title: RCW 36.170.030

text:
(1) The board shall adopt rules to select preservation and improvement projects under this chapter taking into consideration, at a minimum, the following priority rating factors:
(a) Investment in overburdened communities;
(b) Environmental health disparities as identified in the environmental health disparities map specified in RCW 43.70.815;
(c) Location on or providing direct access to a federally recognized Indian reservation or lands;
(d) Sustaining the structural, safety, and operational integrity of the road;
(e) Vehicle and pedestrian collision experience;
(f) Access improvements to a community facility; and
(g) Identified need in a state, regional, county, or community plan.
(2) Proposed projects must be included in the respective county's six-year plan as provided in RCW 36.81.121 before board approval of the project.
[ 2025 c 417 s 703.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 417 ss 101-103, 406, 701-709, 808-814, 1102, 1103, and 1305: See note following RCW 82.38.030.
Findings—Intent—2025 c 417: See note following RCW 82.38.030.

catchline: Board to adopt rules.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 36.170.040

text:
The following project types are allowed under the county local road program created in this chapter:
(1) 2-R as defined in the LAG manual;
(2) 3-R as defined in the LAG manual;
(3) Reconstruction as defined in the LAG manual;
(4) Replacement of any bridge on the national bridge inventory;
(5) Removal of human-made or caused impediments to anadromous fish passage; and
(6) Pedestrian facilities.
[ 2025 c 417 s 704.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 417 ss 101-103, 406, 701-709, 808-814, 1102, 1103, and 1305: See note following RCW 82.38.030.
Findings—Intent—2025 c 417: See note following RCW 82.38.030.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Project types allowed.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 36.170.050

text:
Whenever a proposed county local road program project is adjacent to a city or town, the appropriate city or town and county officials shall jointly plan and include the improvement in their respective long-range plans. Whenever a county local road program project connects with and will be substantially affected by a programmed construction project on a state highway, the proper county officials shall jointly plan the development of such project with the department of transportation district administrator.
[ 2025 c 417 s 705.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 417 ss 101-103, 406, 701-709, 808-814, 1102, 1103, and 1305: See note following RCW 82.38.030.
Findings—Intent—2025 c 417: See note following RCW 82.38.030.

catchline: Proposed county local road program projects.


title: RCW 36.170.060

text:
Counties receiving funds from the county local road program shall provide such matching funds as established by rules adopted by the board. Matching requirements must be established after appropriate studies by the board and considering the financial resources available to counties.
[ 2025 c 417 s 706.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 417 ss 101-103, 406, 701-709, 808-814, 1102, 1103, and 1305: See note following RCW 82.38.030.
Findings—Intent—2025 c 417: See note following RCW 82.38.030.

catchline: Matching funds.


title: RCW 36.170.070

text:
(1) Only those counties that, during the preceding 12 months, have spent all revenues collected for road purposes only for such purposes, including removal of barriers to fish passage and accompanying streambed and stream bank repair as specified in RCW 36.82.070, and including traffic law enforcement as allowed under Article II, section 40 of the state Constitution or RCW 36.82.070(2), are eligible to receive funds from the county local road program, except that:
(a) Counties with a population of less than 8,000 are exempt from this eligibility restriction;
(b) Counties expending revenues collected for road purposes only on other governmental services after authorization from the voters of that county under RCW 84.55.050 are exempt from this eligibility restriction; and
(c) This restriction does not apply to any moneys diverted from the road district levy under chapter 39.89 RCW.
(2) The board shall authorize county local road grant program funds for the construction project portion of a project previously authorized for a preliminary proposal in the sequence in which the preliminary proposal has been completed and the construction project is to be placed under contract. At such time the board may reserve funds for expenditure in future years as may be necessary for completion of preliminary proposals and construction projects to be commenced in the ensuing biennium.
(3) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the board may consider additional projects for authorization under this chapter upon a clear and conclusive showing by the submitting county that the proposed project is of an emergent nature and that its need was unable to be anticipated at the time the six-year plan of the county was developed. The proposed projects must be evaluated on the basis of the priority rating factors specified in RCW 36.170.030.
[ 2025 c 417 s 707.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 417 ss 101-103, 406, 701-709, 808-814, 1102, 1103, and 1305: See note following RCW 82.38.030.
Findings—Intent—2025 c 417: See note following RCW 82.38.030.

catchline: Eligibility to receive funds.


title: RCW 36.170.080

text:
Whenever the board approves a county local road program project under this chapter it shall determine the amount of county local road program funds to be allocated for such project. The allocation must be based upon information submitted by the county seeking approval of the project and upon such further investigation as the board deems necessary. The board shall adopt reasonable rules pursuant to which county local road program funds allocated to a project may be increased upon a subsequent application of the county constructing the project. The rules adopted by the board must take into account, but are not limited to, the following factors:
(1) The financial effect of increasing the original allocation for the project upon other county local road program projects either approved or requested;
(2) Whether the project for which an additional allocation is requested can be reduced in scope while retaining a usable segment;
(3) Whether the original cost of the project shown in the applicant's original submittal was based upon reasonable engineering estimates; and
(4) Whether the requested additional allocation is to pay for an expansion in the scope of work originally approved.
[ 2025 c 417 s 708.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 417 ss 101-103, 406, 701-709, 808-814, 1102, 1103, and 1305: See note following RCW 82.38.030.
Findings—Intent—2025 c 417: See note following RCW 82.38.030.

catchline: Allocation of funds.


title: RCW 36.18.005

text:
The definitions set forth in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Recording officer" means the county auditor, or in charter counties the county official charged with the responsibility for recording instruments in the county records.
(2) "File," "filed," or "filing" means the act of delivering an instrument to the auditor or recording officer for recording into the official public records.
(3) "Record," "recorded," or "recording" means the process, such as electronic, mechanical, optical, magnetic, or microfilm storage used by the auditor or recording officer after filing to incorporate the instrument into the public records.
(4) "Multiple transactions" means a document that contains two or more titles and/or two or more transactions requiring multiple indexing.
[ 1999 c 233 s 2; 1991 c 26 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—1999 c 233: See note following RCW 4.28.320.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 36.18.010

text:
Except as otherwise ordered by the court pursuant to RCW 4.24.130, county auditors or recording officers shall collect the following fees for their official services:
(1) For recording instruments, for the first page eight and one-half by 14 inches or less, $5; for each additional page eight and one-half by 14 inches or less, $1. The fee for recording multiple transactions contained in one instrument will be calculated for each transaction requiring separate indexing as required under RCW 65.04.050 as follows: The fee for each title or transaction is the same fee as the first page of any additional recorded document; the fee for additional pages is the same fee as for any additional pages for any recorded document; the fee for the additional pages may be collected only once and may not be collected for each title or transaction;
(2) For preparing and certifying copies, for the first page eight and one-half by 14 inches or less, $3; for each additional page eight and one-half by 14 inches or less, $1;
(3) For preparing noncertified copies, for each page eight and one-half by 14 inches or less, $1;
(4) For administering an oath or taking an affidavit, with or without seal, $2;
(5) For issuing a marriage license:
(a) An $8 fee, (this fee includes taking necessary affidavits, filing returns, indexing, and transmittal of a record of the marriage to the state registrar of vital statistics); plus
(b) An additional $5 fee for use and support of the prevention of child abuse and neglect activities to be transmitted monthly to the state treasurer and deposited in the state general fund; plus
(c) An additional $10 fee to be transmitted monthly to the state treasurer and deposited in the state general fund; plus
(d) An additional $100 fee to be transmitted monthly to the state treasurer for deposit into the domestic violence co-responder account created in RCW 43.280.130;
(6) For searching records per hour, $8;
(7) For recording plats, 50 cents for each lot except cemetery plats for which the charge shall be 25 cents per lot; also $1 for each acknowledgment, dedication, and description: PROVIDED, That there shall be a minimum fee of $25 per plat;
(8) For recording of miscellaneous records not listed above, for the first page eight and one-half by 14 inches or less, $5; for each additional page eight and one-half by 14 inches or less, $1;
(9) For modernization and improvement of the recording and indexing system, a surcharge as provided in RCW 36.22.170;
(10) For recording an emergency nonstandard document as provided in RCW 65.04.047, $50, in addition to all other applicable recording fees;
(11) For recording instruments, a $3 surcharge to be deposited into the Washington state library operations account created in RCW 43.07.129;
(12) For recording instruments, a $2 surcharge to be deposited into the Washington state library-archives building account created in RCW 43.07.410 until the financing contract entered into by the secretary of state for the Washington state library-archives building is paid in full;
(13) For recording instruments, the surcharge as provided in RCW 36.22.250; and
(14) For recording instruments, except for documents exempt under RCW 36.22.185(2), an assessment as provided in RCW 36.22.185.
[ 2025 c 345 s 3. Prior: 2023 c 340 s 8; 2023 c 277 s 9; 2022 c 141 s 2; 2019 c 448 s 3; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 28 s 1; 2007 c 523 s 2; prior: 2005 c 484 s 19; 2005 c 374 s 1; 2002 c 294 s 3; 1999 c 233 s 3; 1996 c 143 s 1; 1995 c 246 s 37; 1991 c 26 s 2; prior: 1989 c 304 s 1; 1989 c 204 s 6; 1987 c 230 s 1; 1985 c 44 s 2; 1984 c 261 s 4; 1982 1st ex.s. c 15 s 7; 1982 c 4 s 12; 1977 ex.s. c 56 s 1; 1967 c 26 s 8; 1963 c 4 s 36.18.010; prior: 1959 c 263 s 6; 1953 c 214 s 2; 1951 c 51 s 4; 1907 c 56 s 1, part, p 92; 1903 c 151 s 1, part, p 295; 1893 c 130 s 1, part, p 423; Code 1881 s 2086, part, p 358; 1869 p 369 s 3; 1865 p 94 s 1; part; 1863 p 391 s 1, part, p 394; 1861 p 34 s 1, part, p 37; 1854 p 368 s 1, part, p 371; RRS ss 497, part, 4105.]
Notes:
Short title—Conflict with federal requirements—2023 c 340: See notes following RCW 43.181.040.
Effective date—2022 c 141: See note following RCW 4.24.130.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 448: See note following RCW 43.07.405.
Effective date—2007 c 523 s 2: "Section 2 of this act takes effect January 1, 2008." [ 2007 c 523 s 8.]
Contingency—2007 c 523: See note following RCW 43.07.128.
Findings—Conflict with federal requirements—Effective date—2005 c 484: See RCW 43.185C.005, 43.185C.901, and 43.185C.902.
Findings—2002 c 294: "The legislature recognizes housing affordability has become a significant problem for a large portion of society in many parts of Washington state in recent years. The state has traditionally focused its resources on housing for low-income populations. Additional funding resources are needed for building operation and maintenance activities for housing projects affordable to extremely low-income people, for example farmworkers or people with developmental disabilities. Affordable rents for extremely low-income people are not sufficient to cover the cost of building operations and maintenance. In addition resources are needed at the local level to assist in development and preservation of affordable low-income housing to address critical local housing needs." [ 2002 c 294 s 1.]
Effective date—1999 c 233: See note following RCW 4.28.320.
Effective date—1996 c 143: "This act shall take effect January 1, 1997." [ 1996 c 143 s 5.]
Effective date—1995 c 246 s 37: "Section 37 of this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [May 5, 1995]." [ 1995 c 246 s 39.]
Findings—1989 c 204: See note following RCW 36.22.160.
Effective date—1987 c 230: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1987." [ 1987 c 230 s 4.]
Effective date—1967 c 26: See note following RCW 43.70.150.
Family court funding, marriage license fee increase authorized: RCW 26.12.220.

