW 9A.44.130, you must also follow special procedures.

Once the Judge has signed the order changing your name, you will need to inform certain agencies of the change. The court staff cannot act for such agencies but will assist you when able by referral to those agencies.

David Neupert, Judge
Clallam County District Court I

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District Court I - Restraining Orders

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1. What are the three different alternatives available for protection?

Part of the confusion for a victim is that there are three ways to get help, but each of the alternatives may be only available depending on the facts of the incident(s) and the relationship of the alleged violator to the victim. The first alternative is a domestic violence no contact order issued by a judge as part of a domestic violence criminal proceeding. If you are a victim of a domestic violence crime (assault, threats, malicious mischief, etc.) you first should request assistance of law enforcement and have the crime charged and a no contact order entered by the judge as part of the criminal proceeding. The second alternative is a domestic violence protection order which is available even though a crime is not charged. This is the required alternative when the alleged violator is a spouse, former spouse, an adult person related by blood or marriage, persons residing together, persons with a prior dating relationship, persons who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship, and persons who have a child in common whether or not they have been married or lived together. The third alternative is a civil anti-harassment protection order. This alternative is only available when the incident(s) are not domestic violence acts. Unlawful harassment is a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys, or harasses such person, and which serves no legitimate lawful purpose. In order to be eligible for such a protection order, there must be repeated invasions of a person's privacy by acts and words showing a continuous pattern of harassment. Isolated single acts of harassment will not qualify a person for an anti-harassment protection order.

2. Where do you go to obtain this help?

If you are a victim of a domestic violence crime, immediately call for help from law enforcement. Whichever agency investigates should be requested to inform the judge that a no contact order is required as a part of the crime that is charged. As a further follow-up, contact the appropriate court as soon as possible and request through the clerk's office or the prosecutor that you wish that a no contact order be issued as a part of the preliminary appearance or arraignment process. If a domestic violence protection order is the appropriate alternative, you make an application with the Superior Court Clerk's Office. A civil anti-harassment protection order is obtained at the Clallam County District Court office.

3. How do you apply for an anti-harassment protection order?

A District Court Clerk will provide to you a set of materials which include a petition and declaration, law enforcement information sheet, temporary protection order, notice of hearing, return of service, and permanent order of protection. Once the materials have been completed by the applicant, a judge will review the petition and declaration and determine if an anti-harassment order is appropriate. If the judge approves the petition, a temporary protection order may be signed and a hearing is set within 14 days. A copy of the temporary order and notice of hearing is then served on the respondent by a law enforcement officer. At the hearing, a judge will hear testimony of the parties and any witnesses of the alleged harassment. The judge will then decide if the protection order should be made permanent, and if so, what conditions the order should contain. The permanent order can be effective up to one year and can be extended.

4. Are there restrictions on where you can file?

The statute requires that the action may be brought in the county where the alleged acts of unlawful harassment occurred or where the respondent resides at the time the petition is filed.

5. Is there a fee to file an anti-harassment petition?

The fee for an anti-harassment action is $83. Once the fee is paid it will not be refunded even though the judge may decline approval of the order. In addition, the petitioner is required to pay the fees for service of the documents on the respondent. The petitioner is entitled to recover these costs at the hearing if the court so orders. If the court at the time of the filing determines that a petitioner lacks the funds to pay the costs of filing, the court may waive the fee and require no fees for service of the documents on the respondent. If fees have been waived, the court may require the respondent to reimburse the county for such costs if a permanent order is entered.

6. How does the court decide if there is harassment?

The judge when reviewing the petition and declaration must determine whether the alleged course of conduct serves any legitimate or lawful purpose. The judge considers whether: any current contact between the parties was initiated by the respondent only or was initiated by both parties; the respondent has been given clear notice that all further contact with the petitioner is unwanted; the respondent's course of conduct appears designed to alarm, annoy, or harass the petitioner; the respondent is or is not acting according to any lawful authority; the respondent's course of conduct has the purpose of unreasonably interfering with the petitioner's privacy or the purpose of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive living environment for the petitioner; and finally whether any contact by the respondent with the petitioner or the petitioner's family has been limited by any previous court order.

7. What kind of protection can the order provide?

In granting either a temporary or permanent order, the court has broad discretion to grant such relief as the court deems proper, including an order: restraining the respondent from making any attempts to contact the petitioner; restraining the respondent from making any attempts to keep the petitioner under surveillance; stalking, and requiring the respondent to stay a stated distance from the petitioner's residence and work place. Once entered, the order is forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency no later than the next judicial day.

8. What if the order is violated?

The willful disobedience of an anti-harassment protection order subjects the respondent to a possible conviction of a gross misdemeanor which has a maximum punishment of one year in jail and up to $5,000 in fines. In addition, the respondent may be found in contempt of court and subject to penalties of R.C.W. 7.21.

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District Court II

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1. I want to file a divorce, can I do that in your court?

District Court does not handle divorce cases. You would need to contact Clallam County Superior Court. You also may want to contact the courthouse facilitator, 360-417-2588, who may be able to assist you with forms and procedural advice.

2. I have a green ticket and I want to come to court, how do I do that?

Read the back of your ticket completely. Determine what kind of hearing you are seeking. Check the appropriate box, sign it and mail or bring it into our office within the 15 days. The court will then set a court date and notify you by mail.

3. I received a warrant in the mail and I was wondering how to take care of it?

Walk-in warrants are any Thursday (excluding holidays) at 1:30 pm. You will appear in the clerks office at 1:30 pm, pay a $100 (cash or money order) warrant fee per warrant and be placed on the calendar for 2:00pm.

4. The judge put a no contact order on my partner/spouse/significant other and I didn't ask for it, what do I do?

A "no contact" order is issued by the judge as part of a criminal proceeding. Such orders are routinely issued in cases involving allegations of violence. The main purpose of the order is to protect an alleged victim. If the victim does not believe there is a legitimate basis for a no contact order, he or she may send the judge a notarized letter explaining why the order is not needed. The judge will typically terminate the order if convinced that the alleged victim is adequately protected. In some cases the order is terminated after the alleged victim takes certain steps to ensure his or her safety if similar situations arise in the future.

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Food Worker Cards

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1. Who needs a Food Worker Card?

Anyone who works with food in a restaurant or other facility serving the public needs a card. This includes cooks, servers, dishwashers, espresso stand workers, caregivers, grocery stockers and more. If you have any questions about whether you need a card, please contact Environmental Health Services.

2. How soon do I need to get a Food Worker Card?

Washington State law requires that anyone who works in a restaurant or other food service facility must obtain a Food Worker card within 14 days of beginning employment. The food worker must have documentation of current job site food worker training.

3. How do I prepare for the class and exam?

The Washington State Department of Health has put the Food Worker Manual online. It is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Punjabi, Korean, Russian, and Vietnamese. It covers food safety basics to help you understand the class and prepare for the test. 

4. How long are Food Worker Cards good for?

Two-year new cards: Your first Food Worker Card will be good for two years.

Three-year renewal cards: Three-year renewal cards can be issued if your old card is current or will expire within the next 60 days. You must take the class and pass the exam even when you are renewing your old Food Worker Card.

Five-year renewal cards: If you are renewing your permit and had at least four additional hours of food safety training approved by the State of Washington, you may receive a five-year renewal card. This additional training must have been within the last two years, and you must provide proof of the training (certificate or card).

5. What happens if I lose my card before it expires?

We can replace Food Worker Cards that were issued in Clallam County or online and have not expired yet. If your card was issued in another county and not online, you will need to contact that county for a replacement card.

You may come to the Clallam County Environmental Health Customer Service Counter in room 130 of the Courthouse building to get a duplicate card. We will look up your card in the statewide online database. If we verify that you took the class online and are eligible for a replacement card, we will print out a replacement card. There is a $5 fee for a duplicate card.

6. I got my Food Worker Card in a different county in Washington State...is it still valid for Clallam County?

Yes! Food Worker Cards obtained in Washington State are valid in all counties of the state regardless of where you took the test. Unfortunately, records are kept separately in each county (unless obtained online), so if you lose your card you will need to contact the county where you got it for a replacement. Clallam County is only able to replace cards from other counties obtained through the statewide online food safety program Do it Right, Serve it Safe managed by Tacoma Pierce County.

