Chapter 7.05
NUISANCES

Sections:

7.05.010    Purpose and intent.

7.05.020    Definitions.

7.05.030    Compliance, authority and administration.

7.05.040    Nuisances prohibited.

7.05.050    Initial investigation.

7.05.060    Procedures when probable nuisance violation is identified.

7.05.070    –

7.05.200    Repealed.

7.05.010 Purpose and intent.

The purpose and intent of this chapter is to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment for the citizens of the City by identifying and reducing the conditions that contribute to injury, illness, devaluation of property, and the incidence of crime through the existence of nuisance conditions on public and private property. (Ord. 06-004 § 2, 2006; Ord. 03-083 § 1, 2003).

7.05.020 Definitions.

“Abate” means to take whatever steps are deemed necessary by the director to ensure that the property complies with applicable nuisance ordinance requirements. Abatement may include, but is not limited to, rehabilitation, demolition, removal, replacement or repair.

“City” means the City of Spokane Valley, Washington.

“Code compliance officer” means a regular or specially commissioned officer so designated by the director of community development for the City.

“Days” will be counted as business days when five or fewer days are allowed to do an act required by this chapter. “Days” will be considered calendar days when more than five days are allowed to do an act required by this chapter.

“Determination of compliance” means a written statement from the director that evidence exists to determine that the violation(s) has been sufficiently abated as to the nuisance violation(s) stated in the voluntary compliance agreement or notice and order.

“Director” means the community development director for Spokane Valley, or his/her designee.

“Found in violation” means that:

1. A notice and order has been issued and not timely appealed;

2. A voluntary compliance agreement has been entered into; or

3. The hearing examiner has determined that the violation has occurred and such determination has not been stayed or reversed on appeal.

“Graffiti” means unauthorized markings, inscriptions, words, figures, designs or other inscribed material visible from premises open to the public, that have been placed upon any property through the use of paint, ink, dye, or any other substance capable of marking property.

“Hearing examiner” means the City of Spokane Valley hearing examiner, as provided by Chapter 18.20 SVMC as adopted or hereafter amended.

“Impound,” for the purposes of this chapter, means to take and hold a vehicle in legal custody.

“Inoperable” means incapable of being operated legally on a public highway, including, but not limited to, not having a valid, current registration plate or current certificate of registration.

“Junk vehicle” means a vehicle substantially meeting at least three of the following criteria:

1. Is three years old or older;

2. Is extensively damaged, such damage including but not limited to any of the following: a broken window or windshield, or missing wheels, tires, motor, or transmission;

3. Is apparently inoperable;

4. Has an approximate fair market value equal only to the approximate value of the scrap in it.

“Mitigate” means to take measures, subject to City approval, to minimize the harmful effects of the nuisance violation where remediation is either impossible or unreasonably burdensome.

“Nuisance” means the unreasonable or unlawful use by a person of real or personal property, or the unreasonable, indecent or unlawful personal conduct which materially interferes with or jeopardizes the health, safety, prosperity, quiet enjoyment of property or welfare of others, offends common decency or public morality, or obstructs or interferes with the free use of public ways, places or bodies of water.

“Person” means any individual, association, partnership, corporation or legal entity, public or private, and the agents and assigns of such individual, association, partnership, corporation or legal entity.

“Person(s) responsible for a junk vehicle nuisance violation” means:

1. The land owner where the junk vehicle is located as shown on the last equalized assessment roll; and

2. The last registered owner of the vehicle, unless the owner in the transfer of ownership of the vehicle has complied with RCW 46.12.101; and

3. The legal owner of the vehicle.

“Person responsible for a nuisance violation” means the person who caused the violation, if that can be determined, and/or the owner, lessor, tenant or other person entitled to control, use and/or occupancy of the property where the nuisance violation occurs.

“Remediate” means to restore a site to a condition which does not pose a probable threat to the general public health, safety or welfare.

“Vehicle,” for the purposes of SVMC 7.05.040(P), includes every device capable of being moved upon a public highway and in, upon, or by which any persons or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a public highway, including bicycles. The term does not include devices other than bicycles moved by human or animal power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks, as set forth in RCW 46.04.670. (Ord. 08-024 § 1, 2008; Ord. 06-004 § 2, 2006; Ord. 05-014 § 2, 2005; Ord. 03-083 § 2, 2003).

7.05.030 Compliance, authority and administration.

A. In order to discourage public nuisances and otherwise promote compliance with applicable nuisance ordinance provisions, the director may, in response to field observations or reliable complaints, determine that nuisance ordinance violations have occurred or are occurring, and may utilize any of the compliance provisions contained in Chapter 17.100 SVMC.