catchline: Auditor's fees.


title: RCW 36.18.012

text:
(1) Revenue collected under this section is subject to division with the state.
(2) The party filing a transcript or abstract of judgment or verdict from a United States court held in this state, or from the superior court of another county or from a district court in the county of issuance, shall pay at the time of filing a fee of twenty dollars.
(3) The clerk shall collect a fee of twenty dollars for: Filing a document not related to or a part of a proceeding, civil or criminal, or a probate matter, required or permitted to be filed in the clerk's office for which no other charge is provided by law.
(4) If the defendant serves or files an answer to an unlawful detainer complaint under chapter 59.18 or 59.20 RCW, the plaintiff shall pay before proceeding with the unlawful detainer action one hundred twelve dollars.
(5) Any party filing a counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim in an unlawful detainer action under chapter 59.18 or 59.20 RCW shall pay the equivalent to the total filing fee of an unlawful detainer action pursuant to RCW 36.18.020, including the fee for an unlawful detainer answer pursuant to subsection (4) of this section.
(6) For a restrictive covenant for filing a petition to strike discriminatory provisions in real estate under RCW 49.60.227 a fee of twenty dollars must be charged.
(7) A fee of twenty dollars must be charged for filing a will only, when no probate of the will is contemplated.
(8) A fee of twenty dollars must be charged for filing a petition, written agreement, or written memorandum in a nonjudicial probate dispute under RCW 11.96A.220, if it is filed within an existing case in the same court.
(9) A fee of thirty-five dollars must be charged for filing a petition regarding a common law lien under RCW 60.70.060.
(10) For the filing of a tax warrant for unpaid taxes or overpayment of benefits by any agency of the state of Washington, a fee of five dollars on or after July 22, 2001, and for the filing of such a tax warrant or overpayment of benefits on or after July 1, 2003, a fee of twenty dollars, of which forty-six percent of the first five dollars is directed to the state general fund.
[ 2009 c 479 s 20; 2009 c 417 s 1; 2006 c 192 s 1; 2005 c 457 s 17; 2001 c 146 s 1; 1999 c 42 s 634; 1996 c 211 s 1; 1995 c 292 s 12.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2009 c 417 s 1 and by 2009 c 479 s 20, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Effective date—2009 c 479: See note following RCW 2.56.030.
Intent—2005 c 457: See note following RCW 43.08.250.
Effective date—1999 c 42: See RCW 11.96A.902.

catchline: Various fees collected—Division with state.


title: RCW 36.18.014

text:
(1) Revenue collected under this section is subject to division with the county law library under RCW 27.24.070.
(2) For filing a petition for emancipation for minors as required under RCW 13.64.020 a fee up to fifty dollars must be collected.
[ 1995 c 292 s 13.]

catchline: Fees—Division with county law library—Petition for emancipation for minors.


title: RCW 36.18.016

text:
(1) Revenue collected under this section is not subject to division under RCW 36.18.025 or 27.24.070.
(2)(a) For the filing of a petition for modification of a decree of dissolution or paternity, within the same case as the original action, and any party filing a counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim in any such action, a fee of $36 must be paid.
(b) The party filing the first or initial petition for dissolution, legal separation, or declaration concerning the validity of marriage shall pay, at the time and in addition to the filing fee required under RCW 36.18.020, a fee of $54. The clerk of the superior court shall transmit monthly $48 of the $54 fee collected under this subsection to the state treasury for deposit in the domestic violence prevention account. The remaining six dollars shall be retained by the county for the purpose of supporting community-based domestic violence services within the county, except for five percent of the six dollars, which may be retained by the court for administrative purposes. On or before December 15th of each year, the county shall report to the department of social and health services revenues associated with this section and community-based domestic violence services expenditures. The department of social and health services shall develop a reporting form to be utilized by counties for uniform reporting purposes.
(3)(a) The party making a demand for a jury of six in a civil action shall pay, at the time, a fee of $125; if the demand is for a jury of 12, a fee of $250. If, after the party demands a jury of six and pays the required fee, any other party to the action requests a jury of 12, an additional $125 fee will be required of the party demanding the increased number of jurors.
(b) Upon conviction in criminal cases a jury demand charge of $125 for a jury of six, or $250 for a jury of 12 may be imposed as costs under RCW 10.46.190.
(4) The following fees will be charged for copies made by the superior court clerk's office:
(a) For preparing a certified copy of a court document on file or of record in the clerk's office, a fee of $5 will be charged for the first page plus a fee of $1 for each additional page.
(b) For authenticating or exemplifying a court document on file or of record, in addition to the fee to prepare the certified copy in subsection (2)(a) of this section, a fee of $2 for each additional seal affixed must be charged.
(c) For providing a copy without a seal, a fee of 50 cents per page must be charged.
(d) For providing a photograph of an exhibit, a fee of $5 per photo must be charged.
(e) For providing a copy of a digital or electronic exhibit, a fee of $25 per exhibit must be charged.
(f) For copies delivered on an electronic storage medium, a fee of $5 must be charged.
(g) The clerk may charge for the cost of posting and mailing the copies, plus a $2 handling fee.
(5) For executing a certificate, with or without a seal, a fee of two dollars must be charged.
(6) For a garnishee defendant named in an affidavit for garnishment and for a writ of attachment, a fee of $20 must be charged.
(7) For filing a supplemental proceeding, a fee of $20 must be charged.
(8) For approving a bond, including justification on the bond, in other than civil actions and probate proceedings, a fee of two dollars must be charged.
(9) For the issuance of a certificate of qualification and a certified copy of letters of administration, letters testamentary, or letters of guardianship, there must be a fee of five dollars.
(10) For the preparation of a passport application, the clerk may collect an execution fee as authorized by the federal government.
(11) For clerk's services such as performing historical searches, compiling statistical reports, and conducting exceptional record searches, the clerk may collect a fee not to exceed $30 per hour.
(12) For processing ex parte orders, the clerk may collect a fee of $30.
(13) For preparing a copy of the audio or video recording from a court proceeding, a fee of $25 per court date must be charged.
(14) For the issuance of extension of judgment under RCW 6.17.020 and chapter 9.94A RCW, a fee of $200 must be charged. When the extension of judgment is at the request of the clerk, the $200 charge may be imposed as court costs under RCW 10.46.190.
(15) A facilitator surcharge of up to $20 must be charged as authorized under RCW 26.12.240.
(16) For filing an adjudication claim under RCW 90.03.180, a fee of $25 must be charged.
(17) For filing a claim of frivolous lien under RCW 60.04.081 or 60.90.130 or filing an action to release a lien under RCW 60.90.090 and 60.90.140, a fee of $35 must be charged.
(18) For preparation of a change of venue, a fee of $20 must be charged by the originating court in addition to the per page charges in subsection (4) of this section.
(19) A service fee of five dollars for the first page and one dollar for each additional page must be charged for receiving faxed documents, pursuant to Washington state rules of court, general rule 17.
(20) For preparation of clerk's papers, a fee of 50 cents per page must be charged.
(21) For copies and reports produced at the local level as permitted by RCW 2.68.020 and supreme court policy, a variable fee must be charged.
(22) Investment service charge and earnings under RCW 36.48.090 must be charged.
(23) Costs for nonstatutory services rendered by clerk by authority of local ordinance or policy must be charged.
(24) For filing a request for civil arbitration, a filing fee may be assessed against the party filing a statement of arbitrability not to exceed $250 as established by authority of local ordinance. $220 of this charge shall be used to offset the cost of the civil arbitration program. $30 of each fee collected under this subsection must be used for indigent defense services.
(25) For filing a request for trial de novo of a civil arbitration award, a fee not to exceed $400 as established by authority of local ordinance must be charged.
(26) A public agency may not charge a fee to a law enforcement agency, for preparation, copying, or mailing of certified copies of the judgment and sentence, information, affidavit of probable cause, and/or the notice of requirement to register, of a sex offender convicted in a Washington court, when such records are necessary for risk assessment, preparation of a case for failure to register, or maintenance of a sex offender's registration file.
(27) For the filing of a will or codicil under the provisions of chapter 11.12 RCW, a fee of $20 must be charged.
(28) A surcharge of up to $20 may be charged in dissolution and legal separation actions as authorized by RCW 26.12.260.
(29) The revenue to counties from the fees established in this section shall be deemed to be complete reimbursement from the state for the state's share of benefits paid to the superior court judges of the state prior to July 24, 2005, and no claim shall lie against the state for such benefits.
[ 2026 c 33 s 1; 2022 c 29 s 12; 2021 c 102 s 17; 2018 c 36 s 7; 2016 c 74 s 4. Prior: 2015 c 275 s 11; 2015 c 265 s 27; 2009 c 417 s 2; 2007 c 496 s 204; 2006 c 192 s 2; prior: 2005 c 457 s 18; 2005 c 374 s 2; 2005 c 202 s 1; 2002 c 338 s 2; 2001 c 146 s 2; 2000 c 170 s 1; 1999 c 397 s 8; 1996 c 56 s 5; 1995 c 292 s 14.]
Notes:
Housing voucher program outcome evaluation and benefit-cost analysis—Transfer of residual funds to the general fund—2022 c 29: See notes following RCW 9.94A.729.
Short title—Effective date—2021 c 102: See RCW 60.90.900 and 60.90.902.
Applicability—Effective date—2018 c 36: See notes following RCW 7.06.043.
Finding—Intent—2015 c 265: See note following RCW 13.50.010.
Effective dates—2007 c 496 ss 201, 202, 204, and 501: See note following RCW 26.12.260.
Part headings not law—2007 c 496: See note following RCW 26.09.002.
Intent—2005 c 457: See note following RCW 43.08.250.

