FOR RESIDENTS IN THE CITIES OF SHORELINE, KENMORE & LAKE FOREST PARK
SQUARE FOOTAGE – Please note we use the King County Assessor information to calculate square footage and include total square footage of ALL structures; including carports, garages, unfinished basements and certain outbuildings. Please visit the King County website and use your address or parcel number to search. You can then open the “Property Detail” tab to scroll down and view your square footage details.
Link: https://blue.kingcounty.com/Assessor/eRealProperty/default.aspx
SENIOR DISCOUNTS – Please note the fire department cannot approve these. Senior/disability/low income discounts can only be approved by the County. Use the link below to visit their website for more information.
Washington statute RCW 52.18 provides that fire districts, with the approval of the voters in their district, are authorized to collect a benefit charge from residential and commercial property owners. Once the benefit charge collection is authorized by the voters the normal tax collection rate authorized by State Law drops from $1.50 per thousand to $1.00 per thousand of assessed value.
The Fire Benefit Charge is not a per-call charge and it is not based on assessed value of property. It is a fee that will apply only to the structural improvements on properties according to the property use and size of structure. There is no charge for undeveloped land. The Fire Benefit Charge considers that those who benefit more from the fire protection services (e.g. large structures and structures used in a manner that pose higher fire risk), should pay more for that service.
More information about the Fire Benefit Charge can be obtained from the links below.
The FBC appeal deadline is February 16, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
The appeal hearing will be held on March 19, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
If you still have questions after reviewing the documents above, please email FBC@shorelinefire.com or leave a voicemail at 206-533-6526.