B. The director is authorized to determine, based upon past complaints regarding a property, subsequent field investigations, and other relevant criteria, whether a complaint is reliable. If the director determines a complaint is not reliable, the director is not obligated to conduct a field investigation. (Ord. 06-004 § 2, 2006; Ord. 03-083 § 3, 2003).

7.05.040 Nuisances prohibited.

No person, firm, or entity shall erect, contrive, cause, continue, maintain, or permit to exist any public nuisances within the City. Prohibited public nuisances include, but are not limited to:

A. Vegetation.

1. Overhanging limbs or branches that are less than eight feet above a public walkway or sidewalk, or less than 14 feet above a public street.

2. Vegetation that obstructs or hinders the use of any public walkway, sidewalk, or street, or that obstructs or obscures the view of traffic or traffic control devices, pursuant to clearview triangle policies adopted by the City.

3. Any growth of noxious weeds or any toxic vegetation shall be subject to Chapter 16-750 WAC as currently adopted and hereafter amended.

B. Buildings, Structures, Fences.

1. Buildings or portions thereof which are deemed dangerous pursuant to the Spokane Valley building code (currently adopted International Property Maintenance Code and the International Existing Building Code); provided, that such conditions or defects exist to the extent that the life, health, property or safety of the public or the structure’s occupants is endangered.

2. Any fence that obstructs or obscures the view of traffic or traffic control devices, pursuant to clearview triangle policies adopted by the City.

C. Sidewalks.

1. Any protrusion, awning, or overhang that inhibits or obstructs use of a public walkway or sidewalk.

2. Any object, construction, or damage that inhibits or obstructs the surface use of a public walkway or sidewalk.

3. Snow or ice not removed from a public sidewalk within a reasonable time.

4. Accumulations of dirt or debris not removed from a public sidewalk.

D. Unauthorized Signs. Any sign not in compliance with the City’s currently adopted sign code.

E. Accumulations of Materials, Garbage, Recyclables, Furniture, Machinery.

1. Building and Construction Materials. Accumulations, stacks, or piles of building or construction materials not associated with a current, in-progress project including metal, wood, wire, electrical or plumbing materials in disarray or exposed to the elements on the property. This provision does not apply to a designated contractor’s yard, as defined in the currently adopted Spokane Valley Zoning Code.

2. Garbage, Recyclables, Compost, and Infestations.

a. Garbage not kept in a proper receptacle with a tight-fitting lid.

b. Accumulations of broken or neglected items, litter, salvage materials, and junk not in an approved enclosed structure, in the front, back, or side yards of the property.

c. Recyclables not properly stored and regularly disposed of.

d. Creating or maintaining accumulations of matter, including foodstuffs, that harbor or are an attraction for the infestation of insects or vermin; failing to eliminate such infestations; or failing to eliminate intrusive insects.

3. Furniture and Appliances.

a. All broken or discarded household furniture, furnishings or equipment, or any appliances not in an approved enclosed structure, in the front, side, or back yard of a property.

b. All accessible refrigeration appliances not having the doors secured or removed, or any enclosure that can entrap humans or animals.

4. Machinery and Equipment. Broken, inoperable, accumulations of, or parts of machinery or equipment not in an approved enclosed structure, in the front, back, or side yards of the property. This subsection excludes nuisance vehicles that are regulated by subsection P of this section.

F. Fire Hazards. Stacks or accumulations of newspapers, dead vegetation (excluding properly maintained compost piles), cardboard, or other paper, cloth, or wood products left in a manner that could pose a substantial risk of combustion or the spread of fire.

G. Toxic or Caustic Substances. Improper storing or keeping of any toxic, flammable, or caustic substances or materials.

H. Smoke, Soot, or Odors. The escaping or emitting of any unnecessary or harmful smoke, soot, fumes, or gases or odors offensive or harmful to persons of ordinary sensibilities.

I. Bodies of Water.

1. Except for City-approved structures related to storm drainage systems, all stagnant, pooled water in which mosquitoes, flies or other insects may multiply.

2. The polluting of any waterway, well, or body of water not subject to the jurisdiction of the Spokane regional health district.

J. Holes, Pits, and Excavations. All uncovered holes, pits, or excavations not marked or guarded that are in excess of 10 or more inches in width at the top and four feet or more in depth.

