What are the legal requirements related to the acquisition and disposal of public lands?

In the state of Washington, local government may acquire public lands in various ways, including by purchase, exchange, lease, or gift. Once acquired, the land is held in trust for the public and is generally used for public purposes such as parks, roads, or public buildings. However, there are certain legal requirements that must be met when disposing of public lands. First, local governments must hold a public hearing to get community input and assess the need for the proposed disposal. The local government must also follow the specific procedures set forth in state law for the sale or transfer of the land. If the subject of the disposal is property or an interest in property over 10 acres in size, the local government must also obtain the approval of the county legislative body. Additionally, local governments must also comply with the Washington State Constitution, which requires all disposal of public lands to be done in a manner that maximizes the public’s benefit. This means that local governments must arrange for fair and competitive bidding for the land, or offer it to neighboring local governments or the public at large. Local governments must also establish a minimum price for the land’s disposal, which cannot be less than the appraised value. This ensures that local governments receive a fair return for the disposal of public land. Ultimately, it is important that local governments comply with all legal requirements when disposing of public lands. This ensures that the disposal is legal and that the public interest is maximized.

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What are the legal requirements related to the acquisition and disposal of public lands?

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