Washington State law RCW 42.56.070(8) and contacting homeowners

[Greg Lovern]

I learned here recently that this web page can be used to convert parcel numbers in King County, Washington State to street addresses:

https://blue.kingcounty.com/Assessor/eRealProperty...

However, to get to it you have to agree to this:

"I understand that Washington State law, RCW 42.56.070.(9) prohibits the use of lists of individuals for "commercial purposes". I understand that the use for "commercial purposes" of said records may also violate the rights of the individual(s) named therein and may subject me to liability for such commercial use. I understand that "commercial purposes" means that the person requesting the record intends that the list will be used for general business purposes, including but not limited to communicating with the individual(s) named in the record for the purpose of facilitating profit expecting activity.

I acknowledge and agree to the prohibitions listed in RCW 42.56.070(9) against releasing and/or using lists of individuals for commercial purposes."

There is no RCW 42.56.070(9), but it seems to mean 42.56.070(8), which reads:

"This chapter shall not be construed as giving authority to any agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives to give, sell or provide access to lists of individuals requested for commercial purposes, and agencies, the office of the secretary of the senate, and the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives shall not do so unless specifically authorized or directed by law" (it goes on to make exceptions for professional licensees).

It seems to me this law would apply just as much to going to the county clerk's office and asking for the same information there, which is widely recommended. What are your thoughts about using addresses from this web page to contact homeowners?