catchline: Various fees collected—Not subject to division.


title: RCW 36.18.018

text:
(1) State revenue collected by county clerks under subsection (2) of this section must be transmitted to the appropriate state court. The administrative office of the courts shall retain fees collected under subsection (3) of this section.
(2) For appellate review under RAP 5.1(b), two hundred fifty dollars must be charged, except that no fee may be charged under this section for a case transferred from the superior court to the court of appeals pursuant to RCW 34.05.518 or * 36.70C.150.
(3) For all copies and reports produced by the administrative office of the courts as permitted under RCW 2.68.020 and supreme court policy, a variable fee must be charged.
(4) In addition to the fee established under subsection (2) of this section, a surcharge of forty dollars is established for appellate review. The county clerk shall transmit seventy-five percent of this surcharge to the state treasurer for deposit in the judicial stabilization trust account and twenty-five percent must be retained by the county.
[ 2021 c 305 s 4; 2021 c 303 s 2; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 2 s 2; 2013 2nd sp.s. c 7 s 2; 2012 c 199 s 2; 2011 1st sp.s. c 44 s 3; 2009 c 572 s 3; 2005 c 282 s 43; 1995 c 292 s 15.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: *(1) RCW 36.70C.150 expired June 30, 2026.
(2) This section was amended by 2021 c 303 s 2 and by 2021 c 305 s 4, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Effective date—2021 c 305: See note following RCW 34.05.518.
Effective date—2021 c 303: See note following RCW 3.62.060.
Effective date—2017 3rd sp.s. c 2: See note following RCW 3.62.060.
Effective date—2013 2nd sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 3.62.060.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 44: See note following RCW 3.62.020.
Effective date—2009 c 572: See note following RCW 43.79.505.

catchline: Fees to state court, administrative office of the courts—Appellate review fee and surcharge—Variable fee for copies and reports.


title: RCW 36.18.020

text:
(1) Revenue collected under this section is subject to division with the state under RCW 36.18.025 and with the county or regional law library fund under RCW 27.24.070, except as provided in subsections (5) and (6) of this section.
(2) Clerks of superior courts shall collect the following fees for their official services:
(a) In addition to any other fee required by law, the party filing the first or initial document in any civil action, including, but not limited to an action for restitution, adoption, or change of name, and any party filing a counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim in any such civil action, shall pay, at the time the document is filed, a fee of $200 except, in an unlawful detainer action under chapter 59.18 or 59.20 RCW for which the plaintiff shall pay a case initiating filing fee of $45, or in proceedings filed under RCW 28A.225.030 alleging a violation of the compulsory attendance laws where the petitioner shall not pay a filing fee. The $45 filing fee under this subsection for an unlawful detainer action shall not include an order to show cause or any other order or judgment except a default order or default judgment in an unlawful detainer action.
(b) Any party, except a defendant in a criminal case, filing the first or initial document on an appeal from a court of limited jurisdiction or any party on any civil appeal, shall pay, when the document is filed, a fee of $200.
(c) For filing of a petition for judicial review as required under RCW 34.05.514 a filing fee of $200.
(d) For filing of a petition for an antiharassment protection order under RCW 7.105.100 a filing fee of $53.
(e) For filing the notice of debt due for the compensation of a crime victim under RCW 7.68.120(2)(a) a fee of $200.
(f) In probate proceedings, the party instituting such proceedings, shall pay at the time of filing the first document therein, a fee of $200.
(g) For filing any petition to contest a will admitted to probate or a petition to admit a will which has been rejected, or a petition objecting to a written agreement or memorandum as provided in RCW 11.96A.220, there shall be paid a fee of $200.
(h) Upon conviction or plea of guilty, upon failure to prosecute an appeal from a court of limited jurisdiction as provided by law, or upon affirmance of a conviction by a court of limited jurisdiction, an adult defendant in a criminal case shall be liable for a fee of two hundred dollars, except this fee shall not be imposed on a defendant who is indigent as defined in RCW 10.01.160(3). Upon motion by the defendant, the court may waive or reduce any fee previously imposed under this subsection if the court finds that the defendant is indigent as defined in RCW 10.01.160(3).
(i) No fee shall be assessed if an order of dismissal on the clerk's record be filed as provided by rule of the supreme court.
(3) No fee shall be collected when a petition for relinquishment of parental rights is filed pursuant to RCW 26.33.080 or for forms and instructional brochures provided under RCW 7.105.115.
(4) No fee shall be collected when an abstract of judgment is filed by the county clerk of another county for the purposes of collection of legal financial obligations.
(5)(a) In addition to the fees required to be collected under this section, clerks of the superior courts must collect surcharges as provided in this subsection (5) of which 75 percent must be remitted to the state treasurer for deposit in the judicial stabilization trust account and 25 percent must be retained by the county.
(b) On filing fees required to be collected under subsection (2)(b) of this section, a surcharge of $30 must be collected.
(c) On all filing fees required to be collected under this section, except for fees required under subsection (2)(b), (d), and (h) of this section, a surcharge of $40 must be collected.
(6) On filing fees required to be collected under subsection (2)(a), (b), (c), (e), (f), and (g) of this section, a surcharge of $50 must be collected and $45 of such surcharge must be transmitted by the county treasurer to the state treasurer to be deposited in the following manner: $20 in the Washington state legacy project, state library, and archives account and $25 in the judicial stabilization trust account. The remaining funds must be retained by the county to be used for the county clerk's office operations, including administering the surcharge.
[ 2025 c 357 s 1; 2022 c 260 s 17. Prior: 2021 c 303 s 3; 2021 c 215 s 146; 2018 c 269 s 17; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 2 s 3; 2015 c 265 s 28; 2013 2nd sp.s. c 7 s 3; 2012 c 199 s 3; 2011 1st sp.s. c 44 s 5; prior: 2009 c 572 s 4; 2009 c 479 s 21; 2009 c 417 s 3; prior: 2005 c 457 s 19; 2005 c 374 s 5; 2000 c 9 s 1; 1999 c 42 s 635; 1996 c 211 s 2; prior: 1995 c 312 s 70; 1995 c 292 s 10; 1993 c 435 s 1; 1992 c 54 s 1; 1989 c 342 s 1; prior: 1987 c 382 s 3; 1987 c 202 s 201; 1987 c 56 s 3; prior: 1985 c 24 s 1; 1985 c 7 s 104; 1984 c 263 s 29; 1981 c 330 s 5; 1980 c 70 s 1; 1977 ex.s. c 107 s 1; 1975 c 30 s 1; 1973 c 16 s 1; 1973 c 38 s 1; prior: 1972 ex.s. c 57 s 5; 1972 ex.s. c 20 s 1; 1970 ex.s. c 32 s 1; 1967 c 26 s 9; 1963 c 4 s 36.18.020; prior: 1961 c 304 s 1; 1961 c 41 s 1; 1951 c 51 s 5; 1907 c 56 s 1, part, p 89; 1903 c 151 s 1, part, p 294; 1893 c 130 s 1, part, p 421; Code 1881 s 2086, part, p 355; 1869 p 364 s 1, part; 1863 p 391 s 1, part; 1861 p 34 s 1, part; 1854 p 368 s 1, part; RRS s 497, part.]
Notes:
Rules of court: Cf. RAP 14.3, 18.22.
Construction—Effective date—2022 c 260: See notes following RCW 3.66.120.
Effective date—2021 c 303: See note following RCW 3.62.060.
Effective date—2022 c 268; 2021 c 215: See note following RCW 7.105.900.
Construction—2018 c 269: See note following RCW 10.82.090.
Effective date—2017 3rd sp.s. c 2: See note following RCW 3.62.060.
Finding—Intent—2015 c 265: See note following RCW 13.50.010.
Effective date—2013 2nd sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 3.62.060.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 44: See note following RCW 3.62.020.
Effective date—2009 c 572: See note following RCW 43.79.505.
Effective date—2009 c 479: See note following RCW 2.56.030.
Intent—2005 c 457: See note following RCW 43.08.250.
Effective date—1999 c 42: See RCW 11.96A.902.
Short title—1995 c 312: See note following RCW 13.32A.010.
Effective date—1992 c 54: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect April 1, 1992." [ 1992 c 54 s 7.]
Effective date—1989 c 342: See RCW 59.18.911.
Intent—1987 c 202: See note following RCW 2.04.190.
Severability—1981 c 330: See note following RCW 3.62.060.
Effective date—1972 ex.s. c 20: "This act shall take effect July 1, 1972." [ 1972 ex.s. c 20 s 3.]
Effective date—1967 c 26: See note following RCW 43.70.150.

catchline: Clerk's fees, surcharges.


title: RCW 36.18.022

text:
The court may waive the filing fees provided for under RCW 36.18.016(2)(b) and 36.18.020(2) (a) and (b) upon affidavit by a party that the party is unable to pay the fee due to financial hardship.
[ 2005 c 374 s 6; 1995 c 292 s 16; 1992 c 54 s 5.]
Notes:
Effective date—1992 c 54: See note following RCW 36.18.020.

catchline: Filing fees may be waived—When.


title: RCW 36.18.025

text:
Forty-six percent of the money received from filing fees paid pursuant to RCW 36.18.020, except those collected for the filing of warrants for unpaid taxes or overpayments by state agencies as outlined in RCW 36.18.012(10), shall be transmitted by the county treasurer each month to the state treasurer for deposit in the state general fund.
[ 2009 c 479 s 22; 2001 c 146 s 3; 1992 c 54 s 2; 1985 c 389 s 9; 1984 c 258 s 322; 1972 ex.s. c 20 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 479: See note following RCW 2.56.030.
Effective date—1992 c 54: See note following RCW 36.18.020.
Effective date—1985 c 389: See note following RCW 27.24.070.
Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
Intent—1984 c 258: See note following RCW 3.34.130.
Effective date—1972 ex.s. c 20: See note following RCW 36.18.020.

catchline: Portion of filing fees to be remitted to state treasurer.


