Opinion ID: 1162670
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 15

Heading: Applicable Statute of Limitation

Text: In determining the applicable statute of limitation for this case, we address the proper limitations period not only for the trial court's grant of HPO payment refunds under RCW 4.16.080(3), but also to what extent such considerations impact the Robinsons' section 1983 claims. The trial court in this case imposed a 3-year statute of limitation on the Robinsons' class claims, meaning that all class claims arising more than 3 years prior to the date the action was filed, May 1988, were time barred. The Robinsons argue that no statute of limitation applies to their claims for compensation because it is an inverse condemnation action and that actions against the government for the taking or damaging of property are not time barred. They submit the trial court erred when it applied a 3-year limitation period by characterizing their claims as a refund action for invalidly imposed taxes or charges in reliance on Hart v. Clark Cy., 52 Wn. App. 113, 758 P.2d 515 (1988). Alternatively, they argue that the 6-year statute of limitation, available in actions for lost rents and profits for the use and occupation of real estate, would be preferable. Furthermore, argue the Robinsons, the City ought to be equitably estopped from asserting a statute of limitation defense at all.