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Partial land use and building permit fee refunds FAQ

Status update

Payments

Appeal process and additional information

Eligibility / Notice of eligibility

Completing the claim form and deadlines

Status update

October 2008 update: DDES has disbursed refund checks

As of September 30, 2008, DDES disbursed by mail all refund checks as approved by the Court on August 5, 2008.

Background: DDES submitted a listing to the Court and Counsel on May 22, 2008 of all eligible applicants, their associated permit numbers, and final calculated refunds. On August 5, 2008, DDES received approval from the Court on the final list of eligible applicants and their respective calculation of refund. It was determined that refunds would be distributed in the form of refund checks and would not be used to offset balances owed on other DDES permits. DDES completed distributing all refund checks by mail as of September 30, 2008.

Answers to frequent questions we have received since the checks have gone out are provided below.

I have received my check but I don't know what it is for. How do I find out?

To identify the permit activity that your refund applies to:

  • Go to DDES' online permit search at http://your.kingcounty.gov/ddes/permits/reports/.
  • Read the disclaimer and click the "I Accept" button toward the bottom of the page to continue.
  • In the "Enter a file number" box, type in the permit activity number that is listed on your Admittance Advice under the "Invoice" column. Note: If the number begins with "DD," do not enter the two Ds.
  • Click the "Search" button or press Enter. Basic information about that activity should display, including Project Title/Description and Applicant.
  • To view additional detail, including address and parcel number, click the "A/P/D" number listed at the left.

If you can't find information on a particular activity by using the online permit search, contact the claim refund hotline at 206-296-6695 or e-mail classactionrefunds.ddes@kingcounty.gov.

I did not receive a check but I believe I am entitled to a refund. What can I do?

Contact the DDES claim refund hotline at 206-296-6695 or e-mail classactionrefunds.ddes@kingcounty.gov.

How was my refund calculated?

Your refund was based on the total number of eligible hours charged and paid. “Eligible hours” were determined on the following criteria:

  • The claim must be for a DDES permit activity initiated on or during the refund period (08/08/2000 - 05/31/2007).
  • The hours must have been billed during the refund period.
  • The hours billed during the refund period must have been paid by March 1, 2008.
  • The total hours charged and paid must exceed ten dollars per permit activity due to the de minimis rule in the Judgment.
  • The total eligible hours are net of any fee waiver previously approved on the permit activity.

The eligible hours were multiplied by the refund per hour rate to arrive at your payment. Total refunds exceeded the remaining balance in the reserve fund established; the amount paid was pro-rated among all eligible claimants.

Payment questions

Is the refund automatic?

No. You must apply for a refund by completing and submitting a DDES refund request claim form. [Note: Refund period closed January 22, 2008**.]

How much will I get?

Your recovery from this fund will depend on the number of hours paid for between August 8, 2000 and May 31, 2007. If eligible refunds exceed the remaining balance and depending on the volume of claim forms submitted, the recovery will be pro-rated among all eligible applicants. Recoveries of less than $10 per permit activity will not be eligible for a refund.

Can my refund be used to offset other balances I owe to King County on DDES land use and building permits?

No. It was determined that refund checks would be provided to eligible claimants.

How will I know if I will get a refund after I've submitted my claim?

If you were eligible for a refund, your refund check was processed. As of September 30, 2008, all refund checks have been distributed by mail.

Can I call DDES and find out if I received a refund?

Yes. You can call 206-296-6695 and inquire.

When will I get my refund?

As of September 30, 2008, all refund checks have been distributed by mail.

Appeal process and additional information questions

What is the "Appeal Process" and how can I have a decision appealed?

DDES permit customers with fee complaints arising on January 1, 2004 and thereafter will also have the right to utilize a new appeal process. Go to appeal process for detailed information.

Who can I contact for more information?

Call DDES at 206-296-6695. DDES has established this dedicated phone line for refund questions. You also may e-mail classactionrefunds.ddes@kingcounty.gov.

Who represented the plaintiffs and how can I contact them?

Plaintiffs were represented by attorneys Bill H. Williamson, 701 - 5th Avenue, Suite 5500, Seattle, WA 98014, 206-292-0411, williamsonb@msn.com, and Richard B. Price, PO Box 1687, Omak, WA 98841, 509-826-5110.

Eligibility / Notice of eligibility questions

How will I know if I am entitled to a partial refund?

If you are an applicant of record who paid an hourly fee on applications submitted to DDES between August 8, 2000 and May 31, 2007, you may be eligible for a partial refund.

Who is the "Applicant of Record"?

If you have completed any DDES land use or building permit application, Certification of Applicant Status form, Certification and Transfer of Applicant Status form, or Affidavit for Application form and you have signed these documents as the "Applicant," you are considered the applicant of record.

I am the property owner, but not the Applicant of Record or I cannot locate the Applicant of Record. Am I entitled to a partial refund?

A property owner who is not the Applicant of Record should contact the Applicant of Record and ask that they complete the refund request claim form on your behalf.

If you cannot locate the Applicant of Record, complete and submit a DDES refund request claim form. Staff will then review and determine eligibility. [Note: Refund period closed January 22, 2008**.]

I did not receive a notice, but I feel that I am entitled to a refund. What do I do?

You can complete and submit a DDES refund request claim form. Staff will then review and determine eligibility. [Note: Refund period closed January 22, 2008**.]

Completing the claim form and deadline questions

I can’t remember my permit number. How do I apply for a partial refund?

If you have the property address and/or parcel number (located on an annual tax assessment notice), we can assist you in finding permit activity numbers. [Note: Refund period closed January 22, 2008**.]

Can I apply for a refund online?

You cannot submit a refund request online.

How do I know if my claim form was received?

You may contact DDES at either 206-296-6695 or by e-mail at classactionrefunds.ddes@kingcounty.gov for confirmation of receipt of your claim form.

When was the deadline to request a partial refund?

In order to be considered for a partial refund, a refund request claim form must have been received by DDES or postmarked by the January 22, 2008 deadline. Refund request claim forms submitted by mail must have been postmarked no later than January 22, 2008. Claim forms that were faxed, e-mailed, or brought to DDES must have been received by DDES by close of business on Tuesday, January 22, 2008. DDES closed for the day at 4:30 p.m. on January 22, 2008.


**January 22, 2008 was the deadline for refund requests. In order to be considered for a partial refund, a refund request claim form must have been received by DDES or postmarked by the January 22, 2008 deadline. Forms delivered to DDES after 4:30 p.m. on January 22, 2008 or postmarked after January 22 will not be eligible for consideration. Forms presented to the DDES cashier after January 22 will not be accepted.
 


Refund information

Refund home page

Call 206-296-6695 for refund questions.

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  Updated: Oct. 14, 2008