title: RCW 36.18.030

text:
Coroners shall collect for their official services, the following fees:
For each inquest held, besides mileage, twenty dollars.
For issuing a venire, two dollars.
For drawing all necessary writings, two dollars for first page and one dollar for each page thereafter.
For mileage each way, per mile, ten cents.
For performing the duties of a sheriff, he or she shall receive the same fees as a sheriff would receive for the same service.
[ 2009 c 549 s 4014; 1963 c 4 s 36.18.030. Prior: 1959 c 263 s 7; 1907 c 56 s 1, part, p 93; 1903 c 151 s 1, part, p 296; 1893 c 130 s 1, part, p 424; Code 1881 s 2086, part, p 360; 1869 p 372 s 7, part; 1863 p 391 s 1, part, p 396; 1861 p 34 s 1, part, p 39; 1854 p 368 s 1, part, p 373; RRS ss 497, part, 4185.]

catchline: Coroner's fees.


title: RCW 36.18.040

text:
(1) Sheriffs shall collect the following fees for their official services:
(a) For service of each summons and complaint, notice and complaint, summons and petition, and notice of small claim on one defendant at any location, ten dollars, and on two or more defendants at the same residence, twelve dollars, besides mileage;
(b) For making a return, besides mileage actually traveled, seven dollars;
(c) For levying each writ of attachment or writ of execution upon real or personal property, besides mileage, thirty dollars per hour;
(d) For filing copy of writ of attachment or writ of execution with auditor, ten dollars plus auditor's filing fee;
(e) For serving writ of possession or restitution without aid of the county, besides mileage, twenty-five dollars;
(f) For serving writ of possession or restitution with aid of the county, besides mileage, forty dollars plus thirty dollars for each hour after one hour;
(g) For serving an arrest warrant in any action or proceeding, besides mileage, thirty dollars;
(h) For executing any other writ or process in a civil action or proceeding, besides mileage, thirty dollars per hour;
(i) For each mile actually and necessarily traveled in going to or returning from any place of service, or attempted service, thirty-five cents;
(j) For making a deed to lands sold upon execution or order of sale or other decree of court, to be paid by the purchaser, thirty dollars;
(k) For making copies of papers when sufficient copies are not furnished, one dollar for first page and fifty cents per each additional page;
(l) For the service of any other document and supporting papers for which no other fee is provided for herein, twelve dollars;
(m) For posting a notice of sale, or postponement, ten dollars besides mileage;
(n) For certificate or bill of sale of property, or certificate of redemption, thirty dollars;
(o) For conducting a sale of property, thirty dollars per hour spent at a sheriff's sale;
(p) For notarizing documents, five dollars for each document;
(q) For fingerprinting for noncriminal purposes, ten dollars for each person for up to two sets, three dollars for each additional set;
(r) For mailing required by statute, whether regular, certified, or registered, the actual cost of postage;
(s) For an internal criminal history records check, ten dollars;
(t) For the reproduction of audio, visual, or photographic material, to include magnetic microfilming, the actual cost including personnel time.
(2) Fees allowable under this section may be recovered by the prevailing party incurring the same as court costs. Nothing contained in this section permits the expenditure of public funds to defray costs of private litigation. Such costs shall be borne by the party seeking action by the sheriff, and may be recovered from the proceeds of any subsequent judicial sale, or may be added to any judgment upon proper application to the court entering the judgment.
(3) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, a county legislative authority may set the amounts of fees that shall be collected by the sheriff under subsection (1) of this section to cover the costs of administration and operation.
(4) The fines imposed by this section do not apply to juvenile offenders.
[ 2015 c 265 s 29; 1992 c 164 s 1; 1981 c 194 s 1; 1975 1st ex.s. c 94 s 1; 1963 c 4 s 36.18.040. Prior: 1959 c 263 s 8; 1951 c 51 s 6; 1907 c 56 s 1, part, p 91; 1903 c 151 s 1, part, p 294; 1893 c 130 s 1, p 422; Code 1881 s 2086, part, p 356; 1869 p 364 s 1, part, p 365; 1865 p 94 s 1, part, p 97; 1863 p 391 s 1, part, p 392; 1861 p 34 s 1, part, p 35; 1854 p 368 s 1, part, p 369; RRS s 497, part.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2015 c 265: See note following RCW 13.50.010.
Severability—1981 c 194: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1981 c 194 s 5.]

catchline: Sheriff's fees.


title: RCW 36.18.045

text:
County treasurers shall collect the following fees for their official services:
For preparing and certifying copies, with or without seal for the first legal size page, two dollars, for each additional legal size page, one dollar.
[ 1963 c 4 s 36.18.045. Prior: 1959 c 263 s 10.]

catchline: Treasurer's fees.


title: RCW 36.18.050

text:
Every officer who shall be called on or required to perform service for which no fees or compensation are provided for in this chapter shall be allowed fees similar and equal to those allowed him or her for services of the same kind for which allowance is made herein.
[ 2009 c 549 s 4015; 1963 c 4 s 36.18.050. Prior: Code 1881 s 2098; 1869 p 374 s 20; 1863 p 398 s 5; 1861 p 41 s 5; 1854 p 375 s 4; RRS s 4234.]

catchline: Fees in special cases.


title: RCW 36.18.060

text:
The officers mentioned in this chapter except the county sheriff shall not, in any case, except for the state or county, perform any official services unless the fees prescribed therefor are paid in advance, and on such payment the officer must perform the services required. The county sheriff may allow payment to be made after official services have been performed as the sheriff deems appropriate. For every failure or refusal to perform official duty when the fees are tendered, the officer is liable on his or her official bond.
[ 2009 c 549 s 4016; 1981 c 194 s 2; 1963 c 4 s 36.18.060. Prior: 1890 p 315 s 39; RRS s 506.]
Notes:
Severability—1981 c 194: See note following RCW 36.18.040.

catchline: Fees payable in advance—Exception.


title: RCW 36.18.070

text:
When any sheriff, constable or coroner serves more than one process in the same cause or on the same person not requiring more than one journey from his or her office, he or she shall receive mileage only for the most distant service.
[ 2009 c 549 s 4017; 1963 c 4 s 36.18.070. Prior: Code 1881 s 2094; 1869 p 373 s 16; RRS s 501.]

catchline: Single mileage chargeable when.


title: RCW 36.18.080

text:
Every county officer entitled to collect fees from the public shall keep posted in his or her office a plain and legible statement of the fees allowed by law and failure so to do shall subject the officer to a fine of one hundred dollars and costs, to be recovered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
[ 2009 c 549 s 4018; 1963 c 4 s 36.18.080. Prior: 1890 p 315 s 41; RRS s 4223. Cf. Code 1881 s 2091; 1869 p 373 s 13.]

catchline: Fee schedule to be kept posted.


title: RCW 36.18.090

text:
Every officer, when requested so to do, shall make out a bill of his or her fees in every case, and for any services, specifying each particular item thereof, and receipt the same when it is paid, which bill of fees shall always be subject to examination and correction by the courts. Any officer who fails to comply with the requirements of this section shall be liable to the person paying the fees in treble the amount so paid.
[ 2009 c 549 s 4019; 1963 c 4 s 36.18.090. Prior: (i) 1890 p 315 s 40; RRS s 4222. (ii) Code 1881 s 2102; 1869 p 374 s 24; 1863 p 398 s 3; 1861 p 41 s 3; 1854 p 376 s 6; RRS s 4235.]

catchline: Itemized receipt to be given.


title: RCW 36.18.160

text:
If any officer takes more or greater fees than are allowed by law he or she shall be subject to prosecution, and on conviction, shall be removed from office and fined in a sum not exceeding one thousand dollars.
[ 2009 c 549 s 4021; 1963 c 4 s 36.18.160. Prior: Code 1881 s 2090; 1869 p 373 s 12; RRS s 4225. Cf. RCW 9.33.040.]

catchline: Penalty for taking illegal fees.


title: RCW 36.18.170

text:
Any salaried county or precinct officer, who fails to pay to the county treasury all sums that have come into the officer's hands for fees and charges for the county, or by virtue of the officer's office, whether under the laws of this state or of the United States, is guilty of a class C felony, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by imprisonment in a state correctional facility not less than one year nor more than three years: PROVIDED, That upon conviction, his or her office shall be declared to be vacant by the court pronouncing sentence.
[ 2003 c 53 s 201; 1992 c 7 s 33; 1963 c 4 s 36.18.170. Prior: 1893 c 81 s 2; RRS s 4226. Cf. RCW 42.20.070.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.

catchline: Penalty for failure to pay over fees.


title: RCW 36.18.180

text:
The board of county commissioners of any county in this state, upon receiving a certified copy of the record of conviction of any officer for receiving illegal fees, or where the officer collects fees and fails to account for the same, upon proof thereof must declare his or her office vacant and appoint his or her successor.
[ 2009 c 549 s 4022; 1963 c 4 s 36.18.180. Prior: 1890 p 315 s 42; RRS s 4224.]

catchline: Office to be declared vacant on conviction.


title: RCW 36.18.190

text:
Superior court clerks may contract with collection agencies under chapter 19.16 RCW or may use county collection services for the collection of unpaid court-ordered legal financial obligations as enumerated in RCW 9.94A.030 that are ordered pursuant to a felony or misdemeanor conviction and of unpaid financial obligations imposed under Title 13 RCW. The costs for the agencies or county services shall be paid by the debtor. The superior court may, at sentencing or at any time within ten years, assess as court costs the moneys paid for remuneration for services or charges paid to collection agencies or for collection services. By agreement, clerks may authorize collection agencies to retain all or any portion of the interest collected on these accounts. Collection may not be initiated with respect to a criminal offender who is under the supervision of the department of corrections without the prior agreement of the department. Superior court clerks are encouraged to initiate collection action with respect to a criminal offender who is under the supervision of the department of corrections, with the department's approval.
Any contract with a collection agency shall be awarded only after competitive bidding. Factors that a court clerk shall consider in awarding a collection contract include but are not limited to: (1) A collection agency's history and reputation in the community; and (2) the agency's access to a local database that may increase the efficiency of its collections. Contracts may specify the scope of work, remuneration for services, and other charges deemed appropriate.
The servicing of an unpaid court obligation does not constitute assignment of a debt, and no contract with a collection agency may remove the court's control over unpaid obligations owed to the court.
The county clerk may collect civil judgments where the county is the creditor.
[ 1997 c 24 s 1. Prior: 1995 c 291 s 8; 1995 c 262 s 1; 1994 c 185 s 9.]

catchline: Collection of unpaid financial obligations—Collection contracts—Interest to collection agencies authorized.


