Does an appraiser from the Assessor’s Office have the right to enter my private property?

RCW 84.40.025 states, “For the purpose of assessment and valuation of all taxable property in each county, any real or personal property in each county shall be subject to visitation, investigation, examination, discovery, and listing at any reasonable time by the county assessor of the county or by any employee thereof designated for this purpose by the assessor. In any case of refusal to such access, the assessor shall request assistance from the department of revenue which may invoke the power granted by chapter 84.08 RCW.”

Appraisers do not need interior access to homes and buildings, but they do need access to all sides of the building; therefore, they may enter the backyard even on fenced properties.

When working neighborhoods, the appraiser may be on foot to reduce mileage and fuel costs. They will be carrying county issued ID. If you have a doubt, please call the Assessor main line at 360-778-5050, we can describe the appraiser working your neighborhood that day.

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1. What are the Assessor's Office hours?
2. How can I reduce my taxes?
3. How often is my property valuated?
4. What if I feel there is an error or that my property has been unfairly valued?
5. How do I appeal my property valuation?
6. Can you tell me who owns a property?
7. Why isn’t the current owner appearing on the property search website?
8. How do I change the mailing address my valuation notice is sent to?
9. How can I get my information removed from the assessor’s website?
10. Does an appraiser from the Assessor’s Office have the right to enter my private property?