Note: Food Worker Cards from other states are not valid in the State of Washington as food safety requirements vary from state-to-state. You will need to take Washington's required Food Worker class and pass the exam to obtain a Washington State Food Worker Card.

7. How do I take the class online if I don't have a computer?

You may use a computer at the public library or senior center to complete the course. If you can not pay online or need your card printed you can visit the Environmental Health Customer Service Counter in room 130 of the Courthouse within five days of passing the test online to complete the transaction. If you have a group of 10 or more participants and are able to provide a location with a TV and DVD player we can coordinate a private class. Please contact us to make arrangements.

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Forest Products - General Questions

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1. Do I need a permit to haul forest products from my own land?

RCW 76.48.030(13) Yes.

"Landowner" means, with regard to any real property, under one's control.

2. Do I need a signature and place where I am taking the product?

RCW 76.48.030(13) No.

The law requires the signature of landowner where the product is being harvested, not where it is going.

3. Do I need to have the harvesting permit with me?

RCW 76.48.050(9) Yes.

Except for the harvesting of Christmas trees, the permit or true copy thereof must be carried by the permittee and available for inspection at all times.

4. Do I need a harvest permit for the market where I am taking the product?

RCW 46.48.120(14) Yes.

Buyers who purchase specialized forest products are required to record the permit number, the type of forest product purchased, the permit holder's name, and the amount of forest product purchased.

5. What is meant by "Harvest Site"?

RCW 97.48.030(16)

Harvest site can mean as small as one person on your own property or more persons that are engaged in harvesting Specialized Forest Products close enough to each other that communication can be conducted in a normal conversational tone.

6. How to apply for a Forest Product Permit (no cost)

• Applications may be obtained from DNR, and Forest Service Ranger Stations (Soleduck and Quilcene) for harvesting on their lands. Applications for private lands may be obtained from the Clallam County Sheriff's Department, in Port Angeles, or at our Detachment Offices in Forks and Sequim.
• Permits must be signed by person hauling the product.
• Permit must show picture I.D. number of person transporting product.
• Permit must contain seal from validating agency.
• Failure to Comply
  (RCW 76.48.130)
  Any person who violates shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 and or by imprisonment in the County Jail for not to exceed one year or both.

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Health & Human Services

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1. Does the County provide HIV Testing?

Yes, we offer anonymous and confidential HIV testing and counseling at Department of Health and Human Services for people most at risk of HIV infection. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. The following behaviors increase a person's risk for getting HIV:

• Sharing needles and / or drug works
• If male, having sex with other men
• Exchanging sex for money or drugs
• Having sex, whether you are male or female, with someone who has done any of the above
• Having sex with 6 or more different people in the past year

For more information about the test, call 360-565-2612 or visit our HIV web page. If you are calling from the west end (Forks, Clallam Bay, etc.), dial 360-374-5324 and ask for extension 2612.

2. When and where can I get shots against Hepatitis A & B, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, and other diseases?

Immunizations are available at Clallam County Health and Human Services. See immunization clinic hours.

3. Where can I get emergency medical help if I don't have health insurance?

The Olympic Community Action Programs can help you get medical care. You can reach them at 360-452-4726.

4. Where can I find emergency preparedness information?

The Clallam County Emergency Management Center plans for and responds to both natural and man-made disasters and has links to preparedness materials. You can reach them at 360-417-2483. The Public Health Emergency Response and Preparedness (PHERP) page also has links to various public health emergency guidance documents. To report a public health concern or emergency call 360-417-2412 during normal office hours or 206-517-2384 after hours.

5. How do I get my Birth Certificate?

For the latest information on getting a birth certificate, visit or Birth & Death Records webpage or call our Public Health office at 360-417-2274.

6. How do I get a Food Worker's Card?

Food Worker Cards are available online via the Washington State Department of Health. They can be printed or replaced at the Clallam County Courthouse, Environment Health Services, first floor. For more information, call 360-417-2258.

7. How do I get drinking water tested?

The current Water Testing drop-off schedule is available online. For more information you may call Clallam County Environmental Health Services at 360-417-2258 for Port Angeles and the east end of the county. In Forks and the west end of the county, call Clallam County Environmental Health Services at 360-374-3121.

8. How do I become certified to inspect my own septic system?

Read the Summary of Septic System Inspection Requirements to confirm requirements and system eligibility for Homeowner Inspection. Septics 101 and Septics 201 classes are available online or call Clallam County Environmental Health Services at 360-417-2258. Local Onsite Professionals contact information is also available online.

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Jury Duty Information

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1. Is jury service mandatory?

The United States Constitution and the Washington State Constitution guarantee the right to trial by jury. Failure to attend as directed may subject you to penalties provided by state law. All Clallam County residents are obligated by state law to serve as a juror unless they:

• Are not a United States citizen
• Are under 18 years of age
• Are unable to communicate in the English language
• Are a convicted felon and your civil rights have not yet been restored

2. I have a planned vacation on the date I have been summonsed. Should I request an exemption?

No. Your jury duty obligation can be postponed (deferred) up to three times if you meet specific criteria. You must request to postpone your service prior to your current report date. To request a postponement, call 360-417-2231.

3. I am self-employed. Are the self-employed exempt form jury duty?

No. There are no occupational or professional exemptions from this obligation of citizenship.

4. I have a medical condition that should preclude me from serving jury duty. How do I get excused?

If you are requesting an exemption due to a medical condition, please contact the jury clerk at 360-417-2231 or email us. If your medical condition is a permanent condition that will not improve, you are required to submit a doctor's letter requesting you be exempted. The letter must request your exemption be permanent or you may be called again in the future.

5. I have a medical appointment on my jury duty date. What should I do?

Please consider the postponement option. To request a postponement, call 360-417-2231 or email us.

6. I am unemployed and receiving unemployment benefits. Will serving on jury duty affect my benefits?

The compensation you receive for reporting as a prospective juror must be reported and deducted from your unemployment benefits.  For more information, visit the Washington State Employment Security Division webpage.

7. How many times can I postpone my service?

You can postpone your jury service up to three times. You should make arrangements to postpone your service prior to the date for which you are currently summoned. Jury summonses are sent via bulk mail several months in advance.

8. Is there an age limit?

All jurors must be at least 18 years of age. No citizen over 18 is excluded from consideration due to age. If your physician feels you are physically unable to perform the duties of a juror, please ask them to submit a letter to the court supporting an exemption.

9. I know that I will not be selected to be on a jury because of what I do for a living. Why not excuse me now and save time?

Superior Court tries civil and criminal cases, both of which require juries. The random selection process prevents you from knowing in advance what trial or even what type of trial you will be selected for. Jury Service staff cannot excuse you as a potential juror because of what you do for a living, your family makeup, or events in your past.

10. Does my employer have to pay me while I serve?

State law does not currently require employers to continue paying the salary of employees while they are serving as jurors. However, many employers, including state and local government agencies, have a policy that compensates employees for at least part, if not all, of the time spent for jury service.

1. All employers must provide a leave of absence, pursuant to RCW 2.36.165 - Leave of absence from employment to be provided - Denial of promotional opportunities prohibited - Penalty - Civil action. This statute includes the following provisions:
2. An employer shall provide an employee with a sufficient leave of absence from employment to serve as a juror when that employee is summoned pursuant to Chapter 2.36 RCW.
3. An employer shall not deprive an employee of employment or threaten, coerce, or harass an employee, or deny an employee promotional opportunities because the employee receives a summons, responds to the summons, serves as a juror, or attends court for prospective jury service.
4. An employer who intentionally violates subsection (1) or (2) of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
5. If an employer commits an act in violation of subsection (2) of this section the employee may bring a civil action for damages as a result of the violation and for an order requiring the reinstatement of the employee. If the employee prevails, the employee shall be allowed a reasonable attorney's fee as determined by the court.
6. For purposes of this section employer means any person, association, partnership, or private or public corporation who employs or exercises control over wages, hours, or working conditions of one or more employees.

11. Can I volunteer for jury duty?

Current law makes no provision for volunteer jurors. The court relies on a process that assures a random selection from the entire county. This means that some will be called often and some citizens will never be summonsed. If you have served in the past year (12 months) Clallam County Superior Court is happy to excuse you from your current summons.

12. Will I be compensated for jury duty?

Yes. Jurors currently earn $10 per day of service. If you drive to the courthouse and park, you will be given a mileage allowance as well.