title: RCW 36.21.011

text:
Any assessor who deems it necessary in order to complete the listing and the valuation of the property of the county within the time prescribed by law, (1) may appoint one or more well qualified persons to act as assistants or deputies who shall not engage in the private practice of appraising within the county in which he or she is employed without the written permission of the assessor filed with the auditor; and each such assistant or deputy so appointed shall, under the direction of the assessor, after taking the required oath, perform all the duties enjoined upon, vested in or imposed upon assessors, and (2) may contract with any persons, firms or corporations, who are expert appraisers, to assist in the valuation of property.
To assist each assessor in obtaining adequate and well qualified assistants or deputies, the office of financial management, after consultation with the Washington state association of county assessors, the Washington state association of counties, and the department of revenue, shall establish by July 1, 1967, and shall thereafter maintain, a classification and salary plan for those employees of an assessor who act as appraisers. The plan shall recommend the salary range and employment qualifications for each position encompassed by it, and shall, to the fullest extent practicable, conform to the classification plan, salary schedules and employment qualifications for state employees performing similar appraisal functions.
An assessor who intends to put such plan into effect shall inform the department of revenue and the county legislative authority of this intent in writing. The department of revenue and the county legislative authority may thereupon each designate a representative, and such representative or representatives as may be designated by the department of revenue or the county legislative authority, or both, shall form with the assessor a committee. The committee so formed may, by unanimous vote only, determine the required number of certified appraiser positions and their salaries necessary to enable the assessor to carry out the requirements relating to revaluation of property in chapter 84.41 RCW. The determination of the committee shall be certified to the county legislative authority. The committee may be formed only once in a period of four calendar years.
After such determination, the assessor may provide, in each of the four next succeeding annual budget estimates, for as many positions as are established in such determination. Each county legislative authority to which such a budget estimate is submitted shall allow sufficient funds for such positions. An employee may be appointed to a position covered by the plan only if the employee meets the employment qualifications established by the plan.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 470; 1995 c 134 s 12. Prior: 1994 c 301 s 6; 1994 c 124 s 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 11 s 1; 1971 ex.s. c 85 s 2; 1967 ex.s. c 146 s 7; 1963 c 4 s 36.21.011; prior: 1955 c 251 s 10.]
Notes:
Effective date—Purpose—2011 1st sp.s. c 43: See notes following RCW 43.19.003.

catchline: Appointment of deputies and assistants—Engaging expert appraisers—Employment and classification plans for appraisers.


title: RCW 36.21.015

text:
(1) Any person having the responsibility of valuing real property for purposes of taxation including persons acting as assistants or deputies to a county assessor under RCW 36.21.011 shall have first:
(a) Had at least one year of experience in transactions involving real property, in appraisal of real property, or in assessment of real property, or at least one year of experience in a combination of the three;
(b) Become knowledgeable in repair and remodeling of buildings and improvement of land, and in the significance of locality and area to the value of real property;
(c) Become knowledgeable in the standards for appraising property set forth by the department of revenue; and
(d) Met other minimum requirements specified by department of revenue rule.
(2) The department of revenue shall prepare and administer an examination on subjects related to the valuation of real property. No person shall assess real property for purposes of taxation without having passed said examination or having received an examination waiver from the department of revenue upon showing education or experience determined by the department to be equivalent to passing the examination. A person passing said examination or receiving an examination waiver shall be accredited accordingly by the department of revenue.
(3) The department of revenue may by rule establish continuing education requirements for persons assessing real property for purposes of taxation. The department shall provide accreditation of completion of requirements imposed under this section. No person shall assess real property for purposes of taxation without complying with requirements imposed under this subsection.
(4) To the extent practical, the department of revenue shall coordinate accreditation requirements under this section with the requirements for certified real estate appraisers under chapter 18.140 RCW.
(5) The examination requirements of subsection (2) of this section shall not apply to any person who shall have either:
(a) Been certified as a real property appraiser by the department of personnel prior to July 1, 1992; or
(b) Attended and satisfactorily completed the assessor's school operated jointly by the department of revenue and the Washington state assessors association prior to August 9, 1971.
[ 1991 c 218 s 3; 1977 c 75 s 30; 1971 ex.s. c 288 s 17; 1971 ex.s. c 27 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—1991 c 218: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately, except section 3 of this act, which shall take effect July 1, 1992." [ 1991 c 218 s 5.]
Savings—Severability—1971 ex.s. c 288: See notes following RCW 84.40.030.

catchline: Qualifications for persons assessing real property—Examination—Examination waiver—Continuing education requirement.


title: RCW 36.21.070

text:
Upon receipt of a copy of a building permit, the county assessor shall, within twelve months of the date of issue of such permit, proceed to make a physical appraisal of the building or buildings covered by the permit.
[ 1989 c 246 s 3; 1987 c 134 s 1; 1963 c 4 s 36.21.070. Prior: 1955 c 129 s 4.]

catchline: New construction building permits—Appraisal of building.


title: RCW 36.21.080

text:
The county assessor is authorized to place any property that is increased in value due to construction or alteration for which a building permit was issued, or should have been issued, under chapter 19.27, 19.27A, or 19.28 RCW or other laws providing for building permits on the assessment rolls for the purposes of tax levy up to August 31st of each year. The assessed valuation of the property shall be considered as of July 31st of that year.
[ 1989 c 246 s 4; 1987 c 319 s 5; 1985 c 220 s 1; 1982 1st ex.s. c 46 s 4; 1981 c 274 s 3; 1975 1st ex.s. c 120 s 1; 1974 ex.s. c 196 s 7; 1963 c 4 s 36.21.080. Prior: 1955 c 129 s 5.]
Notes:
Severability—1974 ex.s. c 196: See note following RCW 84.56.020.
Destroyed property, reduction in value, abatement or refund of taxes: Chapter 84.70 RCW.

catchline: New construction building permits—When property placed on assessment rolls.


title: RCW 36.21.090

text:
When any mobile home first becomes subject to assessment for property taxes in this state, the county assessor is authorized to place the mobile home on the assessment rolls for purposes of tax levy up to August 31st of each year. The assessed valuation of the mobile home shall be considered as of the July 31st immediately preceding the date that the mobile home is placed on the assessment roll.
[ 1987 c 134 s 2; 1977 ex.s. c 22 s 7.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 22: See note following RCW 46.04.302.

catchline: Initial placement of mobile home on assessment roll.


title: RCW 36.21.100

text:
Every county assessor shall report to the department of revenue on the property tax levies and related matters within the county annually at a date and in a form prescribed by the department of revenue. The report shall include, but need not be limited to, the results of sales-assessment ratio studies performed by the assessor. The ratio studies shall be based on use classes of real property and shall be performed under a plan approved by the department of revenue.
[ 1991 c 218 s 4; 1987 c 138 s 8.]
Notes:
Effective date—1991 c 218: See note following RCW 36.21.015.

catchline: Annual report to department of revenue on property tax levies and related matters.


title: RCW 36.21.110

text:
(1) The county assessor must post a notice describing the:
(a) Property tax exemption program pursuant to RCW 84.36.379 through 84.36.389; and
(b) Property tax deferral program pursuant to chapter 84.38 RCW.
(2) The notice required under subsection (1) of this section must be posted in a location visible to the public.
[ 2019 c 332 s 7.]
Notes:
Effective date—2019 c 332: See note following RCW 84.56.029.

catchline: Property tax exemption and deferral programs—Notice.


title: RCW 36.22.010

text:
The county auditor:
(1) Shall be recorder of deeds and other instruments in writing which by law are to be filed and recorded in and for the county for which he or she is elected;
(2) Shall keep an account current with the county treasurer, charge all money received as shown by receipts issued and credit all disbursements paid out according to the record of settlement of the treasurer with the legislative authority;
(3) Shall make out and transmit to the state auditor a statement of the state fund account with the county in accordance with standards developed by the state auditor. The statement must be available to the public;
(4) Shall make available a complete exhibit of the prior-year finances of the county including, but not limited to, a statement of financial condition and financial operation in accordance with standards developed by the state auditor. This exhibit shall be made available after the financial records are closed for the prior year;
(5) Shall make out a register of all warrants legally authorized and directed to be issued by the legislative body at any regular or special meeting. The auditor shall make the data available to the county treasurer. The auditor shall retain the original of the register of warrants for future reference;
(6) As clerk of the board of county commissioners, shall:
Record all of the proceedings of the legislative authority;
Make full entries of all of their resolutions and decisions on all questions concerning the raising of money for and the allowance of accounts against the county;
Record the vote of each member on any question upon which there is a division or at the request of any member present;
Sign all orders made and warrants issued by order of the legislative authority for the payment of money;
Record the reports of the county treasurer of the receipts and disbursements of the county;
Preserve and file all accounts acted upon by the legislative authority;
Preserve and file all petitions and applications for franchises and record the action of the legislative authority thereon;
Record all orders levying taxes;
Perform all other duties required by any rule or order of the legislative authority.
[ 2009 c 337 s 3; 1995 c 194 s 1; 1984 c 128 s 2; 1963 c 4 s 36.22.010. Prior: 1955 c 157 s 9; prior: (i) Code 1881 s 2707; 1869 p 310 ss 1, 2, 3; 1863 p 549 ss 1, 2, 3; 1854 p 424 ss 1, 2, 3; RRS s 4083. (ii) Code 1881 s 2709; RRS s 4085. (iii) Code 1881 s 2711; RRS s 4088. (iv) 1893 c 119 s 2; Code 1881 s 2712; 1869 p 311 s 6; 1863 p 550 s 6; 1854 p 425 s 6; RRS s 4089. (v) 1893 c 119 s 3; Code 1881 s 2571; RRS s 4090. (vi) 1893 c 119 s 4; Code 1881 s 2713; 1869 p 311 s 7; 1867 p 130 s 1; RRS s 4091. (vii) 1893 c 119 s 5; Code 1881 s 2714; 1869 p 311 s 8; 1867 p 131 s 2; RRS s 4092. (viii) 1893 c 119 s 7; Code 1881 s 2718; 1869 p 312 s 13; RRS s 4095. (ix) Code 1881 s 2719; RRS s 4098. (x) 1893 c 119 s 8; Code 1881 s 2720; RRS s 4099.]

catchline: Duties of auditor.