K. Attractive Nuisances. Any accessible attractive nuisance to children including, but not limited to, unattended machinery or equipment, unsecured abandoned or vacant buildings, open and unattended vehicle trunks, or other unguarded conditions or situations that could injure or trap a child.

L. Noise.

1. Any noise or sound that intrudes into the property of another person that exceeds the maximum permissible noise levels as established in WAC 173-60-040, as currently adopted and hereafter amended.

2. The frequent, repetitive or continuous sounding of any horn or siren attached to a motor vehicle, except as a warning of danger or as specifically permitted by law.

3. The creation of frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds in connection with the starting, operation, repair, rebuilding or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle or internal combustion engine within a residential zone, so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace and comfort of owners or possessors of real property.

4. The noisy operation of any automobile, truck, motorcycle or other vehicle in such a nonemergency manner to cause the squealing of tires by the rapid acceleration of the vehicle; the loud and continuous grinding, thumping or grading noises from trucks or other commercial vehicles; the engine compression noise from the unmuffled or poorly muffled compression braking of trucks; the sound from any motor vehicle audio sound system such as tape players, radios, and compact disc players at volumes so as to be audible greater than 50 feet from the vehicle itself; and loud, excessive engine or exhaust noise from unmuffled vehicles or vehicles operating with inadequate muffler systems to prevent unreasonably loud noises.

M. Dust. Disturbing the topsoil of any land area, or permitting the same, by any person without taking affirmative measures to suppress and minimize the blowing and scattering of dust so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace and comfort of owners or possessors of real property. This provision does not include permitted agricultural activities as legal nonconforming uses or permitted agricultural activities in general agricultural zones.

N. Nuisance Premises. Any premises or structures allowing or maintaining prostitution, lewd behavior, underage consumption of alcohol, the harboring of juvenile runaways or wanted persons, or where there is the use, sale, manufacturing or distributing of any narcotic or controlled substance, or at which there is a pattern of criminal activity, are prohibited nuisances.

O. Yard Sales. The holding or permitting of a yard sale on the same real property more than seven consecutive days, or more than two consecutive weekends.

P. All junk vehicles, or parts thereof, placed, stored or permitted to be located on private property within the City limits are public nuisances to be abated as provided in this chapter. This chapter does not apply to:

1. A vehicle or part thereof that is completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner where it is not visible from the street or other public or private property;

2. A vehicle or part thereof that is stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property in connection with the business of a licensed dismantler or licensed vehicle dealer, and is fenced according to the provisions of RCW 46.80.130;

3. A junk vehicle does not include a vehicle which is in the process of being repaired, as evidenced by the good faith efforts of the vehicle owner. This exception shall include having up to one “parts” vehicle, from which parts are being salvaged concurrent with the repair process for the vehicle being excepted from compliance in this section. Good faith efforts of repair can include producing invoices showing work or parts purchased for repair or renovation within 30 days prior to issuance of the notice of violation, or a declaration under penalty of perjury that the vehicle is in the process of being repaired and has been worked on within 30 days prior to issuance of the notice of violation. This exception allows up to 60 days for good faith repair. Upon good cause shown, the director shall have the discretion to grant one additional 60-day exception period to this chapter. Under no circumstance shall any good faith efforts of repair extend for more than 120 days, after which time this exception shall no longer apply. This exception shall apply to one vehicle and one parts vehicle per parcel of land per calendar year;

4. There shall be allowed as exceptions to this chapter up to two junk vehicles in R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 zones, so long as they are completely sight-screened by maintained Type I or II landscaping, a maintained landscaped berm, or fencing, as may be required in the currently adopted zoning code. Junk vehicles allowed by this exception are restricted to only the R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 zones.

Q. Graffiti. All graffiti upon public or private property is deemed a nuisance. (Ord. 08-024 § 2, 2008; Ord. 06-004 § 2, 2006; Ord. 05-014 § 3, 2005; Ord. 04-038 § 3, 2004; Ord. 03-083 § 4, 2003).

7.05.050 Initial investigation.

A. Upon receipt of a complaint, field verification should be made if possible prior to, concurrent with, or shortly after notifying the person responsible for the nuisance violation or alleged nuisance violation.

B. Advising interested parties of receipt of complaint and/or field investigation:

1. The person responsible for the nuisance violation should be advised of any complaint, by personal contact, phone, posting and mail (return receipt requested). The letter should state that a violation may have occurred, but has not been verified, and should ask the recipient to contact the person issuing the letter.