13. What if I have recently served? Can I be excused?

If you have reported for jury duty in Superior Court within the past 12 months, we are happy to excuse you from your current summons.

14. I have lost my jury summons. What should I do?

If you have lost your Clallam County Superior Court summons, please contact the Jury Clerk at 360-417-2231 or email us using the "Email Us" button above to request a new one.

15. Can I bring reading material?

Yes, you are welcome to bring reading material for use during non-court time.

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Juvenile Services - Diversion Program

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1. What is diversion?

Diversion involves the handling of minor juvenile offenders outside of the juvenile court. Juveniles under the age of 18 who are arrested for offenses up to and including certain class C felonies are typically eligible for Diversion. After making an arrest, the police will refer the case to the local Prosecuting Attorney or designee where it is reviewed to determine legal sufficiency. If the case is legally sufficient it will be sent to a Diversion Unit. The case is thus diverted from the court.

2. What is a Diversion Unit?

A Diversion Unit is usually made up of professional and citizen volunteers. This combination of participants is responsible for ensuring that the juvenile offender is held accountable for his or her criminal behavior. The professional staff member(s) of the unit are responsible for information gathering and for ensuring that due process is followed throughout. The Citizen volunteers act as Community Accountability Board members to determine the terms and conditions of the Diversion Agreement.

3. What are the juvenile's rights?

The Diversion Unit is obligated to inform the juvenile offender before entering into a Diversion Agreement of the availability of free legal counsel though the juvenile may seek legal assistance from any counsel of his/her choosing. Prior to signing the Diversion Agreement, the juvenile may request that his/her case be heard in court before a judge. While the Diversion Unit does not determine guilt or innocence, the juvenile must acknowledge his/her willingness to participate in Diversion and to accept responsibility for the crime. While this is not a conviction, it will become part of the juvenile's criminal history.

4. What are the advantages of diversion?

Diversion is more protective and informal. Diversion is also more convenient, less expensive, and less time-consuming than going to Juvenile Court. The Diversion process is confidential; unlike the court proceedings which are public. The Diversion process is private.

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Marine Recovery Area (MRA)

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1. Why was an MRA formed?

The MRA in eastern Clallam County was established because parts of Dungeness Bay are currently closed for commercial and recreational shellfish gathering, and there are bacterial pollution problems in some of the streams that empty into the Bay and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Human waste, most likely from poorly functioning or failing septic systems, is contributing to these problems according to recent research that identified bacterial sources. The Sequim-Dungeness Clean Water District was created by Clallam County in 2001 partly to address issues such as insufficient monitoring of septic systems. Because of this link the MRA was located to essentially coincide with the Clean Water District.

2. Where is it exactly?

The MRA encompasses the Dungeness Watershed, those waters influenced by it through the irrigation system, and nearby independent tributaries to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It extends from the Bagley Creek watershed east to and including the Sequim Bay Watershed and Miller Peninsula, and from the Strait south to the county line.

3. How does living in the MRA affect me?

Septic system owners in the MRA must have a recent inspection performed by a professional licensed to conduct inspections in Clallam County once their system has been in use for a period of time before registering in the Septics 201 Homeowner Inspection Program. Homeowners who have completed Septics 201 Do-It-Yourself training will be allowed to submit inspections of their own septic system if it meets all of the requirements of the Do-It-Yourself inspection program once they have a recent professional inspection on file. See the Summary of Septic System Inspection Requirements for more information.

• List of On-site Maintenance Providers (PDF)

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Noxious Weeds

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1. What are noxious weeds?

Washington's noxious weeds are invasive exotic introductions. None are native to Washington. These plants tend to spread rapidly and are extremely aggressive and difficult to control. Noxious weeds impact Washington's natural resources in a variety of ways. They pose public health hazards, threaten domestic and wildlife habitat, lower property values and agricultural productivity, and reduce our enjoyment of recreational areas. In short, noxious weeds are everybody's problem!

2. What's a weed list?

The state weed law requires the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board to develop a state weed list every year. The list is divided into three different classes of noxious weeds, reflecting different control priorities. Because prevention or control of early infestations is the most cost-effective, the highest priority goes to controlling noxious weeds with the most limited distribution, the lowest to those that are the most widespread. Over a hundred and forty plants are on the Washington State Weed List (PDF).

County weed boards are also required to develop their own list annually. The county weed list (PDF) must include the highest priority noxious weeds (Class A and B designates), but the county weed board may also select additional lower priority noxious weeds for mandatory control. The Board encourages citizens to help set reasonable local control priorities and policies by participating in the development of the county weed list during the annual public hearing, and by attending board meetings which are held every other month beginning in February.

3. What are landowners required to do about noxious weeds?

The state weed law makes landowners responsible for the eradication of Class A and the control of Class B designated noxious weeds on their property. This law applies to all landowners including the state, local governments and agencies, and private citizens. The federal government is subject to the Federal Noxious Weed Act, which is similar to Washington's weed law. Landowners who fail to control Class A and Class B designate noxious weeds on their property may be subjected to monetary penalties and/or billed for the cost of control.

No specific method of control is required; the landowner may chose any cultural, mechanical, chemical, or biological method that obtains the desired result. The type of control selected by the landowner should take into consideration the weed, its life cycle, distribution, and location. Local contractors (PDF) are also available to control weeds for landowners who don't wish to do it themselves. If a landowner buys chemicals or biocontrol agents to control any plant on the state weed list, Clallam County can reimburse them up to half of the cost. The property needs to be inspected both before and after control is carried out, and some restrictions may apply. For more details about this Cost-Share program, please call the Noxious Weed office at 360-417-2442.

4. How is the Noxious Weed Control Program funded?

Under state law, a county Weed Control Board can be funded in one of two ways; either from the general fund, or through a county-wide assessment. Clallam County's Weed Control Program is funded by an assessment.

5. What's this weed? Is it required control?

For information on and help in identifying specific plants, please visit the Noxious Weed Control page with images and information concerning noxious weeds and other common plants found in Clallam County. Additionally, the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board has a useful searchable database for noxious weeds found in Washington.

6. Do you have a list of contractors who can help me with my weeds?

Local Contractors (PDF)

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Project Lifesaver: Transmitter

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1. Can a caretaker replace the battery in a client’s transmitter?

No. The battery must be replaced and tested by a member of the Project Lifesaver team.

2. How frequently should a transmitter battery be changed?

Batteries emit a signal each second and must be changed monthly. Battery changes are scheduled monthly at Clallam County Sheriff’s Office.

3. Is the transmitter waterproof?

Yes. Clients can shower and swim while wearing the transmitter.

4. What happens if something goes wrong with the equipment?

Call the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 360-417-2376 or 360-417-2262.

5. What happens if the transmitter is lost?

Call the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 360-417-2376.

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Property Room

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1. How can I find my lost, stolen or found items?

The best way to find property once it is lost or stolen is to have up-to-date records, pictures, or video noting serial and model numbers if available, or to place an 'owner applied number' on items without a serial number. Unique numbers make identifying and matching items to the rightful owner simpler, as a national database is used to track stolen and recovered items via serial number once the item is reported lost, stolen, or found. However, if this information is not available, a detailed description will help, as will a general idea of when and where the property was lost or stolen.

The Property Room holds found property for sixty days, after which time items may be disposed of or auctioned per state law. Items of a personal nature (such as identification or credit cards) are destroyed, or (in the case of passports, military IDs EBT cards, or mail) returned to the proper agency.

To see if the Property Room is holding your found property, please be prepared to answer the following questions:

• What is the property and description?
• Does it have a serial number?
• Where and when was it lost or stolen?
• Did you report it lost or stolen?
• Did you receive a phone call or letter notifying you of the recovery?

The Property Room will make every effort to return the property to the rightful owner(s). If an item is turned in where it can be traced back to someone by name, phone number, address, or serial number, a Property Officer will attempt to contact the owner via phone or letter to make arrangements to return the item.

2. How do I get my property back?

Safekeeping and Found Property

Call the Property Room to schedule an appointment. If ownership cannot be determined or a firearm is involved, you may be required to obtain a property release.

If You Are a Defendant & Your Case Is Pending

Contact your attorney or assigned council to request a property release from the Prosecutor's Office. Once that release is obtained, contact the Property Room to schedule an appointment.