title: RCW 36.22.020

text:
It shall be the duty of the county auditor of each county, within fifteen days after the adjournment of each regular session, to publish a summary of the proceedings of the legislative authority at such term, in any newspaper published in the county or having a general circulation therein, or the auditor may post copies of such proceedings in three of the most public places in the county. The seal of the county commissioners for each county, used by the county auditor as clerk to attest the proceedings of the legislative authority, shall be and remain in the custody of the county auditor, and the auditor is hereby authorized to use such seal in attestation of all official acts, whether as clerk of the legislative authority, as auditor or recorder of deeds; and all certificates, exemplifications of records, or other acts performed as county auditor, certified under the seal of the county commissioners, pursuant to this section, in this state, shall be as valid and legally binding as though attested by a seal of office of the county auditor.
[ 1995 c 194 s 2; 1963 c 4 s 36.22.020. Prior: Code 1881 s 2724; 1869 p 313 s 17; RRS ss 4102, 4103. Formerly RCW 36.16.080, 36.22.020, and 36.22.130.]

catchline: Publisher of legislative authority proceedings—Custodian of commissioners' seal.


title: RCW 36.22.030

text:
Auditors and their deputies may administer oaths necessary in the performance of their duties and in all other cases where oaths are required by law to be administered and take acknowledgments of deeds and other instruments in writing: PROVIDED, That any deputy county auditor, in administering such oath or taking such acknowledgment, shall certify to the same in his or her own name as deputy, and not in the name of his or her principal, and shall attach thereto the seal of the office: PROVIDED, That all oaths administered or acknowledgments taken by any deputy of any county auditor certifying to the same in the name of his or her principal by himself or herself as such deputy, prior to the taking effect of chapter 119, Laws of 1893 be and the same are hereby legalized and made valid and binding.
[ 2009 c 549 s 4023; 1963 c 4 s 36.22.030. Prior: 1893 c 119 s 6; Code 1881 s 2717; 1869 p 312 s 11; 1863 p 550 s 8; 1854 p 425 s 8; RRS s 4094.]

catchline: May administer oaths.


title: RCW 36.22.040

text:
The county auditor shall audit all claims, demands, and accounts against the county which by law are chargeable to the county, except such cost or fee bills as are by law to be examined or approved by some other judicial tribunal or officer. Such claims as it is his or her duty to audit shall be presented to the board of county commissioners for their examination and allowance.
[ 2009 c 549 s 4024; 1963 c 4 s 36.22.040. Prior: 1893 c 119 s 1, part; Code 1881 s 2710, part; 1869 p 310 s 5, part; 1863 p 549 s 5, part; 1854 p 425 s 5, part; RRS s 4086, part.]

catchline: Duty to audit claims against county.


title: RCW 36.22.050

text:
For claims allowed by the county commissioners, and also for cost bills and other lawful claims duly approved by the competent tribunal designated by law for their allowance, he or she shall draw a warrant on the county treasurer, made payable to the claimant or his or her order, bearing date from the time of and regularly numbered in the order of their issue. If there is not sufficient cash in the county treasury to cover such claims or cost bills, or if a claimant requests, the auditor may issue a number of smaller warrants, the total principal amounts of which shall equal the amount of said claim or cost bill.
[ 2009 c 549 s 4025; 1975 c 31 s 1; 1969 ex.s. c 87 s 1; 1963 c 4 s 36.22.050. Prior: (i) 1893 c 119 s 1, part; Code 1881 s 2710, part; 1869 p 310 s 5, part; 1863 p 549 s 5, part; 1854 p 425 s 5, part; RRS s 4086, part. (ii) 1893 c 48 s 2; RRS s 4087.]

catchline: Issuance of warrants—Multiple warrants.


title: RCW 36.22.060

text:
The auditor shall maintain a record of when a warrant is issued. The record shall include the warrant number, date, name of payee, amount, nature of claims, or services provided.
[ 1995 c 194 s 3; 1963 c 4 s 36.22.060. Prior: 1893 c 119 s 1, part; Code 1881 s 2710, part; 1869 p 310 s 5, part; 1863 p 549 s 5, part; 1854 p 425 s 5, part; RRS s 4086, part.]

catchline: Record of warrants.


title: RCW 36.22.070

text:
(1) The auditor shall also retain all original bills and indorse thereon claimant's name, nature of claim, the action had, and if a warrant was issued, date and number the voucher or claim the same as the warrant.
(2) The auditor may retain all claims, bills, and associated records referenced in subsection (1) of this section in an electronic format sufficient for the conduct of official business.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "claims" shall exclude claims filed against the county in accordance with the provisions of chapter 4.96 RCW.
[ 2003 c 72 s 1; 1963 c 4 s 36.22.070. Prior: 1893 c 119 s 1, part; Code 1881 s 2710, part; 1869 p 310 s 5, part; 1863 p 549 s 5, part; 1854 p 425 s 5, part; RRS s 4086, part.]

catchline: Original claims to be retained.


title: RCW 36.22.080

text:
All claims of the county auditor against the county for services shall be audited and allowed by the board of county commissioners as other claims are audited and allowed. Such warrants shall in all respects be audited, approved, issued, numbered, registered, and paid the same as any other county warrant.
[ 1963 c 4 s 36.22.080. Prior: 1893 c 119 s 1, part; Code 1881 s 2710, part; 1869 p 310 s 5, part; 1863 p 549 s 5, part; 1854 p 425 s 5, part; RRS s 4086, part.]

catchline: Claims of auditor.


title: RCW 36.22.090

text:
All warrants for the payment of claims against diking, ditch, drainage and irrigation districts and school districts of the second class, who do not issue their own warrants, as well as political subdivisions within the county for which no other provision is made by law, shall be drawn and issued by the county auditor of the county wherein such subdivision is located, upon proper approval by the governing body thereof.
[ 2009 c 337 s 4; 1975 c 43 s 31; 1973 c 111 s 4; 1963 c 4 s 36.22.090. Prior: 1915 c 74 s 1; RRS s 4096.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1975 c 43: See notes following RCW 28A.535.050.
Severability—1973 c 111: See note following RCW 28A.330.230.

catchline: Warrants of political subdivisions.


title: RCW 36.22.100

text:
Registered or interest bearing county warrants not presented within one year of the date of their call, and all other county warrants not presented within one year of the date of their issue shall be canceled by the legislative authority of the county and the auditor and treasurer of the county shall cancel all record of such warrants, so as to leave the funds as if such warrants had never been drawn.
[ 1971 ex.s. c 120 s 1; 1963 c 4 s 36.22.100. Prior: 1909 c 170 s 1; 1886 p 161 s 1; RRS s 4097.]

catchline: Cancellation of unclaimed warrants.


title: RCW 36.22.110

text:
The person holding the office of county auditor, or deputy, or performing its duties, shall not practice as an attorney or represent any person who is making any claim against the county, or who is seeking to procure any legislative or other action by the board of county commissioners.
[ 2002 c 141 s 1; 1963 c 4 s 36.22.110. Prior: Code 1881 s 2722; 1869 p 312 s 12; 1863 p 550 s 9; 1854 p 425 s 9; RRS s 4100.]

catchline: Auditor cannot act as attorney or lobbyist.


title: RCW 36.22.120

text:
In case the auditor is unable to attend to the duties of his or her office during any session of the board of county commissioners, and has no deputy by him or her appointed in attendance, the board may temporarily appoint a suitable person not by law disqualified from acting as such to perform the auditor's duties.
[ 2009 c 549 s 4026; 1963 c 4 s 36.22.120. Prior: Code 1881 s 2723; 1869 p 313 s 15; 1863 p 550 s 12; 1854 p 425 s 11; RRS s 4101.]

catchline: Temporary clerk may be appointed.


title: RCW 36.22.140

text:
Each county auditor or financial officer designated in a charter county shall be ex officio deputy of the state auditor for the purpose of accounting and reporting on municipal corporations and in such capacity shall be under the direction of the state auditor, but he or she shall receive no additional salary or compensation by virtue thereof and shall perform no duties as such, except in connection with county business.
[ 2006 c 280 s 1; 1995 c 301 s 61; 1963 c 4 s 36.22.140. Prior: 1909 c 76 s 12; RRS s 9962.]

catchline: Auditor or charter county financial officer—Ex officio deputy state auditor.


title: RCW 36.22.150

text:
Each auditor, on retiring from office, shall deliver to his or her successor the seal of office and all the books, records, and instruments of writing belonging to the office, and take his or her receipt therefor. In case of the death of the auditor, his or her legal representatives shall deliver over the seal, books, records and papers.
[ 2009 c 549 s 4027; 1963 c 4 s 36.22.150. Prior: Code 1881 s 2725; 1869 p 314 s 22; RRS s 4104.]

catchline: Duty of retiring auditor or his or her representative in case of death.


title: RCW 36.22.160

text:
Each county auditor is hereby authorized to provide for the installation and thereafter for the maintenance of an improved system for copying, preserving, and indexing documents recorded in the county. Such a system may utilize the latest technology including, but not limited to, photomicrographic and computerized electronic digital storage methodology. The initial installation of the improved system shall include the following:
(1) The acquisition, installation, operation, and maintenance of the equipment provided for in the definition above; and
(2) The establishment of procedures for the continued preservation, indexing, and filing of all instruments and records that will, after the effective installation date, constitute a part of the improved system.
[ 1989 c 204 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—1989 c 204: "The legislature, finding in this centennial year that many old documents recorded or filed with county officials are deteriorating due to age and environmental degradation and that such documents require preservation in the public interest before they are irreparably damaged, enacts the centennial document preservation act of 1989." [ 1989 c 204 s 1.]

catchline: Copying, preserving, and indexing documents.


title: RCW 36.22.170

text:
(1)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, a surcharge of five dollars per instrument shall be charged by the county auditor for each document recorded, which will be in addition to any other charge authorized by law. One dollar of the surcharge shall be used at the discretion of the county commissioners to promote historical preservation or historical programs, which may include preservation of historic documents.
(b) A surcharge of two dollars per instrument shall be charged by the county auditor for each document presented for recording by the employment security department, which will be in addition to any other charge authorized by law.
(2) Of the remaining revenue generated through the surcharges under subsection (1) of this section:
(a) Fifty percent shall be transmitted monthly to the state treasurer who shall distribute such funds to each county treasurer within the state in July of each year in accordance with the formula described in RCW 36.22.190. The county treasurer shall place the funds received in a special account titled the auditor's centennial document preservation and modernization account to be used solely for ongoing preservation of historical documents of all county offices and departments and shall not be added to the county current expense fund; and
(b) Fifty percent shall be retained by the county and deposited in the auditor's operation and maintenance fund for ongoing preservation of historical documents of all county offices and departments.
(3) The centennial document preservation and modernization account is hereby created in the custody of the state treasurer and shall be classified as a treasury trust account. State distributions from the centennial document preservation and modernization account shall be made without appropriation.
[ 2009 c 337 s 5; 2005 c 442 s 1; 1993 c 37 s 1; 1989 c 204 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—1989 c 204: See note following RCW 36.22.160.

