Seattle City Council adopts legislation to clean up Seattle’s residential properties
Seattle, WA – March 2, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — Seattle City Council unanimously adopted legislation Monday to address overgrown vegetation and junk storage on Seattle’s residential properties by streamlining enforcement. The new changes create a consistent set of standards to help negligent property owners understand the rules and clean up their yards.
“Neighbors rightly get riled when nearby owners turn their properties into junk yards or car storage depots,” said Councilmember Sally J. Clark, Chair of the Committee on the Built Environment. “One of my top priorities has been for the City to respond with clearer enforcement to gain quicker compliance from the offenders. This legislation moves us that way.”
Currently, different types of violations are regulated under different sections of the city code, which have different enforcement procedures. This legislation creates one unified code section making the rules and fines levied more understandable so owners can comply with the laws as quickly as possible.
In 2007, Council passed the “Clean Up Your Act” legislation that requires property owners to keep their lots in decent condition, for the sake of neighborhood character and safety. The ordinance adopted on Monday improves and refines the original legislation.
“‘Clean Up Your Act’ was originally passed in 2007. Since that time, neighborhoods have cleaned up, and everyone I’ve spoken with credits the earlier legislation for the positive changes,” added Councilmember Clark.
To report a problem property, visit this web site or call the Department of Planning & Development’s violation complaint line at 206-615-0808. Reports can be made anonymously.
Contact:
Dan Nolte, Councilmember Clark’s Office, 206-684-8802
Laura Lockard (206) 684-8159