If You Are a Victim, or a Defendant on a Closed Case

You must file a claim for your property with the Property Room in order to facilitate the return of the property. Property Claim forms can be obtained at the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office or by printing the Property Claim Form (PDF) and submitting it during regular business hours.

Review and processing may take up to four weeks. Once the release is obtained, contact the Property Room to schedule an appointment. You may get the case number by contacting The Sheriff’s Office Records Division at 360-417-2270.

To pick up your property you must have a valid ID and the service number for your case. Failure to claim your property in a timely manner (typically 60 days) may result in the disposal of your property in accordance with RCW 63.40.

3. How do I report lost, stolen, or found items?

To report an item stolen, found, or a firearm lost in Clallam County, please call the PenCom/Dispatch Center's non-emergency line at 360-417-2459. Provide the operator with as much information as possible, including the item's make, model, serial number, or owner-applied number.

4. What happens to found property if the owner is not located?

Depending on the item's condition, after sixty days the item will either be disposed of or auctioned per state law. The person who finds the property may request to claim the property if an owner is not found within the required time period. Claim paperwork may be obtained from the Property Room by calling 360-417-2268 and must be filed within seven days of the find.

After receiving claim paperwork, the Property Room will place an ad in the Peninsula Daily News. If no owner appears within the sixty-day time period, the finder has thirty days to claim the item for a $10 fee.

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Property Tax Exemption & Deferral Programs

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1. What is market value?

A simple definition of market value is the most probable price real estate should bring when offered for sale by a person who is willing but not obligated to sell it, and is bought by a person who is willing to purchase it but is not forced to do so.

2. What types of properties are assessed?

Taxable property is divided into real and personal property. Real and personal property are taxed at the same rate.

Real Property includes land, improvements attached to the land, and all rights inherent in ownership. Real property is valued in compliance with state law using accepted mass appraisal principles.

Personal Property includes any property that is not real property, that is, not permanently fixed to or a part of real estate. Machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures and supplies associated with commercial, industrial or agricultural enterprises are assessed and taxed as personal property. Business inventories, household goods and personal effects are exempt from the property tax.

3. How is real property appraised?

The Assessor values real property using one or more of the three professional appraisal methods:

• Market or Sales Comparison Approach uses sales to provide estimates of value for similar properties which have recently been sold. Most residential property is valued using the market or sales comparison method. An individual sale does not automatically establish the value of the property. Multiple sales of comparable properties are used in establishing value.
• Cost Approach estimates what it would cost to replace an existing structure with a similar one that serves the same purpose, less depreciation. Cost value is added with the estimated land value to get total assessed value. The cost method is most reliable in new construction valuation.
• Income Capitalization Approach is the process of estimating the value of an income-producing property by capitalization of the annual net operating income expected to be produced by the property during its remaining economic life.

(All approaches to value which apply to a particular property may be used by the appraiser.)

4. How is personal property valued?

Everyone who uses personal property in a business must complete a personal property affidavit by April 30 each year. The affidavit lists the taxable property by category, its cost and acquisition date. The assessor uses the affidavit to value property for taxes due the following year. The Washington State Department of Revenue and county assessor conducts ongoing audits on personal property accounts throughout the county.

5. How often does Clallam County appraise property?

Clallam County is on a six-year physical revaluation cycle. Each year, all of the properties in 1/6th of the county are physically inspected, while sales activities are monitored for the remaining 5/6ths of the county using computer assisted market analysis. Assessed values are adjusted upward or downward to market when necessary based on this annual analysis.

6. Do I have to let the county appraiser into my home or onto my property?

No, it is not generally necessary for an appraiser to inspect the interior of a home that has been previously appraised. You may, however, wish to review your property record with the appraiser to update the current condition of your property as well as check for errors in the data (such as number of bathrooms, etc.).

RCW 84.41.040 requires the physical examination of all taxable real property to obtain adequate data on which to base accurate valuations. If access is denied, the appraiser must estimate the value using whatever information he or she has available, and the value derived from that estimate will remain on the tax rolls until a physical examination of the property is permitted.

7. Why may assessed values change from year to year?

When market value changes, so does assessed value. The assessor's staff strives to establish your assessed value as closely as possible to market value. This means your property is valued for what it would sell for as of January 1st of the current year, based on comparable sales, not necessarily what you paid for it. For example, if you buy an older home and fix it up or add a garage to your home, the assessed value would increase. However, if your property is in poor repair, the assessed value would decrease. The assessor cannot falsely create market value....buyers and sellers create market value as a result of their transactions in the market place. The assessor has the legal responsibility to study those transactions and estimate the value of your property accordingly.

8. Who determines the amount of a property tax bill?

Two things determine the amount of your property tax bill: 

1. The tax rates of the taxing jurisdictions in which your property is located.
2. The property's assessed value. The tax rate is determined by the amount of the tax levy to be raised from all, or part, of a taxing district and the district's taxable assessed value. The assessment is determined by the assessor and is based on the estimated market value of your property less any applicable property tax exemptions.

Each year after the total assessed value is set, the assessor calculates tax rates based on taxing district budget requests which are regulated by statutory limits. Each taxing district in the county sends its approved budget to the assessor. The assessor uses the budget request and the total value of all taxable properties in the district to calculate a tax rate.

The rate is expressed in dollars per each thousand dollars of property value. The tax rate of each district is combined with the rates of other districts to get the total rate. From this the assessor can easily determine the total tax you owe for support of schools, special service districts, and local governments.

9. What is a property tax levy?

A property tax levy is the total amount of money to be raised from the property tax, as set forth in the budget for the local government or tax jurisdiction. The cost of providing public services determines your property tax. Local government consists of various taxing districts including fire districts, regional library, cities, county government, roads, hospitals, and ports. This levy, whether higher or lower than the preceding year, is determined by the budget-making authority of the local government. A portion of the tax is distributed to the state for local school support. In addition, taxes are collected to pay for special voter-approved levies, such as school maintenance and operation levies and bonds and emergency medical levies. The levy rate (or tax rate) is expressed as dollars per $1000 of assessed value.

10. Why do property tax rates vary throughout the county?

The amount of property tax due on similar properties may be different throughout a county. There are three reasons for these differences:

1. The various combination of taxing districts in different areas of the county.
2. The presence of voter-approved special levies and bonds.
3. The amount of the budget for each taxing district.

11. How do I pay my property taxes?

Please see the Treasurer Home Page.

12. What if I disagree with my property's assessed value?

Given the fact that we value thousands of properties each year and that our values are the basis for a tax, it is inevitable that there will be some disagreements. You may contact the assessor's office to review your valuation any time you have a question about your property value. Property owners can often settle disagreements at this level without filing a formal appeal. If you are not satisfied, you may file a written appeal with the Clallam County Board of Equalization located at the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 East 4th Street, Suite 18, Port Angeles, WA 98362. Appeal forms are available at both the Assessor's Office, the County Board of Equalization, and on both department's websites.

The completed petition must be filed by July 1 of the assessment year or within 30 days of the date the change of value notice was mailed. Your Valuation Change Notice will indicate a specific deadline date for appeal. The County Board of Equalization is appointed by the Commissioners to determine questions of market value. It does not consider taxes. Should you have more questions about the appeals process, you may call the Assessor's office at 360-417-2204 and request a Taxpayer's Guide to Appealing Property Assessments.

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Proposed Sadie Creek Shooting Range

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1. How will the alleged environmental concerns of unsuitability for the proposed site be addressed?

The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Conditional Use Permit (CUP), Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Critical Area Code (CAC) Certificate of Compliance permitting processes will address the concerns. (See the Permitting section for more information on these permitting processes.) The project must pass these environmental safeguard steps before any development may begin. For example, Best Management Practices (BMPs) must be detailed and show how the lead will be contained then removed from the site, before permits are issued, certainly before any construction begins. Public hearings will be held for these permits.

2. How was the rainfall measurement obtained for the area?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website was used as a reference. The annual rainfall data was accumulated from NOAA weather stations (1961 - 1990) and configured in 2 × 2-kilometer latitudes and longitude. The information can be reviewed by visiting the Western Regional Climate Center.

3. Is the project financially viable?

The Pacific Northwest Shooting Park Association (PNSPA) will provide the funding for the permitting, construction, maintenance, and required monitoring of the proposed range. This information is outlined in the PNSPA's business plan. View the PNSPA Fund Raising Proposal (PDF).