2. The complainant should be contacted by phone and, if possible, in person during the field visit.

C. The director will record all violations in a database system, including a list of all actions taken on the complaint.

D. To the extent possible, the director shall check the City’s records and the records of other agencies for previous violations on the site of the alleged violation or by the owner or occupant of the site or such other person as may be responsible for the nuisance violation.

E. Staff undertaking field investigations shall comply with the provisions of this chapter regarding right of entry. (Ord. 06-004 § 2, 2006; Ord. 03-083 § 5, 2003).

7.05.060 Procedures when probable nuisance violation is identified.

A. The director shall determine, based upon information derived from sources such as field observations, the statements of witnesses, relevant documents and data systems for tracking violations and applicable City codes and regulations, whether or not a nuisance violation has occurred. As soon as the director has reasonable cause to determine that a violation has occurred, he or she shall document the violation and promptly notify the person(s) responsible for the nuisance violation.

B. Except as provided in subsection D of this section, a warning shall be issued verbally or in writing promptly when a field inspection reveals a violation, or as soon as the director otherwise determines a nuisance violation has occurred. The warning shall inform the person determined to be responsible for a nuisance violation of the violation and allow the person an opportunity to correct it or enter into a voluntary compliance agreement as provided for by this chapter. Verbal warnings shall be logged and followed up with a written warning within five days, and the site shall be reinspected within 14 days.

C. The guidelines set forth for warnings, notifications and reinspections are not jurisdictional, and failure to meet them in any particular case shall not affect the City’s authority to enforce nuisance provisions with regard to that case.

D. No warning need be issued in emergencies, repeat violation cases, cases that are already subject to a voluntary compliance agreement, cases where the violation creates, or has created, a situation or condition that is not likely to be corrected within 72 hours, or when the person responsible for the nuisance violation knows, or reasonably should

have known, that the action was a nuisance violation.

E. Notice and orders should be issued in all cases where the director determines that the violation is unlikely to be fully corrected within 72 hours.

F. The director shall use all reasonable means to determine the person actually responsible for the nuisance violation occurring when the property owner has not directly or indirectly caused the violation.

G. If the violation is not corrected, the director shall utilize the enforcement provisions contained in Chapter 17.100 SVMC as adopted or hereafter amended to obtain compliance with the applicable code provisions.

H. All complainants will be asked by staff at the time the complaint is filed whether they wish to be kept advised of compliance efforts. Any complainant who provides a mailing address and requests to be kept advised of compliance efforts should be mailed a copy of all written warnings, voluntary compliance agreements, and notice and orders issued by the director with regard to the alleged violation. Any complainant may appeal a determination of nuisance ordinance compliance issued by the director pursuant to Chapter 17.90 SVMC. (Ord. 06-004 § 2, 2006; Ord. 03-083 § 6, 2003).

7.05.070 Voluntary compliance agreements.

Repealed by Ord. 06-004. (Ord. 03-083 § 7, 2003).

7.05.080 Notice of violation – Civil monetary penalty.

Repealed by Ord. 06-004. (Ord. 03-083 § 8, 2003).

7.05.090 Notice and orders.

Repealed by Ord. 06-004. (Ord. 03-083 § 9, 2003).

7.05.100 Abatement.

Repealed by Ord. 06-004. (Ord. 03-083 § 10, 2003).

7.05.110 Service – Notice of violation, notice and order.

Repealed by Ord. 06-004. (Ord. 03-083 § 11, 2003).

7.05.120 Obligations of persons responsible for nuisance violation.

Repealed by Ord. 06-004. (Ord. 03-083 § 12, 2003).

7.05.130 Determination of compliance.

Repealed by Ord. 06-004. (Ord. 03-083 § 13, 2003).

7.05.140 Civil penalties.

Repealed by Ord. 06-004. (Ord. 03-083 § 14, 2003).

7.05.150 Cost recovery.

Repealed by Ord. 06-004. (Ord. 03-083 § 15, 2003).

7.05.160 Collection of civil penalties, fees and costs.

Repealed by Ord. 06-004. (Ord. 03-083 § 16, 2003).

7.05.170 Nuisance abatement fund – Authorized.

Repealed by Ord. 06-004. (Ord. 03-083 § 17, 2003).

7.05.180 Violation – Misdemeanor.

Repealed by Ord. 06-004. (Ord. 03-083 § 18, 2003).

7.05.190 Administrative appeals.

Repealed by Ord. 06-004. (Ord. 03-083 § 19, 2003).

7.05.200 Judicial enforcement.

Repealed by Ord. 06-004. (Ord. 03-083 § 20, 2003).