Council News Release

Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck
Councilmember Richard Conlin
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

MEASURE TO IMPROVE NEIGHBORHOODS MOVES FORWARD
Council panel votes to step up enforcement of neighborhood clean-up laws

SEATTLE, WA –Today, the Council’s Urban Planning and Development (UDP) Committee approved a measure that would ramp up enforcement of land use and housing codes in order to address chronic neighborhood issues such as dangerously overgrown properties and sub-standard homes that have been allowed to seriously decline over time.

“This action helps keep our neighborhoods safe, healthy, and thriving”, said Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck, Chair of the Urban Planning and Development Committee. “It provides neighbors and the City with more effective tools to crack down on property owners who allow their properties to cause neighborhood blight.”

The legislation would make numerous changes to the Housing and Building Code, the Land Use Code, and the Weeds and Vegetation Code. The new stricter rules will only impact the worst violators who chronically fail to keep up their property.

“With property rights comes responsibility”, said Councilmember Richard Conlin, member of the Committee. “This legislation recognizes that property owners are also community members, and must steward their land accordingly.”

Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, vice chair of the Committee said, “Neighbors around the city have been frustrated by the length of time it takes to address serious, ongoing problems that degrade a neighborhood. Now we can take action in resolving these issues.”

The legislation is supported by the University of Washington, the University Park Community Club, the North District Council, the Rental Housing Association, and Roosevelt, Maple Leaf, and Delridge, and Southeast Seattle neighbors.

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City Council