Chapter 8.20
JUNK, REFUSE AND LITTER1
Sections:
8.20.020 Keeping a misdemeanor when.
8.20.030 Littering prohibited when.
8.20.050 Notice of violation required – Exception.
8.20.010 Findings.
The findings and recitals of the ordinance codified in this chapter are found to be true and correct, and the same are hereby adopted as the express findings of the city council. [Ord. 417 § 1, 1975].
8.20.020 Keeping a misdemeanor when.
It is unlawful for any person to keep or store any junk, refuse, or litter on any privately owned property within the city, or to keep or store the same in a building that is not wholly enclosed, except for doors for ingress and egress, and any person violating this section shall be guilty of maintaining a nuisance. [Ord. 417 § 2, 1975].
8.20.030 Littering prohibited when.
It is unlawful for any person to throw, to drop or to leave any junk, refuse, or litter upon any public property or another person’s private property in the city or in any waters within the city boundaries; provided, that this section shall not apply if such property is designated by the state or any of its agencies or political subdivisions for the disposal of garbage and refuse or the material is deposited into a litter receptacle or container installed for such purpose. [Ord. 417 § 3, 1975].
8.20.040 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter:
A. “Junk” is defined to include all old appliances or parts thereof, all old iron or other metal, glass, cardboard, old lumber, old wood, and old mattresses.
B. “Litter” is defined to include all other waste, paper and discarded material.
C. “Refuse” is defined to include all trash, dirt, garbage, discarded goods, animal and vegetable matter, cans, and ashes. [Ord. 417 § 4, 1975].
8.20.050 Notice of violation required – Exception.
Before any person is charged with a violation of CRMC 8.20.020, he shall have been advised by certified or registered letter from the department of buildings that a complaint is contemplated and by such letter shall have been given not less than 30 days to cause removal. Copies of such letters shall be kept and filed in court along with any complaint filed. This section shall not prevent the summary abatement by any public officer of a serious threat to health or safety nor support a damage claim resulting from such abatement. [Ord. 417 § 5, 1975].
8.20.060 Exceptions.
This chapter shall not apply to any automobile business located in a proper zone under CRMC Title 17 where all junk and wrecked cars are properly screened behind proper fences, nor shall it apply to any appliance dealer who is operating legally in a proper zone, nor to material stored on premises of any business enterprise for use in connection with such enterprise so long as such enterprise is conducted in accordance with zoning and other ordinances. [Ord. 417 § 6, 1975].
8.20.070 Violation – Penalty.
Any person found guilty of violating this chapter shall be fined not to exceed $300.00, and, in addition, the court may order a nuisance abated by causing removal by either the defendant or other person or by the city. [Ord. 417 § 7, 1975].
For the Model Litter Control Act, see Chapter 73.93 RCW.