catchline: Surcharge for preservation of historical documents—Distribution of revenue to county and state treasurer—Creation of account.


title: RCW 36.22.175

text:
(1)(a) In addition to any other charge authorized by law, the county auditor shall charge a surcharge of one dollar per instrument for each document recorded. Revenue generated through this surcharge shall be transmitted monthly to the state treasurer for deposit in the local government archives account under RCW 40.14.024. These funds shall be used solely for providing records scheduling, security microfilm inspection and storage, archival preservation, cataloging, and indexing for local government records and digital data and access to those records and data through the regional branch archives of the division of archives and records management.
(b) The division of archives and records management within the office of the secretary of state shall provide records management training for local governments and shall establish a competitive grant program to solicit and prioritize project proposals from local governments for potential funding to be paid for by funds from the auditor surcharge and tax warrant surcharge revenues. Application for specific projects may be made by local government agencies only. The state archivist in consultation with the advisory committee established under RCW 40.14.027 shall adopt rules governing project eligibility, evaluation, awarding of grants, and other criteria including requirements for records management training for grant recipients.
(2) The advisory committee established under RCW 40.14.027 shall review grant proposals and establish a prioritized list of projects to be considered for funding by January 1st of each even-numbered year, beginning in 2002. The evaluation of proposals and development of the prioritized list must be developed through open public meetings. Funding for projects shall be granted according to the ranking of each application on the prioritized list and projects will be funded only to the extent that funds are available. A grant award may have an effective date other than the date the project is placed on the prioritized list.
(3) In addition to any other surcharge authorized by law, the county auditor shall charge a surcharge of one dollar per instrument for every document recorded after January 1, 2002. Revenue generated through this surcharge shall be transmitted to the state treasurer monthly for deposit in the following accounts, fifty percent of the surcharge authorized by this subsection shall be reverted to the local government archives account as prescribed in RCW 40.14.024 for maintenance and operation of the specialized regional archive facility located in eastern Washington and fifty percent of the surcharge authorized by this section shall be reverted to the account created in RCW 43.07.410 for payment of the financing contract entered into by the secretary of state for the Washington state library-archives building.
(4) In addition to any other surcharge authorized by law, the county auditor shall charge a surcharge of one dollar per instrument for every document recorded. Revenue generated through this surcharge shall be transmitted to the state treasurer monthly for deposit in the local government archives account under RCW 40.14.024 to be used exclusively for the competitive grant program in RCW 40.14.026 or, during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the administrative costs of the state archives, and for the attorney general's consultation program and state archivist's training services authorized in RCW 42.56.570.
[ 2025 c 424 s 932. Prior: 2019 c 448 s 5; (2019 c 448 s 4 expired June 30, 2020); 2019 c 372 s 3; (2017 c 303 s 7 expired June 30, 2020); 2011 1st sp.s. c 50 s 931; 2008 c 328 s 6006; 2003 c 163 s 5; 2001 2nd sp.s. c 13 s 1; 1996 c 245 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 424: See note following RCW 9.46.100.
Effective date—2019 c 448 s 5: "Section 5 of this act takes effect June 30, 2020." [ 2019 c 448 s 12.]
Expiration date—2019 c 448 s 4: "Section 4 of this act expires June 30, 2020." [ 2019 c 448 s 11.]
Findings—Intent—2019 c 448: See note following RCW 43.07.405.
Effective date—2019 c 372 s 3: "Section 3 of this act takes effect June 30, 2020." [ 2019 c 372 s 4.]
Expiration date—2017 c 303 s 7: "Section 7 of this act expires June 30, 2020." [ 2017 c 303 s 10.]
Effective dates—2011 1st sp.s. c 50: See note following RCW 15.76.115.
Part headings not law—Severability—Effective date—2008 c 328: See notes following RCW 43.155.050.
Effective date—2001 2nd sp.s. c 13: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect June 30, 2001." [ 2001 2nd sp.s. c 13 s 3.]
Effective date—1996 c 245: See note following RCW 40.14.025.

catchline: Surcharge for local government archives and records management—Records management training—Eastern Washington regional facility.


title: RCW 36.22.181

text:
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a surcharge of one dollar shall be charged by the county auditor at the time of recording of each deed of trust, which will be in addition to any other charge authorized by law. The auditor may retain up to five percent of the funds collected to administer collection. The remaining funds shall be transmitted monthly to the state treasurer who will deposit the funds into the mortgage lending fraud prosecution account created in RCW 43.320.140. The department of financial institutions is responsible for the distribution of the funds in the account and shall, in consultation with the attorney general and local prosecutors, develop rules for the use of these funds to pursue criminal prosecution of fraudulent activities within the mortgage lending process.
(2) The surcharge imposed in this section does not apply to assignments or substitutions of previously recorded deeds of trust.
(3) This section expires June 30, 2027.
[ 2021 c 31 s 1; 2016 c 7 s 2; 2011 c 129 s 2; 2006 c 21 s 1; 2003 c 289 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2021 c 31: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 14, 2021]." [ 2021 c 31 s 3.]
Effective date—2011 c 129: See note following RCW 43.320.140.

catchline: Surcharge for prosecution of mortgage lending fraud—Transmittal to state treasurer. (Expires June 30, 2027.)


title: RCW 36.22.185

text:
(1) Beginning January 1, 2024, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the county auditor must collect a covenant homeownership program assessment of $100 for each document recorded, which is in addition to any other charge, surcharge, or assessment allowed by law. The county auditor may retain up to one percent of the moneys for collection of the assessment and must remit the remainder of the moneys to the state treasurer to be deposited in the covenant homeownership account created in RCW 43.181.020.
(2) The assessment imposed in this section does not apply to: (a) Documents recording a birth, marriage, divorce, or death; (b) any recorded documents otherwise exempted from a recording fee or additional assessments under state law; (c) marriage licenses issued by the county auditor; (d) documents recording a name change order under RCW 4.24.130; or (e) documents recording a federal, state, county, city, or water-sewer district, or wage lien or satisfaction of lien.
[ 2025 c 100 s 1; 2023 c 340 s 2.]
Notes:
Short title—Conflict with federal requirements—2023 c 340: See notes following RCW 43.181.040.

catchline: Covenant homeownership program assessment.


title: RCW 36.22.190

text:
After deduction of those costs of the state treasurer that are described under *RCW 36.22.180, the balance of the funds will be distributed to the counties according to the following formula: One-half of the funds available shall be equally distributed among the thirty-nine counties; and the balance will be distributed among the counties in direct proportion to their population as it relates to the total state's population based on the most recent population statistics.
[ 1989 c 204 s 5.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 36.22.180 was repealed by 1991 sp.s. c 13 s 122, effective July 1, 1991.
Findings—1989 c 204: See note following RCW 36.22.160.

catchline: Distribution of funds.


title: RCW 36.22.200

text:
Upon receipt of the fee and the name change order from the district court as provided in RCW 4.24.130, the county auditor shall file and record the name change order.
[ 1992 c 30 s 2.]

catchline: Action for change of name—Filing and recording.


title: RCW 36.22.210

text:
(1) Each county auditor shall develop a registration process to register process servers required to register under RCW 18.180.010.
(2) The county auditor may collect an annual registration fee from the process server not to exceed ten dollars.
(3) The county auditor shall use a form in the registration process for the purpose of identifying and locating the registrant, including the process server's name, birthdate, and social security number, and the process server's business name, business address, and business telephone number.
(4) The county auditor shall maintain a register of process servers and assign a number to each registrant. Upon renewal of the registration as required in RCW 18.180.020, the auditor shall continue to assign the same registration number. A successor entity composed of one or more registrants shall be permitted to transfer one or more registration numbers to the new entity.
[ 1997 c 41 s 8; 1992 c 125 s 2.]
Notes:
Construction—1992 c 125: See RCW 18.180.900.

catchline: Process servers—Registration—Fees.


title: RCW 36.22.215

text:
(1) The legislature finds that the dissemination of social security numbers of process servers is not in the public interest.
(2) A county auditor collecting social security numbers from process servers required to register under RCW 18.180.010 shall not display or release a process server's social security number on any document or website issued or maintained by the auditor. Social security numbers of process servers required to register under RCW 18.180.010 are confidential, are exempt from public inspection and copying, and shall not be disclosed except as otherwise explicitly required to be disclosed under federal law.
[ 2015 c 56 s 1.]

catchline: Process servers—Social security numbers.


title: RCW 36.22.220

text:
The county auditor of each county, as ex officio supervisor of all primaries and elections, general or special, within the county under Title 29A RCW, may appoint one or more well-qualified persons to act as assistants or deputies; however, not less than two persons of the auditor's office who conduct primaries and elections in the county shall be certified under chapter 29A.04 RCW as elections administrators.
[ 2015 c 53 s 62; 1992 c 163 s 12.]
Notes:
Effective date—1992 c 163 ss 5-13: See note following RCW 29A.04.530.

catchline: Election assistants, deputies—Appointment, qualifications.


title: RCW 36.22.230

text:
Each deputy or assistant appointed under RCW 36.22.220 shall have been graduated from an accredited high school or shall have passed a high school equivalency examination. Each shall be knowledgeable in the rules and laws of conducting elections.
[ 1992 c 163 s 13.]
Notes:
Effective date—1992 c 163 ss 5-13: See note following RCW 29A.04.530.

catchline: Election assistants, deputies—Additional qualifications.