4. Will the shooting range curtail existing recreational uses?

A small portion of roadway, which is used as part of an off-road vehicle (ORV) recreational trail may be re-routed to assure safety, but it will not be removed. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently working on this issue with the local ORV user group. During initial meetings with the DNR, the proponents of the proposed shooting range discussed options for mitigating any ORV trail sections that could possibly be affected by any future proposed range. The proponents agreed to build a short section of trail that would bypass the actual DNR road that is used by the ORV trail system now, so there would be no net loss of trail mileage in this area. In fact, they also agreed to only close the short section of road going by the proposed range site during shooting hours and this section will still remain open for ORV use at other times. Also, range operators have agreed to close the range during the 1 or 2 ORV events/rallies that are held each year in this area. That will ensure this very important annual activity may continue.

5. Will there be enough people using the range to make it a worthwhile endeavor?

The PNSPA has provided an estimate based on known firearm ownership indicating a potential population large enough to support a shooting range. The law enforcement and military communities are in need of this type of facility as well.

The numbers supplied by the PNSPA are as follows:

1. Total National Rifle Association (NRA) members in Clallam (1,840) and Jefferson (666) Counties are 2,506 (2010 figures)
2. Total hunting licenses issued in Clallam (4,697) and Jefferson (1,049) Counties are 5,746 (2010 figures)
3. Concealed weapon permits (CWP) issued in Clallam ( 5,888) and Jefferson (2,192) Counties are 8,080 (2010 figures). The Clallam County total represents a 42% increase in permits issued compared to 2001 (4,137 CWPs issued in Clallam County in 2001.).
4. 11 law enforcement agencies within the Clallam County that total over 4,000 shooters (number of individuals × number of annual visits × number of types of firearms) (2009 figures)
5. Numerous private and youth shooting and archery clubs

There is no doubt that some cross-over occurs in the groups, but these numbers clearly indicate a large number of shooting enthusiasts live within Clallam County and neighboring Jefferson County.

6. How is the County involved in this project?

The County is responsible for providing the property, which will be acquired through the reconveyance process from the DNR per RCW 79.22.300, RCW 79.22.040, and RCW 42.30.060. There are currently no additional County funds approved for any work beyond the reconveyance process. The County's role in this process is to provide the PNSPA with staff assistance during the information gathering process following the reconveyance which will at a minimum include the following:

1. Preparation of reports
2. Review EIS and SEPA of similar projects
3. Provide draft EA and EIS
4. Assist with correspondence between DNR and other agencies
5. Review design components and make recommendations
6. Provide outline of steps to be taken to begin construction

7. Is the proposal consistent with the Washington State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan?

Yes. However it is not the County's decision to make. That responsibility falls to the DNR. Locating a public shooting range is listed in the Clallam County Parks Master Plan, which is approved by both the Parks Board and the Board of Clallam County Commissioners, and is consistent with our plan. Our plan is on file with the State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) and qualifies us for State and Federal grants, including the FARR grant (Firearms and Archery Range Recreation), which is managed by RCO.

The State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) document includes the following points:

1. Recognize outdoor recreation sites and facilities as vital elements of the public infrastructure, essential to the health and well-being of Washington citizens and important to visitors.
2. To assist local and state agencies in providing recreation sites and facilities that benefit our citizens' health and well-being.
3. To provide adequate and continuing funding for operation and maintenance needs of state-owned fish and wildlife habitat, natural areas, parks, and other recreation lands to protect the State's investment in such lands.
4. To work in partnership with federal agencies to ensure the availability of a variety of opportunities and settings for outdoor recreation.
5. To encourage all agencies to establish a variety of financial resources which can be used to significantly reduce the backlog of needed outdoor recreation, habitat, and open space projects.

There are two service tools used to measure the effectiveness of the State's investment in outdoor recreation. Each of these service tools has a set of three guidelines to measure the success. The baseline for the State is resource protection, but this reconveyance is for the County, a local agency. The service tool aimed at local agencies reads: "Local agencies are encouraged to emphasize individual active participation, balanced with facility capacity, service area, facility condition, and public satisfaction."

8. What conditions, if any, should the DNR place on the reconveyance to coordinate management, including public use of adjacent trust lands?

There are four areas the County has discussed with DNR staff regarding continued management and access to the area:

1. Gates: The County has offered a proposal on gates and controlling use by operating gates at various locations. At this time, the PNSPA has said the facility will be open to the public for a minimum of two days per week. The hours of operation will be 9 am until 4 pm. Law enforcement agencies will be scheduling their events on a annual basis. Annually, a few night operations will take place for law enforcement personnel. The facility would be closed two days a week for maintenance and repairs. View Proposed Gate Locations (PDF).
2. Management: The County's position is the DNR should continue managing the timber as they do now. The buffer area needs to be managed for sound and sight mitigation, as well as for safety reasons. The DNR is best suited and is in the "business" of managing timber lands.
3. ORV Trails: The County has no issues with the relocation, if necessary, of any trails sections used by ORVs or pedestrians, if it is a safety issue. All trails currently managed by the DNR will continue to be managed by the DNR. It is important to note that no trails have been designated for removal. View Proposed Relocation (PDF).
4. Access: The proposed shooting range does not inhibit use of the adjacent lands. Hunting and hiking may be restricted within the range and range buffer areas during range operation hours.

9. In a flyer posted at the Sadie Creek ORV Trailhead, it stated there will be a ricochet danger from the shooting range. Is this true?

The map and diagram were based on information using a .50 caliber firearm. A weapon of this size will never be allowed at the proposed shooting range. For firearms allowed at the site, there will be several barriers to prevent possible ricochet threats, including: man-made berms, natural topography, and distance buffers. Other misleading claims of trail closings and lack of area shooters have been addressed above. View the Ricochet Danger Flyer (PDF). View the Letter on Ricochet Distance (PDF) and Map Explaining the Danger of a Possible Ricochet (JPG) from a .50 caliber weapon and shooting from a vessel towards the shoreline.

10. Recently, at the Salt Creek Recreation Area, lead and other compounds were removed from the old military shooting range proving the proposed shooting range is a bad idea. What is your response?

The former Salt Creek shooting range and the current Sadie Creek proposal have significant differences both in terms of regulatory requirements and monitoring/clean-up.

Salt Creek

In 1942 and 1943, the United States (US) government obtained through purchase, lease, donation, and condemnation, land necessary to build the coastal artillery battery, Camp Hayden Military Reservation. The completed Camp Hayden included four batteries, a gun installation, barracks, and other buildings. In 1949, the facility was transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard, which continued to use a portion of the property as a small arms firing range until 1957.

In 1959 the County purchased the site from the U.S. government where the Sportsman's Association, a loose collection of civilians, informally used the firing range until the County closed the range in 1968 to expand the park for public use.

During this time, there were no permitting requirements, no regulatory requirements, no programs for monitoring, reclamation or clean-up. Once the area was no longer used as shooting range it was simply left as it was.

Sadie Creek

By contrast, the proposed Sadie Creek site will need to be precisely designed based on current safety, engineering and environmental standards and requirements. Best Management Practices (BMPs), as recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will be used to reduce lead toxicity and other potential environmental impacts and must be approved prior to any construction.

Compliance with Federal and State laws pertaining to toxic materials such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Model Toxics Act (MTA) will all likely need to be satisfied prior to construction.

The detailed regulatory process to obtain permits will begin with the re-conveyance of the site to the County by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This process will be followed by the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review (which will likely require an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)), and issue of local, state and federal permits which are required (see "Permitting" page/tab for the list of other probable required permits)

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Prosecuting Attorney

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1. How do I report a crime?

All crime reports should be made to the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the city or county area where the crime occurred. For example, if your house was burglarized in the city limits of Port Angeles, then the Port Angeles Police Department has jurisdiction. If your house is outside city limits in the unincorporated areas of Clallam County, then the Clallam County Sheriff's office has jurisdiction.

For emergency calls where the crime is in progress, call 911.

To report a non-emergent crime that has already occurred, please call the law enforcement agency where the crime occurred. If not known, then call 360-417-2459.

2. I am a victim of a crime. Do I have any rights?

Yes. You have a number of rights as a victim of a crime. Please see the Crime Victims Bill of Rights if you are a victim, or the Child Victims Bill of Rights, if your minor child is a victim.

