The valuation basis for compensating the County for the “land value” component on any right-of-way being vacated will be determined by the “across the fence value.” The “across the fence value” will be the adjacent parcel’s current fair market assessed land valuation as established by the Clallam County Assessor’s Office, or by County acquisition documents of record, whichever value is greater. In the absence of a fair market assessed land value being determined by the County Assessor’s Office or if the County determines a separate appraisal is warranted, a current appraisal will be performed by County staff. Any and all costs associated with appraisal(s) will be reimbursed to the County according to RCW 36.87.120.

For purposes of calculation of the “land value” component, Class A land will be compensated at 100 percent using the above valuation basis and Class B land will be compensated at 50 percent of said above valuation basis; except any right-of-way which qualifies under RCW 36.87.090 and has not otherwise had public rights reacquired. Right-of-way which qualifies under said RCW will have no compensating value to the County.

For purposes of calculation of the “improvement value” component, Class A land will be compensated at the rate of $3 per square foot of road or at a rate as adjusted periodically by the County Engineer to reflect the current costs of improved roads, plus the value of special improvements, if any, such as bridges, large culverts, and similar structures. The area of road surface on that portion of right-of-way being petitioned for vacation will be calculated by a method found reasonable by the County Engineer. The surface area will be calculated between the outermost margins of the developed portion of roadway, such as to the edge of the cut bank or fill slope, back of ditch, edge of shoulder, or edge of traveled surface.

Right-of-way held in fee will be considered Class A land for calculating “land value” and disposed of as provided for under RCW 36.34.010 and the petitioner(s) would need to be the successful bidder at public auction administered by the Clallam County Treasurer; except if it is involved in and disposed of in a land exchange approved by the Superior Court of Clallam County as outlined in RCW 36.34.330.

Compensation Requirement: The principal petitioner will be responsible to pay all costs and fees associated with the road vacation process, regardless of the County’s approval of vacation. Additionally, the petitioner will be responsible for reimbursement to the County for the value of the land, improvements, and for appraisals, before such vacation shall become effective. Exception: Compensation for the value of land and/or improvements may be waived by the County Commissioners for right-of-way being vacated if the land will remain open and accessible to the public without fee or restriction. Under this exception, compensation will still be required for expenses to the County for costs to process the vacation request.