title: RCW 36.22.240

text:
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a surcharge of two dollars and fifty cents shall be charged by the county auditor for each document recorded, which will be in addition to any other charge or surcharge allowed by law. The auditor shall remit the funds to the state treasurer to be deposited and used as follows:
(a) Through June 30, 2024, funds must be deposited into the growth management planning and environmental review fund created in RCW 36.70A.490 to be used first for grants for costs associated with RCW 36.70A.600 and for costs associated with RCW 36.70A.610, and thereafter for any allowable use of the fund.
(b) Beginning July 1, 2024, sufficient funds must be deposited into the growth management planning and environmental review fund created in RCW 36.70A.490 for costs associated with RCW 36.70A.610, and the remainder deposited into the home security fund account created in RCW 43.185C.060 to be used for maintenance and operation costs of: (i) Permanent supportive housing and (ii) affordable housing for very low-income and extremely low-income households. Funds may only be expended in cities that have taken action under RCW 36.70A.600.
(2) The surcharge imposed in this section does not apply to: (a) Assignments or substitutions of previously recorded deeds of trust; (b) documents recording a birth, marriage, divorce, or death; (c) any recorded documents otherwise exempted from a recording fee or additional surcharges under state law; (d) marriage licenses issued by the county auditor; or (e) documents recording a federal, state, county, city, or water-sewer district, or wage lien or satisfaction of lien.
(3) For purposes of this section, the terms "permanent supportive housing," "affordable housing," "very low-income households," and "extremely low-income households" have the same meaning as provided in RCW 36.70A.030.
[ 2021 c 214 s 10; 2019 c 348 s 11.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Department of commerce and William D. Ruckelshaus center examination of homelessness—Reports—2021 c 214: See note following RCW 43.185C.185.
Effective date—2019 c 348 s 11: "Section 11 of this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2019." [ 2019 c 348 s 12.]

catchline: Surcharge for growth management planning and review—Increasing residential building capacity.


title: RCW 36.22.250

text:
(1) A surcharge of $183 per instrument shall be charged by the county auditor for each document recorded, which will be in addition to any other charge authorized by law. The following are exempt from this surcharge:
(a) Documents recording a birth, marriage, divorce, or death;
(b) Any recorded documents otherwise exempted from a recording fee or additional surcharges under state law;
(c) Marriage licenses issued by the county auditor; and
(d) Documents recording a federal, state, county, city, or water-sewer district, or wage lien or satisfaction of lien.
(2) Funds collected pursuant to this section must be distributed and used as follows:
(a) One percent of the total funds collected shall be retained by the county auditor for its fee collection activities;
(b) 30 percent of the total funds collected shall be retained by the county and used by the county as provided in subsection (3) of this section;
(c) 54.1 percent of the total funds collected shall be transmitted to the state treasurer to be deposited in the home security fund account created in RCW 43.185C.060 and shall be used by the department of commerce as provided in subsection (4) of this section;
(d) 13.1 percent of the total funds collected shall be transmitted to the state treasurer to be deposited in the affordable housing for all account created in RCW 43.185C.190 and shall be used by the department of commerce as provided in subsection (5) of this section;
(e) 1.8 percent of the total funds collected shall be transmitted to the state treasurer to be deposited in the landlord mitigation program account created in RCW 43.31.615 and shall be used by the department of commerce as provided in subsection (6) of this section.
(3) The county shall use their portion of the collected funds as follows:
(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, up to 10 percent for the county's administration and local distribution of the funds collected from the surcharge in this section, and administrative costs related to the county's homeless housing plan;
(b)(i) At least 75 percent will be retained and used by the county to accomplish the purposes of its local homeless housing plan pursuant to chapter 484, Laws of 2005, unless a city in the county elects, as authorized in RCW 43.185C.080, to operate its own local homeless housing program.
(ii) If a city in the county elects, as authorized in RCW 43.185C.080, to operate its own local homeless housing program, the 10 percent for administrative costs retained under (a) of this subsection and the 75 percent for local homeless housing plans retained under (b) of this subsection must be combined and distributed as follows: For each city in the county that elects as authorized in RCW 43.185C.080 to operate its own local homeless housing program, a percentage of the surcharge assessed under this subsection equal to the percentage of the city's local portion of the real estate excise tax collected by the county shall be transmitted at least quarterly to the city treasurer, without any deduction for county administrative costs, for use by the city for program costs which directly contribute to the goals of the city's local homeless housing plan. Each county or city receiving funds under this subsection (3) may use up to 10 percent of their share of the total funding retained or received under this subsection (3) after the completion of the required city distributions for costs related to:
(A) The county's administration and local distribution of the funds collected from the surcharge in this section;
(B) Administrative costs related to the county's homeless housing plan; and
(C) Administrative costs related to the city's homeless housing program;
(c) At least 15 percent will be retained and used by the county for eligible housing activities, as described in this subsection, that serve extremely low and very low-income households in the county and the cities within a county according to an interlocal agreement between the county and the cities within the county consistent with countywide and local housing needs and policies. A priority must be given to eligible housing activities that serve extremely low-income households with incomes at or below 30 percent of the area median income. Eligible housing activities to be funded are limited to:
(i) Acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of housing projects or units within housing projects that are affordable to very low-income households with incomes at or below 50 percent of the area median income, including units for homeownership, rental units, seasonal and permanent farmworker housing units, units reserved for victims of human trafficking and their families, and single room occupancy units;
(ii) Supporting building operation and maintenance costs of housing projects or units within housing projects eligible to receive housing trust funds, that are affordable to very low-income households with incomes at or below 50 percent of the area median income, and that require a supplement to rent income to cover ongoing operating expenses;
(iii) Rental assistance vouchers for housing units that are affordable to very low-income households with incomes at or below 50 percent of the area median income, including rental housing vouchers for victims of human trafficking and their families, to be administered by a local public housing authority or other local organization that has an existing rental assistance voucher program, consistent with or similar to the United States department of housing and urban development's section 8 rental assistance voucher program standards; and
(iv) Operating costs for emergency shelters and licensed overnight youth shelters.
(4) The department of commerce shall use the funds from the document recording fee or other fund sources deposited in the home security fund account as follows, except that the department of commerce shall provide counties with the right of first refusal to receive grant funds distributed under (b) of this subsection (4). If a county refuses the funds or does not respond within a time frame established by the department, the department shall make good faith efforts to identify one or more suitable alternative grantees operating within that county. The alternative grantee shall distribute the funds in a manner that is in compliance with this chapter. Funding provided through the office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs created in RCW 43.330.705 is exempt from the county first refusal requirement.
(a) Up to 10 percent for administration of the programs established in chapter 43.185C RCW and in conformance with this subsection (4), including the costs of creating and implementing strategic plans, collecting and evaluating data, measuring and reporting performance, providing technical assistance to local governments, providing training to entities delivering services, and developing and maintaining stakeholder relationships;
(b) At least 90 percent for homelessness assistance grant programs administered by the department, including but not limited to: Temporary rental assistance; eviction prevention rental assistance per RCW 43.185C.185; emergency shelter and transitional housing operations and maintenance; outreach; diversion; HOPE and crisis residential centers; young adult housing; homeless services and case management for adult, family, youth, and young adult homeless populations and those at risk of homelessness; project-based vouchers for nonprofit housing providers or public housing authorities; tenant-based rent assistance; housing services; direct cash assistance as provided for in RCW 43.185C.220(5)(a); rapid rehousing; emergency housing; acquisition; operations; maintenance; and service costs for permanent supportive housing as defined in RCW 36.70A.030 for individuals with disabilities. Grantees may also use these funds in partnership with permanent supportive housing programs administered by the office of apple health and homes created in RCW 43.330.181. Priority for use must be given to purposes intended to house persons who are chronically homeless or to maintain housing for individuals with disabilities and prior experiences of homelessness, including families with children.
(5) The department of commerce shall use the funds from the document recording fee or other fund sources deposited in the affordable housing for all account as follows:
(a) Up to 10 percent for program administration and technical assistance necessary for the delivery programs and activities under this subsection (5);
(b) At least 90 percent for the following:
(i) Grants for building operation and maintenance costs of housing projects, or units within housing projects, that are in the state's housing trust fund portfolio and are affordable to extremely low-income households with incomes at or below 30 percent of the area median income at the time of move-in;
(ii) Grants to support the building operations, maintenance, and supportive service costs for permanent supportive housing projects, or units within housing projects, that have received or will receive funding from the housing trust fund or other public capital funding programs. The supported projects or units must be dedicated as permanent supportive housing as defined in RCW 36.70A.030 and be occupied by extremely low-income households with incomes at or below 30 percent of the area median income at the time of move-in. Eligible uses of grant funds under this subsection (5)(b)(ii) include, but are not limited to:
(A) Resident services, such as programming, community events, and building activities, including meals and supplies;
(B) Essential ancillary services necessary to assist program participants who are not covered or are partially covered by medicaid or other health insurance obtain and maintain housing. These services may include, but are not limited to, annual assessments of services, case management, education services, employment assistance and job training, counseling, life skills training, mental health services, outpatient health services, outreach, substance use treatment, transportation, and other support services;
(C) Resident needs for basic living and well-being, such as hygiene products, housewares, and food; essential household goods; and transportation support for health care, treatment, and case management;
(D) Essential maintenance and upkeep, including repair and replacement of fixtures needed for basic building functionality and occupational safety, such as lighting, security systems, locks and key systems, and window and door hardware; and required operational replacement reserves; and
(E) Essential case management and other resources with demonstrable connection to resident well-being and housing stability, such as communal information technology hardware and software for resource navigation and telehealth appointments, 24/7 security and safety staff, and on-call resident emergency response.
(6) The department of commerce shall use the funds from the document recording fee or other fund sources deposited in the landlord mitigation program account to administer the landlord mitigation program as established in RCW 43.31.605. The department of commerce may use up to 10 percent of these funds for program administration and the development and maintenance of a database necessary to administer the program.
(7) When awarding grants under subsection (5)(b)(i) and (ii) of this section, the department of commerce:
(a) May not impose a cap on administrative or overhead costs for grantees of less than 15 percent of the grant award; and
(b) Shall seek to promote continuity of operations and stability for existing projects including by maintaining renewal grant amounts at levels sufficient to support ongoing operations.
(8) The department of commerce shall require grantees to maintain supporting documentation for all expenses over $50. The department may not require submission of supporting documentation before approving reimbursement requests except for cause or auditing purposes.
[ 2026 c 230 s 3. Prior: 2025 c 408 s 3; 2025 c 100 s 2; 2025 c 74 s 1; 2023 c 277 s 1.]

catchline: Document recording surcharge.


title: RCW 36.23.020

text:
When the judge or judges of any court, or a majority of them, believe that the clerk of the court does not have a good and sufficient bond on file, or that the bond is not large enough in amount, such judge or judges shall enter an order requiring him or her, within such time as may be specified in the order, to execute and present to them a good and sufficient bond, in such sum as may be fixed by the order. In case of his or her failure to file the bond within ten days from the expiration of the date fixed the judge or judges shall declare the office vacant.
[ 2009 c 549 s 4028; 1963 c 4 s 36.23.020. Prior: 1895 c 53 s 3; RRS s 72.]

catchline: New bond may be required.