3. Will I have to testify?

If you are a victim or a witness of a crime, then you may have to testify in court. However, many cases resolve without actually going to trial. If this happens, you will not be required to testify, as there will not be a trial. If you have concerns about testifying, contact the victim/witness coordinator in our office at 360-417-2587. 

4. Can I drop the charges?

No. The State of Washington has charged the defendant with a crime, not you. As you have not charged the crime, you cannot drop the charges. Reporting a crime is not the same as charging a crime. You are always free to inform the deputy prosecutor handling the case of your wishes, however.

5. I have bills as a result of this crime. How can I get them paid?

If you have medical bills or funeral expenses resulting from a crime, Crime Victim's Compensation may cover expenses not covered by your insurance company, including deductibles and copays. Generally speaking, you are responsible to pay most other bills. If a defendant is found guilty, he or she could be ordered to pay restitution to you and/or your insurance company. In order to have restitution ordered, you must provide the Prosecuting Attorney's office with a summary and receipts for your losses. You can always contact the victim/witness coordinator in our office at 360-417-2587 for more information as to restitution.

6. When will I receive my restitution?

Restitution is not guaranteed, nor can we guarantee the amount you will receive and/or the time in which you will receive it. It is very unlikely that you will receive a lump-sum payment for your restitution. Defendants ordered to pay restitution have up to 10 years to pay.

7. I have been threatened or contacted by the defendant. What can I do?

It is essential that you report any contact from a defendant or his or her family/friends to law enforcement and/or the prosecutor's office immediately as this may be a violation of a protection order, conditions on release pending trial or other court order. This may be a violation. If you have evidence of the contact, such as voicemail, caller ID, a letter, or e-mail, save the evidence until law enforcement and/or the prosecutor's office says to do otherwise. If you have not already done so, then you may wish to obtain a protection order. The victim/witness coordinator can also assist you in devising a safety plan.

8. An attorney or investigator has been contacting me about the case. Do I have to talk to them?

If an attorney or investigator is contacting you, then they most likely work for the defense. You have the right to speak with them or to decline to speak with them. If you would like us to coordinate an interview, then contact our office at 360-417-2587. You never have to speak with someone simply because they show up at your home/work or call you. Victims and witnesses often feel pressured to talk immediately, but you get to decide when and where an interview may take place, and we can help with that. 

9. Can someone attend the interview with me?

Yes. You have the right to have someone of your choosing (generally an advocate, friend, or someone from the prosecutor's office) attend interviews with you, as long as there is not a conflict. An example of a conflict would be that the person you wish to attend the interview is also a witness in the case. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that whoever attends the interview with you may become a witness at trial. If you have someone in mind that you want to attend trial with you, then it is best not to have that person attend the interview with you as well.

10. How can I be notified if the defendant is released from jail?

There are two methods. The first and best is to register through the Washington Statewide Victim Information and Notification Service. You can register online or by phone. To register online, go to Vine Link's website and click on Washington State. Follow the directions. To register by phone, call 877-846-3492.

The other method is to contact the Clallam County Prosecutor's office and request to speak to the victim/witness coordinator, and they can notify the jail on your behalf. You will not be notified unless you register through one of these methods. There is no automatic notification unless you register.

11. How do I know when and where to go to court?

If you are a witness to a crime and you must appear at trial, then you will receive a subpoena from the Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney or another attorney in the case. The subpoena should state where and when you must appear.

When you are subpoenaed for a Superior Court trial, you can call our Victim Witness Coordinator at 360-417-2587. A recorded message will give you a complete listing of trials that will be coming up for the week, trials that were previously set for the upcoming week but have been continued, and trials that were previously set for the upcoming week but defendants that have recently plead.

When you are subpoenaed for a District Court trial, you can check the day before trial by calling 360-417-2368 after 5 pm, to see if the trial has been continued, or has been resolved.

When you are subpoenaed for a Juvenile Court trial, you can check the day before trial by calling 360-417-2509 after 5 pm, to see if the trial has been continued, or has been resolved.

You are normally subpoenaed to appear at the Clallam County Superior Court. Questions about subpoenas can be answered during regular business hours, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, by calling our office: 360-417-2301.

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Public Records Request

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1. How do I make a public records request?

Any person may make a public records request for agency records.

The more specific your request, the quicker staff can locate the record in question. 

If you are not aware of the title of a specific record, information such as subject matter, dates, location, persons/issues involved, etc. will help staff to locate any records responsive to a specific request. 

You may make a public records request:

• In person at the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office
• By calling 360-417-2432 and making your request over the phone
• Using the online Public Records Request portal

2. How long will my request take?

Requests for public disclosure are responded to within 5 working days, either by:

• Notifying you how much time we need to process your request
• Asking for clarification on your request
• Providing you with information in response to your request
• Providing you the reasons for denying part, or all of your request if exemptions apply

Note: If your request involves material identifying a third party or parties, we may need time to notify them you have made the request and give them the opportunity to seek legal advice regarding the release of information of concern to them. RCW 42.56.540.

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Road/Right-of-Way Vacation

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1. How do I begin a road vacation?

A road vacation process is instituted by petitioning the Board of County Commissioners to authorize a resolution to do so. The County's Right-of-Way Agent will prepare the petition, identifying the legal description of the area you want vacated. Recent changes to R.C.W. 36.87 make it necessary to have the petition be signed by "the owners of the majority of the frontage of any County road" being vacated. However, it is recommended that you obtain signatures from all parties who are serviced by the road or right-of-way to show that they are in concurrence with your request.

Right-of-Way defined as "Class C" in Clallam County Code Chapter 9.04 means any right-of-way where a public interest in that right-of-way was extinguished (or vacated) automatically by operation of law. It is generally a right-of-way dedicated in a plat that was recorded prior to March 12, 1904, and which remained unopened for five years after authority was granted for opening them in accordance with Section 32, Chapter 19, F. 603, Laws of 1889-1890. This form of vacation is generally governed by R.C.W. 36.87.090. As such, the County does not offer any procedure, formal or informal, that would recognize or formalize this automatic extinguishment of the public's interest in a Class C right-of-way.

2. Who asks for a vacation?

Generally, the person who wants that portion of road or right of way which abuts his/her property to be vacated will be the "Principal Petitioner". Additional property owners along that same road or right of way may want the vacation of such portions which abut their own properties. Any such individuals may be included in the same vacation petition with the Principal Petitioner, and would join as "Co-Petitioners".

3. Who decides if the road is to be vacated?

The Clallam County Board of Commissioners is empowered with deciding if a road or right-of-way will be vacated. The Commissioners rely on a recommendation from the County Engineer and also on testimony presented at the public hearing which must be held before a road can be vacated. The Commissioners are responsible for protecting the general public's interest, and the approval of a vacation is at their discretion. A favorable recommendation to them from the County Engineer, and the lack of any opposition to the vacation being presented at the hearing, are helpful factors which are given consideration when making this decision.

When "Class C" right-of-way has been vacated by operation of law, or statute, it is generally governed by R.C.W. 36.87.090 and there is nothing further that needs to be done, as this vacation occurred at the State level over 100 years ago (in 1904).

4. How long does a vacation take?

From the time a properly signed petition is submitted to the Right-of-Way Agent with the application fee, it usually takes six to eight weeks before a public hearing is scheduled. During that time, County personnel verify the validity of the signers of the petition, post the area to be vacated with the time and date of the public hearing, and arrange for publication of a notice for public hearing in the official County newspaper. Also, the County Engineer reviews the application in order to provide his recommendation to the Board of Commissioners.

5. How much does it cost?

The basic petitioning fee is $800.00. The County can (and most likely will) require payment of the fair market value of the land, depending upon how the County acquired the road or right of way. This reimbursement formula is outlined in County Code Chapter 9.04. The County can also recover additional expenditures if there are any improvements or merchantable timber on the area to be vacated. The County may also require payment for any additional incidental costs or may require the petitioner to supply survey maps or data.

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Roads Division - Drainage Plans

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1. Why do we need drainage requirements?

