Chapter 15.16
MOVING BUILDINGS

Sections:

15.16.010    Structure—Definition.

15.16.020    Permit required to move structure.

15.16.030    Written application—Filing.

15.16.040    Duties of building official.

15.16.050    Fees for permits.

15.16.060    Structure mover’s license.

15.16.070    Indemnity bond or certificate of liability insurance to be filed.

15.16.080    Time and manner of moving.

15.16.090    Violation—Civil penalty.

15.16.010 Structure—Definition.

Structure, as used in this chapter, means any house, building, or structure over ten feet, in length or height, on any three sides. Any structure traveling only on state routes through the town is exempt from this chapter. All structures regulated by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries defined as “manufactured homes,” “factory-built housing,” “commercial coach,” “recreational park trailer,” or similar units are exempt from this chapter.

(Ord. No. 485, § 1, 9-3-09).

15.16.020 Permit required to move structure.

No structure shall be moved over, along, or across any street or alley of the town unless the person moving such structure has previously secured a permit from the building official, and unless such person has a valid structure mover’s license and has on file with the town an indemnity bond or liability insurance as provided in this chapter.

(Ord. No. 485, § 1, 9-3-09).

15.16.030 Written application—Filing.

The application for a permit shall be filed with the building official at least seven days before the intended moving date. The application shall contain information on the following:

A. Description of structure to be moved, including size and weight;

B. Present location of structure;

C. Location to which structure will be moved;

D. Over what streets and/or alleys the structure will be moved;

E. Name of owners of structure;

F. Name of person, firm, and/or corporation doing the moving;

G. Purpose of the move;

H. Other information required by the building official.

(Ord. No. 485, § 1, 9-3-09).

15.16.040 Duties of building official.

A. Upon receiving an application, the building official shall make or cause to be made, an investigation into the manner of moving the structure, the inconvenience caused, the compliance with all ordinances of the town, laws of the state, and laws of the United States. After the investigation, the building official shall approve or reject the application. If approved, the building official shall inform the public works department, the police department, and other interested parties of the date of the intended move and route(s) to be used. The building official shall then issue the permit.

B. If the application is rejected, the building official shall notify the applicant and specify the grounds for rejection. The applicant may appeal the decision to the town council by filing a written request with the building official within ten days of receiving the rejection.

(Ord. No. 485, § 1, 9-3-09).

15.16.050 Fees for permits.

The fee for a permit to move any structure shall be two hundred dollars for the first five blocks or any part thereof, over which the structure is to be moved, and thirty dollars for each additional block or part thereof. Additionally, the applicant shall reimburse the town for any and all expenses it may be put to in connection with such moving, including the expense of moving its apparatus and equipment, such as traffic lights and police and fire signals, for the passage of such structure.

(Ord. No. 485, § 1, 9-3-09).

15.16.060 Structure mover’s license.

No person or persons shall undertake to move any structure on the streets of the town without first taking out a structure mover’s license, issued by the building official on application therefor, the fee for which shall be fifty dollars per year. This license shall not be transferable and shall entitle the holder to engage in the general structure moving business in the town, on filing an indemnity bond or certificate of liability insurance, as provided in this chapter, and upon compliance with all other provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 485, § 1, 9-3-09).

15.16.070 Indemnity bond or certificate of liability insurance to be filed.

It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to undertake to move any structure on the streets or alleys of the town unless and until an indemnity bond or certificate of liability insurance has been filed with the town, to be approved by the town attorney as to form, in the sum of five hundred thousand dollars single combined limit. The town shall be indemnified against any and all damage to the streets, sidewalks, gutters, and other property of the town, and against any and all damages and claims for damages arising directly or indirectly as a result of the alleged carelessness or negligence of the mover, or the mover’s employees. Any contractor having procured a structure mover’s license may file a general bond or certificate of liability insurance to cover any and all jobs of structure moving over which he or it shall have supervision, and indemnifying the town as set forth in this section. This bond or certificate of liability insurance shall be good for the period of the license, and not to exceed one year. In the event such general bond or certificate of liability insurance is on file, such structure mover shall not be required to file an additional indemnifying bond or certificate of liability insurance. At all times the town shall be protected by an indemnifying bond or certificate of liability insurance in the sum of five hundred thousand dollars single combined limit over and above the amount of any and all claims filed, or legal actions instituted against the town on account of alleged negligence of such structure mover, or the mover’s employees.

(Ord. No. 485, § 1, 9-3-09).

15.16.080 Time and manner of moving.

All structures to be moved pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be moved at such times as will least inconvenience the general public, the police department and other interested parties. The time of moving will be fixed by the building official. All structures shall be moved in a prudent manner and all blocks, tackle, cable, rollers, and other paraphernalia shall be used and guarded so as not to injure persons or property. All streets and other town property shall be left in as good condition as prior to such moving. It is the duty of the structure mover to leave the streets clear of all rubbish or materials used for or caused by such structure moving. Structure movers shall comply with all existing ordinances and state and federal laws relating to and governing the removal of telephone and telegraph wires when the removal is made necessary for the moving of any structure upon any street or alley.

(Ord. No. 485, § 1, 9-3-09).

15.16.090 Violation—Civil penalty.

Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter is deemed to have committed a civil infraction as provided in Chapter 1.08 of this code subject to a penalty of up to five thousand dollars. Violation of this chapter by any licensed contractor in the structure moving business shall be sufficient grounds for the revocation of such license by the building official. The building official shall provide, within three business days, written notice to the licensee specifying the violation. The licensee shall have the right to appeal the revocation to the town council within ten days of notice to the licensee. Notice of appeal is to be filed with the building official within the specified period.

(Ord. No. 485, § 1, 9-3-09).