Chapter 15.08
UNFIT DWELLINGS, STRUCTURES AND PREMISES
Sections:
15.08.030 Authority to enforce.
15.08.040 Adoption by reference.
15.08.050 Retroactive application to existing conditions.
15.08.080 Penalty for violation.
15.08.010 Declaration.
It is hereby found that there exist, in the various neighborhoods of the city of Tonasket, dwellings which are unfit for human habitation, and buildings, structures, and premises or portions thereof which are unfit for other uses due to dilapidation, disrepair, structural defects, defects increasing the hazards of fire, accidents, or other calamities, inadequate ventilation and uncleanliness, inadequate light or sanitary facilities, inadequate drainage, overcrowding, or due to their conditions which are inimical to the health and welfare of the residents of the city of Tonasket.
Said unfit dwellings and buildings, structures and premises or portions thereof are hereby declared a public nuisance and shall be abated as provided herein. (Ord. 592 § 2, 2002).
15.08.020 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to accomplish the following:
A. To provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property, and welfare by regulating and controlling the use and occupancy, location and maintenance of all residential and nonresidential buildings and structures within the city; and
B. To establish a just, equitable and reasonable means for the abatement of a public nuisance; and
C. To establish an administrative appeal process and appeal board to hear appeals of determinations, decisions and orders of the building official and fire chief issued pursuant to the application of this title; and
D. To provide a means for the expending of and collection thereof of taxpayer monies expending in the abatement of public nuisances. (Ord. 592 § 2, 2002).
15.08.030 Authority to enforce.
This chapter is a consolidation of the authority the State Legislature has directed at and provided the city with the enactment of Chapters 19.27 and 35.80 RCW and all others acts regulating the built environment and matters of local legislative determination. (Ord. 592 § 2, 2002).
15.08.040 Adoption by reference.
There shall be in effect in the city of Tonasket the following maintenance codes which are hereby adopted by reference:
A. Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, 1997 Editions; and
B. Uniform Housing Code, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, 1997 Editions. (Ord. 592 § 2, 2002).
15.08.050 Retroactive application to existing conditions.
The provisions of this chapter apply to conditions arising after the adoption thereof, conditions not legally in existence at the adoption of this chapter and conditions which constitute a distinct hazard to life or property. (Ord. 592 § 2, 2002).
15.08.060 Appeals.
A. Hearing Body. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the building official and/or fire marshal relative to the application and interpretation of this title, there shall be and is hereby created a board of appeals consisting of five members who are qualified by experience and training to pass on matters pertaining to building construction and who are not employees of the city. The building official shall be an ex officio member of and shall act as secretary to said board but shall have no vote on any matter before the board. The board of appeals shall be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council on an annual basis and shall hold office at its pleasure. The board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business, and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplicate copy to the building official.
B. Appeal Format and Process. Appeals shall be in the format and processed as specified in the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings and where applicable consistent with other open public meetings requirements.
C. Board of Appeals Are Final. Decisions of the board of appeals are final and conclusive. (Ord. 592 § 2, 2002).
15.08.070 Violations.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to occupy, keep or maintain any building or structure or premises or portion thereof or cause or permit the same to be done in violation of these adopted codes or of this chapter. (Ord. 592 § 2, 2002).
15.08.080 Penalty for violation.
All penalties for violations of this chapter shall be applied as prescribed by TMC 15.04.060. (Ord. 592 § 2, 2002).