Almost any form of development increases the amount of rainfall that tends to run off property after a heavy rainstorm. Removing trees and other vegetation reduces the amount of water absorbed by roots and the subsequent evaporation through the leaves. Regarding the land eliminates natural pockets and depressions in the soil which hold water until it is absorbed into the soil. Covering ground with roofs, pavements, and similar impervious covers prevents the underlying soil from accepting surface water. Covering porous soil with comparatively impervious top soil and lawn decreases the rate the soil can absorb water. Driving over the ground (both during and after construction) compacts the surface, decreasing the small voids in the soil which let the water filter into the ground. Placing plastic films under landscaped areas prevents the underlying soil from absorbing water. These and other factors combine to decrease the ability of the native soil to absorb rainfall as well as it would have prior to development. To minimize the impacts of stormwater runoff associated with development, Clallam County requires appropriate management of that runoff.

2. When do I need a drainage plan?

In this county, an approved drainage plan is required prior to the issuance of a building permit for either a new structure or for the enlargement of an existing structure. Also, the Department of Community Development will inform land development applicants of any drainage requirements for their project(s).

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Streamkeeper Monitoring Services

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1. What services can Streamkeepers provide?

Monitoring

We can help design and implement monitoring plans tailored to your needs. As an example of our potential scope, here is a list of parameters we have monitored since 1999 under a Quality Assurance Project Plan approved by the WA Department of Ecology.

• Gradient
• Flow
• Cross-sectional profile (between permanent monuments)
• Large woody debris (modified TFW Level I)
• Pools (modified TFW)
• Pebble count (Wolman)
• Canopy closure (densiometer)
• Conifer stem count
• pH
• Air and water temperature
• Dissolved oxygen
• Conductivity
• Salinity
• Turbidity
• Fecal coliform (nitrates available as well)
• Noxious weeds
• Photographs
• Minnow trapping
• Redd counting
• Smolt trapping
• Snorkel surveys
• Downloading of continuous data-logging equipment
• Bioassessment based on macroinvertebrates (10-metric genus-level Benthic Index of Biological Integrity)

Our volunteers are familiar with detail-oriented data gathering and should be able to learn virtually any protocol given adequate training and supervision.

Data Management

We manage all of our own data, including QA/QC, data entry and checking, and data reporting, using a custom-designed relational database. We can customize this database to accommodate new types of data and reports.

Outreach & Education

We have created and conducted educational displays, presentations, and activities, for a variety of audiences.

Hands-on Restoration Projects

Our volunteers have helped with stream cleanups, weed pulls, tree plantings, plant surveys, and beach seines. Cold, wet, and muddy won't stop them!

Match for Grants

Our volunteers' time may qualify as an "in-kind match" for certain grant projects.

2. Who has used Streamkeeper data?

We have supplied data to a host of clients ranging from governments to private consultants, in support of watershed planning and restoration, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory development and enforcement.

3. Which clients has Streamkeepers served on a for-fee basis?

Clients who have paid for Streamkeepers' services include:

• Clallam Conservation District: Irrigation ditch pipelining project-planning and project-effectiveness monitoring
• City of Port Angeles and Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe: Fecal coliform sampling
• WRIA 18, 19 and 20 watershed planning groups: Streamflow and water quality monitoring
• USDA Forest Service: Smolt trapping, snorkel/wading surveys, and LWD counts
• Olympic Park Institute: Technical support in creation of educational ecological monitoring programs

4. How can clients contract with Streamkeepers?

For smaller jobs, a simple verbal agreement might suffice. For larger jobs, a more formal contract (Memorandum of Agreement) will probably be necessary. The process of contracting with Streamkeepers will generally involve a number of steps:

• Client presents a proposal.
• Streamkeepers evaluates whether it has or can obtain the human, intellectual, logistical, and financial resources to implement the proposal.
• Negotiation over contract terms and payment.
• Presentation of draft contract to Clallam County officials for approval.
• Signing of documents.

This process is likely to require several weeks.

5. What billing terms might be involved?

Billing terms might involve any of the following approaches:

• Lump sum for entire project
• Billing by time period (e.g., quarterly) or project component (e.g., per sample)
• Broken-out costs:
  • Staff billable time for direct project work (nominal rate is $50/hr, County Planning technical services fee, which includes County overhead)
  • Equipment and supplies (often supplied at no charge, other than maintenance and consumables)
  • Temporary field staff for tasks beyond what volunteers can be expected to perform
  • Streamkeepers overhead (ongoing costs for recruitment, training, database management, etc.)

6. How favorable might terms be?

Due to our use of volunteers to perform many aspects of our operation and the efficiencies afforded by our focus on stream-monitoring activities, we are able to offer terms that would be quite favorable when compared with typical market rates. We also consider projects from worthy clients who are unable to pay.

If interested, contact us and we'll talk!

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Temporary Food Service Permits

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1. What is a Temporary Food Establishment?

A temporary food establishment is one that serves food to the public at a fixed location for not more than twenty-one consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration. If the event is advertised to the general public with flyers, banners, newspaper articles or by any other means, a temporary food permit is required. It makes no difference whether the food is being sold for profit or provided at no charge.

• Temporary Food Service Informational Brochure (PDF)
• Temporary Food Service Permit Application (PDF)

2. Are there any events that do not require temporary food permits?

Your event is not considered a temporary food service if the food is prepared or provided by members of the group for members of the group and their invited guests such as:

• A meeting or an event of a private or charitable organization, association, or club
• An activity of a church or other religious congregation
• A gathering such as a party, picnic, or potluck held by a neighborhood, family, community, school, or office
• A traditional Native Potlatch

Again, this is only if the gathering is private. Any public advertisement or public invitation will mean a permit is required.

3. What about a bake sale?

A bake sale is not considered a temporary event as long as only non-potentially hazardous baked goods are served and it is for a non-profit or charitable, educational, or religious organization. You must list all ingredients and display a placard that states that the food is prepared in a kitchen that is not inspected by a regulatory authority. You may not touch any ready-to-eat foods with bare hands. Wear food safety gloves at all times while individually wrapping foods. Take extra precautions when dealing with known allergens such as milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy, and wheat. Clearly label all common allergens on the individually wrapped baked goods. Non-potentially hazardous food examples are cookies, muffins, and cakes. No cream pies, cream fillings, or anything that needs to be kept refrigerated.

4. I sell items at a local Farmers' Market; do I need a temporary food service permit?

Clallam County offers an Extended Temporary Permit for food vendors. Use the Temporary Food Service Application for farmers' market applications. The permit is good for one year and is based on the original menu served at the same recurring location.

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Treasurer - Property Tax Statements

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1. When are the tax statements mailed?

Tax statements are mailed annually, generally during the second half of February. Tax statements are sent to the last known address on file. Please remember to keep your address current with our office. If you do not receive your statement by March 1, please contact our office to make sure we have your correct mailing address.

If the ownership of a property has changed after the original statements have been mailed, an additional statement will be mailed to the new Grantee. If you have not received a statement within thirty days of purchase, please contact us.

Failure to receive a tax statement does not waive your responsibility to pay your property taxes when due.

2. How do I interpret my Property Tax Statement?

Under state law, any tax or assessment under $50 is due in full on April 30th; otherwise, they may be paid in half installments with the first half due no later than April 30th and the second half due no later than October 31st. If April 30 or October 31 falls on a weekend or state holiday, taxes are due on the next business day, either in person or postmark accepted. If using the postal service, please make sure to deposit your envelope before the mail box is emptied. Some mail boxes are emptied quite early in the afternoon and tax payments deposited in a mail box that has already been emptied for the day will be post-marked the next business day.

3. Can I make a partial payment?

Under state law, any tax or assessment under $50 is due in full on April 30th; otherwise, they may be paid in half installments with the first half due no later than April 30th and the second half due no later than October 31st.

Any amount paid incorrectly will be applied as a partial payment. It is the taxpayer's responsibility to know what you owe. If you choose to pay an amount other than what is showing on you current year tax statement, we will apply the amount you paid to the next due amount. We will not provide additional statements or notices regarding unpaid balances. If the taxpayer does not pay the remaining balance, they will receive a delinquent notice in May and/or November.

To minimize paying an amount in error, please verify the amount due on this webpage (property search) or please call 360-417-2344.

4. I paid too much. Can I get a refund?

We will issue a refund for any amount over $10. Refunds will be issued a minimum of 15 days after the original payment has been posted and has cleared the banking process. Refunds are issued twice monthly on or about the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month.

5. What is the imposition of interest, and penalties (pursuant to RCW 84.56.020)?

• First half taxes must be paid or postmarked by April 30th. Delinquent interest starts May 1st at 1% per month based on the full year tax due.
• Second half taxes must be paid or postmarked by October 31st. Delinquent interest starts November 1st at 1% per month based on the balance due.

