County falsely listed land as usable - Exit strategy needed!

[Nate Hananger]

I purchased a property at a tax auction in Thurston County, WA. 

The lot was listed as usable. They did not zone it as "wetlands". However, the lot is not usable. The neighboring HOA park consistently flows water onto the lot in a steady stream about 6" inches deep. There is also a culvert dumping onto the lot that the county denied was their doing, but it's connected to the culvert from across the street, as part of the storm ditch.

I know of the standard "Buyer Beware" terms and conditions for auctions. But this water problem was not there when I first viewed the lot. Public records did not disclose it either.  

I may have to donate it for tax credit and take a hit. But I'd like to consider alternatives. Are there any options to resell the lot to the county for failing to properly zone it as wetland?

[Davido Davido]

@Nate Hananger, Sorry Nate, I have no information about getting the county to repurchase your lot.  However, it may be worth noting that many people will consider a seasonal stream to be a wonderful plus for the property -especially if county zoning doesn't have any wetland designation on the property. 

Your post does not mention the size of the lot, the zoning, what you want to do with it, or when, but my suggestion would be to spend a few bucks to move enough dirt, so that the seasonal stream flows only where you want it to, and then sell the property with flowing water as an asset.   

Thurston county does require a grading permit for some earth moving, but from the photos it would be easy to do grading a bit at a time so that no permit is required.
https://www.co.thurston.wa.us/permitting/faq/faq-clearing.html

• "More than 7,000 square feet of a clearing activity (clearing and grubbing, conversion to lawn, conversion to pasture, etc.).
• More than 50 cubic yards of grading.  (That's 5 large Dump Truck loads)
• If any amount of grading or removal of vegetation is proposed within a Critical Area."

I think that running water is a definite asset.  Time to make some lemon juice with your lemon.