Real Property Agreements

There are a variety of scenarios where you may find yourself in need of a Real Property Agreement (RPA) for a project or a request for temporary or even a perpetual use that involves Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission land.

For instance, you may be a landowner who needs a crossing to your land over one of our trails, or you may be a city, county, or government agency that is proposing a project that may need to access or permission to cross over or into State Parks lands. 

Whether it is a Right of Entry, Crossing, or Project for Permit, Easement, or Lease, all less than fee simple real estate and non-recreational use requests must start with completion of the RPA Application and go through the Commission Application Process.

Apply for a Real Property Agreement

To request private use of parklands, proponents must first submit a completed Application for a Real Property Agreement (RPA). 

Click here for detailed instructions on how to complete an Application for a Real Property Agreement (RPA).

The RPA Process

1. Complete the RPA Application Form with all requested documents; accurate scaled drawing(s), map(s), KMZ/KML files or shapefile. If you are unfamiliar with KMZ files, click this link for video help.

2. Submit your completed application to Landagreements@parks.wa.gov

3. Once we receive your application, you will receive an email from State Parks with an assigned Application/Project ID. 

4. Once you have received your assigned Application/Project ID, you will submit your Application Fee in the amount of $255.00 (most fee schedules indicate that there is $255.00 application fee). All Fee schedules are attached to the RPA Application Form. The application fee is nonrefundable whether your application is approved or denied.

• Please note: if you are a government agency, your application fee is waived as per WAC-352-32-300. Please attach your letter of request for the waiver. 

Please forward your payment to:

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission 

ATTN:  Fiscal

PO Box 42650

Olympia, WA 98504-2650

What Happens Next

1. Once State Parks Real Estate staff receive your application and fee, we do a preliminary review to ensure application completeness.
2. Your application materials will then be routed to State Parks’ staff for their review and comment. This usually takes an estimated time of 6-8 weeks.
3. If it is determined that your project consists of any ground disturbance, it will require review from State Parks Archeology Department. This may take up to three (3) months.
4. Upon completion of staff review, we will reach out to you with additional questions or concerns.
5. Once we have the all the questions addressed, we will place your answer(s) on staff review for an estimated additional 1-2 weeks; this may take additional time.
6. Before we start processing your draft RPA, we will notify you of approval or denial. If approved, we will contact you for the processing fee outlined in the appropriate fee schedule.
7. After a final review, we will start drafting your Real Property Agreement (RPA).
8. The draft RPA will go through a staff review approval process, which can take up to 3 weeks.
9. Once we have a final approved RPA, we will send for your signature and collect the use fee as per the appropriate fee schedule.
10. You will sign and notarize were indicated and return the RPA to the Real Estate Department.
11. ​​​​​​​ The final RPA will be sent for the Director of Parks Development for review, approval, notary (if required), and signature.
12. We will ask for a copy of your required Certificate of Insurance and/or any required Bonds relating to your activity in your Real Property Agreement Application.
13. A fully executed RPA will be sent to you for your records and/or recording at the specified county.

Fee Schedules - Application, Processing, and Use Fee(s)

1. Except for government agencies, an application fee is required for most requests, pursuant to WAC 352-32-300.
2. The application fee is not refundable whether the request is approved or rejected. Please make payment by check or money order payable to Washington State Parks.
3. Unless otherwise noted, all Real Property Agreement applications are subject three fees: Application, Processing, and Use Fee(s) and can be found on the appropriate schedule(s). The Application Fee is collected for the staff time to review your application. The Processing Fee is for the staff time involved to process your application and prepare your RPA. The Use Fee is collected for the permitted use indicated on the RPA for the term specified.
4. Fee Schedule(s) adopted June 24, 2010 - Revised January 2020.