code enforcement

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CODE ENFORCEMENT

MISSION STATEMENT

The City of SeaTac's Code Enforcement Officers are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of SeaTac by providing effective public service in the enforcement of Building, Business License, Public Nuisance and Zoning Ordinances. We are committed to working with both citizen's and businesses in a professional and effective manner. Enforcing City codes protects the values and aesthetics of property.

What is Code Enforcement?

Code Enforcement is responsible for addressing codes that violate public health and safety issues, including, but not limited to, regulations related to rubbish, garbage, attractive nuisances, vegetation, zoning, dangerous buildings, housing and inoperable vehicles on private property. Enforcement actions are taken both proactively and in response to Requests for Action received from citizens. The following are a few of the most common code violations:

Junk Vehicles or Vehicle Parts: Vehicles which are inoperable or wrecked and vehicle parts visible from private or public property.
Overgrown Vegetation: Accumulation of weeds and/or grass over 12" in height and berry vines over three feet in height.
Household Items: Furniture and appliances intended for indoor use stored or used outdoors. For the purpose of this section, decks, carports and open garages are considered outdoors.
Nuisances: Trash or debris on private property which constitutes a nuisance including refrigerators and freezers, neglected equipment and machinery. Any discarded, broken or disabled material including, but not limited to furniture, appliances, discarded lumber or other discarded items that are not in a functioning condition.
Home Occupation: Businesses conducted in a residence must comply with certain conditions and obtain a home occupation business license.
Residential Parking: Vehicles must be parked on concrete, asphalt or gravel. Click here for specifics on the Residential Parking Ordinance.
Canopy Tent Structures: These types of structures (definitions) are allowed in residential areas with some restrictions. Click here for specifics on Canopy Tent Structures.
Fences: Fences are limited to four feet in height in the front yard for the first 20 feet of the property and six feet in the side and rear yards.

How Do I Notify the City of a Possible Code Violation?

Complaints can be filed by calling 206.973.4750, or using the Request for Action Form online, by mail, by fax 206.973.4769, or you may come in person and fill out a request form. A completed form must be included with the following information: your name, phone number and address, the exact street address where the possible violation has occurred and specifics regarding the violation before a Code Enforcement Officer will investigate. The City does not disclose the names of complainants.

For violations north of S. 176th St., contact Barbara Canfield by email at bcanfield@ci.seatac.wa.us or by phone at 206.973.4756.

For violations south of S. 176th St., contact Terry Farden by email at tfarden@ci.seatac.wa.us or by phone at 206.973.4759.

If you have any questions, or would like any further information, please call the appropriate number listed above.

How Does a Complaint get Processed?

If an ordinance or regulation is being violated, the Code Enforcement Officer will contact the homeowner or tenant in person to discuss the violation. The Officer requests the violation(s) be corrected within a certain time frame. The amount of time depends on the seriousness of the violation.

If the violation(s) are not corrected, the Code Enforcement Officer will again make contact with the homeowner or tenant indicating that the violation(s) are to be corrected within certain time frame.

If the property remains in violation the Code Enforcement Officer will issue a Notice of Violation and Order to Abate or a Citation. Fines will be assessed if not corrected and the file turned over to the City Attorney's department for further action. If the violation(s) are not corrected, the City may abate the property by removing the violation(s), bill the cost to the property owner and seek recovery of the costs.

Click here for Other Agencies.

Contact information: Phone 206.973.4750 / Fax 206.973.4769--updated 03-13-2008