Report a Problem in Your Neighborhood

Report Problems and Code Violations in Your Neighborhood 

It is important that your community is safe and if you have issues for the City to address, we want to know about them so we can solve them.  Here are some options:

Fires on Streets, Sidewalks, Private Property or Public Property

• When to contact us: As soon as you observe an illegal fire. Fires are only allowed if they are small and in a fire pit at least 25 feet from buildings and items that can catch fire. 
• What we will do: We will send a fire truck or fire engine immediately to assess and possibly put out the fire.
• How to contact us: Call 911 immediately to “report an illegal fire in progress”.  

Criminal Activity Occurring at a Building including its Grounds and the Sidewalk

• When to contact us: When you observe criminal activity occurring.
• What we will do: Depending on the nature of the activity, a police officer will be dispatched to respond, or you may be routed to the non-emergency line.
• How to contact us: Call 911 immediately to “report a crime in progress”.  

Graffiti, Clogged Storm Drains, Lost Pets, Abandoned Vehicles, Dead Animals, Illegal Dumping…

• When to contact us: When you see a problem that needs service from the City.
• What we will do: We will route your service request to the right employees who will follow up on the request and keep you updated about the status of your request.
• How to contact us: Download and use the City of Seattle’s “Find it Fix it” app.  

Dangerous Buildings and Other Fire Code Complaints 

• When to contact us: If you want to report a dangerous building that causes risk to the public including next door buildings; improper storage of belongings on the grounds that could pose a fire risk; improper storage of chemicals and explosives; improper use of flame producing equipment.
• What we will do: We will investigate the complaint including an inspection conducted by your local fire station. There is no cost for this service and you will receive updates from SFD with the results of the investigation. If violations are found, we will start an enforcement process.
• How to contact us: Email SFD_FMO_Reception@seattle.gov or call (206) 386-1450. You can ask to have your name and contact information kept confidential.

Vacant Buildings and Other Building or Property Complaints

• When to contact us: if you want to report a building is vacant, grounds have junk storage, overgrown vegetation, parked cars; building is not in good repair and open to the weather; building has unauthorized people entering it. Noise complaints. Tenant issues related to rental housing.
• What we will do:  
• • Vacant building monitoring program. Buildings receive monthly inspections for three, with additional inspections possible if violations are observed. Fee is roughly $300 per inspection and is billed to the property owner. 
  • Code Compliance program. 
• How to contact us: To open complaints with SDCI regarding vacant buildings or other building or property complaints, please use this link: Make a Property or Building Complaint - SDCI | seattle.gov or call (206) 615-0808.

Language Assistance 

If you need language assistance, please email SFD_FMO_Data@seattle.gov in your language or English, or call us at (206) 386-1450 and just state the language you want us to assist you in. We will provide translation assistance at no cost.