Landlocked land in WA

[Eric Anderson]

Hello all!  My brother purchased some landlocked land in Washington state a few years back and has asked if I would like to purchase a 50% stake in the property.  Purchase price is $6800 (.46 acre) with no water, sewer or electricity.  I did purchase the property.  The land was previously sub divided from a parcel that has been sold since.   He has contacted another parcel owner in an attempt to get an easement that makes the most sense to access the property but in now way is related to this situation.  That person said no way, no how.  He then attempted to contact the current owner of the property that was the "parent parcel" with no response.  My understanding is in Washington you cannot landlock property but it happened here.  There is one other option to gain access to the property via easement but it would be a complicated matter as the parcel we would be accessing is technically diagonal to the property he currently owns as they both meet at a 90 degree angle.  The situation is tough as it seems the parent parcel does not seem to be accountable for the sub-division of the parcel without easement.  Does anyone have any ideas on what may be the best angle of attack?   Thank you!

[Nik Moushon]

Quote from @Eric Anderson:

Quote from @Nik Moushon:

Go to the county or city planning department. Give them the parcel number and they can look up when it was short platted. If it was recent then, yes there should've been an easement, if it was done a long time ago, then you are probably SOL. 

The county said they are going to have to talk with their lawyer because it should have never been sold that way.  Waiting to hear back.  Thank you for your help!

Make sure you find out if they APPROVED a short plat without one....because that makes it the counties fault as well. 

Either way it sounds like you will more than likely will need an lawyer to get this resolved if there isn't one.