In addition to interest, penalties are assessed on June 1st at 3% and on December 1st at 8%, both on delinquent current year taxes. For clarification, contact the Treasurer's Office at 360-417-2344 or 866-417-0328.

6. How do I pay my property taxes?

You can use the convenience envelopes included in your property tax bill or pay at the Clallam County Treasurer’s Office, Suite 3, 223 E. 4th St., Port Angeles. For other payment options, see the Pay your Property Taxes page.

7. When are there Courthouse closures?

The courthouse is closed on all federal holidays as well as the day after Thanksgiving. For more information, please check out Courthouse Hours.

8. How do I find the property taxes for a particular property?

To find out how much was paid in property taxes on a particular property (for federal tax purposes), or how much is owed in property taxes, interest, and penalty, go to our Property Search page and use one of the search type options to find your property. Then click the "View Details" link at the far right of your property. You will find both this year's taxes and last year's taxes under "Taxes and Assessment Details." If you want a receipt, please send us a stamped, self-addressed envelope with a note indicating for which year you want to receive a receipt.

9. If I have delinquent taxes, when will the County begin foreclosure?

Real property foreclosure occurs when taxes are three years delinquent. Personal property becomes delinquent if the first half tax is not paid by April 30th.

10. I just purchased this property, and the tax statement you sent me shows delinquent taxes owing, am I responsible for paying those?

Taxes follow the property, not the taxpayer. The county does not foreclose on people, only parcels. It is your responsibility to ascertain the condition of taxes prior to purchase.

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Weed Assessment

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1. Why should people who don't have noxious weeds have to pay the assessment?

Weeds are everyone's problem. Even landowners who don't currently have weeds can be harmed by weeds that spread from adjacent lands. Seeds are carried by wind, water, vehicles, animals and people; the invasive nature of these plants means that no land is immune to their spread.

2. Why don't you just fine the people with weeds and use the money to pay for the program?

The state law which mandates that counties have to control weeds gives the counties only two options for funding the work. One is out of the general fund money, for which there is a lot of competition. The other is through an assessment, which is not a tax, but a regulatory fee for a service that is available to all landowners. It cannot be imposed selectively, and the county has limited authority to fine people who have weeds.

3. Do other counties fund their Weed Boards through an assessment?

At least twenty-one counties and five weed districts in Washington now have noxious weed assessments on their property tax bills. The fees range from $1.50 to $15.40 per parcel plus a fixed amount per acre of land. Clallam County, at $1.50 per parcel and 13 cents per acre (forested land is 1/10th the rate), has the lowest per parcel fee in the state.

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West Nile Virus & Animals

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1. Can West Nile virus cause illness in dogs or cats?

West Nile virus does not appear to cause illness in dogs and cats. Dogs and cats (and other animals) can become infected with the virus, but do not show signs of illness.

2. Can I use insect repellent on my pets?

DEET-based repellents, which are recommended for humans, are not approved for veterinary use (largely because animals tend to ingest them when licking.) Talk with your veterinarian for advice about the appropriate product for use on your pet.

3. Besides mosquitoes, can you get West Nile virus directly from other insects or ticks?

Infected mosquitoes are the primary source for West Nile virus. Although ticks infected with West Nile virus have been found in Asia and Africa, their role in the transmission and maintenance of the virus is uncertain. However, there is no information to suggest that ticks played any role in the cases identified in the United States.

4. How many types of animals have been found to be infected with West Nile virus?

Although the vast majority of infections have been identified in birds, West Nile virus has been shown to infect horses, cats, bats, chipmunks, skunks, squirrels, and domestic rabbits. Domestic cats and dogs may become infected with the virus.

5. Can you get West Nile virus directly from birds?

There is no evidence that a person can get the virus from handling live or dead infected birds. However, persons should avoid bare-handed contact when handling any dead animals and use gloves or double plastic bags to place the carcass in a garbage can.

6. Can you get infected with West Nile virus by caring for an infected horse?

West Nile virus is transmitted by infectious mosquitoes. There is no documented evidence of person-to-person or animal-to-person transmission of West Nile virus. Normal veterinary infection control precautions should be followed when caring for a horse suspected to have this or any viral infection.

7. Can you get West Nile Virus from eating game birds or animals that have been infected?

There is no evidence that West Nile Virus can be transmitted to humans through consuming infected birds or animals. In keeping with overall public health practice, and due to the risk of known food-borne pathogens, people should always follow procedures for fully cooking meat from either birds or mammals.

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West Nile Virus - Overview

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1. What is West Nile virus?

West Nile Virus is an arbovirus (arthropod-borne virus) transmitted primarily through the bite of infected mosquitoes. West Nile virus was first identified in the United States in 1999. The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses, and some other mammals.

2. How is West Nile virus spread?

West Nile virus is most often spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and can infect many types of birds and mammals as well as people. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which may circulate the virus in their blood for a few days. Infected mosquitoes can then transmit the West Nile virus to humans and animals while biting to take blood.

There has been documented transmission of West Nile virus through organ transplantation, blood transfusion, and transplacentally (mother-to-child). These modes of transmission represent a very small proportion of West Nile virus cases. The most common means of spreading the West Nile virus is through the bite of infected mosquitoes.

3. What are the symptoms?

Most people who become infected with West Nile virus either have no symptoms or only mild symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches. Approximately 80% of people with West Nile virus infection will have no symptoms.

About 20% of people with West Nile virus infection will develop "West Nile fever", a mild disease in people, characterized by flu-like symptoms. West Nile fever typically lasts only a few days and does not appear to cause any long-term health effects.

About one % of those infected with West Nile virus will develop more severe neurologic (brain) disease called "West Nile encephalitis", "West Nile meningitis" or "West Nile meningoencephalitis." Encephalitis refers to an inflammation of the brain, meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane around the brain and the spinal cord, and meningoencephalitis refers to inflammation of the brain and the membrane surrounding it. The risk of severe infection is higher among people who are 50 years of age and older.

4. Where can I find information on the spread of the disease in Washington State and in the United States?

Washington Department of Health West Nile Website - Washington State Department of Health has a West Nile virus website with information on human, horse and bird cases in Washington State and a toll-free information line.

Washington State Department of Health West Nile Virus Information Line:
1-866-78VIRUS (866-788-4787

CDC West Nile Virus Website - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) West Nile virus website has national case counts for West Nile virus and additional information.

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West Nile Virus - Prevention

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1. What can I do to reduce my risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus?

Protect yourself from mosquito bites!

Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. The more DEET a repellent contains the longer time it can protect you from mosquito bites. A higher percentage of DEET in a repellent does not mean that your protection is better-just that it will last longer. DEET concentrations higher than 50% do not increase the length of protection. Choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of time that you will be outdoors.

• Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children.
• Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's Directions for Use as printed on the product.
• For detailed information about using repellents, see Insect Repellent Use and Safety from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Do not apply repellents containing permethrin directly to exposed skin. If you spray your clothing, there is no need to spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing.

When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.

Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors with infants.

Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito biting times.

Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.

Reduce the number of mosquitoes!

Help reduce the number of mosquitoes in areas outdoors where you work or play, by draining sources of standing water. In this way, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.

• At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans.
• Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
• Remove discarded tires and other items that could collect water.
• Be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.

Note: Vitamin B and "ultrasonic" devices are not effective in preventing mosquito bites.

2. Is there a vaccine against West Nile encephalitis for humans?

No, but several companies are working towards developing a vaccine.

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West Nile Virus - Treatment & Testing

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1. I think I have symptoms of West Nile virus. What should I do?

Contact your health care provider if you have concerns about your health. If you or your family members develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, and severe headaches, you should see your doctor immediately.

2. How do health care providers test for West Nile virus?

Your physician will first take a medical history to assess your risk for West Nile virus. People who live in or traveled to areas where West Nile virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis; persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease. If you are determined to be at high risk and have symptoms of West Nile encephalitis, your provider will draw a blood sample and send it to a commercial or public health laboratory for confirmation.

3. How is West Nile encephalitis treated?

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection. In more severe cases, intensive supportive therapy is indicated, often involving hospitalization, intravenous fluids, airway management, respiratory support (ventilator), prevention of secondary infections (pneumonia, urinary tract, etc.), and good nursing care.